Norway

Snow Holing Survival Course

Snowshoe deep into the Norwegian backcountry and sleep under the stars - in your self-built snow hole. 

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Introductions

Meet at 8 pm at your accommodation in Rjukan, for introductions and a course briefing. Most participants arrange to car share for the three-hour drive from Oslo airport, using the course Facebook event.

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Day 2: Snow shoeing and shelter building

After breakfast indoors at the hostel, you take the first ski lift up the plateau and snowshoe for a few miles into the Hardangervidda backcountry. You will then start to build a range of snow-shelters, such as snow caves and igloos, appropriate for the conditions.

In the evening, you can enjoy a nice warm meal under the stars!

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Day 3: Snow shoeing on the plateau

On the third day, you wake up to warm drinks and a Norwegian breakfast, cooked up by your guides.

After refuelling, you'll leave your equipment near the shelters and head out for a day of snowshoeing on the plateau. Take in the sights and learn some winter navigation skills, before heading back down the plateau.

You finish at 2 pm, leaving time for warm showers at the hostel before you head home.

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Have a question?

If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.

We're ready to help.

Team Images
Team Images
Team Images

FAQs

Absolutely yes - most people book alone. It can feel a bit intimidating, but we’ll do introductions when you arrive and you’ll get to know the others in no time!

It includes accommodation, guides, food whilst on the plateau and all technical equipment. It excludes travel, food in Rjukan, appropriate clothing and winter mountaineering boots (these can be rented from the hostel if needed).

The minimum age for all our courses is 18.

A moderate level of fitness is required. You will be snowshoeing for around 1hour each day, building snow walls and sleeping out in sub-zero temperatures.

You can find a complete gear list in the course PDF, which we also email to you when you sign up for the course.

Temperatures can range from - 10 to - 25 degrees Celcius. You should come prepared and ensure that you have lots of warm layers. You are sleeping out in a snow hole after all.

The local supermarket has a broad selection, with equivalent prices to a higher-end supermarket in the UK (e.g. Waitrose). It is 10 minutes drive from the hostel.

You will stay in the Rjukan Old School Hostel. You can find them on Facebook and book extra nights.

The guides will provide you all with a sleeping bag that will be warm enough for the conditions on the plateau.

Yes - please make sure you have travel insurance which includes ice climbing. Popular providers include the BMC and Snowcard.

If flying, go to Oslo Gardermoen - usually most affordable with Ryan Air/Norwegian Air. Course participants typically rent a car together for the 3h drive to Rjukan. When you sign up we recommend you also join the Facebook event to arrange this. You can find the event on our Facebook page.

You will need something that is waterproof and comfortable to carry on your back. Remember that you will be carrying everything yourself.

If you arrive during the day, it is likely that everyone will be out skiing or climbing. Feel free to put your feet up and make yourself a coffee before the guides come back. In the evening your guide will introduce you to the rest of the group and start your course briefing.

Yes, no problem - just let us know when you complete your registration form.

You will be staying in the hostel on the first night, and return there after the course. You can leave anything you don't need at the hostel. Be sure to mark your things clearly.

Absolutely! Just let us know when you complete your registration form - you can find it on your Skyhook dashboard.

You will be back at the hostel around 2 pm. This should give you enough time for a quick shower and some food, before heading off back to the airport. You are more than welcome to book extra nights at the hostel if you prefer.

Your head guide is Jakob

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run Dale Skole, based in Rjukan.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Jakob