The meeting time is at 19 (7 PM).

For the courses in Jotunheimen, we use some time to set up tents. The camp is a ten-minute walk from the parking. Afterward, there is an introduction round, equipment distribution, and learning some initial knots. We have a view of the glacier from the camp.

For the courses in Jostedalen, we meet at Jostedal Camping, go through an introduction round and equipment distribution, and practice the initial knots.

The day begins with us practicing walking in crampons to safely traverse flat, sloping, and steep ice, both with and without an ice axe. We also learn how to use ice screws, cut steps, and leap over small crevices.

After lunch, we will rope into teams and walk on the blue ice. Already one of the participants will lead the team. Throughout the course, everyone will take turns leading to practice securing and choosing the route.

We will teach rescue techniques in the evening and prepare ourselves for a blue ice rescue the following day.

This day begins with snow rescuing. This is realistic rescue training, where one must be careful always to be secured. Therefore, we often spend more time on snow rescue than blue ice rescue.

At the end of the day, we will walk in the transition between snow and ice, practicing route selection and securing. Since crevasses can be hidden under the snow, this is often the most challenging area on a glacier. It is always exciting to check whether the snow bridges are safe.

In the evening, there will be planning for the next day’s excursion and a bit about orientation.

This day is the longest, both in time and distance, where we will ascend a glacier slope and cross a plateau to reach a summit. Along the way, we will practice orientation and steep snow slope techniques. When practicing snow slope techniques, we focus on safely navigating steep snow using the ice axe and being able to stop sliding.

During the courses on Smørstabbreen, the route often takes us to Kalven (2034 m) and occasionally to Storebjørn (2223 m). When we are in Jostedalen, we spend more time navigating the glacier as it is longer and typically reaches the plateau of Jostedalsbreen (Jostedal glacier).

This day is the longest of the course, and we often don’t return until late in the evening.

In the first part of the day, we will climb, rappel, and do other activities that participants want to try. Occasionally, we also demonstrate more advanced rescue methods.

After lunch, we usually send the rope teams out on a trip without a guide. It is good practice to have to decide on route selection and securing independently of a guide. Of course, the guides will observe what is happening from a distance.

The evening is used for evaluation and socializing.

Sunday has a short schedule: We pack up and head home.