After travelling a little over an hour from Kristiansand, we arrived at our destination for the week: a cozy collection of cabins near Evje. The twenty-four of us would soon try on our issued skis for the first time and learn more than we imagined possible. The first day consisted of technical work at the top of a nearby mountain where a convergence of tracks decorated the site. Tim, the owner of TrollActiv and the cabins we resided in, lead our group in every type of turn to begin. We barely could stand on our skis, yet we managed to do 180s and star turns. Then we learned to wax our skis on the spot—a very useful skill I have come to understand. The rest of day one consisted of meticulous skills required to get up and down the never-ending hills of the Norwegian wilderness. No first day would be complete, however, without a relay race. The two groups, led by Tim and Len, went head-to-head and – of course – my team won.

My mind, already chock full of knowledge, likely would not be able to comprehend what I would learn throughout the rest of the week. The second day consisted of downhill technique and painting lines back and forth on the frozen lake. I was dumbfounded at the number of ways to get from point A to point B and the intricate technique that determines how fast that happens. On this same day, we toured in the blistering wind from lake to lake and up a hill we ultimately had to bail off of. Everyone’s technique exponentially grew as we practiced our telemark stance and the endless methods we could use. Throughout the touring, Tim would teach us snippets of knowledge pertaining to the ecology, history, and geoscience of the area—this was my favorite part. Returning home, I finally felt the muscle aches and soreness I was expecting. This type of exercise and doing such for six hours was a whole new challenge to my body. Nevertheless, I was eager for the next day to begin.

Waxing is crucial. I learned this on Wednesday, the day that frustrated me beyond belief. Slip, after slip, I grinded my teeth and others did the same. However, this was a learning experience Tim took hold of as he proceeded to demonstrate the ideal way to push our skis up the hill and stand so we could avoid “herringboning” up and wasting energy. Luckily, it was a beautiful yet cold day and that offered more quick lessons about weather and a refreshment on my earth science courses from back home. Tim now owes me a chocolate bar since I came up with the third rock that makes up granite, he could not think of to save his life: feldspar. Once we reached the top of the hill, the group paved a ski hill like people had to do before the creation of modern-day machinery. To say I am now appreciative of ski groomers is an understatement. We took turns traversing down the hill in our telemark stance, falling into each other’s holes created by falling. The environment resembled sporting events, everyone intensely watching each other and constantly cheering in support of our teammates. The trek back was far more pleasant than the one that got us out there because we learned downhill track techniques on steep hills. Finally, it was a flat trail back and the group began practicing techniques like the double arm kick and skating. To our surprise, the other group was waiting for us in a tunnel formation and cheering as each one of us passed through and finished skiing for the day. The comradery on day three was palpable and it was evident our team was becoming more established.

The fourth day offered the most pleasant tour route yet, or maybe I waxed well and therefore enjoyed the uphill for once. We took off up the hill and through winding, cabin-lined streets and finally found a track—one Tim himself had not even known existed. We swapped between skiing on the track and making our own in the crisp, untouched snow. This day was ideal to refine our navigation skills and allowed ourselves to prove we could indeed read the landscape. During the most pleasant lunch, we discussed UV risks, how to pack food, and what winter is like for Norwegian families. The latter half of the day consisted of a trek to the top of a nearby hilltop where the view was immaculate. Though tricky, we made our way up and back down in one piece, with only a few bruises from the cliff we traversed down. Now tired of making our own path, we returned to the track and continued back towards the vehicles. This allowed Tim to inform of us of route planning, knowing how long it will take to get from “point A” to “point B.” This week, as we planned our forest field trip, this was extremely useful and allowed us to read into elevation changes and relative distances. Exhausted by the sun, wind, and smiling too much, we returned and began mentally preparing for the Ceilidh gathering. We joyously celebrated each other’s country nuances and explanations. By a stroke of luck and potato pins, I took home the gold for the USA!

Our final day, spent on the hill in Gautestad, was centered around practicing the techniques we learned over the week and having fun. We constructed jumps and bumps all over the bowl and finally felt the need to strip off layers for the first time all week. There was, of course, more turning and traversing technique we had not yet learned so we spent carving into the hill with our edges. Finally, we got to play. Our groups rotated between flying off the jumps, pedaling through alternating bumps, and riding the waves of miniature hills. Screaming and hollering ensued without regard to if the person landed or “biffed it.” Despite the decorative bruises we all donned and pure fatigue from touring for five days straight, we were elated.

I can now say I learned how to cross country ski tour in Norway—the land where it all began. The Norwegian wilderness offers the ideal setting for practicing the fundamental skills that make up the sport. The sugar-like snow and rolling hills enabled my peers and I to experience the setting in which the practice began and fully immerse ourselves in the foundational culture. Additionally, we were exposed to the elements and reality of the settings we will encounter later on in the semester. We needed to wax outside, something we will need to do on multi-day trips though it is not ideal. Our group needed to alter our plans according to the blistering wind experienced on day two, then again as a group member was hurt and could not continue on our alternative route. Quick-thinking was essential when combining the elements of weather, a group of thirteen, and varying levels of experience. The wilderness also brought about the chance to further observe our group dynamics. Most notably, the “carers” of the group became apparent, the leaders took charge, and everyone’s ability to adapt to one another’s needs was tested. There was constant support from one another. Those who excelled would stick around the back, helping those who needed a few extra pointers. It was clear we were in it together, despite the week being our first time actually spent together as a cohort.

We truly capitalized on the sentiment of “T.E.A.M” or “together everyone achieves more” throughout the week. In a way, we may have passed through the entirety of Tuckman’s group development model we discussed in class. We formed as a collection of groups based on similarities and the extroverts of the group emerged on the hill and during lessons. We then experienced a bit of storming, but there is no need to elaborate there. Next, we went into norming and established the precedence for the entire week. Lastly, we performed which I noticed primarily on day four and part of day five. Cohesion played a huge role in how we acted and, consequently, how the day unrolled. On day three, we experienced the most difficulties and because of that, lost the forces that kept us functioning well as a team. Nevertheless, we prevailed and went through the unavoidable steps and actions expected by the group dynamic.

This week was especially powerful when looking to my future. I hope to lead environmental research teams which requires doing difficult tasks in unforgiving settings like we experienced. As I analyzed Tim’s leadership skills and how he went about teaching the group and individuals, I began to understand so many strategies that will serve me well down the line. This goes for the times without the location challenge as well. With all the leadership positions I serve in back home, understanding group dynamics and teaching will undoubtedly prove useful. Additionally, just the short time I have spent in this course has validated my love for recreation and learning—and teaching others what I have learned. With that, I want to continue my work in that field and capitalize on my enjoyment of spreading knowledge of the natural world. The experiences I had this past week, on and off the slopes, will serve my ambitions far past my time here in Norway. I am certain of that.