This first ski trip took place in an area called Jegersberg, which is to the north and immediately behind UiA. This area is generally undulating countryside covered in a mixed woodland that is interspersed with lakes and tracks of varying sizes.

Jegersberg as a training ground, is ideal for friluftsliv as it allows the student to practice skills that have been shown to them in an environment that is close to urbanisation and relative safety in case of emergencies before taking these skills and using them in less populated areas. This are also allows the students to practice their cross-country skiing techniques on large tracks, through the woodland and up hills of varying size and steepness.

It was fortunate that our “veileder” (way leader/group leader) took us out 2 days prior for informal tuition on one of the playing fields of the university. These few hours of playing and letting the experience speak for itself proved to be priceless in getting used to the skis being attached to our feet and how to propel ourselves forward.

It is believed that the styles of leadership that out veileder used throughout the morning changed depending on the situation. However, it is felt that the common styles were a combination of laissez faire and transformational. This belief is founded on what was witnessed and how the session was conducted. After the initial warm up and getting used to having skis on again, it was a case of ski along the track and stop at the top of the hill. This allowed the students to learn through their own discovery on how the best way to get up a gentle slope. These styles also allowed for the leader to engage with individuals and coach them on the finer aspects of cross-country skiing.

At the beginning of the course we were given our own set of cross-country skis, poles and a set of leather boots. We can use this equipment whenever we choose and not just for the course. When the snow arrives this will be of great benefit as we shall be able to go and practice our skiing technique, this free play will allow for growth in endurance and technique in preparation for the rest of the course.

As part of the group dynamics, it is important for all members to fit in with the rest of the group and to “have a sense of belonging”. It is therefore important to have the motivation to improve on ones capabilities at cross-country skiing and improving endurance and fitness in order to remain part of the group and not begin to feel uninvolved and left out of the group and it’s activities.

For this being the introduction to cross-country skiing it was felt by student that the personal learning outcomes were positive, they have a grasp of the basic movement and control of the skis and the skis when attached to the skier do not feel alien to them. Although their technique is still in need of refinement it is a “kick and glide” in the right direction to becoming a proficient cross-country skier.