Basecamp Northwest Norway
Basecamp Northwest Norway
From fjord to peak
We're going to explore Norway's fiercest nature! Come and join us!
We are a varied outdoor life program that tests many different activities from fjord to summit. Through trips, activities and overnight stays outdoors, you get to experience the fantastic Northwest of Norway. We try everything from ski touring to wave surfing and have many nights in tents throughout the year. You'll enjoy a varied and action-packed year of learning and experiences you'll never forget.
The best Norway has to offer
Nordvestlandet Folk High School is perfectly located for what we're doing this year. A short distance from the school we have some of Norway's longest ski runs, untouched powder snow, surf beaches and fine climbing fields. In addition, we'll be going on a spectacular ski & sail trip on the islands around Tromsø and Lyngen.
In the fall, we try many different activities. We go on mountain hikes, climb both indoors and outdoors, go sea kayaking and try river paddling. When the snow comes, the ski season starts. In winter, "ski touring" is our main activity and you'll learn how to plan and carry out your own trips safely. Chances are you'll discover new talents and find a new favorite activity that you can do for the rest of your life.
Skis and sails
Skis and sails! Have you heard of it? It's even better than it sounds. We board the sailing boat in Tromsø with all the equipment and food we need and head for the islands around Lyngen. Here, we'll spend a week sailing under the Northern Lights, waking up in new places from day to day. The trip will evolve along the way and we will be put ashore where we see good opportunities for skiing. This will be absolutely epic!
Basecamp Nordvestlandet on social media
Keep up to date with our exciting outdoor activities and experiences.
Short and sweet
You will learn
Ski touring in winter and summer
Avalanche knowledge
Climbing (Brattkort)
Surfing
Sea kayak (Wet card)
Map and compass
Tent life in summer and winter
You get to experience
Sea sports
River kayak
Ski and sail tour
Cabin to cabin tour
Via ferrata
Snow cave
Ingeborg about
Basecamp Nordvestlandet
Ingeborg has been a student at Bascamp Nordvestlandet and tells you a little about the program. Maybe she'll answer some questions you've already asked yourself and give you a good idea of what you have to look forward to!
Teacher
Tor-Einar Hovde
Tor-Einar is a teacher educated at NTNU, the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences and Volda University College. He is originally a football player from Drammen, but became interested in outdoor life when he was a student at Nordvestlandet Folk High School.
Tor-Einar has versatile outdoor experience, with an extra passion for skiing, climbing and camping. He is excited about life, great views and quality time in front of the fire. He is a certified avalanche, ski, kayak and climbing instructor.
Equipment you need
Ski touring equipment (skis or snowboard with walking function)
Avalanche equipment (this can be rented from the school)
Winter sleeping bag, sleeping pad and backpack for hiking
Footwear/clothing
Turtlenecks and wool underwear
Study trips
At Nordvestlandet Folk High School you can choose a study trip! In November, the entire school has a travel period where you choose the program you find most interesting. This is a unique opportunity to get to know more of the students at the school and learn more about yourself and the world we live in.
Bali - Lombok
We're packing our bags and traveling to Bali and Lombok! There we will experience jungle, volcano, rafting and surfing. Get to know Indonesian culture better and visit humanitarian work. Every evening we have dinner together and an evening gathering.
Training camp Gran Canaria
During the training camp you will get to try padel, beach volleyball, wave surf, tennis, frisbee ultimate, cycling and swimming. In addition to some ball activities, there will be some sessions with basic training, strength and fitness, in idyllic surroundings. Every evening we have a joint evening gathering with socializing and fun.
Norway - a round trip
On this trip we will visit a number of important historical sites and you will get an insight into Norwegian culture and nature. We visit Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim and Stiklestad National Cultural Center, where you get a good insight into Viking and medieval culture. The tour continues south to Ålesund. We will also go on a cabin trip and do exciting activities along the way.
Fjord route
Join us on a fantastic cabin-to-cabin hike in the mountains on the islands between Kristiansund and Surnadal. Right next to the ocean, you will experience magnificent nature, improve your map and compass skills, clothing and hiking food. On this hike, you will learn a lot about and from being in nature.
Kenya
In November we are traveling to Kenya. Here we will see fantastic nature, visit many significant places and learn a lot about ourselves! Before we travel, we are working on North/South issues.
Read more about our study tours on the study tour page!
Major full weeks
Three times during the year, arrangements are made for us to pack our bags for a long trip.
Mountains and Surf
We visit the spectacular Molladalen valley, which with its steep peaks is one of the most rugged mountain areas in Norway. Here we sleep in tents and hike the mountains around the camp. One of our goals is to climb Bladet! We then head to the westernmost point in Norway for surfing lessons in Hoddevika, at Stad. During the day, we get good instruction from experienced surfers so we can find the flow on the waves. On these days, we sleep indoors and enjoy shared meals and lots of quality time together.
Winter Basecamp
We fill the sledges and find a good place to set up camp for 6 days of summit hikes straight from the tent. We plan from day to day what terrain we want to explore and get well into the tent routines. Ski - eat - sleep - repeat. In recent years we have gone to Sogn this week, an area that always gets a lot of snow.
Skis and sails
Have you heard of it? It's even better than it sounds. We board the sailboat in Tromsø with all the equipment and food we need and head for the islands around Lyngen. Here we'll be sailing under the Northern Lights and waking up in new places from day to day. The trip will evolve along the way and we will be put ashore where we see good opportunities for skiing. This will be absolutely epic!
Ski week in Oppdal
In February, the whole school goes to Oppdal Ski Center. We'll be staying at the IMI-Stølen campsite, which has excellent facilities for accommodation and socializing. There will be lots of skiing fun, games and cabin fun!We have skilled instructors with us and you will receive instruction at your level. We offer instruction in alpine skiing, telemark, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. You get 5 days of ski passes, so this is a unique opportunity to improve your skiing skills or learn something completely new.
Price
Get an overview of your costs.
Norwegian citizens will receive NOK 151,690 in loans and grants from the loan fund for the 2025/26 school year.
Basic cost
149 000 NOK
Enrollment money
Cost/charge (standard)
Major program cost
Optional study trip
The Fjord Route
included
Training camp
Gran Canaria
17 000 NOK
Kenya
29 000 NOK
Norway - a round trip
3 000 NOK
Bali - Lombok
29 000 NOK
Other
High-standard double rooms (w/bath) cost 7 000 NOK per year, single rooms (w/bath) 9 000 NOK per year.
Most electives are free of charge. Some electives cost extra, check the electives page.
Personal equipment such as skis, poles, backpack, hiking clothes, etc. must be provided by you, some can be rented at the school.
Passports, travel insurance and vaccinations required for international travel are not included.
Special diets for allergies and more. 300 NOK to 1 000 NOK per month.
Some experience weeks are free and some cost extra, check the electives page.
Joint expenses / joint trips
