Glacier Training for Mountaineers

Overview

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A training course in Finse, Norway for aspiring high-altitude climbers and Polar Adventurers

Introduction

Intensive technical training in Finse, Norway aimed at those who are planning to tackle big glaciated mountains like Denali, Peak Lenin, Himlung Himal or Manaslu. Alternatively, if you are planning to join one of the big Polar Journeys, this course will also be perfect for you. The course is delivered by Rob Smith, who has been leading high-altitude expeditions for many years, including 10 ascents of Everest, climbs of K2 and full-distance South Pole journeys. Unlike summer Alpine Mountaineering, Finse offers conditions during March closer matched to the Himalaya and Alaska.

The course is based in Hardangerjokulen, Finse Norway, which is easily accessible by train from Oslo Gardermoen airport. You'll be staying at the Finsehytta DNT hut for 3 nights. The course finished at 1600hrs on Day 4, so we include an overnight hotel in Oslo before flying home on Day 5.

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Experience Required

Mountaineers wishing to join the Glacier Training for Mountaineering course need:

• A good level of fitness and be able to be out in cold temperatures for up to 8 hours per day.
• Some skiing experience - either Nordic or Alpine Skiing.

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the expedition or your suitability for it, please phone +44 (0)114 276 3322 or contact us.

Dates & Prices

Date	With Flight	or Meeting in	Availability
Mon 8 Mar – Fri 12 Mar 2027	UK	Oslo	Available Book now »
2 places left with £100 early booking offer	£2,595 £2,495	£2,345 £2,245

This expedition is available to book in GBP, USD and EUR.
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Group size: 2 – 4 people.

For comparison, this expedition starts from £586 (GBP) per day (price Without Flights).

With Flight pricing

Our 'With Flight' price includes an Economy class return airfare from the UK. The cost is based on a group fare that we have already reserved, or individual seats that we have budgeted for. Note that in some circumstances, the earlier you book, the less expensive the airfare and the 'With Flight' price.

Know Before You Go

Jagged Globe supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign. We recommend that you read the FCDO Travel Advice for Norway on the FCDO Website.

Inclusions

The following items are included in the price payable to Jagged Globe:

• London to Oslo, economy air fare (unless joining In country).
• 3 nights' accommodation at Finsehytta in a shared room (we can book you additional nights if need be) which includes breakfast, lunch pack and dinner.
• 1 x hotel night in Oslo on a single-room basis.
• Evening briefing and 3 x full days of instruction. Ratio: 1:4 max.
• Group safety equipment and ropes.
• Skis and boots can be arranged and rented at the ski shop in Finse, if needed. We generally use a light weight back country skiing system (polar travel style skiing system).

Exclusions

Not including in the cost are the following:

• Return train journey from Oslo to Finse.
• Overseas airports taxes not paid in advance through the international airline ticket.
• Excess baggage charges.
• Personal clothing and equipment.
• Travel insurance.
• Tips.
• Visa fees (if required).

Insurance

You will need a travel insurance policy that caters for the activities you will undertake on your trip with Jagged Globe. It is a requirement of our booking conditions that you have such a policy. For a list of insurers who specialise in mountaineering, trekking and skiing, please see our Travel Insurance page »

Itinerary

Here is an outline itinerary for this trip.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1:	Fly London to Oslo, travel to Finse Fly to Oslo. Train to Finse (not included in trip cost). Meet at Finsehytte for briefing: weather, itinerary and review personal equipment. Overnight in the hytte for the next three nights.
Day 2:	Training - Glacier Travel Cover the following topics: Glacier dynamics and crevasse formation Dry and wet glaciers Crevasse hazard Route selection & travel techniques Risk of travelling in flat light/ reduced contrast Equipment for glacier travel Roping up for glacier travel Use of knots in travel rope Use of rad lines Attaching pulk to rope system
Day 3:	Training - Crevasse Rescue Cover the following topics: Snow and Ice anchors: Buried axe / T slot / Buried skis / Bollards / Snow stakes / Ice screws Equalising anchors Holding a fall Escaping the system Crevasse rescue: Self-rescue / Assisted rescue / drop C
Day 4:	Training - More Advaced Techniques Cover the following topics: Belaying Techniques Crevasse rescue: continued / 3:1 and 5:1 rescue system Course finishes at 1600hrs. Train to Oslo. Overnight hotel.
Day 5:	Fly home

PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is intended to be a guideline only. We will aim to cover the topics described, but weather, snow conditions and the ability of the group may mean the Instructor will have to alter the programme.

Photos & Videos

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Reports & Reviews

First Expedition: March 2027

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