From theory to practice: Volda-students plan to cross the Greenland ice cap

Live Skattum (24), Mari Brønseth (24), Marta Flotve (22), and Frøya Jørgensdatter (21) are all students in the bachelor’s program in Outdoor Life and Nature Guiding at Volda University College.

Next spring, they hope to do something most people only dream of: a 600-kilometer crossing of the Greenland Ice Sheet – independently, without the help of a guiding company.

– This will be the longest trip any of us has ever completed, but hopefully it will be just the beginning of future expeditions, says Live.

In December, they’ll find out whether their application is approved and they’re granted permission to carry out the expedition and travel to Greenland. Until then, their focus is on training and preparation.

An expedition rooted in Volda

The trip they’re planning is inspired by both a thirst for adventure and their everyday studies. From west to east, across the inland ice, they’ll follow in the footsteps of Fridtjof Nansen, the great Norwegian polar explorer – pulling sleds weighing up to 90 kilos. It’s cold, it’s demanding, and it’s far from a typical school assignment.

– We call it our ‘extended bachelor’s thesis, Marta smiles. – We’re putting into practice everything we’ve learned about planning, safety, navigation, and group dynamics.

The students highlight both academic competence and the study environment in Volda as crucial to their confidence in taking on such a challenge.

– The program gives us a huge sense of confidence in our own skills, and the environment is full of people who cheer each other on. The teachers support us and help lift our dream, says Frøya.

Outdoor life as a lifestyle – and a career

All four plan to work as nature guides, and several in the group are aiming specifically to become polar guides. To lead such trips in the future, they also need personal experience. The Greenland expedition is therefore both a dream and a career step.

– For us, this is an investment in the future – not just a personal ego trip, explains Mari. –We want to show that young women can excel in what is still a male-dominated profession.

Pulling heavy tires and carrying a big dream

Planning is already well underway. Days are spent writing sponsorship letters, handling logistics, insurance, and making calorie charts. Evenings and weekends are filled with strength training with heavy tires – the closest you can get to pulling a sled while still in Norway.

– We get a lot of free training just by getting to lectures. Some of us have even moved a bit farther away – mostly to get more excercise walking a few extra hills, laughs Live.

A place that nurtures dreams

What is it about Volda that makes four students dare to dream so big?

– Volda is a place where a sense of adventure is taken seriously. Here, you meet people who want to live in tents – not necessarily buy a house. There’s room to do things a bit differently, says Mari.

– The fact that we’re surrounded by fjords and mountains means that you always have access to nature. It’s like a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, adds Marta.

A message to other students

With their expedition, they hope to inspire others to follow their own dreams – whether on the arctic ice or in completely different directions.

– We want to show that you don’t have to wait until you’re ‘done’ with your studies or have a permanent job. There is a time to be serious and act grown-up later. Now is the time to go for it, says Frøya.

– And most importantly: You won’t regret choosing the adventure, she adds.