This course is intended only for students in the Sports and Physical Education (SBV)
and Sports and Performance (SUL) programs at the German Sport University Cologne who already have relevant
prior experience in the sport. For more information, see the next question: Are
there any prerequisites for enrolling in the course?
Yes, excellent physical fitness is essential for enrolling in the course and
will be assessed during the preparatory phase via a fitness test. Additionally, successful
completion of the SBV7 Mountain Sports or SBV7 Winter Adventure Sports module—or equivalent private
training—is a prerequisite for enrolling in the course. If prior knowledge is cited as a successfully
met prerequisite, it must be demonstrated during the
first week of the semester. If appropriate proof cannot be provided within the first week of
the semester using photo and video material, experience reports, etc., further
participation in the module is not possible. Personal experience is considered sufficient
if you have experience leading at least one self-organized
tour lasting at least two days in a natural setting (trekking, snowshoeing, hiking, etc.) with changing
accommodations (i.e., heavy luggage) in summer or winter. You are welcome to gain such
experience independently before the start of the semester. Experience with
snow sports (cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding) is advantageous but not a
mandatory requirement.
In addition, the program-specific requirements of the German Sport University Cologne apply. See Requirements
The course covers the basic skills of trip planning (including
meteorology, navigation, and equipment knowledge) and trip execution (guiding techniques and
outdoor first aid). During the field trip, participants will undertake a multi-day backcountry ski
tour with overnight stays in mountain huts across a Norwegian plateau.
Yes, you will need your own gear: high-quality winter
touring equipment (especially clothing, a touring backpack, a winter sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad). The following
items are recommended but can also be rented from the DSHS:
backcountry skis and backcountry boots.
The course consists of a theory seminar, which takes place as a weekly in-person session during
the lecture period, and a practical course in the form of a field trip during the break between
semesters. Please refer to the information in
the LSF at the start of the first registration phase for the exact course times and locations, as well as the dates and
locations of the field trip.
Please also note that attendance is mandatory for all parts of the course.
The course is offered only in the winter semester.
Yes, there are additional costs associated with this course (field trip fees). All
information regarding the type and amount of the costs will be available in the LSF at the start of the first
registration phase and will be communicated by
the instructor during the first class session.
Please note that some of this course requires you to bring your own sports equipment. For
more information, see the next question: Do I need my own equipment?
No, purchasing a license is not part of this event.
Successful completion of the course requires both a written exam (with
open-ended questions) and a practical exam. The practical exam consists of
planning and carrying out a day’s hike during the field trip as part of a group of
two.