Background and motivation  
I chose this folk high school because it had a skiing program that suited me very well and what I wanted to get out of the year. When I compared it to other schools, I got the impression that this skiing program was more varied and offered more opportunities to develop, both technically and personally. It also seemed like an environment where you could really spend a lot of time skiing, which was important to me. 

I wanted to take a gap year after school, and it was perfect to combine it with something I really enjoy. Skiing has been a big part of my everyday life in the past, especially in Voss and Myrkdalen, so I knew I would enjoy spending a lot of time on the slopes. The idea of ​​Trysil becoming my “home slope” throughout the year was very tempting, as it is a large and varied ski resort with many opportunities. For me, this folk high school therefore felt like the best choice. 

 
Why did you choose your line?  
I chose this line because I really enjoy skiing and wanted a year where I had the best opportunities to do just that. The line offers a lot of time on the slopes and many different experiences, which made it extra attractive to me. I wanted to spend my gap year doing something I was actually passionate about, and then this line was a very natural choice. 

I am super happy with my choice and feel that the line fits me perfectly. I get to develop my skiing skills, while also enjoying myself both professionally and socially, which makes the year very rewarding for me. 
 
 
Were you nervous before you came here, and how did you experience the start?  
I wasn't very nervous before I got here, although of course I didn't really know what I was getting into. It was more excitement than nervousness, and I was mostly looking forward to trying something new. The ski part of the school year meant so much to me that it overshadowed most of any worries. 

I was also really looking forward to joining a class with others who had the same interest in skiing as me. The start was positive, and it was easy to get to know people when you share a common passion. It made the transition easier and made me quickly feel at home. 

Everyday life and community 

How would you describe the environment at school and in the classroom?  
I would describe the environment at school and in class as very good. I find it to be an inclusive environment where everyone can be with everyone, and where it is easy to talk to people across both classes and lines. It feels safe and social, and you quickly get to know many people. 

I am very happy with my class and hang out with a couple from the class outside of class as well. At the same time, I have gotten to know people from the backpacker line very well, and we do a lot together. It makes the environment feel close-knit, and I feel that I have developed good relationships with many people at school. 

 
What surprised you most when you started here?  
What surprised me the most when I started here was how many foreign students attend the school. It was a very positive surprise, and I see it as a great advantage. It has made me improve my English, and it is exciting to get to know people from different cultures and backgrounds. 

I think it's fun to think that we can visit each other in each other's home countries after the school year is over. It adds an extra dimension to the friendships we make here. 

However, I wasn't surprised by the living situation, since I knew in advance who I would be living with. That made the transition a little easier and safer. 

 

What “rooms” or activities at school have become “your places”?  
The billiard room has become a clear favorite, as much of the time is spent playing billiards. The fireplace lounge is also a nice place, especially for card games and social evenings. 

The hot tub in Trysil has become a favorite spot after nine days of partial rain and little sun – it’s been nice to have a warm and cozy place to relax. The slopes in Trysil look like they’ll be even better as the winter progresses, so I’m looking forward to spending more time there. 

 
Dividends and personal development  

What have you learned about yourself so far?  
So far I have learned a lot about myself, including that I can push myself a little out of my comfort zone and get to know people, even if there are many new faces. I find it very positive, and it has made me more open and sociable. 

The lessons with Marius in the gyms have also been very educational. I have been able to practice on safe ground, something I haven't had the opportunity to do before, and I will take the knowledge and experience with me further out on the slopes. 

I notice that I dare to step outside my comfort zone a little more than before, and that it's not so scary to make mistakes. It has helped build both self-confidence and character, and I look forward to challenging myself even more in the future. 

 
 
Has the stay given you more self-confidence or security? In what way?  
Mastery has given me a lot of self-confidence. When I feel like I'm mastering something, it gives me a real self-confidence boost. 

Meeting new people later will feel easier, because here I met so many at once – and I managed to do that. It gives me the confidence that I can handle it again in other situations. 
 
What do you feel you get here that you wouldn't get in a regular school year?  
I feel very free here. The focus is more on personal development than on performing according to a set curriculum, and it provides a unique opportunity to work on yourself as a person. 

I find that I have a lot of freedom and can make my own choices within a safe framework, which makes the learning experience both motivating and personally developing. 

  
What would you say to someone who is considering applying but is unsure?  
I would definitely say: do it! You have so little to lose. It's only one year, and the chance that you will regret it is very small. You will gain a lot of life experience, meet new people and experience things that you would not otherwise. 

I've never heard of anyone regretting taking a year at folk high school, and I think most would say it was worth it. It's a unique opportunity to develop both socially and personally, while also having a lot of fun. 
 
What do you wish you knew before you came here? 
I wish I knew I would have to use English so much – it was a new challenge for me. At the same time, I think it has been fun to challenge myself with the language, and it is definitely useful for later. 

Maybe I would have been a little more prepared for it and felt that the threshold was higher before I came here, but I am very happy that I am here and for everything I am learning, both linguistically and socially. 
  
How do you think this year will affect the path forward for you?  
I believe this year will help me cope better with new situations and face them with more confidence. I feel like I have become more confident in myself and know myself better, which makes it easier to tackle challenges in the future. 

A good example is the Glitterheim trip early in the school year. Living so close to so many unknown people for three days was both scary and exciting, but it was a very nice experience. Experiences like this show me that I can handle new and unfamiliar situations, and it gives me confidence that I will be able to do so in the future as well. 

 Snowboarding/Freeskiing:  

How was it to start – beginner or experienced?  
I came here quite experienced, but I have still learned a lot of new things, especially in the gym. The exercises there have made me more confident in my techniques and made it easier to learn new things. I dare to try harder tricks, and it is easier to practice many times in the gym before trying it on skis. It has given me both self-confidence and better control when I am on the ground. 
 
How does it feel to be on a board or ski with everyone cheering?  
It feels incredibly motivating to ski when everyone is cheering you on. It's nice to get feedback, both on what's working and what can be improved, and it makes it easier to reach your goals. 

I also learn a lot from both giving and receiving feedback from fellow students – it gives a good sense of unity and development. It's fun to see people struggling through a difficult trick and finally getting it done, and it's even more fun when I master something myself and can share the joy with others. 
 
What trips or park sessions are you most looking forward to?  
I am most looking forward to the trip to Laax in Switzerland – it is said to be one of the best parks in the world, so it will be a real experience. I am also looking forward to the bus trips to and from Trysil in January, that will be part of the adventure. (The school has its own minibuses) 

Trysil is going to be a big part of my everyday life, and that's going to be great. It's easier to push the limits when we can try tricks on the same slope over and over again, and really work on the technique. 

In general, I'm looking forward to learning lots of new things, skiing with new friends, and experiencing all the exciting things that lie ahead. It's both challenging and fun! 

 

I came here quite experienced, but I have still learned a lot of new things, especially in the gym. The exercises there have made me more confident in my techniques and made it easier to learn new things. I dare to try harder tricks, and it is easier to practice many times in the gym before trying it on skis. It has given me both self-confidence and better control when I am on the ground. 

 
What goals do you have for the season?  
My goals for the season are pretty clear. First and foremost, I want to get better at skiing, and one of the big goals is to do a double backflip – that’s definitely my goal for the year! Of course, it’s also important not to get injured, so I’m focusing on injury prevention. 

I train both on my own and with the class, with a special focus on strength training and exercises that can help avoid injuries. We also have group workouts where we put extra emphasis on injury prevention, which is super useful for staying strong and injury-free throughout the season.