As part of a project to boost tourism in Tasiilaq, four young people have learned skills in winter outdoor activities such as backcountry skiing with pulk, handling extreme cold and establishing safe winter camps.
Four young people from Tasiilaq have passed a ten-day long course, where they were instructed in safe driving on winter mountains, tour management and winter outdoor life under arctic conditions.
It was part of the first winter edition of the Mountain Leader Training course, which was held in Tasiilaq’s hinterland in March.
This is written by Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq on their website.
The initiative is part of the Mountain Leader project, which aims to strengthen the skills of local young people to guide tourists on multi-day trips in the area’s nature.
The increasing interest in Arctic experiences places greater demands on local guides with experience in nature, safety and culture.
– It is important to invest in young people and give them the opportunity to contribute to tourism development. The course strengthens both their individual skills and the region’s development potential, states Regional Manager for East Greenland Hjørdis Viberg in the press release.
Learn to deal with extreme conditions
The project works closely with instructors from the Scottish organization The Polar Academy, who help set high international standards for the participants. Participants who complete the course receive course certificates that meet international requirements in the field.
The training included developing skills such as backcountry skiing with a sled, assessing safety in winter conditions, dealing with extreme cold, establishing safe winter camps and planning multi-day trips with tent accommodation.
In addition, dissemination and integration of cultural background was emphasized, so that the participants can include their local identity in the role of guides.
Mountain Leader Training is organized in collaboration with Igdlo, the project ‘We collaborate in Tasiilaq’, Sustainable Now Greenland, local tourism operators and The Polar Academy. The project receives support from Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq.
