Four young people from Tasiilaq have completed a ten-day course, where they were instructed in safe travel on winter mountains, tour leadership and winter outdoor activities in Arctic conditions.
This was as part of the first winter edition of the training course Mountain Leader Training, which was held in the Tasiilaq hinterland in March.
This is what Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq writes 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 into the area's nature.
The growing 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, says Regional Manager for East Greenland Hjørdis Viberg in the press release.
Learning to handle extreme conditions
The project works closely with instructors from the Scottish organization The Polar Academy, which helps set high international standards for 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, handling extreme cold, establishing safe winter camps and planning multi-day trips with tent overnight stays.
In addition, the dissemination and integration of cultural background was emphasized, so that the participants can incorporate their local identity into the role as guides.
Mountain Leader Training is organized in collaboration with Igdlo, the project 'We cooperate in Tasiilaq', Sustainable Now Greenland, local tourism operators and The Polar Academy. The project receives support from Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq.
