Basic Survival Course Norway – 3 Days / 2 Nights

Survival is not about collecting tricks. It is about understanding priorities, making effective decisions, and using the resources available to you.

The Primal Norway Basic Survival Course is an immersive three-day wilderness training experience designed to help you manage the critical first 72 hours of an emergency.

Set in the forests of Østmarka near Oslo, the course combines structured instruction with realistic practical challenges. You will learn how to establish shelter, create fire, procure safe drinking water, navigate through unfamiliar terrain, and manage common injuries using the equipment you carry and materials found in the environment.

The objective is not simply to endure the outdoors. It is to develop the knowledge, confidence, and practical competence needed to remain calm and take effective action when conditions become difficult.

What You Will Learn

During the course, you will work with the 10 C’s of Survivability while learning how to apply them in Norwegian wilderness conditions.

Training includes:

• Understanding survival priorities and the first actions to take during an emergency

• Developing situational awareness and making decisions under pressure

• Selecting a safe and effective campsite

• Building emergency shelters using tarps and natural materials

• Understanding insulation and protection from cold, wind and rain

• Identifying and processing natural tinder and kindling

• Creating and maintaining fire in wet and challenging conditions

• Using a ferro rod effectively

• Collecting, filtering and boiling water

• Understanding the risks associated with untreated natural water

• Basic navigation using a map, compass and terrain features

• Emergency signalling and increasing your visibility to rescuers

• Basic self-aid and improvised solutions for common wilderness injuries

• Responsible and safe use of knives, saws and other cutting tools

• Organising essential equipment for rapid access and effective use

• Applying Leave No Trace principles throughout the course

The Experience

This is a practical wilderness course. Most exercises will be completed while carrying your personal equipment and moving through natural forest terrain.

Participants should be prepared for:

• Hiking over muddy, rocky and uneven ground

• Carrying a loaded backpack between training areas

• Collecting branches, firewood and other natural materials

• Building and improving shelters

• Navigating through forest terrain

• Working outdoors for extended periods

• Exposure to rain, wind, cold and changing weather

• Sleeping outdoors for two nights

Depending on the season, conditions may include low temperatures, heavy rain, snow, wet ground and limited daylight. Training activities may be adjusted by the instructors when weather, terrain or safety conditions require it.

The Final Survival Exercise

On the second night, you will take part in a practical survival exercise that combines the skills developed throughout the course.

You will construct an emergency shelter and spend the night inside it with access to limited equipment. You will need to manage shelter, insulation, fire, water and personal organisation while responding to changing environmental conditions.

The exercise is conducted under instructor supervision. Its purpose is to challenge your planning and practical skills in a controlled environment—not to expose participants to unnecessary risk.

Instructors may modify or stop an activity if weather, health, or safety conditions make continuation inappropriate.

Physical Requirements

Advanced fitness is not required, but participants should be comfortable walking through uneven terrain while carrying their personal equipment.

We recommend preparing for the course by:

• Walking or hiking approximately 5 km, three to five times per week

• Practising on forest paths and uneven terrain

• Gradually becoming comfortable carrying your outdoor equipment

• Testing your boots, backpack and clothing before the course

• Developing your fitness progressively during the one to three months before attending

Your backpack weight will depend on your equipment, food and clothing. Pack carefully and avoid carrying unnecessary items.

If you are uncertain about your ability to complete the physical elements of the course, please contact Primal Norway before booking.

Health and Medication

Participants must bring any prescribed medication they may require during the course.

Please inform the lead instructor privately about any relevant medical condition, allergy, or medication that could affect your participation or require assistance during an emergency.

If you have recently undergone surgery, experienced a hospital stay, or have a condition that may affect your ability to participate safely, consult an appropriate healthcare professional and contact Primal Norway before attending.

Every participant is responsible for providing accurate health information and arriving physically prepared for the course.

Age Requirements

Participants must be at least 13 years old.

Anyone under the age of 18 must attend with a registered parent or responsible adult. Both the young participant and accompanying adult must have their own course registration.

Participants between 13 and 17 years old pay the standard course price.

If a minor attends with an adult who is not their parent or legal guardian, written authorization from the parent or guardian must be provided before the course. This must include permission to participate and authorization for emergency care.

The accompanying adult remains responsible for the minor throughout the course. Primal Norway instructors cannot provide individual childcare or supervision separate from the group.

Base Camp

For safety reasons, participants must not leave the training group or remain alone at base camp without informing an instructor.

Safety and Instruction

The course is led by experienced Primal Norway wilderness instructors.

Founder and lead instructor Piero Visconti has completed advanced survival training through the Pathfinder School and holds a NOLS Wilderness First Aid certification.

Primal Norway operates with structured risk assessments, emergency procedures and instructor supervision throughout the course. The school is fully insured for its organised activities.

Safety remains the priority during every exercise. Participants are expected to follow instructor directions, use tools responsibly and communicate immediately if they feel unwell, injured or unable to continue safely.

Personal Equipment

Participants are responsible for bringing the equipment listed in the official course gear list and for checking that it is suitable for the expected Norwegian conditions.

Before leaving the training area, please check that you have collected all personal equipment. Primal Norway cannot guarantee the storage or return shipment of items left behind after the course.

Course Outcome

By the end of the course, you will understand how to prioritise your actions during a wilderness emergency and how to use essential equipment more effectively.

You will leave with practical experience in shelter, fire, water, navigation, self-aid and survival planning along with greater confidence in your ability to remain calm and functional in challenging outdoor conditions.

You will not simply learn about survival.

You will practise it.