Frequently asked questions

Below, you will find answers to frequently asked questions. Do not hesitate to get in touch if you cannot find the one you are looking for.

What does a typical winter school week look like?

A typical winter school day starts with lectures from 09:00 to 10:30, followed by a long midday break for lunch and socializing, whether you are skiing or enjoying the hotel spa facilities. Lectures resume at 15:00 and continue until 18:30, before a shared dinner in the hotel restaurant at 19:30. The image below shows a typical program for the full week.

Who can attend the winter school?

Short answer: Anyone!

Longer answer: The school is mainly aimed at early-career researchers, usually PhD students and postdocs. Senior researchers and professors also attend every year, and participants come from both academia and industry. There are no formal prerequisites, but we recommend a working knowledge of mathematics and programming. If a particular school has more specific prerequisites, we will announce them in advance.

Can I get ECTS credits for attending the winter school?

Probably. The winter school itself cannot award ECTS credits, but we can provide a certificate of attendance with recommendations for credits that students can submit to their home institution. This is generally contingent on the student submitting a written report on their learning from the school. The current recommendation is 5 ECTS credits. To the best of our knowledge, no student has been denied credits from their home institution after attending the school.

How do I get to Geilo?

Geilo is accessible from Oslo and Bergen by train, via an approximately 3-hour scenic route. See Vy for timetables and tickets. Oslo and Bergen are well connected by air.

What is the weather like in Geilo in January?

January in Geilo can be very cold (previous years have seen temperatures down to -20°C / -4°F with strong winds). Please bring warm clothing, headwear, and sturdy footwear. See the updated weather forecast on yr.no.

How do I go skiing during the breaks?

For alpine skiing, you will need an existing ski pass or purchase one. The hotel typically offers discounted lift passes. For cross-country skiing, the tracks are open and free to use for everyone. For updated snow conditions, see Skiinfo.

The hotel and the ski resort both offer equipment rental. Please remember to bring appropriate clothing.