Erland Folstad

Born in Norway, Erlend has been attracted to nature and wildlife since he was a young man. He started exploring nature early while backcountry skiing, hiking, and hunting in the Norwegian wilderness. He started his professional career as a police officer with a special responsibility for search and rescue, and supervision of hunting in Åndalsnes, in the fjords of Norway.

From 1996 until 2004, Erlend worked for the governor of Svalbard as chief inspector supervising search and rescue, and wildlife and nature protection. During his years in Svalbard, Erlend spent many days on field work and expeditions, both in summer and winter. His work brought him to every corner of Svalbard and he also organized and spent time as an expedition leader for kayaking, mountaineering, and skiing expeditions in the archipelago.

Erlend has a great passion for the Arctic and has been on expeditions every year since 2004 to Svalbard either as a guide, or on private tours. The last two years he has been a part of the Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic team and has shared his passion with the guests. His enthusiasm for Svalbard also includes a great interest in the polar history of Norwegian explorers and hunters.

Erlend lives with his family in Aalesund surrounded by the majestic Sunnmøre Alps and Geirangerfjord and Hjørundfjord, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. When not working as the CEO of Nord Helikopter he spends his time exploring the fjords and surrounding mountains.