Stay safe in the mountains

The mountain code

Stay safe by following these simple rules of thumb.

1. Plan your trip and inform others about the route you have selected.
2. Adapt the planned routes according to ability and conditions.
3. Pay attention to the weather and the avalanche warnings.
4. Be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on short trips.
5. Bring the necessary equipment so you can help yourself and others.
6. Choose safe routes. Recognize avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.
7. Use a map and a compass. Always know where you are.
8. Don’t be ashamed to turn around.
9. Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary.

Read the mountain code with supplementary comments.

Safety in the winter mountains

When it’s cold, it’s even more important to dress in layers of wool, not get wet, and wear windproof outer garments.

Stay warm, dry, and hydrated

In the wintertime, you want to avoid hypothermia. Staying dry helps, as does having enough warm clothing. If you have an accident and need to spend the night, make sure you conserve enough energy to dig a cave in the snow or set up a snow shelter against the wind.

Make sure to insulate yourself from the ground or the snow if you have to lie down – skis are great for this, if not exactly comfortable. A large backpack can be used as a small makeshift sleeping bag, and even a small one may keep your feet warm and dry.

If you get thirsty, don’t be afraid to eat snow as long as it looks clean and untouched. It will cool you down somewhat, but dehydration will most often be a bigger concern than hypothermia.

Protect your eyes

Even though it’s winter, you should take care to bring sunglasses, as the glare from the snow can be quite intense and cause snow-blindness in extreme cases.

Signal for help

If you get lost, stay where you are and wait for help. Stick your skis in the snow, put on your safety vest, and signal with your torch or a signal mirror to make it easier for others to spot where you are.

Avoid avalanches

Avoid travelling on and below steep slopes and other avalanche-prone places, particularly if you spot traces of avalanches elsewhere around you. Dry snow avalanches are most common on slopes of 30–45 degrees. Always remember to check the avalanche forecast in advance. You can’t outrun or outski an avalanche, so the best thing to do is avoiding them altogether.

Safety in the summer mountains

Even in the summer, when the sun is out and warming nicely, you should pay attention to what clothes you wear and bring. Make sure to shield yourself from the sun and to be prepared if the weather turns for the worse.

Dress for warmth

Rain and windproof outerwear is a must, as is woollen underwear, even on warm summer days. The mountain winds can get quite cold, and wool will still insulate you from the cold even when it’s wet, a property it doesn’t share with cotton or nylon fabrics, for instance. Dress in layers so that you can easily regulate your temperature. Jeans and trainers are not suitable for Norwegian mountain hikes.

Drink frequently

If you get lost, conserve your strength, but remember to eat and drink frequently. Sun, wind and strenuous physical activity may conspire to make you dehydrated, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Most running water in the mountains of Norway is clean enough to drink, but avoid water running through pastures or runoff from glaciers, as this may contain harmful microorganisms.

Keep your distance to wild animals

Remember that certain animals can be dangerous and should best be kept at a wide distance. Polar bears, musk oxen, bears, and moose are all faster than you and can cause harm if frightened, surprised, or if they are defending their young. But feel free to go on a wildlife safari – and remember to bring your camera!

Move downhill for help

If you have to be on the move to get help, walk downhill and try to follow creeks or rivers as these will often lead to people.

On glaciers

You must never venture onto a glacier alone, but many tour operators offer guided glacier tours.