The mountain code

Norway is an incredible place to explore, with untamed mountains, valleys, and fjords. Before you enter the outdoors, get familiar with the nine simple rules of the Norwegian mountain code to help you stay safe. We also strongly recommended that you hire a local guide to minimize risks and have a more enjoyable trip – especially in the winter season.

#1

Plan your trip and inform others
about the route you have selected.

Plan your trip based on the group’s abilities, and always include alternative options.
Obtain current information about the area and the weather conditions. Listen to the advice of seasoned mountaineers where possible.
Ensure you have sufficient knowledge and practical skills to complete the trip.
Respect the natural environment. Plan ahead and don't leave any litter.
Arrange meeting points during the trip that don’t require mobile coverage or accurate timing.
Is your planning sufficient to guarantee an enjoyable trip no matter what?

#2

Adapt the planned routes
according to ability and conditions.

Assess the conditions continuously and adjust your plans accordingly.
Respect the weather.
Travelling with others is safer and means you’ll have someone to share your experiences with. If you’re travelling alone, exercise caution.
Do not embark on a long trip without sufficient experience. You must be able to take care of yourself as well as the others in your group.
Be considerate of other hikers. Make sure you have read The right of access and its requirements.
Make sure your group maintains an open and direct line of communication at all times.
Can you complete the trip under these conditions and with this group?

Jostedalsbreen glacier in Fjord Norway.
Photo: Thomas T. Kleiven / Visitnorway.com

Group glacier crossing of Jostedalsbreen, Fjord Norway

Jostedalsbreen glacier in Fjord Norway.
Photo: Thomas T. Kleiven / Visitnorway.com

#3

Pay attention to the weather
and the avalanche warnings.

Always check the weather forecast and avalanche warnings to see what impact they have on the area. Follow the advice and choose a gentler terrain when conditions are too demanding.
Check the weather conditions on yr.no and storm.no.
Check the avalanche, flood and ice forecast on varsom.no.
Monitor the development of the weather and avalanche conditions along the way. Bear in mind that plans may need to be adjusted.

#4

Be prepared for bad weather and frost,
even on short trips.

Dress appropriately for the weather, and the terrain.
Remember that the weather changes quickly in the mountains. Bring extra clothing, and the equipment your route and terrain requires.
Extra food and drink can help save lives if the trip takes longer than planned or you have to wait for help.
Is your group equipped to deal with a sudden change in weather?

Fossjuvet in Forsand, Fjord Norway.
Photo: Tadas Dziautas / Visitnorway.com

Person on rock formation near Fossjuvet in Forsand, Fjord Norway

Fossjuvet in Forsand, Fjord Norway.
Photo: Tadas Dziautas / Visitnorway.com

#5

Bring the necessary equipment
so you can help yourself and others.

In the winter, you need a windsack/bivy sack, sleeping pad, sleeping bag and a shovel so that you can spend the night outdoors if you have to. A windsack can save lives.
Bring a high-visibility vest or a headlamp, that will make it easier to find you if necessary.
Bring a first aid kit so you can help yourself and others.
Always use a transmitter/receiver, and have an avalanche probe and a shovel if you are travelling in avalanche-prone terrain.
Pack wisely. Packing lists for different seasons can be found at dnt.no.
Mobile phones can be a useful tool, but remember that they don’t work in all situations and areas.
If an accident occurs, alert the police at 112, go to get help, or try to notify someone with other means.
Are you able to take care of yourself and help others?

#6

Choose safe routes.
Recognize avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.

Avoid terrain that is prone to avalanches, and plan your route well.
Be aware that avalanches are typically triggered at slopes steeper than 30 degrees.
You may trigger or be hit by an avalanche also in less steep terrain, even in flat terrain.
To eliminate the danger of avalanches, stay out of avalanche terrain. This means keeping a distance of three times the height of the mountainside or slope above you. In other words, if an avalanche could release 100 vertical metres above you, you stay clear at a horizontal distance of 300 metres.
Avoid terrain traps, such as narrow gorges. Consider what will happen if there is an avalanche.
Be aware that a cornice can break off when you walk on a mountain ridge.
Be aware of ice conditions when you walk on regulated lakes and rivers.
Can an avalanche happen where I plan to go? What will the consequence be?

Standalseidet in Ørsta, Fjord Norway.
Photo: Håvard Myklebust / Visitnorway.com

Skiing down snow-capped mountain near Standalseidet in Ørsta, Fjord Norway

Standalseidet in Ørsta, Fjord Norway.
Photo: Håvard Myklebust / Visitnorway.com

#7

Use a map and a compass.
Always know where you are.

A map and compass are essential basic equipment that always work.
Pay attention to the map even when hiking on a marked trail.
Knowing where you are on the map makes for a better hiking experience.
A GPSR and other electronic aids are helpful, but make sure you have extra batteries.
Do you know where you are?

#8

Don’t be ashamed to turn around.

Evaluate your route continuously. If conditions become difficult, choose your best alternative long before you or your group members become exhausted.
Have the circumstances changed? Should you turn around?
Is anyone in your group having problems completing the route? Should the group turn around?
Enjoy the hike for its own sake, and remember that there will be other opportunities if it is too challenging today.

Besseggen in Jotunheimen.
Photo: Chris Arnesen / Visitnorway.com

A pile of rocks with a sign on the hiking trail of the Besseggen ridge, Jotunheimen, Eastern Norway

Besseggen in Jotunheimen.
Photo: Chris Arnesen / Visitnorway.com

#9

Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary.

Adjust your hiking speed to the weakest member of the group, and make sure that everyone can keep up.
Remember to eat and drink frequently. When you exert yourself, your body needs more fluids than you may feel you need.
Don’t wait until you are exhausted before you seek shelter. Strong winds will tire you out quickly.
Use your windsack or dig a snow cave before it’s too late.
Are you able to get back to your base? Do you know where the nearest shelter is?