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. It is strongly recommended to use a local guide in order to minimize risks and to 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.

Dynamic Variation:

Jostedalsbreen.
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, Forsand.
Photo: Tadas Dziautas / Visitnorway.com

#5

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

Dynamic Variation:

#6

Choose safe routes.
Recognize avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.

Dynamic Variation:

Standalseidet, Ørsta.
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, 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?

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The mountain code

Now go explore, but stay safe

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