The untamed mountains in Norway are beautiful, yet unpredictable. These nine simple rules of the Norwegian mountain code will help you stay safe. We also recommended that you hire a local guide – especially in the winter season.
The mountain code
#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?
#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?
#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?
#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 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.
#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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