Stay safe in the winter mountains

Skiing

Probably the best and safest way to experience the winter mountains and snowy landscapes is by traditional cross-country skiing. You can explore thousands of kilometres of smooth groomed trails in the mountains and forests of Norway. Beginners, families and those just looking for an hour of exercise can enjoy short trails, but there's also an abundance of longer mountain trails, some of which take you from cabin to cabin. As long as you stay on the trail you should be good, but remember that the weather can change quickly in the mountains. Bring a head torch in case it gets dark before you return.

Off-piste skiing

For adrenaline-seekers, downhill skiing is the best! A few alpine resorts have designated areas to ski off-piste in untouched powder down the slopes. But be aware that once you move outside marked or groomed slopes it's at your own risk. You can get stuck in deep snow, so always go with a friend.

Ski touring involves hiking on a snowy mountain off the marked trails, and allows skiers to explore the backcountry. When ski touring, you are moving through wild, steep terrain that immediately involves an avalanche risk. As this is more extreme, you should always hire a local guide who will make sure that your winter adventure is a safe experience! They also know the best routes for the current conditions.

Avalanches

No matter if you go ski touring, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, or off-piste in an alpine resort, avalanches can occur wherever there's snow and a 30-degree or steeper incline. That's why you should avoid travelling on or below steep slopes, particularly if you spot traces of avalanches elsewhere around you.

It is a good idea to take an avalanche course, learn how to rescue others, and, not least, learn to use avalanche equipment such as an avalanche beacon, shovel, and search bar.

Avalanches are divided into release areas and runout zones. Release areas are usually steeper than 30 degrees, and must be avoided. To find the slope angle, you can use a compass, your ski pole, or the app Varsom Regobs, which features a map with the slope angle so you can find the least steep route. The runout zones are the terrain below the release areas. An avalanche can run three times the vertical drop from fracture line. This means that you can be caught in an avalanche even on flat terrain. At varsom.no there is a map of avalanche runout zones, so you know which areas to avoid.

Always check the avalanche forecast Varsom.no in advance. You can’t outrun or outski an avalanche, so the best thing to do is avoid them altogether. Here's a more complete guide to safety for ski tourers.

Clothing

When it’s freezing cold, you'll truly feel the importance of staying warm, dry, and hydrated. Adjust the amount of layers you wear to your level of activity. Wear warm clothing, preferably in natural materials such as wool, leather, and down as they keep you nice and warm. Don't get wet, and wear windproof outer garments. To avoid hypothermia, you have to stay dry and warm. Try to keep a moderate pace so you don't sweat too much and can stay dry.

Even though it’s winter, you should bring sunglasses, as the glare from the snow can be quite intense and cause snow blindness in extreme cases. You should also apply a high SPF sunscreen due to the strong UV rays that reflect off the snow.

Prepare for the extreme

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 mirror to make it easier for others to spot you. Some compassess come with mirrors.

If you have an accident and need to remain in place overnight, make sure you conserve enough energy to dig a cave in the snow or set up a snow shelter against the wind. Insulate yourself from the ground or the snow if you have to lie down – skis are great for this. 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.

Summary: the mountains are beautiful in the winter, but require you to take more precautions before entering the wild!