How to plan your hike

Plan your trip and let others know

Good planning continues throughout the journey and helps ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.

This is why the first principle of the Norwegian Mountain Code is:

Plan your trip and inform others where you are going.

Read about all the Norwegian Mountain Code here.

By planning carefully, gathering information, and identifying potential risks, you can significantly reduce the chance of something going wrong.

The level of planning will naturally depend on the type of trip, but some key elements should always be considered.

The following factors should be included in the planning:

What to Include in your planning

Hiking destinations

• Where are you going?
• What is the goal of the trip?
• What do you want to experience along the way?

Tour participants

• Who is joining the trip?
• What is their level of experience and fitness?
• How can you adapt the trip so that everyone has a good experience?

Remember: the overall safety of the group depends on the combined skills, experience, and motivation of all participants.

Read more at: Beginner in the winter mountains

Equipment 

• What equipment is required for this specific trip?
• Do all participants have the necessary clothing and gear?

Read more here: Packing lists for mountain hikes

Weather and avalanche forecast

• What does the forecast say for your area?
• Are there any avalanche warnings or other hazards?

Map and navigation

Spend time studying the map in advance:

• Where is your planned route?
• Are there alternative routes in case of an emergency?

Even if you use digital tools, you should always bring a map and compass.

Read more at: How to use a map and compass and Find your next trip on UT.no

Mobile coverage

• Do you have mobile coverage where you need to go?

Read more at: 10 tips on mobile use on a trip

First aid kit

• Bring what you need for your trip

Inform someone about your trip

Always let someone know:

• Where you are going
• Your planned route
• When you expect to return

This simple step can be crucial if something goes wrong.

When planning the trip, it is important to choose trips that are adapted to your own and your tour group's level of experience. If you are on a trip with several people, it is the sum of knowledge and motivation in the group that counts. 

Do I – whether I am going on a trip alone, or the group together, have the prerequisites to handle this trip and the situations that may arise?

Mountain Code No. 2 is: 

Choose a hike according to your ability 

A key principle of safe outdoor travel is: Adapt the trip to your abilities and the conditions.

Before setting out, ask yourself:

• Do I (or we as a group) have the skills and experience required?
• Are we physically prepared for this trip?
• Do we have the right equipment?

If the answer is yes, you have a good foundation for a safe and enjoyable trip.

How to calculate walking time on a mountain hike

Here you will find a description of how you can calculate your own walking time when you walk in the mountains.

Read more here

Read more here

Pay attention to weather and avalanche forecasts

Mountain Code no. 3. What are the conditions where you are going?

Conditions in the mountains can change quickly. Stay alert and continuously reassess:

• Weather developments
• Snow and avalanche conditions
• The group’s energy and wellbeing

Good decision-making is an ongoing process — not something you do only before you leave.

Need a thorough, written trip plan?

If you want a more structured approach to planning, you can use the 3x3 method. This is a widely used planning tool in outdoor education, especially for winter travel and avalanche risk assessment.

It helps you evaluate conditions:

• Before the trip
• In the area
• Along the route

See the plan here: 3X3-turplan.pdf

Useful articles

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• Pakkeliste til dagstur på vinteren
• Hytte til hytte i vinterfjellet
• Slik finner du turer på UT.no
• Ta skredkurs hos DNT