The Norwegian Mountain Code

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1. Plan your trip and report where you are going

• Plan your trip according to your group's abilities, and always have several options.
• Make sure you have information about the hiking area and the conditions you are going on a trip in.
• Listen to experienced mountain people.
• Make sure you have the knowledge and skills required for the trip in question.
• Be considerate of nature. With good planning, you won't leave a trace behind.
• Make appointments regardless of mobile coverage needs and precise times.

2. Adapt the trip according to ability and conditions

• Make ongoing assessments of the conditions, and adapt your plans accordingly.
• Show respect for the weather!
• Being on a trip with others provides increased safety, and someone to share the experiences with. If you are on a trip alone, be extra careful.
• Do not embark on a long trip without experience, you must be able to take care of yourself and the others in the group.
• Show consideration for other hikers.
• Know the rights of public access and the obligations that come with it, and make sure that the tour group has a culture of open and direct communication.

3. Pay attention to weather and avalanche forecasts

• Always use the weather and avalanche warnings, and familiarize yourself with what it means for you in the area you are going to travel in.
• Make use of the advice associated with the current forecast and easily choose terrain when conditions are demanding.
• The trip forecasts can be found here: yr.no, tv2.no/vaer and varsom.no.

4. Be prepared for inclement weather and cold, even on short trips

• Dress according to the weather and conditions. Remember that the weather changes quickly in the mountains.
• Bring both extra clothes, and the equipment that the trip and the terrain requires.
• Extra food and drink can help both you and others, if you take longer than planned or have to wait for help.

5. Bring the necessary equipment to help yourself and others

• On a winter trip, you need a windsack, underlay, sleeping bag and shovel to manage a night out. A windsack can save lives.
• Bring something, such as a reflective vest or headlamp, that will make it easier for you to be found if an accident occurs.
• Bring a first aid kit. It allows you to help both yourself and others.
• Always use a transmitter/receiver, and bring a probe and shovel if you are going to travel in avalanche-prone terrain.
• Pack smart! Packing lists for different trips can be found on dnt.no.
• A mobile phone can be a useful aid, but remember that you cannot rely on it in all situations or areas.
• If an accident occurs, notify the police on 112, go for help or try to notify in some other way.

6. Make safe choices. Recognize avalanche-prone terrain and unsafe ice

• Conscious and good route choices are the most important thing to avoid avalanches.
• Know that avalanches can break loose in slopes that are higher than five meters, and steeper than 30 degrees.
• Even if it is flat where you walk, you can trigger an avalanche on the mountainside above you.
• An avalanche can go three times as far as the height of the overhang from which it is triggered.
• Avoid terrain traps, such as narrow stream valleys. Think about what happens if there is an avalanche.
• Be aware of the risk of cornice fractures when walking on a mountain ridge.
• Be aware of ice conditions when walking on regulated waters, and in inlet and outlet areas.

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

• Use a map and compass, it always works.
• Keep an eye on the map even when you walk on a marked route.
• The hiking experience will be richer if you follow the map along the way.
• GPS and other electronic aids are useful, but remember to bring an extra power source.

8. Turn around in time, there's no shame in turning around

• Reassess your plan on an ongoing basis, and choose plan B long before you get exhausted.
• Have conditions changed? Should you turn around?
• Is anyone in your entourage having trouble carrying out? Should the group turn around?

9. Conserve your strength and seek shelter if necessary

• Adjust your speed to the weakest in the group, and make sure that everyone in the group is with you.
• Remember to eat and drink often. When you exert yourself, your body needs more fluid than you feel the need for.
• Don't wait to seek shelter until you're exhausted.
• You get more tired from strong winds. Use the windsack, or dig into the snow in time.