Winter skiing tracks in the mountains are are staked, with temporary tree branches or poles stuck in the snow or with permanent rods driven into the ground, often marked with red bands.
As branches historically were the first markings used, these on-snow routes are called kvisteruter, literally "branch-marked routes" in Norwegian.
On ut.no/kart you will find an overview of the marked ski trails. The knotted trails are easy to distinguish by having a dotted blue line. These are trails that are only marked for parts of the winter (seasonally marked) and usually unprepared, for example DNT's winter routes/twig trails in the mountains from Trøndelag and southwards.
DNT has previously made a paper map or a pdf file with an overview of marked trails. We have now moved away from this because we want as fresh data as possible, and we get this by using UT.no.
Are you wondering what the conditions are like in the mountains right now? Our weather forecasts describe the conditions in selected mountain and hiking areas.
Always keep an eye on the map
Make it a habit to keep an eye on the map along the way so you always know where you are.
Although the marked winter routes are often a safe choice of route in the winter mountains, you cannot always rely on the markings. Twigs may have been blown down, nibbled up and eaten by reindeer, or the weather may mean that you cannot follow the markings. The twigs are no substitute for a map and compass, so always keep an eye on the map when you walk, so that you know where you are at all times.
There are many hiking maps that are adapted to different mountain areas and have the winter routes drawn. The Norway series 1:50,000 from Nordeca covers the whole country. If you use GPS, you must bring a paper map and compass anyway.
Do you need a map for the trip? In our online store you can buy hiking equipment and maps at a member price.
The weather in the winter mountains changes quickly
Skiing in the mountains offers great nature experiences, but requires knowledge from those who travel there. The weather changes can come suddenly, but if you are prepared and have the equipment and expertise required, there are many good experiences waiting for you!
