Norway wants to stop importing avalanche accidents

Since 2008, 50% of ski-touring avalanche fatalities have been from visiting ski tourists (NVE), especially in Northern Norway.

Since 2008, around half of ski/snowboard avalanche fatalities here in Norway have been from foreign tourists visiting on a ski touring trip (NVE).
In the past few decades, Northern Norway has become one of Europe’s most popular destinations for late-season ski touring - and for good reasons. It offers spectacular landscapes, long days, winter conditions from sea-to-summit, and a huge variety of terrain to choose from between Senja and Lyngen. But these winter conditions from March to May that make Norway so attractive also mean that avalanche problems are still active even when they may have melted or settled in mountain ranges in other parts of the world. To help foreign travelers on their way to Norway best prepare for a safe trip to the North, we checked in with local mountain guides, Lena Dahl, Merrick Johnston, and Finn Hovem to get some tips on preparing to evaluate avalanche risk in the north and otherwise make the most out of a ski touring trip to Norway.

Topic: Avalanche Hazards

Lena:

Spring ≠ "safe" avalanche conditions in Northern Norway
Winter storms and persistent weak layers can continue into May. Track weather and avalanche forecasts (varsom.no) ahead of arrival to best understand conditions you can expect, and read the forecast every day before skiing.
Varsom - Norwegain Avalanche Forecasting Service

Finn:

Our weather and snowpack is quite dynamic in Northern Norway.
I generally don’t trust the long-term forecast for more than 36 hours in advance - especially if there is a low-pressure system out at sea.
YR - Norwegian Weather Service

Merrick:

Microclimates in our ranges often cause varied stability over short distances
Forecasts are only a starting point; field assessments are essential to fully assess local stability where you are hoping to ski.

Finn:

Leave your biases from your home snow climate at home and analyze the current conditions for what they are.
Finding good snow can be tricky as we transition back and forwards between wet and dry snow surfaces several time in the spring.

Topic: Field Behavior

Merrick:

If you feel confident that you can manage stepping into steep terrain, take measures to minimize exposure
Space out while skinning. Ski one at a time from safe zone to safe zone. Watch for how other groups’ movements may increase your risk (and vice versa).

Lena:

No guarantee you’ll have cell service in remote mountains
Bring a satellite communication device in case of emergency, avalanche related or not. Program "112" as the local emergency number in your device.

Finn:

If you have an avalanche incident, please notify the police, even if you are okay and don't need rescue.
You won’t get in trouble, but as a society Norwegians are very interested in saving lives and it is very likely that a rescue helicopter has been called out by someone else to make sure no one is buried.

Finn:

“Regobs” is a valuable resource to see the data that is going into the avalanche forecast.
Consider sharing your findings with the avalanche forecast there.
Regobs - Avalanche Observation Log

Topic: Other noteworthy tips

Lena:

Carry on or check a separate duffel for essential clothing
Skis are unfortunately often delayed on multi-leg international flights to Tromsø. Skis/boards are rentable; clothes/boots are harder to rent or borrow.

Finn:

Please don’t park like an asshole
We do have a right to roam in Norway - but just because you feel like you are at the end of the world for a week doesn’t mean that the same landowners who live near popular mountains don’t get tired of visiting skiers parking like assholes just to avoid an extra 5 minutes of approach. Be considerate and polite to the locals.

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