❄️ Avalanches and winter for non-specialists: how to read warnings and avoid heroics 🏔️

Levels 1–5: what this means for "non-experts" (without heroism)

The avalanche danger system is the same across Europe: levels 1–5, where 1 is low and 5 is very high. This is not about "how cool you can ski," but about the probability of a slide and the size of avalanches in avalanche terrain (usually slopes steeper than 30°). For beginners, the main conclusion is that level 3 is already "serious," and 4–5 means "don't go there at all."

• 1 — Low. Snow cover is generally stable; problems are isolated and occur in "extreme" terrain. Don't forget about "pockets" and overhanging cornices

● 2 — Moderate. There are dangerous areas, but they are not widespread. For non-experts, avoid slopes >30° and stick to "low-angle" terrain. Most accidents occur at levels 2–3.

● 3 — Significant. Avalanches are likely even with small loads on many steep slopes. Beginners and anyone who is sensible should avoid avalanche terrain. Choose well-lit/urban alternatives.

● 4 — High. Snow cover is poorly bonded on most steep slopes; many natural slides. No amateur excursions into avalanche terrain.

● 5 — Very high. The snowpack is generally unstable. Stay away not only from slopes, but also from avalanche paths (valleys, couloirs, mouths).

The rule of sober judgement: "Each step on the scale represents a multiple increase in risk; 2–3 are the most dangerous levels." This is formulated by Varsom himself in his memo.

How to read the regional map and the summary

Where to look. Official daily warnings are published every day by 16:00 from 1 December to 31 May. During the "shoulder season" (20 October to 30 November and 1 to 20 June), only high-level warnings are issued. The 2-day summary includes the danger level, the main message, avalanche problems and the weather forecast for the mountains; the regional map shows where the assessment applies. Please note that some detailed sections are only available in Norwegian.

How it works.

1. Select your region on the map, e.g. Lofoten og Vesterålen, Tromsø, Romsdal. Keep in mind that the regions are large and local conditions may vary/
2. Read the "Main message" — this is the summary for the day.
3. Check out "Avalanche problems" — the types of problems (wind slabs, weak layers, wet/sliding avalanches, etc.) tell you what to avoid.
4. Check the weather in the mountains (wind/precipitation/temperature), which is also included in the summary.
5. Open the slope maps (>30°) and runout maps in the Varsom app — this helps you understand where avalanches are possible and how far they can travel/
   

Visibility/communication: minimum "digital protocol"

● Varsom (app): offline terrain maps, slope maps and runout zones, warnings and eyewitness reports (Regobs). Download the maps in advance.

● UT.no: DNT trails and huts; save offline maps as a backup for navigation.

● Hjelp 113: all emergency numbers in one place, coordinates and the nearest AED — useful if you need help.

Publication dates. Varsom provides daily regional summaries from 1 December to 31 May; less frequently during the off-season, depending on the alert level. The summary is published by 4 p.m., but may be updated earlier if the alert level is 4 or 5.

Plan B: lit loops and city trails

If the report or the situation on the ground indicates that skiing is not possible today, do not cancel your trip — change your plans:

● Lighted ski trails (lys­løyper) and wide forest roads within the city/suburbs.

● Flat city trails without avalanche terrain.

● Low-angle DNT routes (keep the slope < 30°); the network covers tens of thousands of kilometres of hiking trails and ~7,000 km of ski trails.

Three "sensitive" regions — how to read and what to consider

● Lofoten Islands. Maritime climate: high precipitation, rapid changes, cornices; even in spring, weak layers are possible. Plan conservative lines and keep in mind that help may take a long time to arrive.

● Tromsø. The region is divided into five neighbouring bulletins (Tromsø, Lyngen, Nord-, Indre- and Sør-Troms). Check your specific area — it may differ in terms of level.

● Romsdal. A classic avalanche region on western slopes; if the level is high, avoid not only steep slopes but also runouts along roads and valleys — use the runout zone map in Varsom for guidance.

This overview does not replace instruction/legal/medical advice. Check local rules/warnings before departure.

Found an inaccuracy or need a local edit? Write to us and we will update the material.