🏔️❄️ Ice under control: basic avalanche equipment and courses

Every year, more and more people are getting hooked on ski touring and freeriding in Norway. The incredible popularity of backcountry skiing is driving a surge in avalanche activity, making every adventure more thrilling than the last! Venture beyond the marked trails and discover a whole new world of adventure! Just make sure you have the basic avalanche safety skills and reliable equipment to make your journey extra special.

This article is a must-read for anyone planning to hit the slopes in Norway. You'll discover all the essential equipment you need to kit yourself out for the slopes, as well as the incredible benefits of signing up for an avalanche course. Plus, you'll find out where to find the most up-to-date information about the avalanche situation in Norway.

I'm so excited to tell you about this!

🚩 Why is avalanche safety important in Norway?

Norway is famous for its magnificent mountains, but their climate and terrain contribute to rapidly changing snow conditions. Due to the proximity of the ocean, snow is often unstable. This requires special preparation and constant attention to conditions.

📌 UKClimbing forum:
"Avalanches in Norway are not uncommon, even on popular routes. Study the forecasts on Varsom no and always carry a safety kit."

🎒 Minimum avalanche safety equipment:

Everyone who goes into the backcountry must carry three essential items:

1️⃣ Avalanche transceiver (beacon, transceiver)

● The main element for searching for victims.

● Price: from 2000 NOK.

● Tip: practise using it regularly, otherwise it will be useless in a critical situation.

2️⃣ Probe

● Helps to accurately determine the position of a person under the snow.

● Length: minimum 240–320 cm.

● Price: from 500 NOK.

3️⃣ Avalanche shovel

● Used to dig out victims. Aluminium shovels are recommended.

● Price: from 400 NOK.

🎯 Additional (if possible):

● Avalanche backpack with ABS (airbag) system.

● Helmet (mandatory for ski touring).

● First aid kit, rescue blanket and thermos with hot drink.

📚 Where and why take avalanche courses?

Even the best equipment is useless if you don't know how to use it. Avalanche training is essential for anyone planning to venture beyond the prepared trails.

Popular avalanche courses in Norway:

● Nortind (Norwegian Mountain Guides Association)
Level 1 and 2 courses available throughout the country.
nortind.no

● Fri Flyt Avalanche Course
One of the most reputable courses among skiers.
friflyt.no

● Hemsedal Ski Touring & Avalanche Courses
Ideal for tourists in Hemsedal, courses available in English.
hemsedal.com

📌 UKClimbing:

"Take at least the basic two-day course and you'll understand how important it is. The courses give you confidence and skills that save lives!"

🌨️ Varsom.no — your main helper

Varsom.no is the official resource for up-to-date information on avalanche conditions throughout Norway.

What can you find on Varsom?

● Daily avalanche danger forecasts.

● Descriptions of snow conditions and recommendations for safe routes.

● The option to download the official mobile app.

🎯 Tip:
Always check the forecast on Varsom immediately before setting out on your route.

📱 Other useful resources for monitoring avalanche conditions

● Yr.no: weather and snowfall warnings.

● UT.no: maps of the area with marked slopes and popular routes.

● UKClimbing.com: active discussions and advice from experienced backcountry skiers.

🚨 Tips from UKClimbing discussions and safety professionals

Experienced skiers regularly share recommendations on the UKClimbing forum:

● Never go out on a route alone.

● Develop an evacuation plan in advance in case of an emergency.

● Inform your family or hotel management of your route and estimated time of return.

● Practise using avalanche equipment regularly.

📸 Photogenic and dangerous: popular high-risk routes

Some routes look beautiful and attractive, but often pose hidden dangers. Among the most discussed on UKClimbing forums are:

● Sogndal and the surrounding area offer excellent conditions for photography, but the risk of avalanches is often very high.

● Rauland and Røldal — lots of steep slopes that require caution.
● Lofoten and Lyngen Alps — incredible views, but extremely changeable avalanche conditions.

📝 Safety checklist for ski touring and freeriding

● Take at least a basic avalanche course.

● Always check the current forecast at Varsom.no.

● Have a full set of equipment and know how to use it.

● Ski in a group and inform your friends and family of your route.

● Practise your snow rescue skills regularly.

Backcountry skiing offers unique thrills and true freedom. Avalanche safety is so important, and it's something we really want to get right! Get excited about planning your approach and choosing the right equipment! This is the key to making your experience unforgettable and keeping it safe and exciting!

Have you been ski touring in Norway? Have you taken avalanche safety courses? We would absolutely love to hear your tips, reviews and useful links, so please share them in the comments! We'd absolutely love to hear about the resources that helped you prepare for your trip!

We can't wait to include the best tips and links from our readers in future articles in our Norway catalogue!