A recent comment about lost hikers failing to just turn back and retrace their steps made me thinking: That's in our mountain code! Some things are just to blatant obvious to see - and I failed to see how the Norwegian moutain code is highly relevant to this forum.


The easter of 1967, 18 people died in the Norwegian mountains after nice weather turned very rough very quickly. Most or all of these fatalities could easily have been avoided with better equipment and skills. A commity of voluntarily organizations came up with the idea of the mountain code, which are 9 bullet points of common sense and safe practice in arctic conditions. The Norwegian name for this (fjellvettreglene) litteraly means "the rules of mountain common sense".


These rules are repeated at Norwegian public radio (since 1969) and Norwegian television (since 1972) each winter, in particular around easter. This translation and the comments is cortesy of http://everything2.com/title/The+Mountain+Code


# 1. Do not plan a long trip without training

Do not underestimate what it takes to go far into the mountains. You should be used to skiing with a rucksack in deep snow before doing it far away from people. Make training trips in bad weather to see how it is, before trying the real thing.

# 2. Tell people where you're going

If you get lost, it is important that people know WHERE and WHEN you got lost. Tell people when you expect to be back, and what route you are planning to take. This will give search crews important clues to find you. Many Norwegian tourist cabins in the mountains have special boxes where you can leave a written note about where you are heading. Use them.

# 3. Show respect for the weather forcast

Do not go into the mountains if you have reason to suspect a storm is brewing. Don't underestimate the effect of fog, wind and heavy snow on your ability to find your way. Still, don't trust a good weather forcast. Always prepare for bad weather. Remember that local variations won't be covered in the forcast.

# 4. Be prepared against bad weather and cold, even on short trips

Always bring equipment for cold weather, an extra jumper, a good weather-proof jacket (an anorak is worth gold). Wear wind-proof mittens and a warm hat. Put this equipment on early enough! It is of no use in your rucksack. Bring a small shovel. (See 3 and 9).


# 5. Listen to experienced mountaineers

People who are more experienced than you are well worth taking advice from. Local people will know about special conditions, like danger of avalanches and local wind and snow conditions. They may help you find a safe route to take.


# 6. Use a map and a compass

Always bring map and compass, and learn how to use them. Study the map before leaving, so you know where you are going and how to get there. Pay attention to where you will end up if you miss your target, and in what direction you can find help (in case of emergencies, aim for "long" features like a road, things that will be easy to find). Know where you are at all times when the weather is clear. If a sudden fog turns up, it can be hard to determine where you are. Keep the map in a map case around your neck to protect it from moisture and wind. In a fog, the last thing you want to do is lose your map to the wind.


# 7. Do not go alone

Your main help in an emergency is your travelling companions. If something happens, you want to have people around you, people who can go for help, people to perform first aid, etc. Choose your companions with care - a large group where no one knows anything about mountains or first aid will not be useful.

# 8. Turn around in time, there is no shame in returning
Don't lose your life on pride. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, turn around. It's not worth it. Remember that other people may risk their lives trying to rescue you if you get lost. If you choose to change your plans, remember to tell anyone that might be expecting you at your original destination. If you don't have a partcular destination, it is a good idea to start the trip going against the wind. That way, it's easier to go home than out.

# 9. Save your strength, dig yourself into the snow if necessary

Save your strength, don't go too fast. You should not get sweaty (we're now talking about long treks in the mountain, not running on skis as a sport...). The people in front should often turn around to check on the rest of the company - it is difficult to even shouting through wind and layers of clothing. Remember to eat and drink. If you can't find your way, you may be forced to lie down to preserve your strength. Getting out of the wind is important if you want to survive the cold. This is when the shovel comes in handy. Don't hesitate to dig a hole in the snow or a small snow cave while you still have strength left. This is something that should be practiced before going into the mountains.


Nothing revolutionary here... just plain, good old preparedness advice, of the excellent (but tragic!) 1967 vintage. These advices are more important than ever because of the increased number of cabins and other infrastructure that gives much faster and easier access to desolate terrain - I live in what's a major city by Norwegian standards, and I get to high arctic conditions less than 2 hours by car. A significant fraction of the people venturing into the mountains have no experience whatsoever except doing high intensity Nordic skiing. Clothing made for high intensity activity is grossly inadequate when weather turns bad in mountain terrain.


Many of you will notice the absence of PLB and GPS. PLBs are a great idea, but will not save you in a storm. If you think otherwise you fail to realize the severity of such conditions: Chopters can fly in a storm - but can't do ANYTHING: Can't find you, can't help you. Moving on the ground is extremely challenging, very slow and high risk. If you push that magic button in a storm you still have to take care of yourself untill the weather improves. Thus rule #9, which has saved many lives.

GPS has saved many lives (and avoided trouble for many, many more), but you still need that map+compass training. It's not optional or obsolete, but a basic life saving skill.

The only rule I'm willing to break is #7 (don't go alone), but not without serious consideration and preparations. If you choose to deliberately break a safety rule you'd better make sure you know what you're doing.