Pay attention to the weather and the avalanche warnings

By Christian Jensen - 21.01.2026

The Mountain Code has been part of Norwegian outdoor culture for decades. Originally created after a series of tragic mountain accidents in the 1950s and later updated by DNT and the Red Cross, the rules are designed to help everyone travel safely in the outdoors. In every season, with modern equipment, and across all types of terrain. Each rule reflects a mindset of awareness, responsibility and continuous evaluation before, during and after a trip.

The Rule

“Pay attention to the weather and the avalanche warnings.”

Key Points

• Always check weather and avalanche forecasts before your trip.
• Understand what the warnings mean for the specific terrain you’ll enter.
• Follow the advice connected to the current warning level.
• Choose simpler terrain when conditions are demanding.
• Use reliable sources such as yr.no, tv2.no/vaer and varsom.no..

My Experience With This Rule

Weather is one of those things you simply can’t control. Because of that, I’ve learned how important it is to be prepared for almost anything when heading out, including the unexpected. On longer trips in the mountains, having the ability to seek shelter is essential. A simple emergency bivy or shelter can be the difference between a comfortable break and a miserable situation.

On shorter trips close to home, I rarely bring much. What I do carry is a wind‑ and waterproof jacket that can keep me warm if something happens. But on longer mountain days, temperature regulation becomes much more important. Clothing choice matters, of course, but being able to add an extra layer when you need it feels like a small luxury.

A few days before a longer trip, I start checking the weather forecast for the period. If the forecast looks terrible, I might postpone the trip altogether. If it looks manageable, I pack according to the conditions. Sometimes I also adjust the route to stay more sheltered from wind and weather. A valley can be far more pleasant than an exposed ridge.

In winter, a new risk enters the picture: avalanches. I rarely travel in avalanche‑prone terrain, and I avoid slopes that look even slightly questionable. For me, steep terrain combined with sun or mild temperatures is a clear warning sign. And of course, I always keep an eye on the official avalanche forecast.