Plan your trip and inform others about the route you have selected

By Christian Jensen - 07.01.2026

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

“Plan your trip and inform others about the route you have selected.”

Key Points

• Plan your route according to the group’s abilities and always prepare alternatives.
• Gather information about the area, terrain and expected conditions.
• Listen to experienced outdoor people and learn from their judgment.
• Make sure you have the skills required for the trip you’re planning.
• Respect nature and plan in a way that minimizes your impact.
• Agree on communication routines that don’t rely on mobile coverage or exact timing.

My Experience With This Rule

I have spent a lot of time outdoors in all kinds of weather. Warm summer days, cold winter nights and everything in between. Every type of trip demands its own kind of preparation. It starts with knowing what to wear and how long you plan to be out. From there you build the rest of the plan: extra clothing, extra equipment, food, water and anything else that might become essential.

Good planning always includes a realistic look at the weather. Forecasts are helpful, but they are never perfect. I often check several sources and plan with a margin, not with the most optimistic scenario. Conditions can change quickly in the mountains, and it is better to be prepared for the coldest, wettest or windiest version of the day than the one the forecast promises.

You also need to be ready for the unexpected. That includes accidents, sudden weather changes or the possibility of losing your way. When you are heading into an unfamiliar area, it is smart to check mobile coverage and identify landmarks you can navigate by if needed. Marking these on a map makes it much easier to find your bearings later. It is also wise to think through alternative routes. Knowing where you can turn back or where you can seek shelter gives you more control if something changes along the way.

Talking to people who know the area can be very helpful. Locals often have insights that do not appear on maps or in guidebooks. You can ask for advice before the trip and also while you are out. It is important to remember that people judge routes based on their own abilities. Someone who is walking will see the terrain differently than someone on a bike. A trail that feels easy on foot can be demanding on a bike, and the opposite can also be true. Local knowledge is valuable, but it must be interpreted with your own experience in mind.

If you are travelling with others, it is worth taking a moment to talk through the trip before you start. Make sure everyone is prepared and capable of completing the route. Some might need more support than others, and it is better to address that before you set off than halfway through the day.

One final step is to tell someone where you are going. Share your planned route, when you expect to be back and what to do if you do not return on time. This applies even on shorter trips. It gives others a clear starting point if something goes wrong, and it is one of the simplest ways to increase your safety in the outdoors.

Good planning does not remove all risk, but it gives you the best possible foundation for a safe and enjoyable trip.