Ski touring in the Tromsø region
Lars Mathisen

Avalanche safety in the Tromsø region

The snow-covered mountains around Tromsø offer fantastic opportunities for ski touring and winter adventures, but travelling in steep, snow-covered terrain requires knowledge, careful planning and an awareness of avalanche risk.

It is important to always consider the potential avalanche danger and take appropriate safety precautions when exploring avalanche terrain. There are several guides in the Tromsø region who can help if you are inexperienced, and avalanche safety courses are also available. Please contact the Tourist Information for details.

Before heading into the mountains, always check the current avalanche forecast on Varsom.no or in the Varsom app. During the regular avalanche warning season, regional forecasts are published daily from 1 December to 31 May.

 

Check the correct avalanche forecast

Depending on where you are travelling in Troms, you may need to check different forecast regions, including Tromsø, Lyngen, Nord-Troms, Indre Troms and Sør-Troms.

Avalanche forecasts cover relatively large geographical areas and should be used as a planning tool rather than as a guarantee of conditions at a specific location. Local snow and weather conditions may differ from the regional forecast, so you must assess the conditions where you are travelling and adjust your route accordingly.

Be prepared for changing conditions

Weather and snow conditions in Norway may be different from what you are familiar with from other mountain destinations. In coastal areas, weather can change quickly and affect visibility, snow conditions and avalanche danger. Strong winds can create wind slabs and cornices, while persistent weak layers may remain in the snowpack for long periods and can also be present during spring.

Not all avalanche problems are easy to recognise. Always base your decisions on the current avalanche forecast, local observations, weather conditions, the terrain and the abilities of your group.

If you do not have the knowledge and experience required to assess avalanche terrain and changing snow conditions yourself, we recommend joining an organised activity led by a qualified guide with good local knowledge.

Plan and prepare before your trip

The Varsom app provides avalanche forecasts, field observations, topographic maps and avalanche terrain maps. Maps can also be downloaded for offline use, which is useful as mobile coverage may be limited or unavailable in the mountains.

If you are travelling in avalanche-prone terrain, you should carry appropriate avalanche rescue equipment and know how to use it. The Norwegian Mountain Code specifically recommends carrying a transceiver, probe and shovel when travelling in avalanche terrain.

Remember that carrying equipment does not make avalanche terrain safe. Choosing appropriate terrain and making good decisions before and during the trip are essential.

The Norwegian Mountain Code

The Norwegian Mountain Code provides important guidance for travelling safely in the mountains throughout the year.

• Plan your trip carefully and let someone know your intended route.

• Choose a route that matches the experience and abilities of your group and the current conditions.

• Check the weather and avalanche forecast before your trip, and continue to assess conditions along the way.

• Be prepared for sudden changes in weather and cold temperatures, even on shorter trips.

• Carry the clothing, food and safety equipment needed to take care of yourself and help others.

• Choose your terrain carefully and avoid avalanche-prone areas when conditions require it.

• Know where you are. Carry a map and compass and do not rely solely on electronic navigation.

• Be prepared to change your plans or turn around if the weather, conditions or the needs of your group change.

• Manage your energy and seek shelter before you become exhausted or conditions become too difficult.

 

For the complete Norwegian Mountain Code and further mountain safety advice, visit DNT.

In an emergency

For a search and rescue emergency in the mountains, call 112. For an acute medical emergency that does not require a search and rescue operation, call 113.

For current avalanche forecasts, observations and avalanche terrain maps, visit Varsom.no or use the Varsom app.