Spring in Norway is high season for magnificent mountain ski tours. Little can match a downhill run in white powdered mountain slopes under blue skies, and you will find many of those in Jotunheimen and bordering areas of Valdres. At the same time, it is important to be aware that the avalanche danger now is higher than normal. In cooperation with the Red Cross Valdres we have gathered the following advice for those heading into the mountains for ski touring this spring:
Avalanche Danger Forecast
The Norwegian Avalanche Warning Service issues daily avalanche forecasts on http://www.varsom.no/en/ during the winter season. Get the forecast and consider the avalanche problems when choosing when and where to travel. Valdres is included in the Jotunheimen forecast.
Avalanche prone areas
Bear in mind that under special snow and weather conditions avalanches can happen in unlikely places and in slopes with less than 30 degrees inclination. Avoid avalanche outflow zones and terrain traps.
Avalanche safety gear
Wear a transceiver (but know that if you get caught and buried rescue teams most probably will not be able to get to you in time). Consider bringing shovel and probe, to be able to help others.
Telephone
Please bear in mind that your telephone might be out of connection in the mountains and therefore your position may not be precisely traceable by the police during searches. Your phone should not be your only safety and communication device.
Make your own decisions
Don’t trust other people’s older tracks. Always make your own decisions about the choice of route and whether to continue. Make sure that your knowledge and skills match the tour you've planned and remember that it is no shame to turn around!
Avalanche rescue courses and guided tours
We recommend joining professionally guided tours if you are not familiar with the surroundings and are uncertain about your knowledge and skills to set out on your own. There are several providers in Valdres, i.e. Beitostølen Aktiv & Skiskole and Tyin Aktiv. The latter also arranges avalanche rescue courses.
Leave a message
Tell somebody where you plan to go, when you’re supposed to be back and stick to that plan. Be sure to check with them when you’re back to avoid unnecessary search operations.
You can find inspiration about where to go mountain skiing in Valdres here.
Have a safe trip!
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