The Mountain Safety Rules are simple guidelines that can help make your trip in the mountains safer and more enjoyable. The rules were updated in 2016 to better adapt to modern outdoor life. The Mountain Safety Rules are a planning tool that can make the difference between life and death.

Mountain safety rules

1. Plan your trip and report where you are going.
2. Adapt the tour to your ability and conditions.
3. Pay attention to weather and avalanche warnings.
4. Be prepared for bad weather and cold, even on short trips.
5. Bring the necessary equipment to help yourself and others.
6. Take safe route choices. Recognize avalanche-prone terrain and unsafe ice.
7. Use a map and compass. Always know where you are.
8. Turn around in time, there is no shame in turning around.
9. Save your strength and seek shelter if necessary.

1. Plan your trip and report where you are going.

• Plan the trip according to the group's abilities, and always have several options.
• Make sure you have information about the hiking area and the conditions you will be hiking in. Listen to experienced mountaineers.
• Make sure you have the knowledge and skills required for the particular trip.
• Be considerate of nature. With good planning, you won't leave a trace behind.
• Make appointments regardless of the need for mobile coverage and precise times.

2. Adapt the trip to your ability and conditions.

• Make ongoing assessments of conditions and adjust your plans accordingly.
• Show respect for the weather!
• Being on a trip with others provides increased safety, and someone to share the experiences with. If you are on a trip alone, be extra careful.
• Don't set out on a long trip without experience, you must be able to take care of yourself and the others in the group.
• Show consideration for other hikers.
• Know the rights of all and the responsibilities that come with it. Ensure that the hiking group has a culture of open and direct communication.

3. Pay attention to weather and avalanche warnings.

• Always use weather and avalanche warnings, and familiarize yourself with what this means for you in the area you will be traveling to.
• Use the advice associated with the current warning, and choose easy terrain when conditions are demanding.
• The storm warnings can be found here: yr.no , storm.no and varsom.no .

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

• Dress according to the weather and conditions. Remember that the weather changes quickly in the mountains.
• Bring extra clothes and the equipment that the trip and terrain require.
• Extra food and drink can help both you and others if you take longer than planned or have to wait for help.

5. Bring the necessary equipment to help yourself and others.

• On a winter trip, you need a wind sack, a mat, a sleeping bag and a shovel to survive a night out. A wind sack can save lives.
• Bring something with you, such as a reflective vest or headlamp, that will make you easier to find in the event of an accident.
• Bring a first aid kit. This will allow you to help both yourself and others.
• Always use a transmitter/receiver, and bring a search rod and shovel if you are traveling in avalanche-prone terrain.
• Pack smart! Packing lists for various trips can be found at dnt.no.
• A mobile phone can be a useful tool, but remember that you cannot rely on it in all situations or areas.
• If the accident is out of the question, notify the police on 112, go for help or try to notify in another way.

6. Make safe route choices. Recognize avalanche-prone terrain and unsafe ice.

• Conscious and good route choices are the most important thing to avoid avalanches.
• Be aware that avalanches can occur on slopes that are higher than five meters and steeper than 30 degrees.
• Even if it is flat where you are walking, you can trigger avalanches on the mountainside above you.
• An avalanche can travel three times as far as the height of the slope from which it is triggered.
• Avoid terrain traps, such as narrow stream valleys. Think about what will happen if there is a landslide.
• Be aware of the risk of shin splints when walking on a mountain ridge.
• Be aware of ice conditions when walking on regulated waters, and in inlet and outlet areas.

7. Use a map and compass. Always know where you are.

• Use a map and compass, it always works.
• Also follow the map when you walk on the marked route.
• The hiking experience will be richer if you follow the map along the way.
• GPS and other electronic aids are useful, but remember to bring an extra power source.

8. Turn around in time – there is no shame in turning around.

• Reevaluate your plan continuously, and choose plan B long before you become exhausted.
• Have conditions changed? Should you turn around?
• Is anyone in the group having trouble executing? Should the group turn around?

9. Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary.

• Adjust your speed to the weakest person in the group, and make sure everyone in the group is involved.
• Remember to eat and drink often. When you exert yourself, your body needs more fluids than you feel you need.
• Don't wait to seek shelter until you are exhausted.
• You will be more tired in strong winds. Use the wind bag, or dig yourself into the snow in time.

The new rules give more responsibility to the individual and move the mountain etiquette from the backpack to the head. With more focus on training and reflection in relation to your own and others' safety. In addition, the planning phase is more emphasized. The mountain etiquette rules help you plan and carry out a fantastic trip - which is also safe.

The rules are taken from the Red Cross .