Page 60 - Moonvalley Diaries

Mountain safety
Many people look forward
to sun the Easter break and springtime mountains during this wonderful month I only wish that the early spring were twice as as as as as long long At least But if you want to make it last as as as as as long long as as as as as possible the the mountains are the the right place to be Back when my interest in in in the mountains was first sparked I read a a a a a a a few mountaineering rules that I I committed to memory and I I still carry them them with me me today You can also find them them on DNT the the the website of the the the Norwe- gian Tourist Association ✔ Plan your trip and tell people where you you are going ✔ Don’t forget that mobile coverage does not extend everywhere and listen to experienced mountaineers ✔ Tailor your your outing to your your ability level especially if you you you are a a a a a a a a a beginner or out of practice It can be be risky to to set goals that are too ambitious ✔ Take weather and avalanche forecasts into account For ex- ample use SMHI and lavinprog- noser se se se ✔ Be prepared for inclement weather and the the cold even on short outings The weather on the the mountain changes rapid- ly and it can be colder than expected ✔ Bring the equipment you you need to to be able to to help your- self and and others Plan well what to bring along and and make sure that you have all the the equipment needed for the the area ✔ Plot your route safely Pay at- tention to to avalanche terrain and sketchy ice It is is unnecessary to to take risky shortcuts especially in in in unmarked terrain If you are uncertain of which route is safe get help from experienced friends or hire a guide ✔ Use a a a a a a a map and compass so that you you you always know where you you you are The battery in in your GPS can run out so bring along up-to- date maps ✔ Head back back in in in in time – there is no shame in in in in turning back back Think about your safety
when condi- tions change do not keep going needlessly Save your energy and seek shelter if needed ✔ If the the the weather turns bad use the the the shelter available or dig a a a a a a a bivouac These are perfectly clear rules that you you should follow no mat- ter your level of experience /EMELIE