Avalanches in Norway: Why an Avalanche Airbag Could Save Your Life
There's been a real rumble in the mountains lately. Over the past week, we've seen several reports of avalanches in Telemark, and unfortunately, people have been caught up in them. On Gaustatoppen, a large slide swept a person over 100 metres. It's a sobering sight that makes even an old fox like me feel the gravity of it all.
The Gaustatoppen avalanche: a close-up look at the forces at play
The incident on Gaustatoppen is a brutal reminder. I've trudged through those slopes myself, and I know how quickly the weather turns. The person caught there slid over 100 metres. Thankfully, they were alright this time, but there are so many "what ifs" in a scenario like this. What if you don't have the right gear. What if you're alone. What if the burial is too deep. That's when an avalanche airbag and avalanche probe stop being "nice to have" and become the thin line between life and death.
Why Telemark is a hotspot right now
It's no coincidence that reports of several avalanches in Vestfold and Telemark are coming thick and fast right now. Wind and fresh snow have created unstable slabs. I've spoken to local mountain guides, and they say the same thing: the danger is imminent on popular tourist routes. It's not just on the big, spectacular peaks like Mount Everest that avalanches happen. Back home, we have our own fatalities every single year, even if they don't make international headlines. We only need to remember that dark day in 2014 on Mount Everest, when a massive avalanche killed 16 Sherpas. It happened in the Khumbu Icefall, one of the most dangerous places in the world. That tragedy reminded the entire climbing community of one thing: snow doesn't care about your credentials.
- Check varsom.no before you head out the door. The avalanche risk is regional, and it changes fast.
- Avalanche airbag – invest in one. The inflation can keep you floating on top of the debris instead of being buried.
- Avalanche probe and shovel – no use in your pack if you haven't practised with them.
- Don't go alone. Most survivors are rescued by their own group within the first 15 minutes.
The small piece of kit that makes a huge difference
Let's talk specifics. An avalanche probe is a collapsible pole. After an avalanche, all you see is the surface. The victims are hidden under a metre of hard-packed snow. You poke the probe into the snow – again and again, crisscross – until you feel that soft bump against a back or a boot. It's a primitive job, but in the panic after a slide, the probe is worth its weight in gold. Together with the avalanche airbag, which stops you ending up down there in the first place, they form a complete system.
The stories we don't forget
I still remember the stories from Telemark where rescue teams spent hours searching. With every passing minute, the chance of finding someone alive drops. That's why it's so bloody important that we take this seriously. It's not about being scared; it's about being prepared. The mountains are beautiful in winter, but they're also a ruthless boss. When they decide to slide, there's no point arguing.
So before you pack your rucksack for the weekend: check your gear. Inflate your avalanche airbag at home in the living room to make sure it works. Try assembling your probe with your eyes closed. That might sound extreme, but it's in the dark, cold seconds after an avalanche that you'll need to do it. By then, it's too late to read the manual. Look out for each other up there, folks.