When avalanche safety becomes part of daily operations
Last winter, Uteguiden introduced in-house avalanche forecasting for the Sunnmøre region. As one of the largest and most active guiding companies in the area, we believe that avalanche safety must be handled in an operational, systematic, and professional way — fully integrated into daily guiding decisions.
Our avalanche safety work goes far beyond standard planning. It is a continuous process that involves our entire guiding team, every single day.
Daily avalanche forecasting
Each evening before guiding operations, we hold a mandatory guide meeting for all guides heading out the following day. During this meeting, we:
- Present Uteguiden’s avalanche forecast for the Sunnmøre region
- Establish a shared strategic mindset for the day (an industry-standard approach to avalanche risk management)
- Review a run list showing which tours are open and which are closed
This ensures that all guides operate with a shared understanding of conditions, risk levels, and acceptable terrain.
Structured pre-trip planning
Before heading out, every guide completes a pre-trip plan outlining the objectives for the day, expected conditions, and key safety considerations. This promotes deliberate decision-making and reinforces responsibility at the individual guide level.
Systematic post-trip reporting
After returning from the field, guides submit detailed trip reports covering amongst more:
- Observed snowpack and weather conditions
- Avalanche activity and danger signs
- Differences between expected and observed conditions
These reports are a critical input for our avalanche forecaster and directly influence the forecast and operational strategy for the following day.
Recognised leadership in avalanche safety
Uteguiden’s approach represents a high operational standard that is still uncommon in the Norwegian guiding industry. Only a very small number of operators work with in-house avalanche forecasting combined with daily briefings, structured planning, and systematic feedback loops.
In recognition of this work, Oscar Almgren from Uteguiden presented our operational avalanche safety model at a national avalanche conference in Norway this autumn, sharing our methods and experiences with professionals from across the country.
At Uteguiden, we see this approach as a responsibility — to our guests, our guides, and the mountains we operate in. Our goal is to deliver world-class guiding built on the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and continuous learning.
