Avalanche danger
Avalanches also occur in the Swedish mountains. The marked trails are designed to avoid avalanche-prone areas. If you venture off the trails, go on a summit tour, or are in steeper terrain, you should be extra vigilant.
Tips to avoid avalanche-prone areas
- The mountain sides in the lee are always more dangerous than the wind-exposed mountain sides. Snow accumulates on the leeward side, and where a slope drops away after a crest, cornices often form. Such a cornice is a risk in itself if it breaks off, but it can also trigger an avalanche due to its weight. Never go under or on top of such a cornice.
- The greatest risk for avalanches is in slopes where snow accumulates (leeward side) and has a gradient of 25 degrees or more.
- Avalanche risk increases with rapid temperature changes, heavy snowfall, and strong winds. Layers form in the snow, one of which may become a slip layer, on which the overlying snow layers can slide away on.
- Do not climb up or ski in the middle of large snowfields; instead, follow mountain ridges, rocky terrain, and spurs.
- Daily avalanche forecasts are published on lavinprognoser.se.
- You can also find up-to-date avalanche risk assessments at snorapporten.se/lavinskala.
Discover more
Which peaks are the highest? What should I keep in mind if I encounter reindeer? What is it like to stay at a mountain station?
Learn about avalanches, find out how to best prevent injuries, or read about how to safely ford rivers during your hike.
The Swedish mountain range stretches from Treriksröset in the north to Dalarna in the south. Here, breathtaking landscapes and hundreds of miles of marked hiking trails await.
