[5-7 |] Ski trips in Jotunheimen [5-8] The summer in Jotunheimen may be wonderful, but it is a pretty good place to visit in the winter, too. [5-9] Ski trips in the mountains require more preparation and skills than hiking, but with the right kind of equipment and use of common sense it is perfectly possible to go hut to hut in the winter. [5-10] It is also possible to stay at a hut and make day trips in the winter. [5-11]
[5-12] In this part of Jotunheimen the following trails are marked at Easter time: [5-13] Gjendesheim/Bessheim - Glitterheim, Glitterheim - Spiterstulen, Spiterstulen - Leirvassbu, Leirvassbu - Gjendebu, Gjendebu - Memurubu, Memurubu - Gjendesheim, Memurubu - Glitterheim, Bessheim - Sikkilsdalsseter, Gjendesheim - Oskampen. [5-14]
[5-15] DNT has further information. [5-16]
[5-17 |] Hiking Equipment [5-18] Mountain weather is subject to sudden change, so it is necessary to prepare for any eventuality. [5-19] Rain and wind should be expected, and even a summer day may bring snow. [5-20] So you need to carry a dry change of clothes and adequately waterproof and windproof outerwear on your mountain hikes. [5-21] You also need proper footwear. [5-22] Good boots are essential. [5-23] In the summer they are probably your most important equipment, so choose them with care. [5-24] For most of us sturdy leather boots will be the best choice, especially in the demanding terrain of Jotunheimen. [5-25] Good boots support your legs and provide the necessary traction. [5-26] They keep you reasonably dry from both outside moisture and inside perspiration, and they can be fairly lightweight. [5-27] If most of the hike will be in soggy terrain, rubber boots may be preferable for hikers with sturdy legs. [5-28] Some people use jogging shoes for hiking under any conditions, even if the trail is wet and the footing tricky. [5-29] This option may suit you if your legs are formidable and your feet thrive in dampness. [5-30] As with any other mountain gear, the choice is yours when looking for something that is right and comfortable for you. [5-31] If you need a new pair of boots for your hike, it pays to break them in a bit before takeoff. [5-32] Apart from boots it is unnecessary to invest in expensive equipment for your summer hike. [5-33] Most people already have some wool underwear, a durable shirt, a pair of hiking pants and a warm sweater. [5-34] Raingear and a windbreaker are also pretty standard clothing. [5-35] If you add a warm cap and a pair of mittens, you are in good shape for most types of weather (see also the equipment list). [5-36] DNT has tested a lot of mountain gear and can provide additional advice if needed. [5-37]
[5-38 |] List of Equipment for Summer Hikes When Staying in Huts [5-39] This list has been prepared by DNT based on long experience and knowledge of what is needed for a summer mountain hike. [5-40] In warm weather more of it will be in your pack; if it turns cold, more will be on you. [5-41]
[5-42 |] Clothing: [5-43 |] Panties/boxer shorts/briefs [5-44 |] Wool or thermal undershirt, long or short sleeve [5-45 |] Shirt or thin sweater [5-46 |] Pants or knickers, cotton or comparable material [5-47 |] Wool socks, heavy and light [5-48 |] Boots [5-49 |] In Pack or Pockets: [5-50 |] Windbreaker [5-51 |] Windproof pants [5-52 |] Cap [5-53 |] Scarf [5-54 |] Wool or fleece sweater/jacket [5-55 |] Raingear (unless windgear is adequate raingear) [5-56 |] Extra wool or thermal undershirt [5-57 |] Wool or thermal long johns [5-58 |] Light slippers [5-59 |] Light indoor clothing [5-60 |] Mittens/gloves [5-61 |] Shorts [5-62 |] Lunch food [5-63 |] Thermos [5-64 |] Map and compass [5-65 |] Map pocket, may include pencil and paper [5-66 |] Mosquito repellent [5-67 |] Toiletries [5-68 |] Towel [5-69 |] Sheet sack/liner or sleeping bag [5-70 |] First aid kit [5-71 |] Boot conditioner [5-72 |] Sunglasses [5-73 |] Sunblock [5-74 |] Emergency food (e.g. candy) [5-75 |] Matches [5-76 |] Keys (to hut, home, car) [5-77 |] DNT membership card [5-78] In an average backpack this will weigh 15-22 pounds. [5-79]
[5-80 |] When summer tenting in the mountains, you need to add: [5-81 |] Sleeping bag [5-82 |] Sleeping pad [5-83 |] Stove and fuel [5-84 |] Eating utensils [5-85 |] Food [5-86 |] Tent [5-87]
[5-88 |] Take the Children Along to the Mountains [5-89] It is fun to bring children to the mountains. [5-90] As adults we experience the mountains anew in their company. [5-91] In the beginning you may prefer to stay at a hut and hike in the vicinity. [5-92] Hut-to-hut trips may take a bit more preparation. [5-93] Some children will walk hut to hut at five, while others are ready for this at eight or nine, so parents are wise not to push children into trips they are not motivated to complete. [5-94] In the beginning trips of two to four hours may suffice, allowing for the kids to spend twice the time indicated on the map in the back of the booklet. [5-95] This should give room for frequent, lengthy breaks and plenty of time to wonder and discover things. [5-96] Children can stump anyone, so a bit of preparation is called for, such as a pocket guide to plants. [5-97] Giving a bit of advance thought to activities along the way may help motivate young legs for one more stretch. [5-98] At several hikers' huts special thought has been given to families with children. [5-99] Here you may borrow games and children's books. [5-100]
[5-101 |] Map and Compass [5-102] The maps at the back are on a scale of 1:100 000, meaning that 1 centimeter on the map equals 1 kilometer on the ground, 1 inch equals 1.6 miles. [5-103] This scale is suitable for planning and hiking on marked trails. [5-104] Off-trail it is recommended that you get a 1:50 000 scale map. [5-105] These are available for all parts of Norway. [5-106] Even though all the trails in this booklet are marked and described, map and compass should still be standard gear. [5-107] Too many hikers forget this, and time and again we see that people who carry them fail to use them properly. [5-108] In order to become good at orienteering, you need a lot of practice, which is where most hikers fall short. [5-109] They rely on the markers, not seeing the need to pay attention to the map. [5-110] Usually the hike is wonderful anyway. [5-111] But many situations may put you in serious danger if you don't know your location or the landscape around you. [5-112] It makes sense to practice your use of a map and compass as you are hiking marked trails on good days. [5-113] When the storm moves in, it will be too late. [5-114] If you lose sight of the markers - and your sense of direction - your life may depend on your ability to determine your location on the map, to stake a course using your compass, and to spot the markers again. [5-115] Those who neglect the map and compass also miss out on the hiking enjoyment that comes from getting to know a new area, learning names of peaks and other features as you wander along. [5-116] Keep an eye on the map, so that you always know where you are. [5-117]
[5-118 |] Setting a Course [5-119] When you want to set a course, do the following: [5-120]
[5-121] 1 Place the compass on the map, leaving the edge of the compass and the marching arrow to trace your direction from where you are to your destination. [5-122]
[5-123] 2 Turn the compass casing so that the guidelines at the bottom of it are parallel with the north-south lines on the map. [5-124]
[5-125] 3 Remove the compass from the map. [5-126] Keep the compass level and turn until the movable needle in the casing is parallel to the needle at the bottom. [5-127]
[5-128] 4 Your destination now lies in the direction of the marching arrow. [5-129]
[5-130 |] In Case of An Emergency [5-131] Although most hikes include no unwanted excitement, you need to know what to do if yours does. [5-132] No matter how well prepared the Norwegian rescue teams are, it is your responsibility to do what you can to avoid the need for assistance. [5-133] It is easier to act sensibly when nature puts you to the test if you are mentally prepared, and the best way to handle danger is to avoid it. [5-134]
[5-135 |] Important First Aid Rules [5-136] The same basic rules of life-saving first aid apply in the mountains as everywhere else: [5-137] Ensure an open airway. [5-138] If there is no danger of further injury, an unconscious person should be placed on the side in a stable position. [5-139] If the person is not breathing, however, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is called for; and if he has no pulse, CPR is needed. [5-140] Control severe bleeding. [5-141] Profuse, life-threatening bleeding must be halted as quickly as possible. [5-142] Use a pressure bandage or compress. [5-143] Prevent shock. [5-144] Try to calm the victim. [5-145] It may help to elevate the feet. [5-146] Wrap the person in extra clothing, sleeping bag, or blankets to prevent chilling. [5-147] Prevent infection. [5-148] Cover open wounds, preferably with sterile bandages. [5-149] Apply splints or otherwise stabilize fractures to avoid further injury during transportation. [5-150 |] Transfer. [5-151] Call for help: tel. 112 (police, rescue) or 113 (doctor, ambulance), e.g. from the staffed huts, and prepare for transportation once the victim's condition is stabilized. [5-152] Beware that cell phones are not always dependable in the mountains. [5-153]
[5-154 |] Blisters [5-155] This most common injury to hikers is easier to prevent than to cure. [5-156] Blisters usually occur where the boot grinds or presses against the foot, on the heel, the instep, or the outside of the toes. [5-157] Spots that turn red due to friction should be covered with a suitable tape or moleskin. [5-158] Spots that are continually under pressure should be padded to relieve the pressure. [5-159] If you know that you are susceptible to blisters or have boots that irritate your feet in spots, you may as well bandage these spots before you start walking. [5-160] If your boots are new, you need to be especially alert to blistering. [5-161] Once you get a fluid-filled blister, you can drain it by puncturing it with a sterilized knife, needle, or scissors. [5-162] Then you cut a compress or pad to fit around it, so you avoid additional pressure on it when you start walking again.