Safety first

Completing the White or Green Ribbon means exposing yourself to the whims of nature, which can be both a physical and mental challenge. Hoping for the best while preparing for the worst is therefore a good philosophy. Below are some points to keep in mind that can make your Ribbon journey both more enjoyable and safer.

Prepare yourself

When you start planning your trip, think through your own skills and experience and identify any potential risks and hazards that may arise along the way – and how you would act if something happens. Prepare yourself so that you feel confident, and practice in advance anything you feel unsure about. It’s also a good idea to do test trips before your Ribbon.

Equipment

Think carefully about what your equipment is actually capable of and make sure that what you pack is truly functional and suitable for a mountain environment. Above all, you need to be able to handle and feel confident with the equipment you bring, already before you set off on your Ribbon.

ICE contact

Add an ICE contact (In Case of Emergency) to your mobile phone (and shortly also on your personal page). This can be extremely valuable if something were to happen. Knowing that someone can be contacted quickly helps you, your loved ones (and us) feel more secure.

If an accident would happen

If something happens to you during your trip, or if your relatives/your ICE contact suspect that something has happened, call 112 and request Mountain Rescue. If your ICE contact is unsure about what has happened, it is better to speak with the police and let them decide whether action should be taken or whether to wait. Even though there is a good safety net in both Sweden and Norway, weather conditions and distances can mean that it takes time before mountain rescue arrives – so do not wait too long to make contact or raise the alarm. Satellite devices with two-way communication make this easier.

Please note that Fjällfararnas White & Green Ribbon does not assume any responsibility for your safety, but will of course assist with advice and contacts as far as possible.

By keeping these things in mind, you ensure that your Ribbon journey becomes exactly as amazing as it can be, with experiences, adventure, and safety in focus! At the Swedish Mountain Safety Council (Fjällsäkerhetsrådet), you can find even more useful information on how to prepare.

Satellite device – Also for safety

When completing one of the Ribbons, a satellite device with an emergency beacon is required, as help can sometimes be far away and mobile coverage is limited. Which provider or model you choose is entirely up to you.

We recommend a satellite device with two-way communication so that you can both send and receive messages.

To make things easier and your adventure as safe as possible, we have chosen to cooperate with Fjällcom Satellite SOS. Fjällcom has many years of experience and provides reliable, friendly, and professional service based in Sweden. Through this collaboration, we can offer the highest level of safety at the best value.

Fjällcom offers a discount on the rental of Garmin or Zoleo satellite devices for Ribbon participants.  You’ll find your discount code in the Cardskipper app.

BOOK HERE »

Satellite devices  may sometimes be available for purchase or rental from previous Ribbon participants. Feel free to ask in the Facebook group!

Tracking your route

We strongly recommend that you use some form of trip-tracking system during your Band journey, and an emergency beacon is mandatory anyway. This way, you can get help quickly if needed, contributing to an even safer experience.

If you want others to be able to follow your progress, enter the link on your personal page (which you gain access to when you register). Depending on which satellite device you have, the link is set up in different ways:

• Garmin InReach rented from Fjällcom Satellite SOS: click GET URL on your personal page and the link will be transferred to us automatically.
• Your own Garmin InReach: go HERE.
• Your own Spot:  go HERE.
• PLB device: it is not possible to link to it, since it is only active in an emergency. Indicate on your profile page that this is the type you are using.