Item: A ROUTING ALGORITHM FOR SKI TOURING IN NORWAY
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Title: A ROUTING ALGORITHM FOR SKI TOURING IN NORWAY
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Peder Undheim [ The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, Oslo, Norway ] [ Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway ]
- Jan Ketil Rød [ Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway ]
- Håvard B. Toft [ The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, Oslo, Norway ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: An increasing number of Norwegians engage in ski touring in winter mountains. With growing traffic in avalanche terrain, there is a need for tools that can support safer travel and help reduce avalanche accidents. In the Alps, Skitourenguru uses terrain data to automatically generate routes between two locations. Inspired by this approach, this study investigates how a similar routing algorithm can be adapted to Norwegian conditions. An important challenge in developing such tools is the risk of unintended negative effects. While routing algorithms aim to support better decisions, they may also encourage uncritical reliance on suggested routes or create a false sense of safety. By simplifying complex decision-making processes, they can reduce users' active engagement and understanding of avalanche terrain. This study therefore emphasizes the design of a tool that supports rather than replaces user judgment. The algorithm is based on a raster cost surface representing avalanche exposure and terrain preferences for ski touring, derived from parameters such as slope angle, potential release areas, trails, and forest cover. Routing is performed using least-cost path analysis, and the study explores the use of track data to better reflect realistic travel patterns. To avoid overly prescriptive guidance, particular emphasis is placed on how results are presented, introducing a route corridor that represents a range of near-optimal routes rather than a single path. This approach aims to support flexible route planning while maintaining active user involvement. A user interface has been developed to enable intuitive interaction and allow user-defined routing preferences. The algorithm has been tested across six study areas in Norway representing diverse terrain types and touring contexts. Results show that the generated routes generally correspond well with expert-defined routes, while also revealing limitations in certain terrain settings, particularly in steep and complex mountain terrain. The study highlights both the potential and limitations of automated routing approaches, and underscores the importance of designing decision-support tools that maintain user engagement and critical thinking in avalanche terrain.
Object ID: ISSW2026_FS2.2.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790098410
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Peder Undheim
Keywords: routefinding, GIS, terrain, ski touring, decision making
Page Number(s): 1062 - 1068
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