# Convoy driving: plan your winter mountain journey

Check whether the mountain road is open, understand convoy driving and pack your vehicle. A simple guide to waiting, closures and safe mountain travel.

Canonical: https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/kolonnekjoring-fjellovergang-vinter
Language: en
Publisher: SamfunnPrep
Author: Hlib Suslov
Published: 2026-10-05T16:12:12.074+00:00
Modified: 2026-10-06T12:10:41.717711+00:00
AI use policy: https://samfunnprep.no/ai-policy.txt

## Key takeaways

- Check the road before leaving Use Vegvesen trafikk and check the relevant section again before driving into the mountains.
- Pack for waiting Have a full tank or fully charged battery, warm clothes, food, a hot drink and the recommended equipment available.
- Follow the crew’s instructions Do not pass a closed barrier, drive out of the convoy or move away from your vehicle when the convoy stops.

Convoy driving means following a guided group of vehicles across an exposed road section. Check the road status before leaving. Have enough fuel or charge, warm clothes and food. Follow the crew's instructions, and never drive past a closed barrier.

## What does convoy driving in the mountains mean?

**Convoy driving is organised travel when it is unsafe to drive alone.** A snowplough or escort vehicle drives at the front and rear of the group. The crews stay in contact and keep track of the vehicles.

The system is used in conditions such as strong winds and drifting snow. Drifting snow means wind blows snow across the road. Visibility can become poor even when the weather seems calm where you start.

**Statens vegvesen**, the agency responsible for national roads among other tasks, explains the system on its page about [mountain passes](https://www.vegvesen.no/trafikkinformasjon/vei-og-skilt/drift-og-vedlikehold-av-vei/fjelloverganger/). This guide's advice was checked on **4 October 2026**.

It helps to prepare this part of your journey before winter. SamfunnPrep's guide to [winter tyres in Norway](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/vinterdekk-norge) explains the tyre requirements. Good tyres alone do not mean the mountain pass is open.

## How do you check whether the road is open?

**Check the relevant road section in Vegvesen trafikk before leaving and before driving into the mountains.** Use the website or app, and read the latest message about your road.

[Vegvesen trafikk](https://www.vegvesen.no/trafikk) provides traffic messages and information about mountain passes. Vegvesen also describes [forecasts for convoy driving and closures](https://www.vegvesen.no/om-oss/presse/aktuelt/2024/12/kom-frem-i-tide/). These can help you plan up to a week ahead.

A forecast is an estimate. It does not guarantee the road will be open. A road camera image only shows the conditions where the camera is located.

Find the road number and name of the pass you plan to use. Check which direction the message applies to. Do not base your plan solely on the journey time in an ordinary map app.

If someone expects you at an agreed time, explain that the mountain road may involve waiting. Allow time to reconsider before continuing. This makes it easier to choose a different plan without time pressure.

## Open road, convoy or closure: what should you do?

**The road status determines whether you can continue alone, wait for a convoy or choose another plan.** Follow messages, signs and instructions from the crew on site.

| Status | What it means for your journey |
|---|---|
| Open to ordinary traffic | You can continue if your vehicle and driving suit the conditions. |
| Convoy driving | You must follow the organised arrangements and may need to wait. |
| Closed | You cannot drive through the section. Do not pass the barrier. |

When the road is closed, conditions higher up may be worse than at the barrier. Seeing a snowplough on the other side does not mean the road is open. The crew may be working to make reopening possible later.

Consider waiting, postponing your journey or using another open route. Check the entire alternative route. A detour may also cross exposed mountains.

## What should you have in the vehicle?

**Have a full tank or fully charged battery, warm clothes and equipment within easy reach.** Vegvesen states that there are no fuel or charging stations on the convoy sections themselves.

Vegvesen's [advice before convoy driving](https://www.vegvesen.no/trafikkinformasjon/trafikksikkerhet/slik-kjorer-du-i-kolonne/) includes:

- warm clothes and winter footwear
- food and a hot drink
- a torch
- a tow rope
- a snow shovel

Pack so that you can find what you need without emptying the boot. Have clothes for everyone travelling. A jacket left at home will not help during a long wait.

Make a simple list before leaving. Share tasks between the adults: one checks road status, another checks clothes and food. Check charging stops or fuel before reaching the mountain area.

If you are driving a hire car, get to know it before the journey. Find the hazard light switch and learn how to keep the windscreen clear. Ask the rental company about equipment you lack.

## How do you drive within the convoy?

**Follow the vehicle ahead, keep your speed as steady as possible and use hazard lights.** Do not leave the convoy or try to turn around.

Vegvesen also recommends fog lights if your vehicle has them. In freezing temperatures, the agency describes using cold air on the windscreen to prevent icing. Read the advice before travelling so that you know it when visibility becomes poor.

A convoy may stop along the way. The crew may check that all vehicles are still with the group. A stop therefore does not mean you should overtake the vehicle ahead.

Follow the instructions you receive on site too. Do not choose your own route around vehicles or snow-clearing equipment. If you do not understand an instruction, ask for an explanation before the convoy starts.

## Can the crew refuse to let you join?

**Yes. The crew can refuse vehicles or people who are not sufficiently prepared.** Technical faults, poor tyres or a lack of warm clothes can cause problems in the convoy.

The number of people allowed to join is also limited. Vegvesen links this to the rescue crews' capacity. You may therefore need to wait even if some vehicles go first.

Being refused means you need to address the problem or change your journey. Ask what is missing. Do not try to follow without permission when the convoy leaves.

The general guide to [your first winter in Norway](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/forste-vinter-i-norge) covers clothes and everyday preparations. This guide helps with decisions on the mountain journey itself.

## What should you do if the convoy stops?

**Do not move away from your vehicle if you need to stop or the convoy stops.** Vegvesen warns that moving away in these conditions can be life-threatening.

Do not try to walk to a vehicle you can barely see or find your way back to the barrier. Wait for instructions from the crew. Tell the others in your vehicle that you should follow the organised arrangements.

After the journey, update your packing list with anything you lacked. [SamfunnPrep's tools and guides](https://samfunnprep.no/en/verktoy) provide more ways to explore practical everyday knowledge in Norway.

## FAQ

### What does convoy driving mean?

You follow an organised group of vehicles with a snowplough or escort vehicle at the front and rear when it is unsafe to drive alone.

### Where can I check whether the mountain pass is open?

Check the relevant road in Vegvesen trafikk on the website or app before leaving and before driving into the mountains.

### Can I be refused entry to the convoy?

Yes. The crew can refuse vehicles with technical faults or poor tyres and people without warm clothes. Convoy capacity is also limited.

### What should I do if the convoy stops?

Do not move away from your vehicle. Follow the crew’s instructions. Do not leave the convoy or try to turn around.

### Can I pass a closed barrier if the weather looks fine?

No. Do not drive past the barrier. Conditions in the mountains may be worse than where you are.

## Sources

- [Slik kjører du i kolonne](https://www.vegvesen.no/trafikkinformasjon/trafikksikkerhet/slik-kjorer-du-i-kolonne/)
- [Generell informasjon om fjelloverganger](https://www.vegvesen.no/trafikkinformasjon/vei-og-skilt/drift-og-vedlikehold-av-vei/fjelloverganger/)
- [Prognose for kolonnekjøring i Vegvesen trafikk](https://www.vegvesen.no/om-oss/presse/aktuelt/2024/12/kom-frem-i-tide/)

Citation: Hlib Suslov, "Convoy driving: plan your winter mountain journey", SamfunnPrep, 2026-10-05T16:12:12.074+00:00, https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/kolonnekjoring-fjellovergang-vinter