In case of injury: this is what you do
HAFJELL, Accidents can happen while skiing, in the mountains, or wherever you reside in our destination. Here you will find our advice and tips on what to do if you or others experience an accident or incident with us.
Safety for our guests is one of our most important tasks. This applies to all parts of our mountain, and you should always receive help, assistance, advice, or recommendations from our staff. Our ski patrol is visible throughout the destination at all times during the facility's opening hours, but you should also receive assistance from all our staff if you need help.
Below, we have provided examples of what might happen, what you should do, and how to handle an accident.
Injury or acute illness in the ski resort
If you are in the ski resort and are injured, you can get assistance from Hafjell Ski Patrol. In that case, call (+47) 40 40 15 00. Alternatively, contact the nearest lift operator, who will contact the ski patrol on internal communication channels. It is crucial that you know where you are in the facility and have oriented yourself, or look for the nearest trail number or landmark you can relay. This is to enable the ski patrol to quickly reach the location.
Not sure where you are?
The ski patrol is available in Hafjell 30 minutes before the lift starts each day, until 15 minutes after the lift's closing time. Note that outside opening hours, the phone will not be answered or forwarded.
Hafjell ski patrol is staffed every day with several employees with different and high competence in the assessment and treatment of acute injuries. If you feel acutely ill in the facility, contact the ski patrol. For minor injuries, the ski patrol can assist you with transportation out of the facility.
There is no need to contact an ambulance. They cannot do anything without assistance from the ski patrol first and foremost. Therefore, you should always contact the ski patrol first. If necessary, the ski patrol has its own procedures for calling/alerting an ambulance or other resources.
Hafjell ski patrol offers acute assistance to those who need it in the facility. Necessary equipment or consumables are part of our professional service to our guests. The ski patrol does not provide pain relief, as this is not allowed in Norway. Consumables such as bandages and similar items needed for follow-up of the injury are not provided by the ski patrol.
The nearest store can be found at Gaia KIDS (9) or at one of the many stores in Øyer town center. There is also a pharmacy (in the same building as SPAR grocery store). All stores have plasters and pain relief for sale.
Serious/life-threatening injury or life-threatening acute illness – at the cabin or apartment
If the injury or illness is of such magnitude that you need urgent ambulance treatment, call (+47) 113. This will connect you directly to the ambulance central. The personnel at the central will guide you on what to do while awaiting the ambulance.
Injury during cross-country skiing – outside Hafjell Alpinsenter
In case of injury or acute illness during cross-country skiing (outside Hafjell Alpinsenter), where you need assistance to get back and have no alternative solution, call (+47) 113. The Ambulance Central has the option to request assistance from the Red Cross or the Fire Department to bring you down from the mountain.
Injury or illness – at the cabin or apartment
If the accident happens where you reside, or you have managed to get home on your own, Norwegian health care should assist you. This also applies if you fall ill while on vacation in Hafjell/Øyer.
For minor and non-life-threatening injuries/pain or common illnesses, call the emergency medical services central (+47) 116 117. They are staffed around the clock with qualified personnel. If there are language barriers, they can connect you with an interpreter for better communication. They also have the option to transfer the call to the ambulance service if needed.
If there is a need for immediate or later supervision by a doctor, the emergency medical services central can guide you on where and when to show up. They have a good overview of when the emergency room is open for you.
For Hafjell, it could be at one of the following locations:
- Tretten Emergency Room, Kjørkjebakken 9, 2635 Tretten.
- Øyer Emergency Room, Hundervegen 19, 2636 Øyer.
- Lillehammer Emergency Room, Anders Sandvigs gate 17, 2609 Lillehammer.
It is not useful to show up unannounced to any emergency room, as they may be closed. Call first and schedule an appointment, (+47) 116 117.
NOTE: Lillehammer Hospital does not accept common injuries or illnesses. These should be evaluated by the emergency medical services or ambulance service first.
Hit head at the cabin or apartment – our recommendation
If you have hit your head and have one of the following symptoms, contact the emergency medical services central at (+47) 116 117. They will determine the urgency or if you need medical supervision. You can schedule an appointment and a meeting place over the phone.
- Severe pain in the head.
- Reduced vision or hearing.
- Dullness.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- If you have several of the mentioned symptoms, call (+47) 113.
If you do not have any of the symptoms above, you can wait. However, if the patient has relevant underlying illnesses or uses blood-thinning medication, they should go to the emergency room. Call the emergency medical services central at (+47) 116 117.
Knee injuries
On alpine or snowboard slopes, knee injuries can occur quickly. With one of the following symptoms, contact the emergency medical services central at (+47) 116 117:
- Unable to bear weight on the knee.
- Extremely or severe pain.
- Numbness or tingling in the leg.
- Dislocated kneecap.
- Significant swelling.
- Limited mobility of the knee.
If you have difficulty getting out of the facility, contact the ski patrol in Hafjell for assistance.
In all other cases, we recommend not contacting the emergency room immediately. Take pain relievers according to the instructions. Rest is good for a swollen knee, but use the knee moderately at regular intervals to prevent muscle stiffness. Prolonged active cooling is not recommended. Load up to the pain threshold.
Feel free to contact the emergency medical services central at (+47) 116 117 the next day, preferably early in the day. The emergency medical services central can guide you in further treatment or follow-up.
Hit head – after medical supervision
Resume contact with the emergency medical services central at (+47) 116 117 if you/the patient has one of the following symptoms:
- Increasing and severe headaches.
- Repeated episodes of nausea or vomiting.
- Reduced consciousness.
- Confusion.
The following symptoms are considered "normal" and do not require urgent new supervision by a doctor:
- Moderate headache.
- Occasional nausea or vomiting.
- Dizziness.
- Slightly impaired memory.
- Poor concentration.
Regardless, it is recommended not to do the following until you are feeling better/back on your feet:
- Use of mobile phones, tablets, computers, TV, etc.
- Consumption of alcohol or other drugs.
- Sports activities, including cross-country skiing or downhill skiing.
- Contact the doctor again if there is no improvement within a few days.
If in doubt, call the emergency medical services central again at (+47) 116 117.
