A large-scale search operation continues through the night in southern Norway. A woman in her forties is missing after failing to return from a training hike in Tokke, Telemark. She left home on Saturday morning and her car was later found at a parking area near Ravnejuv. Authorities have not made contact with her since.
The challenging weather conditions are hampering the effort. Police report snow showers, poor visibility, and snow on the ground in the search area. The poor visibility forced a rescue helicopter to suspend its aerial search earlier. Operations leader Espen Reite confirmed the helicopter had to abort its mission due to reduced visibility and thickening weather.
Ground teams are pushing forward despite the conditions. Between 50 and 60 personnel are involved in the ground search. This includes volunteer search teams affiliated with the Voluntary Organisations' Rescue Forum (FORF). A team from the Norwegian Alpine Rescue Group (NARG) has also been called out due to the steep and slippery terrain in parts of the search zone.
Operations leader Ottar Steinstø told reporters the helicopter would resume flying if a pocket of clear weather appears. He expressed confidence in the ground crews, describing them as well-trained teams who are masters of their craft. Steinstø stated the search will continue at full capacity through the night, adding they are sure they can find her alive. He described the missing woman as a fit woman in her prime.
This incident highlights the critical role of Norway's volunteer rescue organizations. The FORF framework coordinates specialized volunteer groups nationwide, providing essential support to police and emergency services, particularly in remote or rugged areas like Telemark. These groups are often composed of highly trained local experts familiar with specific terrains, from alpine regions to fjords.
The response also underscores the inherent risks of outdoor activities in Norway, even for experienced individuals. The country promotes a deep cultural connection to nature, known as 'friluftsliv,' but rapid weather changes in mountainous regions can create dangerous situations. This is a recurring challenge for Norwegian authorities, who balance encouraging outdoor life with managing search and rescue resources.
For international readers, this demonstrates Norway's integrated emergency response system. It relies on a combination of professional police and air ambulance services with a robust network of dedicated volunteers. The outcome of this overnight search in difficult conditions will be a test of this system's effectiveness in a real-time crisis.