As a result of recent pedological investigations in the Okstindan Mountains, five major soil groups have been recognized and classified according to drainage characteristics and the degree of mineral horizon visual differentiation in terms of colour. Since Norwegian mountain soils have previously received no detailed classification, it has been attempted to translate the system proposed by the author into those of other northern latitude countries. The problems encountered in translation are discussed, and it is concluded that the Canadian system is perhaps the most suitable for classifying the soils in question, systems of the United States and the Soviet Union being rather less readily applicable.