Chasing the midnight sun - Snowmobile expedition to Colesbay - Snowfox Travel

About

Midnight Sun evenings in Svalbard are something special, and we'd love to share one of our favorite trips with you!

Join us for an evening snowmobile tour over glaciers, through valleys, and mountain landscapes as we make our way to the abandoned Soviet mining settlement of Colesbay. Along the way, you'll experience the quiet beauty of the Arctic and learn more about the history that has shaped this unique place.

We'll pick you up from your accommodation and take you to our basecamp, where you'll meet your guide. After a safety briefing, we'll help you get dressed in warm outer clothing before heading out on our snowmobiles.

We start by riding through Longyearbyen before climbing onto Longyear Glacier. From here, you'll have a great view over the town and the surrounding mountains. Along the way we'll stop whenever there's a good chance to enjoy the scenery or take some photos.

From the glacier, we continue through wide valleys and across frozen rivers until we reach Colesbay. This is one of our favourite places to visit in the evening because the Midnight Sun lowers towards this side of the fjord, covering the mountains, glaciers, and old mining buildings in a beautiful golden light. It never actually sets, but the colours and the atmosphere at this time of day are something you won't forget.

At Colesbay, we'll walk around the old mining settlement while we share stories about the people who once lived and worked here. It's a quiet place with a fascinating history and a very special atmosphere.

Before we head back, we'll enjoy a warm expedition-style dinner and hot drinks together while taking in the view under the Midnight Sun.

This tour covers around 80–90 kilometres by snowmobile and is a great choice if you'd like to experience Svalbard's beautiful midnight sun evenings, learn a little about its history, and spend an unforgettable evening in the Arctic with local guides!

Including:
- Our professional and dedicated guide with all the needed safety equipment and communication devices
- Transport to and from hotel
- Use of our snowmobile with petrol
- Snowmobile suit, boots, gloves, balaclava, helmet and snow goggles
- Warm drinks, snacks and warm expedition food (pick your own flavor at our basecamp. We will take allergies or dietary wishes in account)
- Search and rescue insurance 

What we recommend you to bring:
Warm clothes for under your snowmobile suit (preferably several layers of wool), a pair of thin gloves or mittens to wear under your driving mittens. Big jackets or multiple jackets are not recommended under the snowmobile suit. 

Mandatory to bring:
A valid driving license for a car, motorcycle or snowmobile which is valid for Svalbard!

Important to know:
We always asses weather and (snow/ice) conditions.
If, for safety reasons, we need to adjust the planned route, we reserve the right to do so.
Your safety is our highest priority. In such cases, no refunds will be given.
In the unlikely event that we are unable to carry out the trip, either by adjusting the route or by starting the booked tour, you will receive a full refund.

You are not allowed to drive without being able to present a valid driver's license which is valid in Svalbard – your tour will not be refunded if you fail to do so.

If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will not be allowed to join and will not receive any refund.

Pickup: at your accommodation around the time stated on your confirmation. 

Please just wait if we are not there on time. 

We pick up everyone at the same time, so we could be some minutes later at your accommodation.

We reserve the right to refuse you to join our activity, without any refund, if you do not arrive on time, are not properly prepared in terms of clothing or in any way not capable of joining our trip.  

There will be an option to lower your liability in case of damage to our snowmobiles for an additional fee. 

This will be presented to you during the safety instructions at our basecamp.

We recommend you have a valid travel insurance.

Cancellations:
If you need to cancel, please notify us in writing.
Cancellation reimbursement:
- 22 days or more prior to departure: 95%
- 21-8 days prior to departure: 50%
- 7 or less days prior to departure: 0%.

Refunds:
We are not able to offer a refund due to route changes, sickness, cancelled or delayed flights or any other circumstance outside our control. 

Age limits:
Minimum age 8 years. All under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Children who are not able to sit as a passenger need to take seat in the heated sled.