About
You don’t need to be a polar explorer to take part – just be in good shape, have some ski experience, and a desire to push your limits.
Over eight days, we’ll cross Spitsbergen from east to west, through snow-filled valleys, over glacier passes, and frozen rivers.
We’ll sleep in tents, cook in snow kitchens, and take turns on polar bear watch under the midnight sun.
A demanding, yet unforgettable Arctic expedition.
Day 1 - Preparation Day
You may have already seen it from the plane: glaciers, snow-covered valleys, and mountains stretching toward the horizon.
Tomorrow, you'll be dropped off in a remote bay, far from civilization.
Before the adventure can begin, today is all about the preparations.
We check gear, practice setting up tents and stoves, and talk about polar bear safety.
If you're missing anything, Longyearbyen has great outdoor shops.
In the evening, you may want to enjoy a last dinner in town together with your team before the adventure starts.
Day 2 – Agardhbukta to Passbreen
The expedition begins!
You will be picked up again by your guide in the morning and one more time we will meet up at our storage facility for the final preparations. Snowmobiles or a belt wagon will transport us out deep into the wilderness.
The phone signal fades – and the Arctic opens up: white, silent, and endless.
After a few hours of transport, we arrive at Agardhbukta, our starting point.
The driver waves goodbye – and silence takes over.
We clip into our skis and begin the journey.
The cold and the weight of the sleds take some time getting used to, but the pace is calm and steady.
Once the tents are pitched and the sleeping bag rolled out, you’ll feel it: the expedition is underway.
Day 3 – Passbreen to Kjellstrømdalen
You wake up to complete silence – far from hotel breakfasts and city life.
Maybe you were on polar bear watch last night, or slept while a teammate kept guard.
Now, the smell of coffee and porridge fills the air – your body needs fuel for a full day on skis.
We break camp and set off from Passbreen. Skiing starts to feel more natural, and we find our rhythm.
The goal is Lundstrømdalen – a quiet, snowmobile-free area where we’ll set up camp for the night. After many kilometers on skis, sleep comes easily.
Day 4 – Through Lundstrømdalen
A new day in the wilderness awaits.
Today we explore Lundstrømdalen – a narrow, untouched valley where the only tracks in the snow belong to Arctic foxes, ptarmigans, or reindeer. We follow the frozen river as it winds between steep mountain sides.
Along the way, we catch glimpses of snow-covered inland glaciers – quiet and withdrawn, remnants of a time when ice lay thicker across the landscape.
The journey continues toward Reindalen – a new chapter in the Arctic landscape.
Day 5 – Reindalen
By now, the routines sit – breakfast, breaking camp, and heading out on skis.
Ahead lies Reindalen, one of Spitsbergen’s largest valleys, shaped by glaciers over 10,000 years ago.
We cross a mountain pass and pass by pingos – ice-filled earth mounds found only in permafrost regions.
It feels good to set up camp and relax after another eventful day.
Day 6 – Reindalen to Semmeldalen
Today we head back towards the coast, and the landscape begins to shift.
With the sea in sight, the chances of spotting wildlife increase – perhaps we’ll catch a glimpse of something truly special.
Polar bears roam all across Svalbard, but near the sea ice, where ringed seals live, the chances of tracks or
sightings are higher.
Before reaching Kaldbukta, we turn north once again.
Day 7 – Semmeldalen to Grøndalspasset
Did you know a female reindeer is called a simle? That’s where Semmeldalen gets its name.
Today we cross Grøndalspasset and pass the moraine in front of Tavlebreen – yet another beautiful landscape.
From there, we descend into Grøndalen, where we find a suitable spot to set up camp for the night and let the impressions of the day settle.
Day 8 – Grøndalen to Grønfjorden
We head west towards Grønfjorden – the final leg of our crossing.
The sea appears on the horizon, framed by mountain silhouettes.
Barentsburg is near, and the boat arrives tomorrow.
This is our last night in the tent – and a final round of polar bear watch.
Day 9 – Barentsburg and return to Longyearbyen
Yesterday we saw the first signs – rusty cranes and smoke on the horizon.
Barentsburg, the Russian mining town, appears like a glimpse from another era.
We only pass through briefly to reach the boat waiting for us.
Back in Longyearbyen, you can enjoy a warm shower and a well-earned dinner.
And maybe this is just the beginning – of new journeys, new dreams, and new adventures.
Who is this trip for?
This expedition is for those in good physical shape with some prior skiing experience.
You’ll need to pull your own sled (30–40 kg) for 15–25 km daily, camp in cold conditions, and be ready for a physical challenge.
Team spirit and a positive mindset are essential. No glacier experience required.
Included in the Price
- Round-trip transportation
- Snowmobile or belt wagon transport out to Agardbukta
- Boat transport bag from Barentsburg to Longyearbyen
- Pulk, harness, and pulk bag
- All meals, snacks, and drinks during the expedition
- Tent, sleeping pad, stove, and cooking equipment
- Experienced guide with necessary safety equipment
- Search and rescue insurance
Recommended Personal Equipment (bring your own)
- Warm, worn-in backcountry ski boots
- Backcountry skis, poles, and climbing skins
- Warm clothing suitable for Arctic conditions
- Camera
- Sleeping bag
What to bring:
You’ll need to bring your own ski equipment. If you're using new gear, we recommend testing it well in advance to avoid blisters or discomfort.
Make note that accommodation the first night is not included in the price.
If you prefer, we can assist you with booking accommodation in Longyearbyen.
Sleeping bags are available for rent at NOK 600.
Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive a detailed packing list.
Disclaimer: The itinerary may change due to weather, snow conditions, wildlife activity, or group needs.
If polar bears are spotted in the area, we may adjust the route or return to Longyearbyen for day trips.
Safety – for both people and wildlife – is always our top priority.
Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions strongly opposes the war in Ukraine and does not stay in the Russian-run settlement of Barentsburg for extended periods.
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