About
Imagine yourself standing on top of Newtontoppen surrounded by miles of untouched wilderness, beautiful glacial landscapes, and the same mountain formations that once gave the island its name, Spitsbergen. This is the trip for those who want to experience a different kind of Svalbard, on skis.
On this trip we will climb two peaks: Perriertoppen, and Svalbard's tallest mountain, Newtontoppen. From here you have a panoramic view towards Wijdefjorden, Nordaustlandet, and Atomfjellene. The expedition takes place in April and May when the midnight sun is back, and the bright nights illuminate the nature day and night. Both climate and conditions are perfect during this period. The expedition is challenging, and all the participants needs to be well exercised and used to these kinds of expeditions.
Program day by day:
Day 1
The guide will meet you in the reception at the Coal Miners Cabin. A welcome and information meeting will be held here before we head down to our stores. Once there, we will go through the equipment, pack our pulkas and receive instructions for use of the cooking equipment, pulkas and tent. There will be time for a quick visit to the shops and adjustment of gear if required. Accommodation at Coal Miners Cabin is included.
Day 2
Breakfast and check out before 10:00 am. Any baggage you are not taking with you can be left in our baggage room. Be sure to fill your thermoses with hot water during breakfast. We will be picked up at 10:00 am and driven down to our Expedition Centre where there will be a quick briefing before our transfer between Longyearbyen and Lomonosovfonna. The transport stage is about 110km. Snowmobile clothing will be supplied, and you will be equipped with this prior to departure. The first day we walk just a few kilometers before we set our camp for the night.
Day 3 to 11
We will make our way out into the stunning landscape, and the plan is to reach Newtontoppen after two or three days of skiing. Newtontoppen can be climbed on skis or on foot. The last section before the peak is relatively steep, but no climbing experience is required. The views from the top are unbelievable. To the northwest you can spy Wijdefjorden, Austfjorden and the spectacular Atomfjella mountain range, whilst to the northeast you can see the isolated island, Nordaustlandet. From here we will continue towards Perriertoppen, which is Svalbard’s second highest mountain. It is only just behind Newtontoppen with its 1710m, but the mountain is more alpine, and cannot be climbed on skis. We generally use crampons to make our ascent but will not need ropes or other climbing gear. To make an attempt on the peak, the snow conditions must be safe when we approach. We are now in the very heart of the alpine region known as Atomfjella. We will continue through the mountains to Trygvebreen, down to Austfjorden, and to Billefjorden.
Day 12
We ski down to Billefjorden and then we cross over Hørbyedalen and follow Petuniabukta along the coast, where we arrive in the early morning. Distance approx 13 km. We will be picked up by boat and transported back to Longyearbyen. After a small cleaning session we meet at Coal Miners Cabin for a last dinner together. This will be your hotel for the night.
If it turns out that boat transport is not possible, the alternative is to be picked up by snowmobile. Instead of going down Ragnardalen, we will continue towards Lomonosovfonna and be picked up from there by snowmobile.
Day 13
The adventure is over. Unless we can tempt you to stay a little longer and experience more of Longyearbyen and its surroundings. Thanks for joining us, and we hope to see you again soon!
All times can be changed. The tour programme may be adjusted underway, should weather or snow conditions require it. The tempo on the expedition will be set according to the conditions and the participants’ physical strength.
Included in the price:
- Accommodation in Longyearbyen
- Meals during the trip and farewell dinner in Longyearbyen
- Cooking equipment, snow shovels, glacier equipment, primus, fuel
- Tents
- Sleeping pad
- Experienced guides with all the necessary safety equipment
- Search and rescue insurance
- Transport from Longyearbyen to Lomonosovfonna by snowmobile or beltwagon
- Transport from the end point back to Longyearbyen
The price does not include
- Flight
- Sleeping bag
- Personal ski equipment
- Alcoholic beverage / mineral water
- Travel insurance
- Clothing and equipment
Practical information
The trip requires you to be in good shape, strong and enduring enough to walk longer distances with a heavy pulka. Please remember that the weather can change quickly and that the conditions can be challenging at times. Bring good, warm winter clothes, mountain skis with skins and steel edges, sturdy ski boots with support, and good bindings. Randonée equipment or regular cross-country skis are not allowed.
We will send you a complete equipment list before departure. Remember that Svalbard is VAT-free, and if you forgot something, you can buy quality equipment in our store Longyear78.
Language
Safety is our highest priority, and the guide needs to be able to give you instructions you understand. To participate on our tours, you must speak and understand English, or a Scandinavian language.
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