About
This is a lovely snowmobile trip through typical Svalbard nature. It suits you who don’t have a lot of snowmobile experience, but still wish to get a taste of snowmobiling in the wilderness, far away from Longyearbyen.
We drive from Longyearbyen, out into the wild, through some of the large valleys to the banks of Sassenfjorden.
The goal for the tour is Villa Fredheim, the hunting base of the "King of Sassen": the legendary trapper, Hilmar Nøis, who spent 38 winters on Svalbard. Nøis actually planned to be a fisherman, but was so troubled by sea sickness that he decided to become a hunter on Svalbard instead. Many of the trappers’ cabins on Svalbard were incredibly simple, but Villa Fredheim was an exception. With its flagpole, potted plants and curtains, this two story villa was a palace in comparison to the other cabins. Despite his “luxurious” standard, it is hard not to feel enormous respect for Nøis and his family who lived in the wilderness winter after winter.
We will enjoy an expedition lunch at a nice spot. If the time and weather conditions allow, we might drive to the top of Fjordnibba, with views towards the mighty Tempelfjellet and the von Post Glacier in the fjord Tempelfjorden. Safety is always the most important, but whichever route we take, the guide will share informative details on the environment and history of the area, and if we are lucky, we may spot some of the local wildlife.
Included
- Transfer from hotel/accommodation place in Longyearbyen
- Warm drinks and biscuits
- Expedition lunch
- Snowmobile suit, shoes, gloves and helmet to use during the tour
- Tour leader with weapons and safety sled
- Rescue insurance
Practical information
Age limit: 14 years
Minimum number of participants: 2 snowmobiles
Distance: 140km
Drivers’ licence
A valid driver’s licence for car or motorbike is required to drive a snowmobile. Remember to take it with you on the tour.
Recommendations
We recommend that you dress in warm woollen underwear, warm outer pants and a solid woollen jumper under the snowmobile suit you will loan from us. We also recommend that our guests have extra clothes in a backpack, for example an extra jumper, woollen hat and mittens.
Pregnancy
Longyearbyen Hospital advises pregnant women to not participate in snowmobile and dog sledding tours, as a blow to the stomach or fall may pose a risk of injury to the mother or unborn child.
Possible changes
We reserve the right to change the route of the tour for safety reasons should the weather or snow conditions require it. This will not provide grounds for a change in price. The participants agree to follow the tour leaders directions and instructions. The tour leader will not drive with a passenger.
Alcohol
The ‘Veitrafikkloven’ or Road Traffic Act applies on Svalbard. Driving under the influence of alcohol is not permitted.
Language
Safety is our highest priority, and the guide needs to be able to give directions you understand. To participate on one of our excursions, it is required that you speak and understand English or one of the Scandinavian languages.
Safety
Your safety is our priority. Even if you have experience in winter sports, the Svalbard environment is different to that many might have been in before. Taking a tour with a guide who knows the local conditions is the safest way to explore the area outside of Longyearbyen. As a participant on a snowmobile tour, it is important that you follow the guide’s directions underway. This is both for your own safety, and that of the group. Weather and snow conditions are the big factors on Svalbard, and we reserve the right to change the route or destination to one that is safest for you and the group.
Hurtigruten Svalbard’s guides have different backgrounds and experience, but what they all have in common is that they come to work to ensure you will have the best and safest tour. Some have taken the Arctic Nature Guide study, others are certified mountain guides, glacier guides or authorised Svalbard guides who have taken the Svalbard Guide Opplæring (SGO - Svalbard guide training). SGO study includes fundamental requirements for safe travel on Svalbard, as well as education about tourism, field safety and an understanding of environmental and cultural values. In addition our guides take part in internal training and exercises through the year.
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