Svalbard Nordenskiold@Elise Koren (23)
Svalbard Nordenskiold@EliseKoren (12)
Svalbard Nordenskiold@EliseKoren (3)

Ski Expedition experience at Svalbard

Nordenskiold with skis and sled

Ski Expedition experience at Svalbard

Nordenskiold with skis and sled

From USD 1784

With ice-covered fjords, snow-covered mountains and exciting wildlife, Svalbard is something that simply must be experienced. Here we test expedition life in the Arctic and explore Nordenskioldland with skis and sleds. An experience of a lifetime!

Highlights

  • Experience arctic wilderness
  • Scooter-free area
  • Polar bear watch in the midnight sun
  • A simpler alternative than crossing all of Svalbard

The ski trip starts a mile outside Longyearbyen, and after a short bus ride, we can strap on our skis and sleds and start the journey towards the scooter-free glacier massif between Adventdalen and Reindalen, two of the largest valleys in Svalbard. Here we find the highest peaks in Nordenskioldland with nunataks encircling the glacier. We set up day stages of between 8 and 21 kilometers, and establish a new camp every evening. We choose a campsite so that we can take afternoon trips in the areas if time and weather permits. When there is a need, we will take turns with the polar bear watch at night. This is typically one or two hours every other night and does not significantly affect the night's sleep. After a week on tour, we end up in Adventdalen again, where we are transported back to Longyearbyen.NB: If you want a longer trip, check out our tours across Svalbard!

7

6-14

NO/EN

3/6

1/6

3/6

Dates and booking

Fri 04. April - Thu 10. April 2025

USD 1784

Available

Wed 16. April - Tue 22. April 2025

USD 1784

Available

Book your own dates
This trip is also offered as a private tailormade trip. Travel alone, with your friends or family whenever you want.
Send request

Opening hours Phone
Mon-Fri : 08-20
Sat-Sun : 14-17
Opening hours Chat
Mon-Fri : 07-23
Sat : 10-18
Sun : 13-21
CET

Day by day

Svalbard Nordenskiold@EliseKoren (6)

Day 1:Arrive Longyearbyen

At 15:00 we meet at Mary-Ann's Polarrigg for an information meeting. We then head to our nearby warehouse to pack up equipment and go over the final details before the evening ends. Bring all your equipment to the meeting place. You can leave personal belongings behind, but try and limit how much extra gear you bring with you on tour. There will be an opportunity to take a trip to the city's sports shops for last minute purchases. If you want to take a map with you on the trip, we recommend buying one at the Svalbard Museum next to the University, or in the town's grocery store. Packing may take a few hours, so bring some food and drink with you. NOTE: Dinner and accommodation are not included, and are arranged on an individual basis. The arrival dates in 2025 will be April 4th (departure 1) and April 16th (departure 2).

At 15:00 we meet at Mary-Ann's Polarrigg for an information meeting. We then head to our nearby warehouse to pack up equipment and go over the final details before the evening ends. Bring all your equipment to the meeting place. You can leave personal belongings behind, but try and limit how much extra gear you bring with you on tour. There will be an opportunity to take a trip to the city's sports shops for last minute purchases. If you want to take a map with you on the trip, we recommend buying one at the Svalbard Museum next to the University, or in the town's grocery store. Packing may take a few hours, so bring some food and drink with you. NOTE: Dinner and accommodation are not included, and are arranged on an individual basis. The arrival dates in 2025 will be April 4th (departure 1) and April 16th (departure 2).

Not included

-,-,-

Svalbard Nordenskiold@EliseKoren (12)

Day 2:Into Adventdalen

We meet again after breakfast and are transported into Adventdalen to start our tour. We put on our skis and enter the scooter-free area, making today a quiet start with approx. 10 km on flat terrain. We head towards Jansondalen where we will set up camp and spend the evening establishing good routines for the duration of the tour. We plan the route with the weather in mind, taking the path of least resistance. We want to get the best out of the trip and the route may be adjusted along the way. Upon arrival at the campsite, everyone helps to set up tents, dig cold pits, and build living walls if necessary.

We meet again after breakfast and are transported into Adventdalen to start our tour. We put on our skis and enter the scooter-free area, making today a quiet start with approx. 10 km on flat terrain. We head towards Jansondalen where we will set up camp and spend the evening establishing good routines for the duration of the tour. We plan the route with the weather in mind, taking the path of least resistance. We want to get the best out of the trip and the route may be adjusted along the way. Upon arrival at the campsite, everyone helps to set up tents, dig cold pits, and build living walls if necessary.

Tent

-,L,D

15 min

10-12 km

Svalbard Nordenskiold@Elise Koren (23)

Day 3:Glacier travel

We start the day with coffee after an exciting night, where you may have been a polar bear guard for the first time? Today, the destination is the trip's first glacier, Drønbreen, where we will spend the night. We will spend a lot of time on training and introducing safety routines for glacier travel. Today's terrain is slightly hilly as we walk along the foot of the Skolten mountain massif towards Drønbreen. Most of the day is spent skiing, but we will have a leisurely pace and take breaks along the way.

We start the day with coffee after an exciting night, where you may have been a polar bear guard for the first time? Today, the destination is the trip's first glacier, Drønbreen, where we will spend the night. We will spend a lot of time on training and introducing safety routines for glacier travel. Today's terrain is slightly hilly as we walk along the foot of the Skolten mountain massif towards Drønbreen. Most of the day is spent skiing, but we will have a leisurely pace and take breaks along the way.

Tent

F,L,M

15-17 km

Svalbard Nordenskiold@EliseKoren (15)

Day 4:The Heart Nordenskiold Land

Today we walk gently up the Drøn glacier and get a good distance up the glacier before we camp for the night. Now we are approaching the heart of Nordenskiold Land, and from Drønpasset on fine days we can see all the way down to the Van Mijenfjorden and to the west coast.

Today we walk gently up the Drøn glacier and get a good distance up the glacier before we camp for the night. Now we are approaching the heart of Nordenskiold Land, and from Drønpasset on fine days we can see all the way down to the Van Mijenfjorden and to the west coast.

Tent

F,L,M

5-8 km

Svalbard Nordenskiold@EliseKoren (7)

Day 5:Last night in the arctic

Now we have become masters of our tent routines, so we can quickly pack up before today's leg. Today we will go up to Rugaasfonna and use the day to explore the area, potentially with opportunities to climb one of the surrounding mountain peaks. This will be the last night in a tent, so enjoy it while you can!

Now we have become masters of our tent routines, so we can quickly pack up before today's leg. Today we will go up to Rugaasfonna and use the day to explore the area, potentially with opportunities to climb one of the surrounding mountain peaks. This will be the last night in a tent, so enjoy it while you can!

Tent

F,L,M

8-10 km

Svalbard Nordenskiold@EliseKoren (3)

Day 6:Back to civilization

We enjoy the last morning with breakfast in the tent, before today's stage takes us back to Longyearbyen. Today we go down the glacier, out Adventdalen and towards civilization. We can take our time to enjoy the last hours of arctic wilderness. NOTE: Accommodation and dinner are not included, but we plan to have a joint dinner after a delicious, long-awaited shower to celebrate our accomplishment.

We enjoy the last morning with breakfast in the tent, before today's stage takes us back to Longyearbyen. Today we go down the glacier, out Adventdalen and towards civilization. We can take our time to enjoy the last hours of arctic wilderness. NOTE: Accommodation and dinner are not included, but we plan to have a joint dinner after a delicious, long-awaited shower to celebrate our accomplishment.

Not included

F,L,-

15 min

19-21 km

Svalbard Nordenskiold@EliseKoren (23)

Day 7:Home

Today its time to travel home unless you want to stay longer in Svalbard. There are a lot of exciting things to do in Longyearbyen and we are happy to help you find activities to do if you wish. The first possible departure date in 2025 will be April 10th (departure 1) and April 22nd (departure 2).

Today its time to travel home unless you want to stay longer in Svalbard. There are a lot of exciting things to do in Longyearbyen and we are happy to help you find activities to do if you wish. The first possible departure date in 2025 will be April 10th (departure 1) and April 22nd (departure 2).

-,-,-

At 15:00 we meet at Mary-Ann's Polarrigg for an information meeting. We then head to our nearby warehouse to pack up equipment and go over the final details before the evening ends. Bring all your equipment to the meeting place. You can leave personal belongings behind, but try and limit how much extra gear you bring with you on tour. There will be an opportunity to take a trip to the city's sports shops for last minute purchases. If you want to take a map with you on the trip, we recommend buying one at the Svalbard Museum next to the University, or in the town's grocery store. Packing may take a few hours, so bring some food and drink with you. NOTE: Dinner and accommodation are not included, and are arranged on an individual basis. The arrival dates in 2025 will be April 4th (departure 1) and April 16th (departure 2).

Not included

-,-,-

We meet again after breakfast and are transported into Adventdalen to start our tour. We put on our skis and enter the scooter-free area, making today a quiet start with approx. 10 km on flat terrain. We head towards Jansondalen where we will set up camp and spend the evening establishing good routines for the duration of the tour. We plan the route with the weather in mind, taking the path of least resistance. We want to get the best out of the trip and the route may be adjusted along the way. Upon arrival at the campsite, everyone helps to set up tents, dig cold pits, and build living walls if necessary.

Tent

-,L,D

15 min

10-12 km

We start the day with coffee after an exciting night, where you may have been a polar bear guard for the first time? Today, the destination is the trip's first glacier, Drønbreen, where we will spend the night. We will spend a lot of time on training and introducing safety routines for glacier travel. Today's terrain is slightly hilly as we walk along the foot of the Skolten mountain massif towards Drønbreen. Most of the day is spent skiing, but we will have a leisurely pace and take breaks along the way.

Tent

F,L,M

15-17 km

Today we walk gently up the Drøn glacier and get a good distance up the glacier before we camp for the night. Now we are approaching the heart of Nordenskiold Land, and from Drønpasset on fine days we can see all the way down to the Van Mijenfjorden and to the west coast.

Tent

F,L,M

5-8 km

Now we have become masters of our tent routines, so we can quickly pack up before today's leg. Today we will go up to Rugaasfonna and use the day to explore the area, potentially with opportunities to climb one of the surrounding mountain peaks. This will be the last night in a tent, so enjoy it while you can!

Tent

F,L,M

8-10 km

We enjoy the last morning with breakfast in the tent, before today's stage takes us back to Longyearbyen. Today we go down the glacier, out Adventdalen and towards civilization. We can take our time to enjoy the last hours of arctic wilderness. NOTE: Accommodation and dinner are not included, but we plan to have a joint dinner after a delicious, long-awaited shower to celebrate our accomplishment.

Not included

F,L,-

15 min

19-21 km

Today its time to travel home unless you want to stay longer in Svalbard. There are a lot of exciting things to do in Longyearbyen and we are happy to help you find activities to do if you wish. The first possible departure date in 2025 will be April 10th (departure 1) and April 22nd (departure 2).

-,-,-

What's included in the price

Included

Mainly freeze dried food, and includes a selection of snacks and drinks (coffee, tea, etc) during the ski tour.

Transportation to and from where the ski tour starts and ends.

Such as tent, stove, cookware, fuel, snow shovels, toilet paper.

Such as signal gun, rifle, satellite phone, flares, first aid and medication, navigation equipment, repair equipment, and glacier equipment.

Paris Expedition transport sled, hauling rope, harness, and sled bag for use in the sledge - for each participant.

Search and rescue insurance for Svalbard is included in the trip, it is required by the authorities.

Not included

SAS and Norwegian fly direct from Oslo Gardermoen.

Day 1-2 and day 6-7

Reservation

We reserve the right to change prices. The day by day program is a guideline and changes may occur. You can refer to our general travel conditions for more information.

 

Travel insurance

On all our trips, we require you to have full health and accident insurance which will also cover any transport home. Read more about travel insurance.

Highlights

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Safety & Grading

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  • 24 hour emergency response
  • Guides trained in wilderness first aid
  • Basic medication and first aid kits available

Physical level

3/6 Physical

Some segments of the journey may prove challenging. It's essential to possess a solid level of fitness prior to departure. Persistence will be required in reaching the trip's goal.

Comfort level

1/6 Comfort

We overnight in tents. On these trips, the participants take part in camp routines such as setting up camp and cooking meals.

Risk level

3/6 Risk

Activities/trips with some risk. Certain incidents may occur, and they may be of such a nature that they may require professional help.

Training and preparations

You should be used to outdoor activities and must be in normal good physical shape to participate. The trip also requires the participant to have experience of skiing off groomed slopes.

Prior knowledge of Arctic expeditions is not necessary, but you should have some experience sleeping and camping in a tent in the winter. Previous sledding experience is not necessary, but some specific training is recommended. It is necessary that you have tested your personal equipment/clothing before the trip, footwear being particularly important.

Shared equipment will be distributed between the participants. Setting up the tent, cooking and melting snow is done by the individual tent team (2-3 people). The sled will weigh 25-35 kg. The daily stages are approx. 8-21 km.

Participants who are unsure whether their personal skills are sufficient are recommended to take part in our Winter course in Jotunheimen prior to the trip.

Accommodation and food

We will sleep everynight in a tent on the ski trip. The day before the actual ski trip starts and the last day in Longyearbyen are not included. We recommend staying overnight at Mary-Ann's Polarrigg before the trip, as it is in the immediate vicinity of the warehouse we use to pack and prepare everything for the trip.

Food is included on the ski trip, and you can pick what you want to take with you from our warehouse - porridge for breakfast, vacuum-packed freeze-dried tour food for lunch and dinner, drinks (coffee/tea/juice), chocolate, nuts, and biscuits. If you would like more snacks, you can bring specific treats with you, but be considerate of the weight.

We will have dinner together the last night in Longyearbyen (not included).

In 2025:

The days you will need to arrange accommodation in Longyearbyen will be from day 1-2 and day 6-7.

Departure 1: April 4-5, and April 9-10.
Departure 2: April 16-17, and April 21-22.

Other information

The periods of polar night and midnight sun vary depending on the latitude you are at. Longyearbyen has midnight sun from the 19th April to the 23rd of August, while in the period from the end of October to mid-February the sun is never above the horizon. The true dark period lasts from mid-November to the end of January.

Despite Svalbard's northern location, the archipelago has a relatively mild climate compared to other areas at the same latitude. In winter, the average temperature in Longyearbyen is -14°C. However, in winter there are longer periods with temperatures between -20 and -35 degrees. If there is additional wind, the apparant temperature is very low. However, in our experience every winter we get low pressure from the south-west which can bring days of hot temperatures and rain. The weather on Svalbard can change very quickly, and the local variations can be large. You need to be prepared for all weather on this tour. 

Equipment list

This list is intended as a guideline, so that we have what we need regardless of the weather we get on the trip. Remember that you can also get used hiking equipment that works perfectly. Get in touch if you have any questions. TIP: We recommend that you have the most important hiking equipment in your hand luggage, for example hiking boots and gore-tex jacket/trousers.

Obligatory

Clothing

We recommend wool underwear for both men and women. Wool sportstop is recommended for women. A boxershorts with windstopper is recommended for cold days. 

Not too thick, bring more layers if necessary. Top and bottom.

2-3 paris. Wool is recommended.

2-3 pairs. Wool or synthetic material.

Fleece or wool. 

With hood, and long enough to cover the butt.

Gore-Tex or equivalent. Must withstand wind, rain and snow, and have a decent hood with room for the climbing helmet.

Gore-Tex or similar. Must be waterproof and windproof,  zips for ventilation are recommended.

Warm hat for cold days.

Wind proof mittens with warm inner mittens. Has to cover the underarm, and must be spacious. Must give a good grip, even with inner mittens. 

Or a face mask.

To protect the face from freezing wind and blowing snow. We recommend neoprene, which provides extra good protection in the wind. Breathing hole in front of nose/mouth for ventilation. Can also be bought in Longyearbyen.

Footwear

Warm BC or 75mm ski boots. Slightly large, so that there is room for thick socks. The shoes must be well used to avoid blisters. May have integrated gaiters.

Equipment

Good, warm sleeping bag that can withstand -30°C in comfort temperature. We recommend down. They are lighter, and become smaller in package volume. If you already have a good sleeping bag, but are not sure if it is warm enough, this overbag from Halite could be a good alternative.

For winter use. For example Exped down mat or Thermarest NeoAir. Used together with the "flat" sleeping mat.

Personal medicines and, for example, band-aids, blister plaster, sports tape, throat lozenges, nasal drops, Paracetamol/Ibuprofen, stomach regulators, etc.
We need to know about all medicines you are taking, in case something happens. 

Compact and light.

Preferably a spoon with a long handle if you are going to eat freeze dried food.

High SPF, 30-50. Remember chapstick for lips and nose. 

A solid pair, with dark glass. With a cord to hang around the neck.

Alpine snow glasses. To protect your face and eyes in snow, wind and cold conditions.

Svalbard is outside Schengen and the Nordic passport agreement. Everyone must show a passport or national ID card when traveling to and from Svalbard.

"Flat" type made of closed-cell foam, for example Thermarest Z-lite. To use in combination with the inflatable sleeping mat.

Nordic back country skis, preferably with steel sledges. BC bindings with manual closure, or 75mm bindings. The poles must have large baskets. 

For hot drinks in breaks and in camp.

2 x 1 litre bottles, with insulation cover, so they dont freeze. For example Nalgene bottles with wide mouth. They can handle hot water, so you can use them to keep warm in the sleeping bag. If you do not have 2 bottles you can bring an extra thermos instead (must be 3 litres of water capacity all together).

1-2 litre (3 litres all together in thermos and waterbottles).

Robust, waterproof pack bags, important to keep your clothes, electronics and sleepingbag dry. Different sizes and colours is practical. It is important that they are made of strong material so that they do not tear to pieces during the trip.

We mostly use short skins, but should we be unlucky with the conditions (hard and icy or lots of powder snow), long skins often work best.

Recommended

Clothing

A warm hat that also should be windproof.

For warmer days, and as a hat when sleeping.

To protect your boots against mud, dust and water.

Nice to take it outside the shell trousers. Preferably with a zipper all the way.

Thin gloves/liners can be worn inside your thick mittens/windproof mittens. Also practical when in the tent, handeling the burner etc.

Footwear

Lightweight  and back up very small. Keep your feet warm inside the tent, sleeping bag or while walking around camp. Down or synthetic filling. In addition, warm and good footwear in case of emergency, if your feet are very cold.

Equipment

Tooth brush, tooth paste, small towel, ear plugs, wet wipes, biodegradable soap, etc.

A small bag with antibac, and dog poop bags for used wet wipes etc. Here you can also keep toilet paper, and matches to burn used toilet paper.

Remember new/extra batteries. Lithium batteries are good in the cold. NOTE: A headlamp is only necessary until around mid-April.

Useful

Clothing

Thin, ultra light.

Equipment

To increase the comfort temperature in your sleeping bag.

As light at possible. 

Nuts, chocolate, energy bars, etc.

If youre a light sleeper.

For example Piteraq HD. Be sure to have the right size, that fits your sleeping mats.

Might be a good idea if you're going on a trip when it's bright at night (you can possibly use a buff/neck gaiter).

We provide

We have the following common and safety equipment

Paris Expedition transportation sled.

GPS, kart og kompass.

Food is included on the ski trip, and you pick what you want to take with you from our warehouse - porridge for breakfast, vacuum-packed freeze-dried tour food for lunch and dinner, drinks (coffee/tea), chocolate, nuts, biscuits. If you would like more chocolate/snacks, you must bring this yourself.

Harnesses, ropes, carabiners etc.

One big bag that fits in the sled keeps all your gear away from the snow. NOTE: You will still need waterproof pack bags for your clothes and sleeping bag.

It is important that you pack your clothes and sleeping bag 100% waterproof. Even if you already have a cover on your sleeping bag, it is important that you pack it in a waterproof drybag bag as well.

Here you can find more information about gear & clothing for trips like this.

TIP: Travel in your outdoor clothes. We recommend that you have the most important outdoor equipment in your hand luggage, for example ski boots and gore-tex jacket/trousers.

 

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