Svalbard ski crossing:
The greatest Arctic expedition

Spend 11-days in the sunny winter season crossing Svalbard from Agardhdalen to Isfjorden. The ski crossing that will take you from the East coast wilderness to Arctic comfort with only the sound of your pulka. The signature expedition crossing that will make you a true explorer skiing in the wake of the polar bear. 

Highlights of the ski crossing

Starting at Agardhdalen to Isfjorden in Nordenskiöld Land

From pick up to drop off

This expedition is on request so you if you wish to travel in another month please feel free to contact us. 

You can read more about difficulty levels here:
See difficulty level description for Svalbard tours here

If you have any younger paticipants then we need to do an evaluation. Contact us for information. 

We only have small groups to maximize our ski experience. If you have more participants than 8 please feel free to contact us for a Tailor-Made tour. 

Svalbard from coast to coast Arctic ski expedition

What you can look forward to...

Lets be honest. This is not a holiday. It’s a transition through the heart of the High Arctic – a true adventure. You’ll be standing on the frozen eastern coast of Svalbard. behind you is nothing but snow and ice. Ahead of you lies Nordenskiöld Land – a vast, white desert of moutains, glaciers and absolute, deafening silence. You will feel the crispy snow under the skis and the nice cold Arctic wind on you face as well as feeling a type of exhaustion that makes you feel more alive than you have in years. A magical of grid experience spend together with a small group of like-minded explorers and experienced polar guides. An authentic Arctic challenge reserved for true adventureres. 

This is a journey that will test your endurance, sharpen your senses, and open your eyes to the pure, unfiltered beauty of the polar world. 

Small groups – big adventures

We only have small groups to maximize the adventure. It will be a minimum of 4 persons and and a maximum of 8 persons. This also the reason why we have limited spots but we guarantee you’ll test your endurance, experience extreme nature, and leave with memories for a lifetime.

Are you ready to pull your sled across Svalbard and become part of the Arctic’s untold story?

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Who can participate?

This is a demanding winter expedition. This expedition is designed for adventurers with good physical fitness. Pulling a sled and trekking for several days in cold temperatures requires endurance and strength, so we recommend preparing in advance.

Are you ready to push your limits and experience the Arctic like never before?

The best Svalbard crossing on skiis - the ultimative Arctic expedition

Expedition itinerary for ski crossing

Each day will reveal a new face of the Arctic and we will we will follow the quiet rhythm of expedition life. This is where endurance meets wonder, and every kilometer takes you deeper into the untouched wilderness of Svalbard. It is important to be aware that the elements rule here and itinary can change depending on weather.

Pre-expedition requirement: Arrival and Briefing

Welcome to the Arctic and the northernmost town Longyearbyen! Once you have arrived in Longyearbyen, we’ll take you to our expedition centre for briefing. We’ll go through the gear, safety and logistics ensuring every sled and ski is ready, checking up on the equipment list, ensure everyone is properly prepared, and make any necessary last-minute purchases. Finally, we pack the sleds and urge you to get a good night sleep before we start our crossing tomorrow morning. 

OBS: Accomodation, meals and transfer is not included for the first night. We can help arrange this. 

Day 1 - Starting your journey to the West

Start your day with a good breakfast and send a message home as we will now go offgrid and start our big adventure. The guide will greet you at your hotel and then we will start the day with gear check and a briefing. We will go by snowmobiles approx 120 km east out into the valley and the wilderness to get to our starting point at Agardhdalen. This journey itself offers breathtakning views of glaciers, mountains and even the wildliving Svalbard reindeers looking for food underneath the snowcovered landscape. After a few hours we reach our starting point. We unload, harness our sleds, click into our skis and take the first steps westward into the Arctic wilderness.  From here it will go uphill towards Passbreen. This is just a magnificent Arctic experience with spectacular scenery with glaciers. When we arrive at our first camp spot it's established and here we will help each other with setting up tents, boiling water, and establishing a routine. After our dinner, under the midnight sun, we will take turn being a bear watch in the evening but when you crawl into the sleeping bag you will feel calm and tired.

Day 2 - At the edge of the wild towards Kjellstömdalen

It's important to start the day with a solid breakfast to get fuel for the journey.  The silence is complete. There will be time to consider the balance of body and mind as we go more downhill towards Kjellstömdalen. We might pass wildlife as we move on. When we reach our campspot for the night we will start the preparations for dinner and have a bear watch. The experience can be used as a form of recreation and for being offgrid you can probably start to feel that you are "in the moment", enjoying the silence and surrroundings.

Day 3 - Passing the border of 3 Lands

We are near Kjellströmdalen which is the boarder between Nordenskiöld Land, Heer Land and Sabine Land. The valley is approx. 27 kilometers long. Camp is set up. Normally the landscape will start to be more flat for the next couple of days.

Day 4 - Passing Svea 

Svea is located at the head of Van Mijenfjorden. It was a former mining settlement in Svalbard that closed in 2020 and which has now being dismantled. We will not be visiting but here we might see a cabin in the distance and get a feeling of human civilization.

Day 5 - Across the Sea Ice from Svea to Blåhuken

Today is a long and steady day across the frozen fjord system. From Svea we move out onto the sea ice of Van Mijenfjorden, heading west toward Blåhuken. The terrain is mostly flat, but Arctic sea ice is never completely predictable. Pressure ridges, wind-shaped snow formations and subtle tidal movements remind us that we are travelling across a living surface. With wide horizons and surrounding mountain silhouettes, this stage gives a true feeling of Svalbard’s scale and exposure.

Day 6 - Across the Sea Ice from Svea to Blåhuken

Today is a long and steady day across the frozen fjord system. From Svea we move out onto the sea ice of Van Mijenfjorden, heading west toward Blåhuken. The terrain is mostly flat, but Arctic sea ice is never completely predictable. Pressure ridges, wind-shaped snow formations and subtle tidal movements remind us that we are travelling across a living surface. With wide horizons and surrounding mountain silhouettes, this stage gives a true feeling of Svalbard’s scale and exposure.

Day 7 - Kaldbukta (Cold Bay) 

Kaldbukta (Cold Bay) on Svalbard is a vast, shallow, 11.5 km-wide bay at the mouth of the large Reindalen valley in Van Mijenfjorden. It is known to be the place where the bigger rivers like Reindalselva, Semmeldalselva and Kalvdalselva meets the fjord, creating wide and icy tidal flats. It’s a place of geological significance and a key feature of Nordenskiöld Land’s landscape, offering a sense of Svaldbard’s vast, cold wilderness. The landscape will graduately change.

Day 8 - Up Fridjofbreen (Glacier)

We will reach Fridjofbreen. From here it will be uphill. Fridtjofbreen is a roughly 30 km² glacier and about 10 km long, flowing from Grønfjord glacier into Van Mijenfjorden, making it the largest glacier in Nordenskiöld Land. It's known for its dramatic ice formations and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Day 9 – Down Grønfjordbreen 

Today our movement will be more calm as we go along near Grønfjordbreane. Grønfjordbreane is the common name for Vestre Grønfjordbreen and Austre Grønfjordbreen, two glaciers with a combined area of 20 km². The area is notable for the mining settlement of Barentsburg on the fjord's eastern shore.

Day 10 – The final outpost at the End of the World

We are still far from civilizaion and in the Svalbard wilderness and the plan is to end our trip in Barentsburg. This is a fascinating Russian mining town. It is close to the outermost part of Isfjorden, approximately 60 km from Longyearbyen. Here is a hotel and a restaurant where we will spend our last night and have a dinner in town after crossing Svalbard on skis sharing our best memories of this tour.

Day 11 – The return to civilization

This morning we will go with snowmobile back to Longyearbyen. Once back in town, we return the equipment, check into the hotel, and enjoy a well-earned shower. A flexible day to relax, unwind, and let the adventure sink in. If the weather was challenging earlier, this day serves as a buffer for adjustments. For those with energy left, we recommend a gentle walk or sightseeing tour to explore Longyearbyen (and this is possible to prebook through us as well). 

OBS: Accomodation, meals and transfer in Longyearbyen is not included for this night

Post expedition recommendation: Buffer day with rest & recovery

Time to say goodbye to the Arctic if you do not wish to prolong your stay and enjoy what the small town Longyearbyen has to offer for great experiences.

The Guides

Peter Alex Wainwright

ACMC – Ski guide

Clement Carasco

Ski guide

Jonas Haass

Arctic Nature Guide and Splitboarder

Niall Finch

Arctic nature guide and ACMC glacier guide

Andreas Gschwentner

Svalbard guide with SGO

Brage James Fuglestad

Arctic Nature Guide with AST 2

Fredrik Aurell

Experienced guide

Erlend Kjørsvik

CEO and arctic nature guide with AST 2

Jack Arnold

Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover the answers to the most frequently asked questions about your experience—what to bring, how to prepare, and what to anticipate on the journey. If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us—we are here to help!

Yes, participants should have previous experience with cross-country skiing and be physically fit. The expeditions range in difficulty, but a basic level of skill is required to handle challenging Arctic conditions.

For Svalbard expeditions, we use specialized skis suited for Arctic terrain, such as cross-country skis with steel edges. You can rent or bring your own equipment. If you have questions, feel free to contact us regarding the equipment.

The weather can be unpredictable, with cold temperatures ranging from -5°C to -20°C in May. Wind and snowstorms are possible, so it’s important to be prepared for extreme weather and follow the guide’s instructions at all times.

Yes, we highly recommend booking your expedition in advance. We only have small groups and limited departures so early booking guarantees your spot and allows us to tailor the experience to your needs.

Yes, solo travelers are welcome! Our ski expeditions are designed to cater to small groups, and you’ll have the opportunity to meet like-minded adventurers. We ensure a supportive and safe environment for all participants.

Svalbard is home to diverse Arctic wildlife, and you may have the chance to spot animals like reindeer, seals, and even polar bears from a distance. However, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and safety precautions are in place when in polar bear territory.

Polar Bear Watch is an essential safety measure during all ski expeditions in Svalbard. Given the presence of polar bears in the region, your guide will monitor the surroundings for any bear activity. During night we need a polar bear watch, so each participant needs to be on watch on shifts. If a polar bear is sighted, the group will be immediately instructed to take safety precautions. Polar bear protection is vital, and guides are trained in bear safety and using deterrents like flare guns and rifles.

For the ski expedition, you need the clothings, sleeping bag, matress, harness, shovel and ski equipment. A throughout packing list will be provided upon booking. You may rent sleeping bag, matress, harness, shovel and skiing equipment in Longyearbyen.

We provide all tents, cooking equipment, pulkas and safety kits required for the expedition. If you’re unsure about any gear, feel free to ask us for advice on what to pack.

Your safety is our priority. If weather conditions make the expedition too dangerous, the guide will assess the situation and may adjust the itinerary or postpone parts of the expedition. We always have contingency plans in place to ensure your safety. The itinerary is only a suggested plan and can be changed so there will never be two of the same tours. 

If you are unable to continue, your guide will assess the situation and arrange for evacuation or assistance as needed. There are safety protocols in place to ensure that every participant is safe and well taken care of. Search- and Rescue operations are covered by our insurance.

Yes, you need a travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, accidents, and trip cancellations. It’s essential to ensure you’re covered in case of unforeseen events during your Arctic adventure. We will not be able to help you with an ensurance. 

You can fly into Longyearbyen, the main settlement in Svalbard, via connecting flights from Oslo or Tromsø. 

We can help arrange hotel stay. We recommend you to have a couple of extra nights after the expedition. We can help arrange extra activities as well for instance visit to ice caves, snowmobile tours, ice climbing, ski touring to mountains near the town. 

Once you are in Longyearbyen, we will arrange transportation to the start of the expedition.

Meals are typically provided by the guides, focusing on energy-boosting meals suitable for the cold environment. If you have dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance, and we will accommodate your needs.

You can store your luggage at our storage. 

Join a ski crossing expedition in Svalbard. The best Arctic adventure from coast to coast to explore the Arctic wilderness on ski

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For Svalbard crossing 11 days –
A coast to coast ski expedition 

Packing list & what gear you should bring

Here you can find answers to some of your questions regarding the ski Svalbard crossing ski expedition. 

  • Beanie
  • Buff/neck, neoprene mask
  • Warm mittens
  • Gloves
  • Wool underwear; longs + jersey + extra change
  • Intermediate garments; wool or fleece
  • Down jacket
  • Windproof shell clothing
  • Wool socks
  • Ski boots
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Goggles / ski goggles
  • Bottle 1 L / 2 á 0.5 L Nalgene
  • SPF Sunscreen
  • Moisturizer
  • Toe and hand warmers
  • Thermos 0.8 – 1 L
  • Hygiene kit (tooth brush, tooth paste etc.)
  • lip balm
  • Pain reliever/ necessary medication / compeed
  • Self time activity (book, crosswords, music, knitting..etc)
  • Sleeping bag with comfort -25°C.
    (rent available for NOK 390,- per day)
  • Matress and term-a-rest
    (rent available for NOK 290 pr day)

This is possible to rent from us

  • Skis/splitboards with steel edges
  • Ski crampons
  • Skins
  • Poles
  • Ski googles 
  • Ski boots 
  • Helmet
  • Shovel
  • Probe
  • Avalanche tracker/beacon- Sender/receiver

We have ski and avalanche package available for rent 

Crossing Svalbard on skis is a must adventure with Backyard Svalbard

Included

Included:

🚗 Transportation from/to accommodation in Longyearbyen

🎿 Introduction & packing

⛺ Sleeping in a tent

🛏️ 1 night at the hotel on the last night

🍳 Camping gear and cooking equipment

🍽️ 1 x dinner at restaurant the last evening

🥐 Breakfast

🍲 Field lunch

 🍽️Dinner

🍪 Snacks

🛞 Transportation to and from your start point of the crossing 

🛷 Pulka with pulk bag and pulling harness

🐻‍❄️ Expert certified guide with safety gear and polar bear protection

Not included

What you need to bring

✈️ Flights to/from Longyearbyen

🍽️ Accommodation and meals in Longyearbyen

🎿Full ski equipment package
(boots, Ski, skins, poles, avalanche beacon, probe and shovel, avalanche equipment): Possible to rent. 

🧥Warm clothes

💥Travel and cancellation insurance 

Practical information

Things you need to be aware of

• The itinerary is always weather dependent and the tour/activity can be modified or cancelled due to safety concerns. Please see conditions.

• It is important that you understand and speak English or is in the group with others who do. If this is not respected you can be denied in participating and you are not entitled to a refund.

Experience the small, raw and deeply personal Svalbard expedition. The only way adventures should be on a Svalbard ski crossing

How to plan your stay on Svalbard

Don’t just visit the Arctic—experience it in the most intimate, adventurous way possible. Reach out now to start planning your adventure.

Time limited offer.

Some things are even better when shared
and crossing Svalbard from coast to coast is one of them. 
But whether you go solo or together with a friend,
this 10-days cross country expedition in 2026 comes with a bonus now:

  • 10% off when you book your own spot
  • or 20% off when you bring a friend along

Regular price is: NOK 44.550,- per person (before discount).
Departure date: March 24 to April 2 – 2026
(Packing starts on March 23 and you have to add extra day after the expedition too)

Latest booking date: 11.03.26

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