SKI EXPEDITION FROM EAST TO WEST
Svalbard ski crossing:
The greatest Arctic expedition
Svalbard ski crossing during the sunny winter season cross country from Agardhdalen to Isfjorden. The ski expedition that will take you from the East coast wilderness to Arctic comfort with only the sound of your pulka. This signature ski expedition will make you a true explorer skiing in the wake of the polar bear.
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DURATION:
10 days /
9 nights
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EXPEDITION DATES:
April 23rd to
May 2nd 2027
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GROUP SIZE:
Max 8 guests
per guide
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DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
5/5 - Demands
exceptional physical
fitness
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EXPERT GUIDES
Led by certified
Svalbard ski experts
The greatest ski crossing expedition from the remote East coast to the historic West coast of Svalbard
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 as the journey will test your endurance, sharpen your senses, and open your eyes to the pure, unfiltered beauty of the polar world.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Approx. 145 km of pristine Arctic wilderness
- Including snowmobile adventure
- Sleep in remote camps under the midnight sun
- From the remote East to the wild west
- Small group experience with expert guide who know Arctic terrain and conditions
Who is this tour for
Who is this tour for?
- You have a good fitness level and endurance
- Experienced skiing in variable snow conditions
- Enjoy pulling a pulk (sled) for several days
- Can ski for several consecutive days
- Ready to learn practical skills in the Arctic
- Want THE Arctic ski expedition with endurance, teamwork and self-reliance
This tour is not for you if you:
- Are a complete beginner on skis
- You have never tried ski crossing
- Are uncomfortable with winter camping
- Feel uncomfortable pushing your physical limits
- Have limited physical fitness
- Don't want to pull a heavy pulk
THE GREATEST SKI CROSSING
10 DAYS
-
NOK 44.550
/ per person
Save my spot
Every expedition begins with a short conversation. Let us help you determine whether this journey is right for you.
-
Expedition spot reserved
We'll hold your spot for 7 days. -
Get ready for Svalbard
Recommendations based on your ski experience.
- Secure booking
- No payment required immediately
Ski crossing program
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 with snowmobile to the East coast
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 a gear check and a briefing. We will travel with snowmobiles approx 120 km East into the valley to our starting point at Agardhdalen. This journey itself offers breathtakning views of glaciers, mountains and even the wild Svalbard reindeers looking for food underneath the snow.
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 we will take turn being a polar bear watch in the night under the midnight sun. 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 board of the 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.
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 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 – Cold Bay (Kaldbukta)
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 7 – 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 8 – 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 9 – 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 10 – 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).
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OBS: Accomodation, meals and transfer in Longyearbyen is not included for this night</i>
Post expedition recommendation: Buffer day with rest & recovery
We recommend having 2 extra days / 1 night after return to Longyearbyen from the expedition. Flexible days to relax, unwind, and let the adventure sink in.
If the weather was challenging during the expedition, this day serves as a buffer for adjustments.
For those with energy left, we can help create an itinerary for staying in the northernmost town.
The next day it will then be time to say goodbye to the Arctic.
Note: Accomodation, meals and transfer in Longyearbyen is not included for pre- and post arrangements
- Ski crossing for 10 days on Svalbard
- Pick up/drop off at your hotel at the expedition start/end
- Snowmobile suit, helmet, boots, gloves, goggles
- Snowmobile transport to/from starting/end point
- Pulka (sled) with pulk storage and pulling harness
- Shared Tent
- Common equipment like cooking equipment
- Breakfast and dinners on the ski expedition
- Field lunch
- Snacks
- Coffee/ tea
- 1 x night at a hotel on the last night
- 1 x dinner at restaurant the last evening
- Applications for the expedition
- SAR-insurance (Search & Rescue)
- Emergency equipment
- Expert ski guide with safety gear and polar bear protection
- Ski equipment (Available for rent)
- Sleeping bag (Available for rent)
- Sleeping mattress (Available for rent)
- Clothes
- Flights to/from Longyearby
- Stay in Longyearbyen for pre/post arrival
- Pick up/drop off at the airport
- Travel & cancellation insurance
- The itinerary is always weather dependent and the tour/activity can be modified due to safety concerns. Please see conditions.
- All tours are with english speaking guides.
- A full packing list will be provided upon booking
- Bring your driver's licence. You need a valid class B driver's license. The driver's license must always be carried with you phsycially (not online).
- A valid passport and travel health insurance must be presented.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the answers to the most frequently asked questions, such as what to bring, how to prepare, and what to anticipate on the expedition. If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us—we are here to help!
Yes, we recommend that participants have previous experience with ski crossings as this expedition demands exceptional physical fitness level where you will be able to ski for several days while dragging a heavy pulk with equipment while testing your endurance in minus temperatures.
It is completely natural to have doubts before commiting to a demanding ski crossing. You do not need to be a professional explorer og ski crossing expert but to give you the best experience we always prefer to begin with a free, non-binding 10 minute readiness call with our ski expert. We will assess your experience together, answer your questions honestly and ensure you feel 100% ready for an adventure.
Yes, we you need to book your ski crossing expedition in advance. Early booking guarantees your spot and allows us to tailor the experience to your needs. We recommend to book as the earliest time possible.
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.
Yes, you can join as a group of 2 persons. Most of our ski crossings departures are “open expeditions” meaning we combine individual bookings into a small group. You don’t need to come as a pre-formed group.
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.
Yes, we’re happy to help you put together a full Svalbard itinerary around the expedition. We recommend that you have at least 1 night before departure and 1 night when returning. Most guests stay a couple of night extra in Longyearbyen to settle in and explore the town and surroundings on land a bit before sailing out.
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.
Small groups – big adventures
We only have small groups to maximize the adventure for each participant. It will be a minimum of 4 persons and and a maximum of 8 persons. This is 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.
A small group size guarantees maximum safety, a faster ad more synchronized skiing pace, and personalized attention from our certified Svalbard ski expert.
Are you ready to pull your sled across Svalbard and become part of the Arctic’s untold story?
You can fly into Longyearbyen, the main settlement in Svalbard, via connecting flights from Oslo. Normally SAS or Norwegian will be the only flying to Longyearbyen.
Once in Longyearbyen, we will arrange transportation on the expedition departure day.
We do recommend to have at least one night before the expedition and 2 nights after.
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. Please let us know in advance if you need to rent any equipment. If you have questions, feel free to contact us regarding the equipment. You can see information under “Rental”
For the ski crossing expedition, you need the bring:
- Warm wool clothing
- Sleeping bag
- Mattress
- Harness
- Shovel
- Ski gear.
A throughout packing list will be provided upon booking. You may rent sleeping bag, matress, harness, shovel and skiing equipment.
We provide all practical listed under “included”.
If you’re unsure about any gear, feel free to ask us for advice on what to pack.
Clothes
We will send you a packing list when booking
- 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
Personal equipment
- 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)
Svalbard is home to diverse Arctic wildlife, and you may have the chance to spot animals like Svalbard reindeer, polar foxes and even polar bears from a distance. However, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and safety precautions are in place when in polar bear territory.
The terrain varies from a vast landscape to gentle slopes and glacier descents.
Due to protection laws, no tour is allowed to be focussed on finding and seeing polar bears. If spotted you must keep your distance for safety reasons. The legal distance is 300 metres in summer and 500 metres in winter.
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.
Everyone will take turns on polar bear watch at night. For many, this quiet, solitary time under the midnight sun becomes one of the highlights of the journey. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with the Arctic wilderness and reflect on life in a way that few people ever experience.
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.
Breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinners is included on 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.
All our ski guides are professionals with extensive ski experience in Arctic terrain and high-alpine safety.
Every guide has completed specialized Arctic safety training, such as the ANG (Arctic Nature Guide) program or equivalent guide certifications.
All guides are fully certified in firearms handling due to polar bears and Arctic wildlife safety regulations.
Our team also have avalanche safety training, glacier rescue skills and wilderness first-aid training.
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.
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.
High-quality ski gear rental
For expeditions you are welcome to bring your own ski equipment
or you can rent ski and gear.
"Ski gear"-package
NOK 600 /per person per dayThe "ski gear"-package for this expedition include:
XC Skis, boots, short skins, poles
- Sleeping mattress & Term-a-rest
NOK 290 /per person per dayRent a sleeping mattress and term-a-rest for this ski crossing expedition
- Sleeping bag
NOK 390 /per person per dayRent a sleeping bag with comfort -25°C for this ski crossing expedition
- Single gear pieces
NOK 100 /per person per dayRent ski goggles, harness, shovel etc. for your ski expedition. Price is also per piece.
Ski crossing level
Every expedition begins with a conversation
Our expeditions take place in one of the most remote environments on Earth.
To ensure the safety of our guests and the quality of your experience,
every booking include a personal readiness call.
Tell us a little about yourself and your ski level on a 10 minute call with our ski expert to make sure this expedition is the right fit for you.
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10-MINUTE CALL
Speak directly
to an expert
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NO OBLIGATION
It's completely
non-binding
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SAFETY FIRST
We want every guest
to have the best
possible adventure
1. Schedule call
Choose a date for your
10-minute call.
2. Save your spot
Fill out the form for
how to contact you
3. Talk to our expert
We get to know you & answer your questions personally
4. Confirm & prepare
We'll reserve your spot and start the adventure together
Expedition at a glance
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SEASON:
Midnight sun season
April/May
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DURATION:
10 days/9 nights
Exclusive the pre- & post stay
(min 12 days)
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DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
5/5 - Intermediate to advanced
Demands exceptional physical fitness
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ACCOMMODATION:
Camping in the Arctic wilderness
+ 1 night in hotel
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DESTINATION:
Cross country from the
East to West coast of Svalbard
including snowmobile ride to starting/end point
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GROUP SIZE:
4-8 guests
Solo travellers are welcome
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AGE LIMIT:
Minimum 18 years old
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EXPERT GUIDES:
Certified & Svalbard experts
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MEETING POINT:
In Longyearbyen.
Outside your accommodation
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.
Highlights of the ski crossing
- A 10-day Arctic ski expedition from Agardhdalen to Isfjorden
- Approx. 145 km of pristine polar wilderness
- Camp under the midnight sun
- Stunning Arctic views with beautiful photo opportunities
- The deafening Arctic silence
- Exclusive small group experience - maximum adventure
- Led by experienced certified expert guides
- A once-in-a-lifetime Arctic ski challenge
- Sustainable: Low climate footprint
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.
You can see what is included here
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?
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?
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 - 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 7 - 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 8 – 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 9 – 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 10 – 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
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!
1. Do I need previous ski experience to join the expedition?
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.
2. What type of skis do I need for the expedition?
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.
3. What are the weather conditions like in Svalbard during ski expeditions?
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.
4. Do I need to book in advance for a ski expedition?
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.
5. Can I join a ski expedition if I’m traveling solo?
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.
6. Will I see wildlife on the ski expedition?
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.
7. What is the Polar Bear Watch, and why is it important?
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.
8. What equipment do I need to bring, and what equipment will you provide?
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.
9. What happens if the weather is too dangerous to proceed with the ski expedition?
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.
10. What happens if I can’t continue the expedition due to exhaustion or injury?
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.
11. Do I need travel insurance for the ski expedition?
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.
12. How do I get to Svalbard for the ski expedition?
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.
13. Are meals provided during the ski 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.
14. Where can I store the luggage I do not bring for the expedition?
You can store your luggage at our storage.
Save your spot
For Svalbard crossing 10 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 goggles
- Ski boots
- Helmet
- Shovel
- Probe
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
✈️ Flights to/from Longyearbyen
🍽️ Accommodation and meals in Longyearbyen
🎿Full ski equipment package
(boots, Ski, skins, poles, and shovel): Possible to rent.
🧥Warm clothes
💥Travel and cancellation insurance
Practical information
• 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.
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
