Bünsow Land ski camp expedition

This is the authentic 6-day ski camp expedition to Bünsow Land for the experienced skiiers who are ready to push beyond the ordinary. 

8 highlights of Bünsow Land ski camp expedition

An Arctic ski camp expedition into Bünsow Land on Svalbard

What you can look forward to...

Would you like to wake up and  (almost) just begin the day with skiing? Getting out of your tent in the morning, drinking a cup of coffee and around you there is just endless white peaks against the polar sky. This is the wild north. It’s untouched and unforgettable and ready for a ski touring adventure. 

Open to read the itinerary

Who can participate?

This expedition is designed for adventurers in good physical condition and experience with backcountry skiing. Ski touring and climbing the mountains in untamed terrain over for days requires endurance and strength, so we recommend preparing in advance.

You should be comfortable backcountry skiing and preferable be intermediate to expert ski tourers. You should be confident skiing variable snow conditions (powder, windpack, crust), and have solid uphill technique with skins. Previous experience in alpine or glaciated terrain is an advantage but not required. 

Our Backyard team will handle route and safety. 

It will be an expedition of a lifetime that will challenge and inspire you in the vast and untouched wilderness of Svalbard.

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Expedition itinerary: Day by day

Bünsow Land is an attractive area on Svalbard for ski touring due to its combination of dramatic nature, untouched terrain and accessibility. If you are looking for the real thing, then this is it. 

Day 0 - Packing

We recommend you to have a least one day before the expedition to settle in and adjust especially if you have had a long journey. We will also begin the preparation this day and pack all the gear that we need for our ski camp expedition. OBS: Accomodation, transfer, meals etc is not included for this first day. We can assist with accomodation and excursions.

Day 1 - Expedition starts

In the morning we'll pick you up at the hotel and our journey snowmobile ride begins towards Bünsow Land. We will dress warm and head out into the Arctic wilderness with white landscapes as far as the eye can see. The tour will be for approx. 3 hours before we reach the destination where we will set up basecamp under the Arctic sky.

Day 2 to 5 - Ski touring & Camp life

Wake up to the sound of the tent cloth flutters in the wind and get up to a nice cup of coffee and to the view of a white landscape with endless peaks ready for you. It's an experience that's not about groomed slopes and après-ski bars, but about experiencing real Arctic wilderness and magnificent silence. 4 full days of ski touring in our Svalbard backyard. You can expect at least 800 vertical mets per day. Evenings spent cooking dinner, resting, and rotating night watch for polar bears.

Day 6: Returning to Longyearbyen

We will pack down camp and ride snowmobiles back to Longyearbyen after a good memorable ski camp expedition into the Arctic wilderness.

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

Ronny Lauritz Berntsen

Experienced Guide Specializing in Expedition & Ski Touring

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Ski touring on best powder snow on Svalbard with Backyard Svalbard

Join the Bünsow Land ski expedition

Packing list

Here you can find answers to some of your questions regarding snowmobile and climbing in Svalbard. A packing list will be sent upon 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
  • Warm and sturdy winter boots (camp boots)
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Goggles / ski goggles
  • Water 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)
  • Power bank for mobile phone
  • Sleeping bag with comfort -25°C.
    (rent NOK 350,- per day
  • Matress and term-a-rest
    (rent NOK 250 pr day

This is possible to rent from us

  • Skis/splitboards
  • Warm skiboots
  • Skins, poles
  • Crampons
  • Helmet
  • Shovel
  • Probe
  • Sender/receiver

Ski boots, skis, poles and skins (rentable)

What's included and what's not

Included

Gear you will get from us

• Transportation from hotel and back to hotel
• Top quality tent
• Top quality common equipment for the camp
• Expedition meals and snacks
• Camping gear
• Cooking equipment
• Professional guides with emergency equipment
• Applications
• SAR-insurance

Not included

Gear you need to bring or rent

• Clothes 
• Personal equipment
• Sleeping bag (possible to rent)
• Sleeping mattres (possible to rent)
• Ski equipment (possible to rent)
• Accomodation in Longyearbyen 
• Meals and drinks in Longyearbyen
• Travel & cancellation insurance
• Flights (you can book via SAS or Norwegian)

 

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.

• To drive a snowmobile you need a valid class B driver’s license under the “Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968” act. The driver’s license must always be carried with you psycially (not online).

• A valid passport and travel health insurance must be presented.

• Svalbard have a 0‰ alcohol tolerance for driving a snowmobile. If this is not respected, you cannot participate in the tour and you are not entitled to a refund.

Ready to step beyond the map?

Join a small group of dedicated ski tourers and experience Svalbard like few ever will. 

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