Crossing Ski Expedition to Ny-Ålesund

7-day Arctic journey through Oscar II Land, featuring Nordic ski expedition and breathtaking glaciers. Visit Ny-Ålesund, the northernmost settlement in the world, and experience Svalbard’s wild beauty like never before.

8 highlights of expedition to Ny-Ålesund

An Arctic adventure into the northernmost wilderness

What you can look forward to...

Step into the heart of the Arctic and embark on a challenging yet rewarding ski traverse through Oscar II Land – A true Arctic traverse. This 7-day expedition will take you across remote glaciers, vast valleys, and stunning fjords, all while pulling your own sled. This is a journey for the adventurous skier looking for a true backcountry experience in one of the world’s most pristine wilderness areas.

Open to read the itinerary

Who can participate?

Oscar II Land ski expedition to Ny-Ålesund – A True Arctic Traverse

This expedition is designed for adventurers in good physical condition. Pulling a sled and trekking for days requires endurance and strength, so we recommend preparing in advance.

You should be comfortable skiing with a loaded sledge over long distances and in varying Arctic conditions.

Join us for an unforgettable ski traverse through Oscar II Land – an expedition that will challenge and inspire you in the vast and untouched wilderness of Svalbard

Exclusive Ny-Ålesund expedition on skis

Expedition itinerary: Day by day

Oscar II Land – A Hidden Gem of Spitsbergen

Embark on an unforgettable ski expedition through Oscar II Land, one of Svalbard’s most breathtaking and untouched regions. This journey takes you across vast glaciers, towering peaks, dramatic fjords, and through the heart of Arctic wildlife territory.

The expedition ends in Ny-Ålesund, the world’s northernmost settlement at 79°N—a place few have the chance to visit. While scientists and researchers arrive by plane, and some visitors by boat, we take the true explorer’s route—crossing the Arctic wilderness on skis. This is more than just a journey; it’s a real expedition through the raw and untamed beauty of Svalbard.

Day 0 – Expedition Preparation
We begin in Longyearbyen with a full gear check and sledge packing. Your guide will go through safety procedures, equipment, and route details to ensure you’re ready for the journey ahead.

Day 1 – Boat transfer & the journey begins
A boat will take us across Isfjorden to Ekmanfjorden, where we set foot on Oscar II Land. From here, we start our 80 km ski journey, heading north towards Ny-Ålesund. The first day on skis will be spent finding our rhythm while navigating the Arctic landscape.

Days 2–6 – Traversing the Arctic Wilderness
Over the next four days, we move through a spectacular mix of glaciers, valleys, and plateaus. Expect long days of skiing, breathtaking views, and remote camps under the Arctic sky. We’ll experience the raw beauty of Svalbard as we push towards our goal: the legendary research town of Ny-Ålesund in Kongsfjorden.

While in camp, you’ll gain hands-on experience in Arctic survival. We’ll work together to set up camp and boiling snow into water for food and drinks. Our knowledgeable Arctic guides will teach you vital survival skills and share practical tips to help you adapt and thrive in the challenging winter conditions of the Arctic.

Day 7 – Return to Longyearbyen
After a well-earned rest in Ny-Ålesund, we board a boat for our return journey to Longyearbyen, taking in the stunning fjord landscapes from a new perspective.

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.

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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

Included: Gear you will get from us

• Transportation from hotel and back to hotel
• Boat transfers to/from the expedition start/ending route
• Top quality Tent
• Top quality common equipment for the camp
• Expedition meals and snacks
• Pulka with pulk bag
• Pulling harness
• Camping gear
• Cooking equipment
• Professional guides with emergency equipment
• Applications
• SAR-insurance

Not included

Gear you will 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 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.

 

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