Ice cave hike

You need a good  physical fitness level for this hike. This is due to a: 

• The uphill hiking
  You will be hiking continiously uphill through morraine terrain which can be uneven and in snow.
• Arctic elements resistance
  Walking in Arctic cold temperatures and facing unpredictable winds require more than a normal hike.
• The cave terrain 
  Inside the glacier, you must climb down vertical ladders into narrow ice cave walls. Slippery ice floors and occasionally crouch through low ceilings.

We chase the best conditions and not a specific ice cave, but normally we will go to the ice cave on Larsbreen.

We adapt daily to give you the umtimate Arctic experience. In Svalbard, nature rules, and flexibility is the key to both safety and great skiing.

We don’t promise one exact ice cave – we promise the most enjoyable adventure available on any given day. 

We will provide necessary gear as a helmet, crampons (or snowshoes depending on weather) as well as a headlamp for when entering the ice cave. 

You need to bring/put on the following:

• Backpack (20-30L)
• Bottle with water for the hike
• Good warm- and waterproof hiking shoes (over the ankle)
• Jacket (warm and windproof)
• Shell jacket
• Outdoor pants
• Warm layers for sweater and pants
  (merino wool, fleece, wool sweater)
• Extra layer of clothing (warm sweater) 
• Hat, buff, mittens, and gloves
• Extra gloves and mittens

Dressing for hiking during winter in Svalbard requires a strict three-layer system combined with high-quality insulation. The key is regulating your temperature to prevent sweating during the ascent and freezing in the ice cave and during the descent. 

We recommend packing and wearing the following layers:

• Base layer (For moisture)
  100% merino wool underwear (top and buttom). Avoid cotton completely, as it retains moisture and cools you down.
• Mid Layer (weather protection)
  A breatable fleece or wool jacket or a lightweight active-insulation jacket to trap heat while moving.  
• Outer Layer (Weather protection)
  Wind- and waterproof hard shell jacket and pants (e-g- goretex) with good ventilation zippers to shield you from the harsh Arctic wind. 
• Reinforcement Layer (for reaching the top and breaks) 
  A thick down jacket to put on immediately when stopping. You can get lightweight versions.
• Accessories 
  Two pairs of gloves (thin and heavy/windproof), a wool beanie (Balaclave), googles (can be good if there is wind), sunglasses (if it’s from March and forward), and 100% wool socks. 
• Warm, high ankle hiking boots
  This might be one of the most important things as you need to be able to hike through snow and for a longer time. 

To ensure your safety we may refuse participation if you are not properly dressed for hiking in the conditions

By packing specialized layers, you can easily adapt to Svalbard’s rapidly changing weather and stay comfortable throughout the day. 

If you have severe claustrophobia we do not recommend this tour. Entering a natural ice cave can require descending a vertical ladder into narrow, frozen passages. While the cave opens up then parts of the tunnel might be tighter and require crouching or crawling on your knees. It will not be possible to join the hike as this is polar bear territory so we will not be able to let you wait outside.

The temperature inside the ice cave stays a bit warmer than the outside as it is shielded from the harsh Arctic wind.

Rarely. We will access the weather conditions on the departure day as weather forecasts on Svalbard can change from hour to hour.

If the guide decides to cancel the tour we will contact you as soon as we have made the decision and offer you a date change or full refund. We therefore recommend you to have some flexibility in your program.

Safety is our top priority and the guide will be bringing polar bear protection on the tour. 

Yes, we provide pick up and drop off at all hotels in Longyearbyen. This is included in the price. When booking you simply not your selected accommodation.

All our Arctic guides are professionals with extensive Svalbard experience in Arctic terrain and 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. 

Yes, we offer fully custmized private tours for families, solo, groups or corporate teams etc. looking for an exclusive Arctic adventure. 

Booking a private ice cave tour gives your group several distinct advantages: 

• 100% tailored pace and ability

  Unlike open groups a private guide designs your trip to your physical fitness. 

• Flexible itinerary
  You can combine more experiences or add in extra dreams for your day. 
• Logistics
  We can adapt start times to fit your travel schedule. 

To learn more about private guiding rates and availability for the season, please contact us directly with your group size and preferred tour date. 
Contact us here