Ski crossing expeditions in Svalbard

A ski crossing expedition in Svalbard is a multi-day Arctic cross-country skiing experience where participants traverse the archipelago on skis, often from east to west walking across glaciers and remote terrain and sleeping in expedition tents. All tours are with our professional and experienced guides. 

Crossing the Arctic on skis in the untouched wilderness of Svalbard

Ski crossing expeditions in Svalbard represent the most authentic form of Arctic travel. These journeys are full-scale expeditions across vast, untouched polar landscapes, where every kilometer is earned on skis. 

Our ski crossings are built around small teams (please be aware of limited availability), experienced guides, and a deep respect for the Artic. You carry your own pulk, navigate real terrain, and experience the raw elements of Svalbard as they are – unfiltered and uncompromised.  Find the crossing tour that fits you best…

Open to read the itinerary

Ski crossing expeditions 2027

New tour 2027

Cross-country ski
from coast to coast

Departure: March 

Duration: 4 days 

Ski crossing to Barentsburg

Departure: March 

Duration: 10 days 

Ski crossing Svalbard to Ny-Ålesund

Departure: May 

Duration: 7 days 

Practical information for ski crossings on Svalbard

Who can participate?

These expeditions are suited for you who are physically fit and in good physical condition. You are comfortable in cold and remote environments. Pulling a sled and trekking in requires endurance and strength, so we recommend preparing in advance. It’s recommended to have experience but it’s not a requirement. 

Ski expedition crossing to Ny-Ålesund visiting Oscar II country

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

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.

We are experts within ski crossing expeditions and our force is smaller groups to maximize the experience.

The first step to start your expedition:

Experience the small, raw and deeply personal Svalbard expedition - the way adventures should be on a Svalbard crossing

How to plan your stay on Svalbard

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