Svalbard Crossing 4 days

Join the 4 days coast-to-coast Arctic ski expedition across Svalbards snowfilled wilderness. Our expedition is small, personal, and led by guides who live and breathe the Arctic. 

8 highlights for Svalbard crossing on skiis

Across the untouched wilderness of Svalbard.

What you can look forward to...

The Svalbard crossing is outside of the tourist tour. It’s an authentic polar expedition. Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition across Svalbard, traveling from east to west over four days. This is your chance to experience the raw, untamed Arctic wilderness, pulling your own sled and navigating through glaciers and remote landscapes with our professional and experienced arctic guide who will ensure for both safety and immersion in one of the world’s most remote environments.

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.

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime!

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Who can participate?

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

This will be the adventure of a lifetime and the experienced guides will show you the way and you will learn practical skills. Are you ready for the expedition then sign up to show your interest.

Are you ready to push your limits and experience the Arctic like never before? This will be the ski expedition for you.

Expedition itinerary: Day by day

Svalbard Crossing – A True Arctic Expedition

Experience the ultimate Arctic adventure as we traverse Svalbard from east to west. This journey takes you across vast glaciers, through remote wilderness, and into the heart of the High Arctic. Expect breathtaking landscapes, raw nature, and the thrill of true polar exploration.

Day 0 – Expedition preparation

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 tomorrow your crossing adventure begins. 

OBS: Accomodation, meals and transfer is not included for the first night

Day 1 – Starting your journey to the East
  • Pick-up from your hotel.
  • Gear check and instructions for the 80 km snowmobile ride to Mohnbukta.
  • Departure (two people per snowmobile). Remember to bring your driver’s license!

Mohnbukta is close to Tempelfjorden and on arrival in Mohnbukta, we’ll enjoy lunch with a stunning backdrop. From here, the crossing begins as we head west towards Tempelfjorden. The Arctic wind greets you as we unloads the sleds and begin skiing. The civilization has dissapeared and has been replaced by endless silence and the crunch of snow under skis. The first challenge is the ascent of Hayesbreen, a vast 18 km long glacier named after the American Arctic explorer Isaac Israel Hayes. Camp is established at the edge of Hayesbreen glacier and here we will help each other:  

  • Setting up tents, boiling water, and establishing a routine.
  • Dinner under the Arctic sky.
  • Nightly bear watch.
Day 2 – Into the Wild
  • Breakfast and melting more water.
  • Breaking camp and continuing up Hayesbreen.

As we ascend, we are surrounded by glaciers and towering nunataks—exposed mountain peaks rising through the ice. If visibility is clear, you’ll experience the true vastness of Svalbard.

Camp for the night: Near Panoramaberget, offering spectacular views.

  • Dinner in camp.
  • Bear watch, depending on conditions at this altitude.
Day 3 – Descending the Glacier

We continue our journey, descending the Von Post glacier—a smooth and steady route down. Camp is set up near the confluence of the Marit and Von Post glaciers, surrounded by dramatic Arctic landscapes.

Day 4 – Reaching the Fjord
  • The final leg down to the fjord.
  • Lunch before our scheduled pickup

This is a unique opportunity to experience Svalbard from the sea—keep an eye out for seals and whales as we return to Longyearbyen.

Once back in town, we return the equipment, check into the hotel, and enjoy a well-earned shower before gathering fo 

OBS: Accomodation, meals and transfer in Longyearbyen is not included for this night. 

Day 5 – Buffer day: Rest & Recovery

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. 

OBS: Accomodation, meals and transfer in Longyearbyen is not included for this night

Day 6 – Departure

Time to say goodbye to the Arctic if you do not wish to prolong your stay.

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

Join our community for exclusive ski expeditions to Svalbard

Be the first in line to join the Svalbard crossing adventure for the 2027 expedition 

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.

Packing list

 Here you can find answers to some of your questions regarding snowmobile and climbing in Svalbard. 

  • 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
  • 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 NOK 350,- per day
  • Matress and term-a-rest
    (rent NOK 250 pr day

This is possible to rent from us

  • Skis/splitboards
  • Skiboots
  • 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
• Transportation to starting point and end point
• Tent
• Common equipment
• Food and snacks
• Pulka with pulk bag
• Pulling harness
• Camping gear
• Cooking equipment
• Snowmobile suiting
• 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 
• 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.

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

Don’t just visit the Arctic—experience it in the most intimate, adventurous way possible. Reach out now to start planning your adventure.

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