SKI CROSSING EXPEDITION FROM EAST TO WEST

Svalbard ski crossing: From coast to coast
4 days / 3 nights

A 4-day Arctic skiing expedition crossing wild glaciers, silent valleys and windswept mountains in Svalbard. Cross country from the open Arctic East coast to Tempelfjorden on the West coast. 

Guided ski crossing through the untouched wilderness

Do you want to experience what it’s like to travel across Svalbard under your own power? This Svalbard ski crossing is an authentic polar expedition.

Embark on this bucket-list ski expedition across Svalbards vast landscape, skiing from the wild East to the fjord in West during 4 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 both safety and immersion in one of the world’s most remote environments.

HIGHLIGHTS

Who is this tour for

Who is this tour for?

This tour is not for you if you:

SKI CROSSING PRICE

  • NOK 25.990

    / per person

Save my spot

Every expedition begins with a short conversation. Let us help you determine whether this journey is right for you.

Ski crossing program

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover the answers to the most frequently asked questions about our Ski and Sail experiences, such as what to bring, how to prepare, and what to anticipate on the voyage. If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us—we are here to help!

Before booking

No, but it is recommend that 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.

Yes, we you need to book your ski crossing expedition in advance. Early booking guarantees your spot and allows us to tailor the experience to your needs. We recommend to book as the earliest time possible. 

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.

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.

Yes, you can join as a group of 2 persons. Most of our ski crossings departures are “open expeditions” meaning we combine individual bookings into a small group. You don’t need to come as a pre-formed group.

Yes, we’re happy to help you put together a full Svalbard itinerary around the expedition. We recommend that you have at least 1 night before departure and 1 night when returning. Most guests stay a couple of night extra in Longyearbyen to settle in and explore the town and surroundings on land a bit before sailing out.

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.

For the expedition

You can fly into Longyearbyen, the main settlement in Svalbard, via connecting flights from Oslo. Normally SAS or Norwegian will be the only flying to Longyearbyen.

Once in Longyearbyen, we will arrange transportation on the expedition departure day.

We do recommend to have at least one night before the expedition and 2 nights after.

For the ski crossing expedition, you need the bring:

  • Warm wool clothing
  • Sleeping bag
  • Mattress
  • Harness
  • Shovel
  • Avalanche gear
  • Ski gear.

A throughout packing list will be provided upon booking. You may rent sleeping bag, matress, harness, shovel and skiing equipment.

We provide all practical listed under “included”.

If you’re unsure about any gear, feel free to ask us for advice on what to pack.

The terrain varies from a vast landscape to gentle slopes and glacier descents.

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. Please let us know in advance if you need to rent any equipment. If you have questions, feel free to contact us regarding the equipment. You can see information under “Rental”

Svalbard is home to diverse Arctic wildlife, and you may have the chance to spot animals like Svalbard reindeer, polar foxes 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.

Breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinners is included on 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.

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.

High-quality ski gear rental

For Ski & Sail you can bring your own ski equipment and/or avalanche equipment
or rent ski and avalanche gear.
Prices are for 4 days/3 nights 

  • Backcountry skiing from summit to sea in untouched wilderness of Svalbard
    "Ski gear"-package
    NOK 3960 /per person
    The "ski gear"-package for this expedition include:
    Skis, boots skins, poles, helmet, ski googles and ski crampons.
  • Backcountry skiing from summit to sea in untouched wilderness of Svalbard
    "Avalanche"-package
    NOK 1960 /per person
    The "avalanche"-package for this expedition include:
    Avalanche tracker/ beacon, probe and shovel.
  • The red tent pitched in the snowcovered wilderness in Svalbard on the ski crossing expedition
    Sleeping mattress & Term-a-rest
    NOK 750 /per person
    Rent a sleeping mattress and term-a-rest for this ski crossing expedition
  • The red tent pitched in the snowcovered wilderness in Svalbard on the ski crossing expedition
    Sleeping bag
    NOK 1050 /per person
    Rent a sleeping bag with comfort -25°C for this ski crossing expedition

Ski touring level

Every expedition begins with a conversation

Our expeditions take place in one of the most remote environments on Earth.
To ensure the safety of our guests and the quality of your experience,
every booking include a personal readiness call.

Tell us a little about yourself and your ski level on a 10 minute call with our ski expert to make sure this expedition is the right fit for you.

Your journey starts here
1. Schedule call

Choose a date for your
10-minute call.

2. Save your spot

Fill out the form for
how to contact you

3. Talk to our expert

We get to know you & answer your questions personally

4. Confirm & prepare

We'll reserve your spot and start the adventure together

Expedition at a glance
The route for four day Arctic ski crossing from Mohnbukta to Tempelfjorden on Svalbard

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!

small groups and big adventures
Open to read the itinerary

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

Jack Arnold

Guide

Join our 4-day ski crossing expedition across the wilderness of Svalbard.

Save your spot

For 4-day ski crossing

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)

Experience the small, raw and deeply personal Svalbard expedition. The only way adventures should be on a Svalbard ski crossing

How to plan your stay

for ski crossing on Svalbard

Don’t just visit the Arctic—experience it in the most intimate, adventurous way possible. We can help arrange your stay before the ski crossing adventure. Reach out now to start planning your adventure.

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