Svalbard Crossing

Overview

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A crossing of Svalbard on skis from east to west

Introduction

This trip is for those wishing to experience the untouched Svalbard without snowmobile tracks, trails and the traditional tourist routes. This tour gives us an opportunity to see some wonderful experiences of nature - seal, walrus, arctic foxes, birds and polar bears and to experience the dramatic scenery of Svalbard, especially on the east coast. This is the High Arctic and the weather can change rapidly, especially on the east coast. We will deliver the trip as close as possible to this itinerary and ask for your flexible approach and understanding when travelling in this kind of environment.

The trip begins with a chance to refresh ski, pulk and campcraft skills, and also to get familiar with the systems and equipment we use before heading off to the coast. The main expedition comprises 8 days on skis (approx. 95km), all off track and sometimes on sea ice, crossing Svalbard from east to west. Everyone will haul their own equipment in a sled, as well as their share of the communal group equipment. Every night will be spent in tents, and all take part in the work required to complete the journey. This is also a unique opportunity to learn what it is like to be on tour in "winter time". This trip is an ideal 'stepping stone' towards gaining experience for those looking at completing longer ski journeys in the future, such as crossing Greenland icecap or skiing full distance to the South Pole.

Start point: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Grade: 3D

Accommodation

We use Guest House 102 in Longyearbyen as a starting point for all of our expeditions. Here the service is good and our equipment store is located a stone's throw away. On our journey, we overnight in 2 to 3 person winter tents from Hilleberg, which are specifically designed for winter and harsh conditions.

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Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the expedition or your suitability for it, please phone +44 (0)114 276 3322 or contact us.

Dates & Prices

Date	Meeting in		Availability
2027 dates to be announced — Please register your interest

Know Before You Go

Jagged Globe supports the British Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) 'Know Before You Go' campaign. We recommend that you read the FCDO Travel Advice for Norway/Svalbard on the FCDO Website.

What the price includes

• Economy class return flight from UK to Longyearbeyn (Unless joining 'Land Only')
• 1 nights' hotel accommodation in Oslo on the outbound journey (Unless joining 'Land Only')
• 3 nights' guest house accommodation in Longyearbyen
• Snowcat (belted wagon) transport from Longyearbyen to Agardhbukta on the east coast, and snowcat pickup from Fredheim on the west coast
• 7 nights' tented accommodation
• All meals whilst on the expedition
• GPS, satellite phone and emergency beacon
• Experienced Polar guides
• All common equipment, skis, poles, ski boots, sledges, harness, sleeping bags, etc
• Burners and fuel
• SAR Insurance
• Medical and repair equipment
• Jagged Globe kit bag

What the price does not include

• Airport transfers in Svalbard (Approx 180nok)
• Food and drink in Longyearbyen
• Personal equipment
• Costs of changing the air ticket due to late return to Longyearbyen
• Excess baggage charges
• Bar bills and laundry
• Travel insurance
• Optional trips
• Tips

We can organise this expedition on a ‘tailor-made’ private basis for groups of friends, families, clubs, charities or any other group. Depending on your skiing experience, you may want a Jagged Globe leader or go ‘self-led’ with the assistance of local guides. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable, particularly if you take the self-led option. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and your preferred dates. We will then send you a quote, with no obligation.

Insurance

You will need a travel insurance policy that caters for the activities you will undertake on your trip with Jagged Globe. It is a requirement of our booking conditions that you have such a policy. For a list of insurers who specialise in mountaineering, trekking and skiing, please see our Travel Insurance page »

Itinerary

Here is an outline itinerary for this trip. A more detailed day-to-day itinerary is available as a downloadable PDF »

Outline Itinerary

Day 1:	Flight from UK to Oslo Overnight hotel at Oslo airport (Unless joining 'Land Only').
Day 2:	Flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen Longyearbyen is the only settlement permanently inhabited all-year round on Svalbard. Itinerary and polar bear briefing. We overnight in Longyearbyen in a guest house.
Day 3:	Training Kit check, pulk packing, equipment testing and skills refresher training ready for the start of the ski crossing early the next day. Overnight guest house.
Day 4 - 10:	Cross Svalbard Travel approximately 4 hours by snowcat to Agardhbukta on the east coast, where we begin our ski journey - crossing Svalbard from east to west. There will be time to explore many glacial features and relics of the Trapper's past history of Svalbard along the way. The exact route will be determined by the weather, and snow/sea ice conditions - Agardhbukta, Dunerbukta and Mohnbukta on the east coast, before skiing back one of a variety of different glacier route options to Fredheim on the west coast. Camp every night.
Day 11:	Return to Longyearbyen Pickup by snowcat for journey back to Longyearbyen. Sort kit. Time to celebrate! Overnight guest house in Longyearbyen.
Day 12:	Return flight home.

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