newtontoppen

The highest peak of Svalbard

The highest mountain on the Spitsbergen Island is Newtontoppen, 1713 meters high, in the heart of the beautiful Atomfjella (fjelle=mountains :-)
Usually this trip is done in the spring, but our experience is that August is the best month. The wet snow in the lower parts is gone, weather is generally good, there is still midnight sun and transport in and out to the glacier system is much faster as you can use a boat.

In August 2014 we skied from Verlegenhuken and down to the Vonpost glacier. Along the way we climbed the Newton peak. It was literally the highlight of the trip. The journey towards the coast, over the big glacier systems between Von Post Glacier and the summit, was an equally great experience. So, we just have to go back!

Expedition details

Apart from the boat trip, and some use of crampons at the start, it is a pure ski trip. We are constantly on glacier; camp sites are all on snow and even topping out the summit we can use skis. Crevasses are easily visible and if there is any doubt we rope up. It is hard to imagine a more beautiful ski trip on Svalbard - or a better season for ascending the Newton peak!

the route

The ski trip to & return Newtontoppen is 185 km. The boat trip is 56 km. We leave the boat deep into the Tempelfjorden and are straight onto the stunning Von Postbreen (glacier). A bit icy at the start, but all camps and the trip are all skis and sledge. The summit is topped out on skis. Whether we follow the same route both ways or not, depends on the conditions and time. Se details below:

Day by day

Day 1: We have arrived at Longyearbyen the same day, (or the previous days if you like) and use the rest of this day to pack provisions, personal stuff, rigg sledges and double check equipment. Any missing parts can be bought in the local sports store.
we also go through the route, plans, predicted weather and teach how the team is set up om communication, navigation and safety.

Day 2, up to the Ice !: ‘An early rise is the first commandment for the one who want to reach the top’, said the poet Kristofer Randers. The same shall we. We really want to get off the boat and well up the glacier on first day. The boat ride is no more than a couple of hours, (56 km) and after we have off loaded, we begin to carry our equipment up towards the glacier. Since the Von Post Glacier has retreated far back in the past decades, there are a couple of kilometres of carrying before we reach the glacier propper. Some smaller meltwater rivers can also be expected. The zone near the water is exposed to polar bears, and we want to get out of this area and as far up the glacier the first day as possible.

Day 3: This day is used to wrestle with ice. It is not crevasses pr say, but because of the previous melting and runoff from the glacier, the ice very uneven in the lower parts. But no so bad that we can’t get all the gear into the sled and drag it along after we strap on crampons.

Day 4: We pass the Hampus Mountain and up Potpeschniggbreen. With a bit of luck, we reach snow during the second day. Here several glaciers meet and there is dramatic and breath-taking terrain.

Day 5-7: Now it's good snow, and well ski past the Malte Brunfjell Mountains and across the vast Lomonosovfonna glacier system. This eventually goes into the Veteran Glacier, where we must turn upwards towards the Newton Peak.

Day 8: The Newtontoppen summit. We leave the sledges at the bottom of the hill and take only a daypack for the last stretch, as well as ropes and safety equipment. If the weather is good, a stunning view is waiting after topping out the summit.
The return down, back to camp is of course a lot easier.

Day 9- (10) 11: Return, but not the same way? TIf time and conditions allow, we aim to get some variety and to experience the most of what this icy world can offer by taking a different route back. Large gentle slopes characterize the terrain here in the central parts of the glacier system, which is one of the twenty largest ice caps in the world. We ski down Aleksandrbreen, which merge with Rembebreen, and from there onto our initial route past the Hampus Mountain. This is a gently sloping and fine ski area and we do not expect to use as much time on the way back.

Day (11) 12: We wrestle our way down to the coast again, along the same route to were we were dropped off. Expect to have polar bear watch if we camp close to shore.

Day (12) 13: Then we wait for pickup by the boat at the Tempelfjorden / Von Post Glacier and cruise back to Longyearbyen.

NB: This program is conservative. If weather and conditions are good, we may use somewhat shorter time than stipulated - or we could consider topping out some more summits in the?

What is included:

We will provide an experienced guide, all general equipment such as tents, navigation, sleds, pulling harness if needed, and security, communication and safety essentials like polar bear protection.
And all possible advice in the buildup. Just call :-)

What is not included:

The price does not include: Transport too and from the starting point from Longyearbyen at Svalbard. Food and shelter before start; you are free to choose accommodation to your liking, but we will recommend the place we use for ourselves.
Personal equipment like underwear, jackets, pants, socks, hoods and mittens. Sleeping bag and mattress, personal bags, skis and boots, thermos, drink bottles and cutlery. Travel- and cancellation insurance.
You may be asked to contribute if you have food allergies, intolerance, etc, so that we can be sure you have enough and safe food.
Any unforeseen delays / weather / change of plan may also result in extra cost.

meals

We include breakfast, lunch and dinner once we leave "civilization" behind and until we are back in town.
Breakfast is Borge's special enriched porridge recipe, coffee/tea.
Lunch and snacks during the day, we do many shortstops to eat and drink regularly rather than only one.
Dinner is composed of Real Turmat / DryTech expedition food.

Training and preparations

Summer skiing sound quite relaxed, but this is a trip that needs you to prepare well to enjoy it to the fullest. Many wonders how to prepare physically for a polar expedition. This will vary from trip to trip and also for each individual. We will therefore provide individual training programs and advice for each participant if needed.

In general, we expect people to carry a 20 kg backpack for 8 hours for several days on a row. That’s a physical exercise that is easy to measure, but actual training can and will consist of various methods.

signing up / Deposit / invoice:

The system works as follows: Your Booking Form will give you a place in the queue. We willt hen send you a Deposit Invoice. This is non refundable according to our Travel Conditions. Once paid, your place on the trip is guaranteed and you are on your way.
3 months before the start of the trip we'll send final invoice with remaining balance