Svalbard Crossing
From East to west through
the heart of svalbard
Join us on a trip that through the recent years has become a Svalbard Classic! From the cold and desolate shores of the east coast, through valleys and over glaciers, until we reach the flat, windy shores of the west coast, this trip will give you all the arctic challenges needed to build some serious experience as a polar traveler. Through these 10 days you will learn to master the Ousland expedition method, and you will experience the joy of a proper crossing. But be warned, it might leave you hungry for even bigger challenges in the future!
SKIING: 10-11 days
DATE: 08.03.25
PRICE: 4 100 €
Prices may rice 3-5% every year.
Expect 1 leader and 6 participants.
Date above is meetup-date in Longyearbyen
Expedition details
Apart from transport logistic, this is a pure ski trip. We will ski across glacier, valleys, tundra and sea-ice.
the route
The ski trip from the east coast to the west coast is approximate 170 km. We get snowscooter-transport from Longyearbyen to Dunérbukta on the east coast. From there we will aim for Agardh-valley and further to Kjellström-valley. From there we will follow the coast of Van Mijen fjord until we reach Fritjov-breen and head north on the glacier. We step of the ice facing the ocean in the west and head further north to our destination, Isfjord Radio.
See details below:
Day by day
Day 1: We have arrived in Longyearbyen the same day, (or the previous days if you like) and use the rest of this day to pack provisions, personal stuff, prepare the 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 setting up communication, navigation and safety.
Day 2: ‘We start early this day and stand ready with all our equipment and food. Then we saddle up on snowscooters and drive the ish 100 km ride to the east coast. Once we see the impressive glacierfront of Ulvebreen we set up camp and prepare for the first night of polar bear watch.
Day 3-4: These days are used to progress across the glaciers and down in Agardh-valley. Then we head for Bellsundpass and down to Kjellström-valley towards Svea
Day 5-7: We are now at the shore of Van Mijen fjord and the closed mining town of Svea. If the conditions allow it, we will ski on sea-ice.
Day 8: At the Fridtjov-glacier we will turn north and ski up on the glacier and in between beautiful mountains.
Day 9-10: We ski off the glacier and on to the flat tundra at the west coast of Svalbard. We continue north until we reach the old radio station of Isfjord Radio.
Day 11: We get picked up by snowscooters and we head back to Longyearbyen for a nice meal, and maybe a beer!
NB: This program is an approximate. Weather and conditions will effect the time spent on this trip.
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: Travel too and from Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Food and accommodation 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 will then 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.
