SPITSBERGEN FULL LENGTH
FROM SOUTH TO NORTH IN SPRING
THE ULTIMATE UNSUPPORTED
CROSSING Of SPITSBERGEN
Crossing entirely the Spitsbergen island from the Southern tip to the Northern end is the biggest challenge on the Svalbard archipelago! This expedition will make you a true explorer and you will have the opportunity to gain a huge amount of experience. From glaciers to sea ice, mountains to polar plateaux, the terrain and the weather will give you a memorable time. You will also experience a part of the cultural heritage of Svalbard Archipelago, ancient whale hunters location. You will witness some old standing trappers huts and above all, you will ski in a pristine territory, home of the polar bear.
SKIING: 30-35 DAYS
DATE: 28.03.25*
PRICE: 12 000 €
Expect 1 leader and 6 participants.
Date above is meetup-date in Longyearbyen
Prices may rice 3-5% every year
Expedition details
On March 28th, we will meet in Longyearbyen, capital of Svalbard. The next day and a half, we do the last preparations and packing, before being driven by snow scooter to the glacier named Liestølbreen, at the border of the South Spitsbergen National Park. From there, we will have to ski 120km South to our starting point called Sørneset, the lowest point of latitude of Spitsbergen. And we are proud to say that we are one of the very few companies starting all the way in the Southern most point of the island. This is where a proper and complete crossing of Spitsbergen starts!
the route
After reaching the southern tip of Spitsbergen, we will turn our skis 180 degrees North. Ahead of us lies a 480 km route of wild and rugged terrain. We will have to deal with mountain passes, icefalls, sea ice and polar plateaux, all of it going from mild low pressure systems to crispy cold days. Prepare for challenging weather conditions, with sudden snowstorms and biting winds, but also moments of serene, otherworldly beauty in one of the planet’s last great frontiers. See details below.
week by week
Week 1: our priority is to get to Sørneset, the starting point of the expedition located 120km away from the snow scooter drop off location on Liestøl glacier.
Week 2: we head north across the sea ice of Isbukta or tackle the icefall of Isryggpasset. Our goal after the first 2 weeks of our expedition is to get back to the border of the Southern National Park where we will also collect our food and fuel depot left in the first place.
Week 3: our sleds are becoming lighter and our bodies stronger. We have improved significantly our routine and we are gaining efficiency. We will pass outside Svea’s mine site and continue towards the polar plateau of Lomonosov. If we are on schedule and together with a good weather forecast, we might attempt to summit Newtontoppen, the highest mountain on the Svalbard Archipelago of Svalbard.
Week 4: we are on the mighty Veteran Glacier which opens the gate to the mysterious and vast Asgardfonna. We are getting closer to the goal. We will do a short stop into the historical Polheim hut, which means "Home at the Pole" in Norwegian. Finally, we will ski half a marathon to get to Verlegenhuken, the northernmost point of Spitsbergen! Time to celebrate with a coffee and a few pieces of chocolate and waiting for our pick up. Soon it is time for a warm shower and a tasty burger at Kroa. :-)
NB: this program is conservative. If weather and conditions are good, we may use shorter or longer time than stipulated. So better having flexible return tickets home.
What is included:
We will provide an experienced guide, all general equipment such as tents, navigation, sleds, pulling harness, communication and safety essentials like polar bear protection. And all possible advice.
What is not included:
The price does not include: transport to the starting/end point, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and back home. 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.
Please let us know if you have food allergies, intolerance… so we can plan accordingly.
Any unforeseen delays / weather / change of plan may also result in extra cost.
meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included once we leave "civilization" behind and until we are back in town. Breakfasts are enriched porridge recipe, coffee/tea. For the lunch and snacks during the day, we do many short stops to eat and drink regularly rather than only one big break. Dinner is composed of "Real Turmat" expedition dry food.
Training and preparations
This is a serious expedition that needs you to be prepared in order 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 advices 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 the final invoice with remaining balance.
