Crossing Spitsbergen from south to north is the ultimate long-distance challenge on Svalbard. Over 600 km must be covered in 30 days on skis, hauling pulks across an incredibly varied Arctic landscape. Much of the route follows glaciers, but we will also cross fjords on sea ice, walk in fresh polar bear tracks, and travel for days through vast valleys filled with Svalbard reindeer.

Along the way we climb significant vertical meters over several glacier passes, endure long stretches of complete white-out, and push through fierce Arctic snowstorms. This is a unique ski expedition with enormous variety, challenge, and reward.

 

Itinerary

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Days 1–7/8

We begin in early April and travel south by snowmobile as far as conditions allow. From there, we continue on skis for roughly 100 km until reaching Sørneset, the southernmost point of our journey.

Southern Spitsbergen is rarely visited—only a handful of locals in Longyearbyen have ever been this far south. From Sørneset, we turn around and begin the long journey north.

 

Days 7/8–15/16

This part of Spitsbergen is extremely weather-exposed, so establishing solid camps and working efficiently is essential. We move north at a sustainable pace, helping each other break trail when heavy snow has accumulated on the glaciers.

Eventually we begin the long ascent of Steestrupbreen, where a small depot with a few well-deserved treats awaits.

 

Days 15/16–23

The expedition continues through large valleys and glacier systems. By now the routines are well established, and chances are good that we have older tracks to follow in parts of this section.

We cross Van Mijenfjorden and travel through Kjellstrømdalen before climbing onto the massive glacier plateau that we will follow for most of the remaining route. This is one of the largest continuous glacier plateaus in the world.

As the days go by, we move further and further away from Longyearbyen and deeper into the heart of Spitsbergen. Entering the Atomfjella range, we pass dramatic nunataks on all sides and ski beneath Newtontoppen, Svalbard’s highest peak.

 

Days 23–30

At this point, very few people on Earth are situated farther north than we are.

Safety remains our highest priority: the weather can be brutal, the temperatures severe, and distances long. Our pulks are getting lighter now, allowing us to cover greater distances. Some days we may even pitch the tent just for lunch.

We descend Veteranen and climb onto Åsgardsfonna before gliding down toward Polheimflya and the northernmost point of Spitsbergen: Verlegenhuken.

Here, snowmobiles will meet us for the return to Longyearbyen—after an expedition we will remember for the rest of our lives.
 

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Included:

- Tents, stoves, fuel, pulkas

- SAR insurance

- Emergency communication

- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner after leaving from Longyearbyen

- Snow mobile transport to and from Longyearbyen

- Safety gear for glacier travel, polar bear safety etc

 

Not included:

- Personal travel insurance

- Personal equipment such as skis, boots, sleeping bag.

- Flights to and from Longyearbyen

- Accommodation and food while in Longyearbyen
- Snacks during the ski-expedition