A tvelve day long expedition to Svalbard’s highest mountain, Newtontoppen, 1.713 m. We ski across vast glaciers in the heart of Spitsbergen and among the untamed peaks mountain ranges we experience the hardships and joys of camping life.
Late winter on Svalbard is breathtaking. During April and May, the climate and conditions are perfect for a ski trip up into the vast mountainous area. At this time of year, the weather is excellent - not too cold and daylight 24 hours a day. The first day in Longyearbyen is spent packing, checking the equipment, getting used to the tent and the cooking equipment, etc.Transport to BillefjordenThe tour is an advanced ski expedition through the imposing mountains and glaciers of northeast Spitsbergen. One of our aims is to reach the summit of the Newtontoppen, Svalbard's highest mountain. This is an area seldom visited. The transportation from Longyearbyen to the starting point in Billefjord (or Gipsdalen) is made by snowmobile or tracked vehicle, and the distance is 70 km. From Billefjord we will continue across the glaciers on skis, carrying all the equipment we need in rucksacks and on sleds. Expedition leaders will be carrying the necessary safety and specialist equipment. There is no fixed itinerary for the tour; the party and the weather conditions will determine the route and pace.Four days to the topThe distance from the starting point to the Newtontoppen is approx. 60 km, which is an adequate distance if the weather is poor. Participants therefore need to be fit and used to skiing through mountainous terrain. They should also have experience of winter camping, but for those who are willing to put in a little extra hard work, the feeling of achievement will be even greater. We usually reach the Newtontoppen on the fourth day.Overwhelming viewThe final stage of the expedition before we reach the summit is steep, but does not require climbing skills. The view from the top is fantastic. To the northwest is the Austfjord and the mighty Atom-mountains, to the northeast, the desolate, barren Nordaustland.
On this map you will see where our expeditions at wintertime will be situated. The exact route is depending on weather and snow conditions.
Dotted line indicates transport by boat.DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE EXPEDITION ROUTE MAP HERE (PDF)
Day 1 - Tuesday09:00 Briefing, preparation and packing for the expedition. We will go through the gear and instructions for use of cooking gear, sled, ski equipment, tent, food and drinks.Accommodation at Spitsbergen Guesthouse is included.Day 2 - Wednesday07:00 Breakfast and check out before 10:00.10:00 Pick up at Spitsbergen Guesthouse and transportation from Longyearbyen to the starting point of the trip. This transportation leg is approximately 70km. We start our journey skiing north from Billefjorden or Gipsvika.Day 3 to 11 - Thursday to FridayThe first four days we ski approximately 15 km per day. We plan to reach Newtontoppen late on Saturday. The skiing distance to Newtontoppen from starting point is approximately 60km. The last leg before we reach the peak is fairly steep, but no climbing skills are required. The view from the top is just breathtaking. To the north-west you have Austfjorden, Wijdefjorden and the magnificent Atomfjellene, while to the north-east you can see the isolated Nordaustlandet. We will spend the next few days in the great mountainous area called Atomfjellene, before heading south, skiing down the Tryggve Glacier to the Wijdefjord.Day 12 - Saturday19:00 On our way back to civilisation we follow Wijdefjorden, Mittag Lefler glacier, Billefjorden and Nordenskiöld glacier. We will be met by snowmobiles that will bring us back to Longyearbyen, where a warm shower and hearty meal await after the expedition equipment is sorted.19:00 Farewell dinner in Longyearbyen (included).Accommodation at Spitsbergen Guesthouse is included.
This trip requires the participants to be physically fit, as we cover 15-20km a day whilst carrying a backpack or pulling a sled with equipment. Each participant should be an experienced skier and be familiar with camping outdoors in tents during the winter.Be aware that the weather can change fairly quickly and the temperature can drop dramatically. The participants are normally split into teams of two and you will either get one sled each or one per team. The sleds contain collective equipment such as tents, portable stoves, food and fuel for the whole trip. Each sled weighs 20-30 kg. In addition you will have your personal equipment which can either be carried in a backpack or packed in a sled. Participants are expected to take part in setting up camp and cooking.
There is a lot of exciting excursions and activities you can join from Longyearbyen before or after the trip. You can book additional nights at one of our places of accomadation in connection with your expedition.Price room in connection to the expedition:
Required equipment:
In addition we recommend:
Spitsbergen Travel provides the following equipment:
Note: Pack in plastic bags – bring extra plastic bags, as the equipment may become wet during the tour.
12 days
From end of April to beginning of May
1 departure.
18 years
Book the expedition:Phone: +47 79 02 61 00 or by e-mail: info@spitsbergentravel.no. For final booking, please fill out trip application and send to us.Trip application (pdf).Trip application (word).Conditions for sale for expeditions (pdf).
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SPITSBERGEN TRAVEL AS, Postboks 548, 9171 LongyearbyenTlf.: +47 79 02 61 00 | Faks: +47 79 02 61 01E-post: info@spitsbergentravel.no