Snowmobile Expedition Across Spitsbergen
We invite you on a unique expedition across Spitsbergen, taking place at the end of March using snowmobiles, with our base in the Arctic town of Longyearbyen. Snowmobiles will allow us to cover up to 200 km per day and reach the most remote corners of Spitsbergen. The second half of March offers very long days and solid ice cover, making it possible to carry out full-day excursions and reach otherwise inaccessible places. Accommodation in centrally located Longyearbyen enables us to set off each day in a different direction.
The aim of the trip is to explore the breathtaking Arctic environment of central Spitsbergen in winter. Snowmobile excursions will take place in varied terrain - from the largest glacial valleys and moraines, through glaciers flowing into the sea, to frozen fjords. In favorable weather and ice conditions, with an efficient group and observing safety rules, a traverse of Spitsbergen from the east to the west coast will be possible.
During each full-day expedition, in addition to snowmobiling, we will see ice caves, frozen waterfalls, canyons, and traditional Norwegian trappers’ huts. Experienced polar explorers and guides will help us observe Arctic wildlife: Arctic foxes, reindeer, walruses, polar bears, ptarmigans, snow buntings, and many others. Join the expedition across Spitsbergen!
OUTLINE PROGRAM OF THE SPITSBERGEN EXPEDITION*
DAY 1
Independent arrival flights of participants.
DAY 2
Logistics, safety, city tour, and walk to Bjørndalen
Meeting with guides in Longyearbyen and start of the trip. Introduction to local customs, services, and safety measures. Walk around Longyearbyen with a story about the town’s history. We will visit the miners’ town, the interesting Arctic Museum, and the Polar Institute. Optional group dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 3
Snowmobiles – Tempelfjord
Pickup of snowmobiles. Safety training on group riding, basic communication rules, and emergency response. Ride through the largest valleys of Spitsbergen to Tempelfjord, a charming fjord with unique rock formations and sea ice often visited by seals and polar bears.
DAY 4
Snowmobiles – Mohnbukta
One of the longest expeditions. In favorable weather, the goal is to reach the east coast of Spitsbergen. The route includes crossing several glaciers and reaching Mohnbukta, a bay surrounded by glaciers flowing into the sea.
DAY 5
Snowmobiles – Barentsburg (optionally Isfjord Radio)
A varied expedition through valleys, steep slopes, glaciers, and frozen lakes, offering insight into the history of human activity on the island (Norwegian and Russian). Our goal will be Barentsburg and the abandoned Russian settlement in Colesbukta. In favorable conditions and with a strong group, we will also try to reach the west coast of Spitsbergen at Isfjord Radio.
DAY 6
Snowmobiles – Reindalen / Svea / Passfjellbreen
Ride through spectacular canyons and gorges to Reindalen, the largest valley in Spitsbergen and a well-known reindeer feeding ground. Crossing Van Mijenfjorden - a natural habitat for seals on sea ice and the polar bears that hunt them.
DAY 7
Snowmobiles – Adventfjorden, Longyearbreen glacier cave
Tour of the immediate surroundings of Longyearbyen, including former mine buildings, trappers’ huts, radio stations, and research stations. We will see how the character of human presence on Spitsbergen has changed. Optional visit to an ice cave on the Longyearbreen glacier. In the afternoon, return of snowmobiles. Optional farewell dinner.
DAY 8
Farewell to Spitsbergen, return flight to Poland.
* The itinerary is very dynamic and strictly dependent on weather, snow conditions, the group’s fitness, and its needs and expectations.
Expedition Guides:
• Dariusz Ignatiuk – Polar explorer with many years of field experience on Spitsbergen; leader and participant of dozens of polar expeditions; former head of the Polish Polar Station in Hornsund; long-term resident of Svalbard; English-speaking guide.
• Dominik Petelski – Polar explorer; experienced expedition participant as a sailor, field assistant, guide, and skipper; leader and participant of numerous Arctic and Antarctic expeditions; long-term employee of the Polish Polar Station in Hornsund; English-speaking guide.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
• Care of two experienced Polish-speaking polar guides
• Meals: 6× breakfast
• 6× nights in the 4* Radisson Blu Polar Hotel in central Longyearbyen (double rooms)
• 5 days of snowmobile expeditions
• 1 snowmobile per participant
• Full snowmobile suit with boots, gloves, and helmet
• Transfers according to the program
• Rental of mandatory firearm for group safety
• Necessary satellite communication equipment
• Information packages
• Mandatory travel agency insurance guarantee
• Personal accident and medical insurance, plus baggage insurance
• Mandatory contribution to the state Tourist Guarantee Fund (TFG) per person
• Mandatory contribution to the state Tourist Assistance Fund (TFP) per person
• Insurance in case of COVID-19 infection during travel abroad
NOT INCLUDED:
• Flights to Spitsbergen
• Meals not included in the program
FLIGHTS:
Note: Flights are not included in the tour price! Estimated cost is approx. 2,500–3,000 PLN depending on the departure city. We can assist with ticket purchase upon request.
ACCOMMODATION:
In the comfortable 4* Radisson Blu Polar Hotel in central Longyearbyen, with access to a sauna and jacuzzi. Accommodation in double rooms.
MEALS:
Breakfasts on Spitsbergen are included in the tour price. Other meals are at your own expense. There are shops and restaurants on Spitsbergen. Food prices are higher than in Poland. There is no possibility to prepare your own meals at the accommodation.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER:
Harsh northern climate, temperatures from –20°C to –5°C throughout the day. Often windy with heavy cloud cover. The perceived temperature may be even lower.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
Due to the daily riding distances, participants must be adults aged 18+. Snowmobiles may be driven by persons holding a valid Category B driving license. Daily excursions will take place in extreme winter conditions.
GROUP:
The trip has an expedition character and takes place in a small group. Minimum number of participants: 5. Maximum: 6.
NOTE:
Additional insurance “Trip Cancellation Costs” with Wiener covers the tour price only up to 16,000 PLN.
OTHER INFORMATION:
• The departure date may shift by 1–2 days due to flight changes or lack of accommodation availability on the island.
• The daily program may change depending on local conditions. In case of blizzards, avalanche danger, or other conditions preventing the full snowmobile program, alternative snowmobile trips will be carried out.
• The king of the Arctic is the polar bear. Encountering one is unlikely, but in case of an unexpected meeting, the guide will be equipped with a firearm and deterrents for group safety.
• Please familiarize yourself with the rules, general terms and conditions of participation, and responsible tourism guidelines.
• The tour organizer is Barents.pl – Active Travel Agency.
• In the event of restrictions preventing the tour from taking place, a 100% refund of all payments will be made within 7 days from the date of cancellation.
