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A 15-day expedition to the summit of Newtontoppen, the
highest mountain on Svalbard, 1,713 meters above sea
level. Four nights only will be spent indoor. The
other nights will be spent in solid
mountain tents. 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
around the clock.
The Tour Itinerary
The 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. The distance is appr. 70 km. From
Billefjorden we will continue across the glaciers on
skis, carrying all the equipment we need in
rucksacks and on pulkas. 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.
The distance from the starting point to 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 Newtontoppen
on the fourth day.
The 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 mountains
Atomfjella, to the northeast, the desolate, barren
Nordaustlandet. On the return journey, we will take
a route through the Widjefjord, across the Mittag
Lefler glacier, the Billefjord and the Nordenskiöld
glacier. We will be picked up by snowmobiles and
taken back to Longyearbyen, where showers and dinner
await us.
We will provide food, tents, sleeping mats, cooking
equipment, etc. Participants should have their own
high quality winter equipment, e.g. warm, well
worn-in comfortable ski boots, a warm, down jacket
and a warm winter sleeping bag. Sturdy mountain skis
with good bindings (please bring spares), are also
required. The expedition leaders will share the food
and equipment before we leave Longyearbyen. The
party will be divided into pairs, and each pair will
receive all the equipment they need: Pulka (one
pulka each), shovel, tent, cooking equipment and
food. This enables them to function independently
when setting up the camps.
The expedition leaders meet
the party at the airport. The first day in
Longyearbyen is spent packing, checking the
equipment, getting used to the tent and the cooking
equipment, etc.
Experience the magic of Arctic winter! Svalbard, an
Arctic Pearl in Northern Norway!
How demanding is the expedition?
Although you do not need to be an active sportsman
or woman, this expedition does demand a sufficient
level of fitness to cope with relatively long trips,
carrying your own equipment in a rucksack and
pulling a pulka with group equipment. You must be
prepared for the weather to change very quickly, and
also be prepared for some very harsh weather
conditions with low temperatures.
Itinerary
and price
Expedition map
Equipment
List
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