|
A 21 day long ski expedition
from Longyearbyen to the northernmost point of
Spitsbergen, Verlegenhuken. During the expedition we
aim to reach the summit of Newtontoppen, the highest
mountain on Svalbard (1,713 meters above sea level).
We’re also crossing the 80th parallel on skis. Four
nights only will be spent indoor. The other nights
will be spent in solid mountain tents.
This is our most advanced
and extreme tour – a real expedition! The tour is a
250 kilometers long ski expedition through the most
spectacular landscapes of northeast Spitsbergen.
Gigantic glaciers and high mountains make this
perhaps the most beautiful part of Svalbard, a
paradise for those seeking dramatic wilderness
adventure far from civilization. Daylight around the
clock and the midnight sun allow us to make full use
of the 24-hour day. The expedition is combined with
a cruise along the northwest coast of Spitsbergen.
The Tour itinerary
The transportation from Longyearbyen to the starting
point in Billefjorden, is made by one of our
Polar circle
boats. On the way to our drop off point, we can
enjoy both the scenic landscapes and the geological
sights of
Isfjorden and Billefjorden. We’ll also pass teeming
bird cliffs with thousands of nesting sea birds, and
the
abandoned Russian mining town, Pyramiden.
From our drop off point in Billefjorden, at the foot
of the Nordenskiöld glacier, we discharge our
equipment and
start off for our first leg – up to the snow covered
area of the glacier. After carrying all equipment up
to the
height of app.. 300-400 meters above sea level, we
should be able to start skiing. across the glacier,
carrying all
the equipment we need in rucksacks and on pulkas.
Our first aim is the highest point of the glacier
plateau, 1,255
m.a.s.l.
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.
One of our aims is to reach the summit of the
Newtontoppen, Svalbard’s highest mountain. This is
an area
seldom visited. 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.
From Newtontoppen we continue skiing up Trebrepasset
and down the glacier Veteranbreen, a spectacular
area.
To reach Åsgårdsfonna, we ski along a beautiful
arm of the glacier names Trinity Hallbreen. When
reaching
the top of Himinbjørgfonna we have app.55 km more
to go until we’ve crossed Åsgårdsfonna and arrive at
the
sea in Sorgfjorden. This is a scenic, small fjord
with an exciting cultural history. Hopefully the
snow conditions
along the seashore will allow us to continue up to
Eolusneset from where M/S Nordstjernen will pick us up
within a couple of days.
Now the only thing remaining of the ski expedition,
is the crowning glory! We pack light backpacks with
the
equipment needed for a long day and maybe a short
overnight stay – we’re heading further north! The
distance
from Eolusneset to Verlegenhuken is app.. 15 km, and
mid way we’re crossing the 80th parallel.
Reaching our main aim for the expedition, we can
enjoy the view towards the open sea to the north
from the
outermost point of Verlegenhuken. Return to
Eolusnesten to wait for M/S Nordstjernen – a hot
shower, clean
clothes and a proper dinner!
After 16 days in the wilderness, northeast of
Spitsbergen, the ski expedition comes to a final
end, Saturday
morning. M/S Nordstjernen will take us back to the
civilization. We make a stop in the northernmost settlement
of Spitsbergen, Ny-Ålesund, before we head for
Longyearbyen.
Spitsbergen Travel 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.
How demanding is the Expedition?
The tour is an advanced ski 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 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.
SPT
Itinerary
and price
Expedition map
Equipment List
Back to Top
|
