Spitsbergen Summer Ski Expedition
A 19-day long expedition where we will cover a distance of approx. 200 km on skis, from Ymerbukta to Magdalenefjorden. Our most advanced and demanding ski expedition! | We will be skiing in the north-western areas of Spitsbergen, from Ymerbukta next to the Esmark glacier, to the beautiful Magdalenefjord on the northwest corner of Spitsbergen. On our way we'll pass some of the most amazing areas on Spitsbergen, including the famous mountains Tre Kroner. Our ambition is to reach Magdalenefjorden, regarded as the most beautiful fjord on Spitsbergen. 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 onboard the explorer ship M/s Fram along the northwest coast of Spitsbergen.
From the Boat to the Glacier.
We start the expedition with a boat trip from Longyearbyen to the Esmark glacier, located at the head of Ymerbukta. We use our open Polarcirkel boats for this transport. On the way to our starting point, we experience much of the beautiful and majestic area of Isfjorden with its distinctive rock formations and its rich bird life. At the foot of the Esmark glacier we'll unload our equipment and head off the first leg up to the snow covered area on the glacier. Normally the snow is almost at sea level. After a tough start up-hill, we can finally put our skis on and set off towards our first goal on our ski expedition – Kongsvegpasset, about 850 masl. The expedition leaders bring all necessary safety and special equipment. There is no fixed itinerary for the tour; the party and the weather conditions will determine the route and pace. Stunning surroundings Along the way north we will experience lots of highlights. One of them is to pass the characteristic peaks of Tre Kroner. The distance from the starting point to Tre Kroner is about 80 km. It may be far enough if the Clerks of the Weather show themselves from their worst side. 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. Normally we'll reach Tre Kroner after scarcely a week skiing. The surroundings next to Tre Kroner are both overwhelming and breathtaking. To the west we find Kongsfjorden and the research station Ny-Ålesund, and in the north we can see the characteristic mountain Exilfjellet and the powerful Holtedahlsfonna, where our expedition will go on. Mighty mountains and glaciers From Holtedahlsfonna, approx. 900 masl. we continue north towards Isachsenfonna and the Monaco Glacier.
On top of the Monaco glacier, it is time to turn west towards the northwest corner of Spitsbergen. This area is known for its distinctive pointed mountains. It was these mountains Willem Barentz first saw when he discovered Spitsbergen in 1596. The expedition now continues further to the northwest, across several smaller glaciers and passes before we start to approach our final destination, Magdalenefjorden.
Magdalenefjorden is one of the most beautiful fjords in Spitsbergen, and is particularly known for its whaling history from the early 16th century. The final leg down to Magdalenefjorden goes down Miethebreen or Brokebreen, depending on the snow conditions. Here we will be picked up by the MS Fram. On board the ship a hot shower, clean clothes and a tasty dinner is awaiting us. Return with M/s Fram.
The ski expedition comes to an end Sunday morning. After 14 days in the wilderness northwest of Spitsbergen, M/s Fram takes us back to civilization. But first we'll join the cruise further north, where we hope to reach the drift ice and 80° N. On our way south again, we visit the northernmost settlement on Spitsbergen, Ny-Ålesund, before we sail back towards Longyearbyen.
| Departure | Saturday - Wednesday, May 29th - June 16th, 2010 |
| Price | $8,395 per person in double room $8650 single room in Longyearbyen Additional nights at Spitsbergen Guesthouse: $98 per person in double room $125 single room |
| Included | Transfer on scheduled arrivals and departures Sightseeing and Museum visit in Longyearbyen Overnight accommodation in double room (shared shower/wc) at Spitsbergen Guesthouse Overnight in tent with sleeping mats Meals in Longyearbyen & at the camp according to program Wine and mineral water included at the campsites (not at the Guesthouse) Tour leaders during the entire tour Shared equipment, glacier equipment Experienced guide(s) All necessary safety equipment, etc. Rescue insurance Program as described |
| Not Included | International and domestic airfare Personal clothing and equipment Beer, wine and mineral water at the Guesthouse Personal travel insurance $25 Service fee |
| Please Note | Number of participants: Minimum is 4 persons and maximum is 12 persons per departure. |
| Tour Options | Additional nights in Longyearbyen International airfare Flights Oslo - Longyearbyen - Oslo Additional nights in Oslo |
Day 1 ARRIVAL LONGYEARBYEN (D) Saturday
16:20 SK4494 from Oslo, arrival 20:15, transfer to Spitsbergen Guesthouse included.
21:30 Dinner in Barentz Pub & Spiseri at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen.
Day 2 LONGYEARBYEN (B, L, D) Sunday
08:00 Breakfast is served until 11:00.
09.00 Information meeting/briefing at the guesthouse.
10:00 Information meeting/briefing at the guesthouse.
Before lunch we prepare the expedition, going through the gear and instructions for use of cooking gear, pulkas, ski equipment, tent, food and drinks. We discuss clothing, ski techniques, etc.
12:30 Lunch in Brasseri Nansen at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen.
After lunch we do the final packing of all of our equipment for our ski expedition.
19:00 Dinner in Funktionærmessen Restaurant at Spitsbergen Hotel.
Day 3 LONGYEARBYEN - YMERBUKTA (B, L, D) Monday
07:00 Breakfast and check out prior 09:00.
09:00 Transportation by Polarcirkel boat from Longyearbyen, to our drop off point at the Esmark glacier in Ymerbukta. From there we start our journey, skiing north.
Day 4 - 16 ESMARK GLACIER - MAGDALENEFJORD (B, L, D) Tuesday - Sunday
Skiing in the north-western areas of Spitsbergen, from the Esmark glacier to the beautiful Magdalenefjord on the northwest corner of Spitsbergen. During 13 days we ski appr. 200 km. On our way we pass by some of the most amazing areas on Spitsbergen, including the famous mountains Tre Kroner. Our goal, Magdalenefjorden, is regarded as the most beautiful fjord on Spitsbergen.
Day 16 CRUISING (B, L, D) Sunday
The ski expedition ends in Magdalenefjorden where M/s Fram will pick us up, in the morning, Sunday. Cruising north towards 80°N.
Day 17 NY ALESUND - Monday
16:00 Arrival in Krossfjorden during the night. After breakfast possible cruise with Polarcirkel boats close to the Lilliehöök glacier and lecture
18:30 Arrival in Krossfjorden during the night. After breakfast possible cruise with Polarcirkel boats close to the Lilliehöök glacier and lecture
Arrival time Ny-Ålesund. Guided walk in town, with information about the history of coalmining and exploration. Time for individual walk around, museum visit and souvenir shopping (credit cards accepted).
Departure Ny-Ålesund. Organizing equipment, packing gear.
Farewell party and dinner on board M/s Fram in the evening.
Day 18 FORLANDSSUNDET - BILLEFJORDEN (B, L, D) Tuesday
In the morning cruise in Forlandssundet, with St. Jonsfjorden and Poolepynten. Lectures.
15:00 Lectures.
Arrival in Skansebukta, Billefjorden. Landing and afterwards farewell dinner.
Day 19 DEPARTURE LONGYEARBYEN (B, L) Wednesday
02:00 Approximately arrival time in Longyearbyen. Disembarkation.
07:00 Breakfast onboard
08:00 Latest embarkation from the ship. Transfer from harbour to city centre. Luggage storage at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen.
12:00 Lunch in Brasseri Nansen at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen.
13:30 Transfer to the airport