Nordenskiöld Circuit - 5 Day Ski Expedition via the National Park

A multi-day ski expedition is one of the best ways to experience Svalbard when it is covered in snow. Travelling entirely under our own power, we leave Longyearbyen behind and make our way through Nordenskiöld Land National Park. The route takes us through open valleys, across stunning glacier systems, up and over mountain passes. Nights are spent in camp surrounded by the Arctic landscape far away from roads and snowmobile traffic. Moving with skis and pulka, we experience Svalbard at a slower pace. 

Although shorter than our Svalbard Crossing, this expedition includes more elevation and is well suited for those who would like to experience expedition life but don't have eight days available. Given the ban of snowmobiles in this area, you really get that wilderness feeling. 

Day 1 

We meet at our expedition base to sort our gear, pack food, and go through the plan for the coming days. We also check weather and snow conditions and talk about the route. 

Once we are all set, we drive out to Bolterdalen, from where we start skiing and begin our expedition. With mountains on each side, we follow deeper into the valley until we reach the first glacial moraine. It is the perfect place for our first camp spot. We pitch our tents beside a small frozen lake with views of Soleietoppen and the glacier system that we will explore over the coming days. During night, we will do our first rotation of polar bear watch. 

Approx. distance: 8 km

Day 2 

Today we continue over Bolterskaret before skiing down into Tverrdalen. The valley gradually opens as we follow the frozen riverbed, with glaciers now on both sides. As we round the foot of the mountain, we now enter into Reindalen — the largest valley on Spitsbergen.

Stretching approximately 48 kilometres in length and several kilometres wide, Reindalen gives a true sense of the scale of the Arctic landscape. We only travel through a small section of this immense valley before finding a suitable place to set up camp. We enjoy views in every direction towards distant mountain ranges. 

Approx. distance: 15 km

Day 3 

Today we continue through Reindalen, following the valley and taking in the scale of the landscape around us. This is a good area for spotting some of Svalbard’s wildlife, and with some luck we may see reindeer, ptarmigan, or perhaps an Arctic fox along the way.

After crossing another glacial moraine, we arrive at Kokbreen, where we set up camp at the edge of the glacier. From here, the landscape changes dramatically. Tomorrow, we'll step onto the ice and begin exploring the vast glacier system that lies ahead of us.

Approx. distance: 10 km

Day 4 

Today we leave the valleys behind and head into the glacier world. Pulling our sleds uphill, we gradually gain elevation as the landscape transforms into an expanse of snow and ice. From the high plateau, wide glaciers stretch between the surrounding mountains.

We spend much of the day crossing this frozen landscape. At Rugaasfonna, we ski around Pjalten, a rocky nunatak rising through the ice, before descending down Møysalbreen. After the steady climb earlier in the day, the long glide down the glacier is a welcome reward.

Back on lower ground, we find a suitable place to pitch our final camp and enjoy one last evening in the Arctic wilderness.

Approx. distance: 15 km

Day 5 

We could keep on going forever, but every great expedition eventually comes to an end. After packing up camp one last time, we ski the final stretch back towards civilisation.

Congratulations - you've just skied 60 km through the Arctic wilderness! Time to celebrate your adventure (and perhaps enjoy a well-earned hot shower).

Approx. distance: 10 km

• Difficulty level: 5 out of 5
• Participants: 4 – 12
• Next departure: 12. - 16.04.2027
• Duration: 5 days (4 nights in tents)
• Distance: Approx. 60 km
• Age limit: 18 years (participants aged 16–17 may join on request)

Who is this trip for? 

This expedition is a good fit if you are in good physical shape and you can ski 8 – 15 km a day for five consecutive days. You should have some experience from skiing, but you don't need to be an expert.

Each participant pulls their own expedition sled (pulka), weighing approximately 20–30 kg. Before the trip, you will receive a detailed packing list to help you prepare. We also recommend you start exercising beforehand, to make the experience more enjoyable. 

You should be comfortable spending several nights camping on snow and prepared for potentially cold Arctic conditions. Expedition life is a team effort, and everyone takes part in daily camp tasks such as pitching tents, cooking, melting snow for water, and taking turns on polar bear watch during the night.

You should enjoy sharing the adventure with a small group of like-minded people. If you are a group of five or more, please send us an e-mail to inquire about a private offer.

What can you expect? 

As with all expeditions in Svalbard, the weather plays an important role. Conditions can change quickly, and strong winds, snowfall, and whiteout conditions are all part of travelling in the High Arctic - just as much as calm days under the midnight sun. Our guides continuously assess the conditions and adapt the route when necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Temperatures in April can vary greatly, from around -20°C to plus degrees. You may experience everything from sunny spring days to full Arctic snowstorms, making it essential to bring the right equipment.

This is a self-supported expedition, meaning we carry everything we need with us. As we move each day, we set up camp in a new location each evening. Together, we build our camp, prepare snow toilets, and create a shared area where the group can relax and enjoy meals. Dinner will be a mix of home-cooked dishes and lightweight freeze-dried expedition meals to keep the weight in the pulka low. If you have any dietary requirements, please do contact us early. We can accommodate most.

The stated distances for each day are approximate. We may do shorter or longer stretches depending on weather conditions and the pace of the group. There are no established trails in this area, so for much of the trip we will be making our own tracks. 

During the night we still establish a polar bear watch routine. Note that it doesn't get dark anymore due to the Midnight sun. Every participant is expected to take part, and your guide will explain the procedures and responsibilities. It is a unique part of the expedition and often remembered by guests as one of the most special experiences of their journey.

Included in the trip

• Round-trip transport between your accommodation and our expedition base
• Transport from Longyearbyen to the expedition start - and end point
• Expedition sled (pulka), harness, and pulling system
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the expedition
• Tent, sleeping mat, stove, cooking equipment, and other shared group equipment
• Experienced guide(s) with necessary safety equipment, including polar bear protection, glacier travel equipment, and emergency communication. Depending on group size, the expedition will be led by one or two guides.
• Search and rescue (SAR) insurance

What you need to bring

• Backcountry skis (fjellski) with steel edges, for example Salomon or Åsnes. Randonnée/alpine touring skis are not accepted.
• Ski equipment including warm, well-broken-in ski boots, poles and both short and long skins
• Warm clothing suitable for Arctic conditions
• Sleeping bag*

N.B. You need to bring your own ski equipment. If you purchase new gear, make sure to test it well in advance to ensure a good fit and avoid blisters. Ski equipment can also be rented from a local sports shop in Longyearbyen, but this must be arranged well in advance.

* Sleeping bags and liners can be rented for NOK 600.

A detailed packing list will be send to you after your booking is confirmed.

Larger luggage can be stored at our warehouse during the expedition. Additional outdoor equipment can be purchased at Arctica in Longyearbyen.

Disclaimer

The itinerary may change depending on weather, snow conditions, polar bears and the progress of the group. If polar bears are present in the area, we may adjust the route or return to Longyearbyen and continue with alternative day activities. Safety—for both people and wildlife—is always our highest priority.

A minimum of four participants is required for the expedition to go ahead.

© Photos: August T. Gautun