3-day Ski Touring Camp

Join us for a three-day ski touring camp in the mountains surrounding Longyearbyen. This trip is for those who already have ski touring experience and want to explore one of Norway’s wildest mountain landscapes on skis.

We establish a comfortable basecamp in the wilderness and head out on ski tours directly from camp. With no need for daily transport, we can spend as much time as possible in the mountains. It is also a unique way to experience Svalbard’s Arctic nature. There are several potential summits in the area, and the guide chooses each day’s objective based on the weather, snowpack and avalanche conditions, while also considering the group’s ability and preferences. 

In camp, we prepare meals together and everyone helps with the practical tasks that are part of camp life. At night, we take turns keeping polar bear watch. For many guests, these quiet hours become an unexpected highlight – especially when the sky never grows dark and the mountains are bathed in the light of the midnight sun.

Day 1 – Trollsteinen and setting up camp

The trip begins at 09:00, when we pick you up and meet at our base. Here, we go through the plan for the trip, get to know one another and check everyone’s personal ski and avalanche safety equipment. We pack what we need for three days in the mountains and review the current snow and avalanche conditions, as well as our routines for travelling safely as a group.

Once everything is ready, we set off towards Trollsteinen, one of the classic ski touring peaks around Longyearbyen. The ascent gives you an early taste of what the next three days will bring. Our route crosses a snow-covered glacier before continuing towards the summit, around five kilometres away and 850 metres above sea level. From the top, a fantastic descent takes us all the way down to camp.

When we arrive, the rest of our luggage will be waiting for us, transported in by snowmobile. We pitch the tents, organise our equipment and prepare camp for the night. Then we make dinner, divide the polar bear watches between us and settle into our sleeping bags.

Day 2 – A full day on skis

We wake up surrounded by mountains, have breakfast and prepare for a full day of ski touring. One of the best things about having a basecamp is that the day’s tour begins right outside the tent. While drinking your morning coffee, you can already study the surrounding peaks and possibilities for the day.

There are several potential objectives in the area, including the 915-metre Bingtoppen. The guide makes the plan based on the weather, snowpack and avalanche conditions. We may head out on one longer tour or have time for several shorter laps. Flexibility is essential in the mountains of Svalbard – the best plan is the one that suits the conditions we actually encounter.

Along the way, we also take breaks, eat lunch and enjoy simply being out in the mountains. Here, the landscape, the views and the journey to the summit matter just as much as the descent itself. We travel through open mountain terrain, surrounded by glaciers, valleys and snow-covered peaks.

After a full day on skis, we return to camp, change into camp clothes and prepare dinner together. We then divide the night’s polar bear watches and get ready for another night in the tents.

Day 3 – A final summit and return to Longyearbyen

A new day brings a new summit. We want to make the most of our time, so we combine the journey back with one final ski tour while our luggage is safely transported back by snowmobile. By now, camp routines have become familiar, and the group has hopefully found a good rhythm both in camp and on skis.

One possible summit is the 878-metre Lars Hiertafjellet – a fitting end to the trip, with far-reaching views across the mountains and valleys surrounding Longyearbyen. From the summit, we can ski down the glacier and enjoy the final turns of the trip before reaching the parking area in Nybyen.

We return to Longyearbyen in the afternoon. After three days of ski touring, tent life and polar bear watches, a hot shower will feel especially good – perhaps followed by a small celebration in town.

Difficulty Level: 4 / 5

Participants: 4 - 10
Dates: 29.04. - 01.05.2027
Optional Extension: 2 extra days with ski & snowmobile
Departure: 09:00

Participation Requirements

• Minimum Age: 16 years (if at least 4 participants are over 18)
• You need to be comfortable skiing off-piste and have previous ski touring experience
• Avalanche safety equipment is required (can be rented if needed)

Who  is this trip for

Steep or highly technical skiing is not the focus of this trip. The aim is to enjoy good, safe days in the mountains, meet like-minded people and experience the feeling of skiing down an untouched mountainside together in the Arctic wilderness. To join, you need to be physically fit, have previous ski touring experience and feel confident skiing in varied snow conditions. The terrain is open and treeless, but the surface can vary between snow-covered glaciers, mountain slopes, rocky ground and moraine. You must also be prepared for changing weather, long days and plans that may change along the way.

Included

• Round-trip transportation
• All meals, snacks, and drinks
• Tent
• Headlamp
• Sleeping pad
• Guide with necessary safety equipment
• Search and rescue insurance

You Must Bring

• Ski equipment (skis, boots, skins, poles, helmet)*
• Avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, probe)*
• Warm clothing
• Camera
• Backpack
• Sleeping bag*

*A detailed packing list will be sent after your booking is confirmed.

Rental Options

• Sleeping bag: NOK 600
• Avalanche gear: NOK 450
• Ski equipment (incl. boots): NOK 1100

Larger luggage can be stored at our warehouse or at your accommodation.

Disclaimer

The itinerary may change due to weather or safety concerns beyond our control. If polar bears are present near the camp, we will adjust the trip to avoid disturbing them and to ensure guest safety. In rare cases, this may mean returning to Longyearbyen and doing day trips instead. The safety of both wildlife and our guests is always our highest priority.

© Photos by Chris König, August T. Gautun, Giancarlo Gallinoro, Mirko Chiappini