3-day Snowshoe Winter Camp
March - April
The sunny winter is a magical time to visit Svalbard. The sun has returned, and the landscape is draped in endless white. If you’ve ever dreamed of spending a winter night out in the Arctic wilderness, this is your chance – together with an experienced guide and a small group of fellow adventurers.
On this expedition, we leave the comforts of civilization behind and fully immerse ourselves in the untouched wilderness that we find outside of Longyearbyen's town boundaries. Our camp lies tucked between the mountains, far from noise and distraction, in an area where snowmobiles are not permitted.
Day 1: Leaving for the Wilderness
Enjoy a final breakfast in town before you are picked up by your guide in the morning. Together with the rest of the group, we will go through the equipment and make the final preparations. After a short drive, we begin our trek from the valley of Endalen. As we start moving, Longyearbyen slowly disappears behind us, the mountains draw closer, and the adventure begins. It is roughly 10 km to camp, and we will walk at a comfortable pace so you can get used to travelling on snowshoes. Snowshoes distribute your weight across the snow, allowing you to move efficiently without sinking in. It is an easy and fun activity that requires very little technique.
Behind you, you will be pulling all your gear in a plastic expedition sled, known as a pulka. When we arrive at our camp location, you will settle into your tent (shared with one other guest), which will be your home for the next two nights. We then gather for dinner, either outdoors or in the heated kitchen tent, before dividing the polar bear watch shifts for the night.
Standing polar bear watch is a unique part of the Svalbard experience and likely something you have never done before. It is completely natural to feel a little excited about it. Before the night begins, your guide will carefully explain all routines and procedures, making sure you feel comfortable and well prepared. Many guests tell us afterwards that their time on polar bear watch became one of the most memorable moments of the trip. There is something unforgettable about standing watch during night, surrounded by mountains and an eerie winter landscape while the rest of your group sleeps.
Day 2: A Day of Exploration
Hopefully, you will feel rested after your first night camping in the snow. Today is all about exploring. There is no need to rush; first, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast with coffee and tea, prepared by your guide. Morning coffee with a mountain view – it doesn’t get much better than that. Today we leave our pulkas in camp and head out on a day hike, allowing us to cover a bit more ground. There are several beautiful peaks in the surrounding area to choose from. Depending on the weather and conditions, we will select a suitable summit offering the best views.
From the top, you will see mountains and snow-covered glaciers stretching out beneath you. We enjoy lunch outdoors, taking a well-deserved break once we reach the summit. On the way back down, you will spot our camp below. It looks so small from up here. Or perhaps it is simply the Svalbard wilderness that feels so vast and endless.
Back in camp, it is time to unwind. In the evening, we gather in the heated kitchen tent for hot food, warm drinks, and stories from the day. You are always welcome to help with the cooking if you wish. Tonight, you will fall asleep easily, though you will likely be up again later for another round of polar bear watch.
Day 3: Glacier Day
Today is our final morning in camp, so we enjoy one last breakfast together before packing up and beginning our journey back to Longyearbyen. This expedition follows a loop route, so rather than retracing our steps, we continue further into the valley before making our way up Fardalsbakken, a snowy hillside with approximately 350 metres of elevation gain. The effort is well worth it.
Once we cross the pass, the views open up towards Longyearbyen and the surrounding mountain panorama. For the final kilometres, we descend across Longyearbreen Glacier. Although the glacier is covered by snow during winter, ancient glacier ice lies beneath the surface. Looking closely, you may be able to make out the faint patterns of winding meltwater channels hidden beneath the snow.
Soon, we are back in Longyearbyen. Perhaps you are already looking forward to a warm shower and a good meal in town. Well done!
Tour Details
Difficulty level: 4/5
Group size: 4–10 participants
Age limit: 18+ (16–17-year-olds may join with prior agreement)
Who Is This Trip For?
You will need to be in good physical condition to spend three days out in the field, but no previous winter camping or snowshoeing experience is required. Motivation is key, as March and April can still bring cold Arctic conditions. You must be able to pull your own sled (20–25 kg) over a distance of approximately 8–10 km on the first and last day. On Day 2, we leave the sleds in camp and head out on a mountain hike with around 500–700 metres of elevation gain.
Accommodation is in two-person tents, with a heated group tent used for cooking and socialising. We also bring a toilet tent.
Included in the Price
- Transport to and from your accommodation to the start of the trip
- All food and snacks during the expedition
- Experienced guide with all necessary safety equipment
- Search- and rescue insurance
- Tents and equipment, including sleeping mat, sled, harness, snowshoes, poles, and cooking gear
What to Bring
- Warm clothing
- Backpack for day hikes
- Sleeping bag (can be rented for NOK 600)
- A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking
Disclaimer
The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, snow conditions, or other safety concerns beyond our control. If polar bears are present near the camp, we will adapt the route to avoid disturbing them and to ensure guest safety. In rare cases, this may require returning to Longyearbyen and conducting day trips instead.
