2 Day East Coast Adventure: Snowmobile and Cabin Escape

This two-day snowmobile expedition leaves Longyearbyen and travels around 100 km to the East Coast of Svalbard, with a night in a remote winter cabin called Fulmarhytta in Fulmardalen. It runs from March to April. Some of the ride is in darkness when departures fall in late February or early March. The route crosses snowy valleys and glacier systems. Reindeer are often seen, and polar bears spend much of the winter along the East Coast, though sightings are not guaranteed. A possible destination on day two is Mohnbukta, where a glacier front meets the sea. The group descends through moraine to the coast and, if conditions allow, has lunch there.

Day 1 starts with a 09:00 pick-up at the guest's hotel in Longyearbyen, then a stop at the equipment storage for snowmobile preparation, a safety briefing and an introduction to driving. Each guest drives a snowmobile, and no previous experience is needed. The ride to the cabin takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. Only snowmobiles can reach the cabin, which sleeps up to six guests on two levels. Guests sleep in sleeping bags on sheep skins, and the toilet is in a tent outside. Day 2 is about four hours of driving back with stops, arriving around 18:00.

Groups are 3 to 6 participants. Included are hotel transport, a snowmobile with fuel, a suit, boots, mittens, helmet, goggles and balaclava, all food, a guide, and search and rescue insurance. Guests bring warm wool clothes for under the suit. The age limit is 18 years, or 16 by agreement, and difficulty is 4/5. A valid car, motorcycle or snowmobile licence is required. English is required of everyone.