3 Day East Coast Adventure: Snowmobile and Cabin Escape

This is a three-day snowmobile expedition from Longyearbyen to the East Coast of Svalbard, with nights in a remote winter cabin called Fulmarhytta in the Fulmar Valley. The East Coast lies around 100 kilometres from town. It has large glacier systems and frozen shores, and in some years the sea there freezes with icebergs locked into the ice. The tour runs in March and April.

On day one the group drives through snowy valleys to the cabin, which takes approximately two to three hours. Depending on weather, snow and progress, there may be a side valley, a viewpoint or a short evening ride. On day two the group spends the whole day heading to the coast. One possible destination is Mohnbukta, where a glacier front meets the sea. The group crosses glaciers, descends through moraine to the shore and eats lunch there if conditions allow. On day three the group packs up and returns, arriving in Longyearbyen at around 18:00. Routes depend on the weather. Reindeer are often seen, and polar bears sometimes, though a sighting is never guaranteed.

Guests are picked up at 09:00 at their hotel in Longyearbyen and taken to the operator's equipment storage for a safety briefing. Warm snowmobile clothing and all necessary equipment are provided, and a guide introduces the driving. No previous experience is needed. The cabin is reachable only by snowmobile and sleeps up to six guests, in sleeping bags with sheep skins underneath. Sleeping areas are spread over two levels, and the toilet is outside.