3-day Snowshoe Winter Camp

The Snowshoe Winter Camp is a three-day expedition from Longyearbyen into the wilderness beyond the town boundaries. The camp sits between mountains, in terrain closed to snowmobiles. Guests walk on snowshoes and haul their gear in plastic sleds called pulkas, led by a guide.

On day one the guide collects the group in the morning, checks equipment, and drives a short way to the valley of Endalen. From there it is roughly 10 km on foot to camp. Guests share a two-person tent for two nights, and a heated tent serves for cooking and socialising. After dinner the polar bear watch shifts are divided, and the guide explains the routines first. On day two the sleds stay in camp and the group hikes to a summit chosen by weather and conditions, with 500 to 700 metres of elevation gain. On day three the group follows a loop, climbs Fardalsbakken (about 350 metres of elevation gain), and descends over Longyearbreen Glacier to Longyearbyen.

Group size is four to 10 participants. Difficulty is 4 out of 5. The minimum age is 18, and 16 and 17-year-olds may join by prior agreement. Guests need good physical condition and must pull a 20 to 25 kg sled about 8 to 10 km on the opening and closing days. No earlier winter camping or snowshoeing experience is needed. The tour runs in March and April.

Included are transport from your accommodation to the start, all food and snacks, a guide with safety equipment, search and rescue insurance, and tents plus gear such as sleeping mat, sled, harness, snowshoes and poles. Bring warm clothing, a backpack for day hikes, and a sleeping bag, which can be rented.