Arctic Mix: Ski Touring with Snowmobile

Arctic Mix is a full-day private tour that combines snowmobiling with ski touring in the mountains around Longyearbyen. The group leaves town by snowmobile and rides for about one hour into open terrain with no groomed trails or ski lifts. In this area the summits include Wimanfjellet (914 m), Hillestadfjellet (923 m) and Arctowskifjellet (957 m). The group stops along the way for views and takes a midday break for an expedition-style lunch. An experienced ski guide leads the day and adapts it to the pace and skill level of the group.

The tour lasts eight hours, from 09:00 to 17:00. It runs for private groups only, with a minimum of two participants. Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions' page gives extra-guest arrangements for up to six guests in total. Included are transport to and from your accommodation, lunch and hot drinks, the ski guide with the needed safety equipment, a snowmobile with fuel, full snowmobile clothing, and search and rescue insurance.

Guests bring their own ski gear: skis, boots, poles, skins and a helmet, plus ski clothing, a drinking bottle and a backpack. Ski equipment can be rented, boots included. Avalanche equipment is mandatory: a probe, a shovel and a beacon, which can also be rented.

Passengers must be at least 16 years old and drivers at least 18. Drivers need a valid licence for car, motorcycle or snowmobile, and foreign digital licences are not valid in Norway. No snowmobiling experience is needed. The operator's page calls the trip demanding: guests need good physical shape, off-piste skiing experience and previous ski touring experience. All guests must understand and speak English.