Beyond Civilization, A Unique 4-Day Snowmobile Expedition Into Svalbard’s High North, Snowfox Travel

This is a four day, three night snowmobile expedition through the northern parts of Spitsbergen, covering 500 km. It passes remote valleys, glaciers, frozen sea ice and fjords. Guests drive their own snowmobile or share one if they book with more than one person, and can swap along the way. No earlier snowmobile experience is needed, and the guide gives instructions and begins gently.

The evening before departure there is a dinner at the basecamp, a team meeting, a briefing and a safety instruction. On day one guests are transferred from the hotel to the basecamp, put on provided suits, and ride to a wilderness camp at Brucebyen. Day two crosses the sea ice over Billefjord, follows Dicksonfjord, passes a frozen waterfall 40 m high and reaches Svenskhuset, where the guide tells the story of seventeen explorers who died while overwintering. Day three heads toward Petuniabukta past the abandoned mining settlement of Pyramiden, with a visit to an ice cave at Horbyebreen before camp. Day four ends with a ride back to town and a restaurant dinner. Guests take part in a night watch for polar bears.

Included are the guide, hotel transport, a snowmobile with petrol, suit, boots, gloves, helmet and goggles, all meals, warm drinks and snacks, search and rescue insurance, sleeping bag with mat or hammock, and overnight equipment. Guests bring warm wool layers, thin gloves for under the driving mittens, and a small backpack.

The minimum age is 16. A driving licence for a car, motorcycle or snowmobile valid on Svalbard is required. The season runs from 10 FEB to 15 MAY.