Cross-Country Ski Adventure for beginners

This is a beginner cross-country ski tour in Advent Valley, near Longyearbyen. The guide first teaches the basic techniques, then the group skis a gentle route through flat terrain. The focus is on learning, not speed or performance. Partway through, the group stops for biscuits and a warm drink.

The tour lasts five hours. It takes 2 to 6 participants. The minimum age is 16. No previous skiing experience is needed, but guests need a degree of balance and ordinary fitness. Guests must be able to communicate in English, and the operator may refuse participation to anyone who arrives without suitable clothing.

Included are a guide with safety equipment, coffee, tea and biscuits, and cross country skis and poles. Guests can wear personal winter boots or hire Muck Boots from the operator. Guests bring warm, waterproof winter boots that cover the ankle, wool base layers, a windproof jacket and hiking pants, an extra warm layer such as a sweater or down jacket, a hat, a buff, windproof mittens, a daypack of 20 to 35 litres and a water bottle.

The tour runs from 1 November to 15 May, with pickup from the guest's accommodation. From 1 November to 14 March pickup is at 08:30 and return at 13:30. From 15 March to 15 May pickup is at 16:30 and return at 21:30.