Frozen Summit: Hike to Trollsteinen and ice cave

This is a full-day winter hike on Svalbard to the summit of Trollsteinen, followed by a visit to a glacier ice cave on the descent. The operator describes it as its longest winter hike. The route starts in a snow-covered moraine valley and climbs steadily, 750 m in total. The group then crosses the glacier and follows a narrow ridge to the top, which stands 850 m above sea level. A guide leads the way. On the way down the group enters the ice cave, formed by summer meltwater and now frozen, and walks through winding passages wearing helmets and headlamps. Some crawling is needed inside. Lunch is eaten in the cave. The round trip covers 9 to 11 km and takes eight hours. Groups have two to eight participants. Pick-up is from the guest's hotel at 09:00, and the return is by 17:00.

Included are the guide with safety equipment, a warm lunch, coffee and tea, and ice cave equipment (helmet, headlamp, spikes). Snowshoes and hiking poles are provided if needed. Guests bring warm waterproof hiking boots that cover the ankle, wool base layers, a windproof jacket, outdoor pants, an extra warm layer, a hat, a buff, windproof mittens or gloves, a backpack of 20 to 35 litres, and a water bottle. The minimum age is 16. The operator rates difficulty 5 out of 5 and asks for very good physical condition, as the terrain is uneven and the summit is exposed to weather. The tour does not suit people with back problems or claustrophobia. Guests must be able to communicate in English.