Ice climbing and snowmobile tour

This tour combines a snowmobile ride with a day of ice climbing on a frozen waterfall in a remote valley near Longyearbyen. Guests ride out across snow-covered terrain, then climb the ice with crampons and ice axes, always on a rope. A professional climbing instructor leads the day.

At the expedition office, guests receive the equipment needed for driving the snowmobile, and the guide gives an introduction to driving it. At the waterfall, guests put on ice axes, crampons and harnesses, and receive an introduction to ice climbing techniques. The first climbs are assisted, and guests then climb more independently, continuing as long as their energy lasts. A warm drink and lunch are served out in the field. The guide drives everyone back to Longyearbyen afterwards.

The tour lasts eight hours, with pick up at 09:15. Groups have a maximum of four guests per guide. Climbing equipment and safety gear is included: axes, crampons, harnesses, prusik, carabins and rope. Headlamps are provided if needed. Pick up and drop off are at the guest's hotel, or another chosen location.

The page rates difficulty at 4 out of 5 and asks for good physical fitness. No previous ice climbing experience is needed. The tour is not meant for people who are uncomfortable with heights, have limited fitness such as ankle or knee issues, lack balance or coordination, dislike cold and changing weather, or are pregnant. The season runs from 14 February to 3 May.