Ice Climbing in a Glacier

This tour takes guests ice climbing inside a glacier at Longyearbreen. The group walks up to the glacier, which takes about 1.5 hours. At the ice, the guide gives a briefing and hands out the gear. The group then goes down into a moulin, a vertical shaft cut in the ice by meltwater. Inside, guests learn the basics of moving on a glacier and of ice climbing, then climb back up to the surface.

The whole day lasts seven hours, with a 7 km round trip and an elevation gain of 400 m. The tour runs from 08:00 to 15:00. Groups have two to four participants. Difficulty is rated 4 to 5 on the operator's scale. The tour runs all year round.

Included are pick-up and drop-off at the hotel, a guide who carries safety equipment, snacks, hot drinks, a hot expedition meal, and liability and SAR insurance. Gear is supplied where needed: a harness, crampons, a helmet and a headlamp, plus microspikes and hiking poles.

Guests bring waterproof hiking boots that cover the ankle, wool base layers, a windproof jacket and outdoor pants, an extra warm layer, a hat, a buff, windproof mittens or gloves, a backpack and a water bottle. No climbing experience is needed, and the tour suits beginners. The minimum age is 16. The operator may refuse anyone who is not dressed properly for the conditions, and the route may change with the weather.