Mountain Scrambling - mountain hike from Longyearbyen

Mountain Scrambling is a whole-day guided hike in the mountains around Longyearbyen, run by Basecamp Explorer. A guide collects guests at their hotel or guesthouse in Longyearbyen and drives them to the starting point. There the guide briefs the group on the route and on safety in the Svalbard wilderness. The hike follows no roads or tracks. Depending on the route, the group may reach a peak or stay on a lower trail, and may cross rivers that come from the glacier. The start is steep, and the route then reaches a plateau. Along the way the guide talks about flora, fauna and history. The group stops for a hot drink and snacks, and guests can eat a packed lunch they have brought. At the end the guide drives everyone back to the hotel.

The tour lasts 4 to 5 hours and runs from May-October. It is held on request. The minimum is four participants. If fewer than four guests sign up, the operator may offer a different programme. Included are the guide, who carries emergency and safety equipment, warm drinks, snacks and the hotel transfer.

Guests bring a daypack of about 20 to 35 litres holding extra snacks, a packed lunch, a water bottle of at least 5 dl and spare layers. The operator lists steady, water resistant hiking shoes, comfortable outdoor trousers over wool underwear, a wool base layer, a windproof jacket, an extra wool layer, a thin down jacket or similar, a warm hat, a buff, and warm windproof mittens or gloves. Guests must be able to move safely and independently over grass slopes, boulders and moraine.