Ski Touring to Nordenskjoldfjellet

This is a full-day ski touring trip to Nordenskiöldfjellet, also called Nordenskiöld Peak, which stands 1,050 metres above sea level and is the highest mountain near Longyearbyen on Svalbard. The operator is Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions.

The day starts with a hotel pick-up and a stop at the expedition base, where the guide gives a safety briefing and explains the plan. A short drive leads to the trailhead, and the group then puts on skis. The first climb gains about 350 metres to a mountain plateau. The route crosses moraine terrain and moves onto the glacier, followed by another 550 metres of ascent. The group traverses up to the ridge and covers the last stretch to the summit if conditions allow. After lunch, the descent is on skis through open Arctic terrain with snow that is often fresh and unmarked.

The tour lasts nine hours, from 08:30 to 17:30, or from 07:45 when equipment is rented. The route is 6 to 8 km to the summit with about 950 metres of elevation. Groups have 2 to 6 participants. Transport to and from accommodation, an expedition style lunch with hot drinks, and a ski guide with safety equipment are included.

Guests bring their own skis, boots, poles, skins and helmet, or rent them from the operator, plus warm breathable clothing, a drinking bottle and a backpack. An avalanche probe, shovel and avalanche beacon are mandatory, and the beacon set can be rented too. The minimum age is 16. The operator rates the difficulty 5 out of 5 and describes the tour as suited to advanced off-piste skiers and experienced ski tourers who are comfortable with long ascents and variable conditions.