Snowmobile journey to Kapp Schollin

This is a guided snowmobile day trip on the West Coast of Svalbard. The route starts at the operator's basecamp and heads south from Longyearbyen through wide valleys and over frozen ground. It goes to Reindalen, then past Camp Morton to Kapp Schollin on the southern coast. If weather and snow allow, the group also visits a viewpoint over the Fridtjovbreen glacier. Frostbite Expeditions' page says the route may be adjusted to the weather.

At the start, guides give a safety briefing and teach how to operate the snowmobile. Along the way there are several stops for photographs, looking for wildlife and hearing about the history, geology and ecosystem of Svalbard. In Reindalen the Frostbite Expeditions page lists Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes and ptarmigans as animals that may be seen.

The tour lasts eight hours, from 09:00 to 17:00, and covers 100 to 120 km round trip. Frostbite Expeditions' page rates difficulty at 3 to 4. Groups have 2 to 10 participants. The minimum age is 12, and no previous snowmobile experience is required. The season runs from February to May.

Included are pick-up and drop-off at the guest's hotel, a guide with safety equipment, a hot expedition meal, snacks and hot drinks, liability and SAR insurance, and the riding gear: suit, boots, mittens, balaclava, helmet and goggles. Guests bring wool base layers, thick woollen socks, an extra warm layer, a hat and a buff, and a backpack for a camera, snacks, water or extra clothing.