Tempelfjorden Snowmobile Safari

The Tempelfjorden Snowmobile Safari is a guided day trip by snowmobile out of Longyearbyen, through valleys, hills and coastal terrain. The destination is Sassenfjorden and Villa Fredheim, the hunting base of a trapper who spent 38 winters on Svalbard. The two storey house has a flag pole, potted plants and curtains, which set it apart from most trapper cabins. Lunch is eaten outdoors during the tour. If weather and time allow, the group may continue up to Fjordnibba, a viewpoint with panoramic views of the fjord, the mountain Tempelfjellet and the Von Post Glacier. The guide talks about the environment and history of the area along the way, and wildlife may be seen.

The tour lasts seven hours and is rated 3 out of 5 for difficulty, with some rugged terrain. It suits guests with no snowmobile experience. The guide collects guests at the hotel and drives them to the expedition centre. There they receive a scooter dress, boots, a balaclava, a helmet and mittens. The guide then explains the controls and gives a driving demonstration before the group sets off.

Guests must be at least 14 years old, and they need to follow English or a Scandinavian language. Each driver brings an original physical licence for cars or motorcycles. Digital licences, photographs and photocopies are not accepted, the guide checks every licence before departure, and Chinese licences are not valid on Svalbard. The operator suggests wool underwear layers, outer trousers and a heavy wool jumper beneath the suit, plus a spare jacket, hat and mittens in a backpack. The tour runs from February to May.