Wilderness Safari by Electric Snowmobile

This tour is a three hour ride on electric snowmobiles from Longyearbyen into Adventdalen, the Advent Valley. The route heads towards Jernsenga, the Iron Bed, a mound with an iron bed on top that stands near Longyearbyen. The guide tells the story behind it. The group also passes Mine 7, the last coal mine in the area to stay active before it closed.

The electric motors make almost no noise, which the operator says disturbs wildlife less than ordinary snowmobiles. Guests may see reindeer, ptarmigans, Arctic foxes and snow buntings from Svalbard. There are several stops, with information from the guide, and a break with warm drinks and biscuits before the return. The route is 30 km over mostly flat, easy ground. The page rates difficulty 2 out of 5 and says no snowmobile experience is needed.

The guide collects guests at the hotel and drives them to the expedition centre. There they receive a scooter dress along with boots, a balaclava, a helmet and mittens. The guide then demonstrates the controls and the riding technique. The tour runs from February to May. The age limit is 8 years.

Drivers must show a valid physical car or motorcycle licence at check-in. Digital copies, photos and photocopies are not accepted. Chinese licences are not valid on Svalbard. Guests must understand English or a Scandinavian language. The operator suggests wool base layers, outer trousers, a thick wool jumper and a backpack with an extra jacket, hat and mittens.