Winter hike with visit in ice cave

This is a guided winter hike from Longyearbyen up to a glacier south of the town, ending with a visit inside an ice cave. The route climbs through hilly terrain at the foot of the glacier, then moves onto the ice. The guide leads the group to the meltwater channels that form the ice caves of Svalbard. Views over Longyearbyen open up on the way up, and the route follows no set trails. The day starts with breakfast at Basecamp Hotel, where the guide meets the guests. The hike lasts 5 to 6 hours and includes a steep climb before the terrain opens onto the glacier. Lunch is eaten outdoors. The tour runs in the Polar Night season.

The tour includes pick up at Basecamp Hotel, the guided hike, lunch and warm drinks. The guide carries emergency and safety equipment. Every guest receives a head lamp, plus snowshoes or crampons. Guests bring a small backpack with extra layers, such as a sweater or thin down jacket, hand and foot warmers, food for energy and a water bottle. The page suggests a Nalgene bottle that handles warm water. Clothing is woollen thermals, wool or fleece trousers and sweater, two pairs of socks, a windproof outer layer, mittens, a hat and a scarf or tube. Sturdy warm hiking shoes or winter boots are needed.

The trip requires good physical condition. Guests must move safely and independently over steep hills, boulders, moraine, snow and ice. Guests must communicate in English or a Scandinavian language, and the group's skills decide the tour language. Groups such as company events can ask the operator for a tailored tour.