SVALBARD CROSSING COUNTRY: NORWAY ALTITUDE: 1,717m PRICE: 3,895 DURATION: 13 DAYS Ski or snowshoe across the largest island on Svalbard, Spitzbergen Explore the unique environment of glaciers and arctic tundra in one of the world s remotest region Experience pulling a pulk through vast undulating plains, and the challenge of being completely self-supported Set up camp in Hilleberg winter tents Set foot in areas which are rarely ever visited Become self-sufficient in polar travel Winter training course included
INTRODUCTION Svalbard lies far in the Arctic North, halfway between the northernmost tip of Norway and the North Pole. The majority of the island is covered in glaciers and permanent snow, and the mountain ranges are vast and varied, from gentle undulating hills to striking alpine peaks. Raw cold landscapes and unique wildlife are what sets Svalbard apart. Getting about in an environment that is mostly glacier and barren rock is a choice between a dog sled, snowmobile and cross-country skis, and most of the island remains rarely visited.
ITINERARY DAY 1-2 There are flights direct from Oslo Gardermoen to Longyearbyen. We can help you get the right flights into Svalbard. Once arriving you will be picked up from the airport and stay at a guesthouse for two nights. Today is a training day, you can get your skis out and warm up the legs for the long crossing of Svalbard. You will also have the chance to go through all your gear, separate group equipment and get your pulk ready for the following day s start on the skis. DAY 3 Briefing, kit check and final preparations. Today we will travel to the east coast of Svalbard by snowmobile (3-4 hours). Each tent team will be be trained and then take control of their own snowmobile. Once we arrive on the east coast we are underway. We start making our way back towards Longyearbyen on the west coast. DAY 4-11 We will be skiing across Svalbard for the next 7 days. Every day our goal is to ski approx 15km where you will experience everything from snow, glaciers and mountains. We will help you develop specific winter skills for polar and cold weather travel, covering a wide range of techniques used in winter snow travel. Along the way, we will help you become more self-sufficient in Polar navigation, safety, camp craft and camping routines.
ITINERARY DAY 12 Our descent down the Longyear Glacier brings us back to Longyearbyen. We will sort out all the kit, shower, relax and celebrate our success. We will overnight at the guesthouse in Longyearbyen. DAY 3-6 Today you will transfer to the airport for your return flight to Oslo and onward journey home.
Experience Good physical fitness is required to pull a 30kg pulk for 8 hours for several days in a row, camp out and deal with the cold. Some previous Nordic skiing experience is essential for a crossing on skis. For a snowshoeing crossing previous snowshoeing experience is preferable but not essential. As part of the preparations, we offer a training course, aimed at going through basic winter skills, equipment and routines to be as well prepared as possible. The potentially extreme cold and the particular routines needed to remain safe and comfortable in it, can be tiring. It is important to maintain self-discipline in this environment as mistakes can be costly. You will be at an advantage if you have previously trekked and wild-camped in cold and snowy environments. If you re in doubt about whether this trip may be suitable for you, contact us. We are here to help if you have any questions or concerns. What s Included 8 nights tented accommodation, 4 nights hotel All meals whilst on expedition GPS, satellite phone and emergency beacon Pulks and harness Polar tents, MSR stove, fuel, cooking equipment Medical and safety equipment All in-country transfers + airport transfers Access to our RMS team of doctors (please see website information for more details) Pre-exped training course What s not included Travel to and from UK airport International flights and taxes Food and drink in Longyearbyen Personal equipment Travel insurance Drinks, snacks and personal spending Costs occurred due to earlier arrival back in Longyearbyen
Accommodation During the trip we will be staying in wild camps. We will be equipped with Hilleberg Keron 3 GT tents 3 person tents, which are the standard for polar expeditions due to their durability and wind stability. The tents will be shared by two people, to allow for extra room. On the first day and last day we stay at a hotel in Longyearbyen and enjoy a traditional Norwegian meal. Meals Meals consist of dry ration Mountain House expedition food. We will have a substantial breakfast to start the day. Lunches consist of individual ration packs with picnic style- and high energy foods. Evening meals during the trekking phase will be a 3-course meal, which each of us will prepare on their JetBoil stove. Please bring with you extra snacks for during the day if required. If you have food allergies or intolerances, please inform us in your Booking Form. We will aim to cater to your needs, but it is advisable to also bring your own supplies from home.
GENERAL INFORMATION What to carry This is an unsupported crossing for the duration of the trip, you will pull a pulk, containing all of your equipment. The pulk will be strapped on with a waist and shoulder harness, connected to the pulk with rigid bars. Health All our UK leaders hold first aid certificates and carry a fully equipped first aid kit for emergencies. Additionally, our director is trained as Wilderness Medical Technician. We recommend that you carry a personal First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. When selecting your trip please carefully read the information and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the trek rating for trip specific information. If you have any concerns, please contact us before booking. reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of your guide they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to yourself and/or the rest of the group. Passport and Visa Visas for entry into Norway are not required by nationals of the UK, Ireland and most EU countries. Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Money The local currency is Norwegian Kroner (NOK). We advise you to take local currency with you as there may not be time to obtain currency from banks.
GENERAL INFORMATION Insurance We advise you to take out your insurance as soon as you book your trip. Insurance which covers mountain rescue, evacuation and medical expenses is essential. We will require a copy of your insurance prior to departure. Please also ensure your insurance covers you for remote snowshoe trekking up to 1,500m (some will exclude this option). The BMC offers insurance for Norway. If using other companies please make sure they see the current advice from the Foreign Commonwealth Office. Vaccinations Vaccinations are not generally required for the Svalbard expedition. Contact your GP around eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country- by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices. Flights Flights are NOT included as part of this holiday. Flights to Oslo are generally cheap, and supported by a number of airlines. From there, a connecting flight goes to Longyearbyen. At the time of booking we can advice you on the best flight to fit with the trip. Please ensure you don t purchase your flights until we have guaranteed your trip is running. The meeting point for this trip is our accommodation in Longyearbyen; the meeting time will be confirmed closer to the time via email.
TRAINING COURSE The pre-expedition training course is designed to provide you with all the skills and information necessary to make sure you are in the best shape physically and mentally to succeed on your trip and enjoy the experience of multi-day, un-supported winter trekking. The training course will take you out into the Scottish Cairngorms, where you will set up camp in winter conditions and have the opportunity to get to know your equipment. The course includes: You will learn about: Practical sessions on the use of snowshoes Time out in the mountains to experience similar terrain and conditions Itinerary and question and answer sessions Time to meet and get to know your guides and team members Kit advice session Appropriate clothing Camp routines Polar bear protection Packing and pulling a pulk Using a JetBoil stove Snow analysis and hazards Winter navigation
KIT LIST Average daytime temperatures in winter range from 0º to - 20ºC, though they can fall much lower. Everything will be carried by you; there will be no option to leave anything behind. (Even start and finish clothing) You must bring all of the following items (Please try to bring most of these items to the training weekend in Scotland): Clothing 4 season mountain boots & spare laces (Please bring with you to the Scotland training Weekend) Technical walking socks 3/4 pairs make sure they work with your boots. Slippers (for use in the tents) down or synthetic hut booties are ideal. Winter walking trousers soft shells or salopettes. Long johns (thermal full length underwear) & thermal base layer shirts (2 short sleeve, 1 long sleeve) Down filled jacket or very heavyweight synthetic jacket. Waterproof jacket with hood and waterproof over-trousers (Must have full length zip) Sunhat & warm hat. Balaclava or facemask (Balaclava is essential. A buff could be used instead of a face mask, providing this is a system that has been used and worked for you before.) Eyewear- ski goggles and sunglasses (Category 3/4) both will be required. Lightweight thermal gloves (Rab Powerstretch) Windproof and waterproof over-mittens/gloves (Big bulky warm ones) if in doubt go warmer. Spare pair of warm Waterproof mittens/gloves (Big bulky warm ones) if in doubt go warmer.
KIT LIST Personal Equipment 4 season sleeping bag sleeping bag and liner (rated to minimum -15 comfort rating.) Full-Length Mat/Thermarest (Neo air or Exped equivalent would be ideal - this will be vital for keeping you warm at night as we will be sleeping on the snow.) 1 litre Thermos Flask + 2 Litre drinking bottle, (Nelgene etc) camping mug and 2 sporks (preferably the titanium ones that don t snap in the cold.) Head torch (new batteries) and 3 x spare batteries this must be bright enough for you to walk comfortably for several hours in the dark. Basic First Aid Kit including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite), antibacterial hand wash. Sun protection factor 30 minimum (including total bloc for lips Factor 50 minimum) Wash bag/toiletries & small towel ( Keep this to bare minimum - face wipes are ideal for washing) Pee Bottle (one of the Nalgene bottles above will be used for this preferably a red one) Book/Kindle & IPod/Music player Snow Equipment Snow Shoes Walking Poles Gaiters (unless integral to your boots) The following items are optional Binoculars Camera and spares Scotland-specific equipment Rucksack minimum 45litre. Crampons, ice axe and helmet (all of which can be hired for the course at 10 each)
KIT LIST Food and Snacks On the training course you will have the chance to try the expedition food that we supply for the trip. Our set meals are designed to cover all nutritional requirements, but if you feel you need to supplement the allocated meals, have a look at the suggestions below. Breakfast: Muesli Bars. Porridge sachets with powdered milk/ syrup Lunch/ Snacks: Flapjacks, chocolate bars, (John West) Tuna Fillets, nuts, salami, sweets. Evening Meal: Wayfarer meals are good (but expensive) because they can be boiled in the bag and make no mess. Anything you can add boiling water to, such as Mug Shots or Pot Noodles, also do the job. Tinned Sardines, relish, spices can also be added to the main meal. Notes As a group we will need to carry a certain amount of safety equipment i.e. snow shovels, probes, Group shelters etc. These will all be provided by Exped.
WHY CHOOSE EXPED ADVENTURE Experienced and qualified guides Small group size Perfect safety record access to remote medical support and director trained as Wilderness Medical Technician Itineraries have an emphasis on skills and personal development one of our main aims is to help people gain confidence in themselves and their abilities for further expeditions Well-researched, carefully selected route and itinerary We provide a free training course and lots of advice and support prior to your trip Personal, tailored journey from enquiry to your expedition and the next adventure Flexible and personalised approach we re always free for a coffee and a chat and go the extra mile to exceed your expectations