SVALBARD SKI EXPEDITION

EXPLORE THE ATOMFJELLA ALPINE FREERIDE AND SKI TOURING ADVENTURE

Discover the ultimate ski touring experience in the Atomfjella mountains, Svalbard’s highest peaks. Known for their isolation and steep couloirs, these mountains are a dream destination for skiers worldwide. Many of these rugged summits remain unclimbed, offering a unique opportunity for those seeking an adventure. Spend an entire week exploring this epic terrain with us!

Experience the true wilderness of Svalbard in Atomfjella, where endless routes await, giving you the chance to carve fresh tracks in untouched snow.

Our journey begins with preparation and packing, followed by an exhilarating snowmobile ride covering approximately 165 km through central Spitsbergen. Starting from Longyearbyen, we traverse rugged peaks and expansive glaciers in a 5-6 hour journey (conditions permitting) to reach Atomfjella. Along the way, we’ll take breaks to appreciate the breathtaking views and stretch our legs.

The snowmobile ride itself is an adventure, particularly in good weather. The usual route spans around 100 km across the vast glacier plateau of Lomonosovfonna, with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 meters, leading us to the Newtontoppen-Atomfjella region. However, challenging weather conditions, such as whiteouts or strong winds, can make this ride demanding. Some participants may need to drive snowmobiles, so prior motorbike experience or a driving license is recommended.

Our Atomfjella basecamp is situated on the Galler Glacier at 900 meters, surrounded by jagged peaks and steep couloirs—a skier’s paradise. The camp includes a heated communal tent for meals and socializing, along with smaller sleeping tents equipped with reindeer skins and sleeping pads. Each night, immerse yourself in the Arctic experience, keeping watch for polar bears under the midnight sun.

After we arrive at basecamp, the snowmobiles will return to Longyearbyen, and we’ll spend the next six days exploring the vast and varied terrain of Atomfjella. Each day, we’ll select thrilling ski routes based on weather conditions, snow quality, and group ability. With mountains ranging from 1,400 to 1,700 meters, expect significant elevation gains, often up to 1,200 meters. Among the many peaks we may climb, there’s a possibility of summiting Perriertoppen, Atomfjella’s highest peak.

On the final day, we’ll pack up our camp and load the sledges before the snowmobiles arrive to transport us back to Longyearbyen, with an estimated arrival time of 20:00.

For this Ski Touring trip, a good level of off-piste skiing and having previously done usually ski touring activity (randonnee / ski touring / backcountry skiing) is required. Depending on the physical and technical level of the participants and the snow and weather conditions, the mountain guide will adapt the outings for maximum enjoyment. Do not hesitate to contact us to jointly evaluate whether you have the appropriate level of skiing.

If you know that you prefer to go far and steep and are looking for a challenge, our advice is to bring along your group of friends and book an entire mountain expedition group for yourselves. Weather and snow conditions will, of course, determine what and where we can ski. Even if you already know each other, we can still tailor the level more to your wishes and skill level.

Our trainer Mr. Pablo Ral,  graduate in Physical Activity Sciences, Master in High Performance, Chilean Ski Mountaineering Coach and specialist in endurance sports… can make you a specific personal training plan for this trip.

• Standard training plan (one-time payment): 99€ (Fill out online form, 30 min personal interview (to adjust the plan and resolve doubts), Receive your personalized plan)
• Premium training plan (monthly): 130€ (Fill out online form, 1h personal interview (to adjust the plan and resolve doubts), Receive your personalized plan. Weekly monitoring of your progression and monthly readjustment of the training plan)

You can request your training plan at the time of booking your trip or later. (Standard training plans are valid for a maximum of 3 months)

Ski equipment

• Your ski equipment; skis/splitboard, poles, helmet if you want
• Ski crampons
• Touring ski boots (You must have used your ski boots in advance and be sure you do not get blisters!)
• Warm shoes to wear in the camp (moon boots)
• Ski skins with the new glue (1x) or 2 pairs of ski skins
• Climbing harness
• Climbing slings (1x)
• Carabiners (1x)
• Crampons
• Ice axe crampons (mandatory and essential for split-boards)
• Ski bag and boot bag (Required).
• Avalanche equipment in backpack, shovel, probe, DVA transmitter/receiver (Mandatory)

Other things recommended/necessary on these trips, in addition to travel equipment:

• Valid driver’s license (guests without driver’s licence are welcome as passengers!)
• Warm hat (i.e. beanie)
• Balaclava/ warm buff (preferably wool, 1x)
• Ski socks (preferably wool, 2x)
• Thick thermal socks (preferably wool, 2x)
• Base layers (preferably wool, 2x)
• Insulating mid-layers (e.g.wool sweater and fleece pants)
• Shell jacket and shell pants(wind and waterproof)
• Waterproof insulated mittens (No gloves!)
• Mittens or gloves for ski touring
• Warm down parka
• Backpack (must fit all gear, ~35 L) with ski carrying straps
• Neck gaiter
• Head lamp
• Canteen or thermos, minimum 1 liter. If you choose a Camelbak type bag, keep in mind that the tube can freeze recommending carrying an auxiliary bottle
• Sun cream and lip protection
• Snacks (bars, gels, nuts…) to eat in the mountains during the treks
• Personal plate, fork, spoon, knife & cup
• Personal gear such as medication, toiletries, hand sanitizer, etc
• Optional: spare batteries, camera, powerbank, first aid kit
• Winter sleeping bag (-20 to -30°C) *available to rent for NOK 150/ day; please inform us well in advance

Recommended:

• Ski touring helmet
• Contact lenses if you use glasses for driving (it is extremely difficult to wear glasses under snowmobile goggles)
• Camera and extra batteries (batteries die very quickly in the cold)
• Power bank for charging electronics
• Hand and foot warmers
• Thin liner gloves

*Maximum gear weight per person including skis cannot exceed 23 kg.

Food:

During the expedition, food is included. The start and end day in Longyearbyen is not included. If you have allergies or preferences, let us know on the registration form and we will take it into account.

We always recommend that you bring your own energy bars, nuts… so that you can eat while doing the activities.

You can each bring your own alcoholic beverages. (without problem)

Accommodation:

The program provides accommodation in shared tents. If you want a single room for the days in Longyearbyen, please indicate this at the time of booking.

We believe solo travelers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our independent trips are designed differently and solo travelers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

In case you wish that we can look for the best flight combination tickets from your nearest airport to the destination you can add this service in “extra services” on the checkout before booking the trip and will give you the best proposal beforehand and once accepted buy it for you. This service includes monitor the flight prices over time to get the best deal when prices are low and check in of your flight. The administrative fee for this service is 35€ + the flights cost that will be invoice to you afterwards.

We offer you a 5% discount on your IATI travel insurance. The discount is just valid if you buy the travel insurance policy after clicking on the link.

In case you wish that we can look for the best travel insurance that covers the trip destination/activity with your nationality. You can add this service in “extra services” on the checkout before booking the trip and will give you the best proposal beforehand and once accepted buy it for you. The administrative fee for this service is 15€ + the insurance cost that will be invoice to you afterwards.

The client is informed that B4Experience will issue the trip without including a cancellation, repatriation or accident policy, unless it is explicitly included in the trip contract and paid in the first payment.

Rescue insurance: Included

On this specific trip rescue insurance is included on the price.

The user is informed that the GUARANTEE COMPANY that covers the risks of contractual liability and guarantee against insolvency is MARKEL INSURANCE SE. Our trips are covered by Civil Liability insurance.

Visas, and Entry Requirements
Certainly! It is important to have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity when traveling to any country.

Remember that Svalbard is administrated by Norway, but EU citizens require also a passport to entry, it is not valid an ID national card.

To know the specific visa requirements for your trip, it is recommended to contact your local embassy or consulate, or consult with your travel agent. Remember that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements can vary based on your nationality and your destination. While we strive to keep our information updated, visa rules can change unexpectedly. Therefore, it is crucial that you verify the information yourself and understand that you are accountable for meeting your own visa requirements.

Vaccines
For each trip, clients are solely responsible for having the mandatory and/or recommended vaccines required in each region or country. Consult with your doctor to have all vaccinations before the start of the trip.

The client can take out trip cancellation insurance to be able to obtain payment of the entire amount paid (according to its conditions).

The end user may withdraw from the contracted trip, having the right to a refund of the amounts paid, except for the indicated penalties, but must also satisfy the Agency in the amounts indicated below once the trip has been confirmed. If it is not carried out due to not reaching the minimum necessary required people, the client can save the credit for future trips or request a full refund of the reservation.

Cancellation Policy 4:

• • • FULL REFUND UP TO 24H AFTER PURCHASE
    • Up to 90 days before the trip 100% refund of the trip amount.
    • Up to 60 days before the trip Refund of 50% of the trip amount.
    • For terms shorter than those described in the cancellation policy, the amount already paid will not be paid.
    • *€250 management fees apply

* Cancellation fees will not be paid for reservations already issued. If there are other non-refundable expenses already issued, these will not be paid either and will be deducted from the amount to be paid.
* The cost of cancellation of issued flights is 100% of the amount.

EXEMPTION OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK
B4Experience offers active trips for different sports and Outdoor activities, as well as information related to these activities through our web platform www.b4experience.com and other channels.

The practice of any activity in nature carries a risk for those who do it, with most of these activities being considered high-risk sports. Each one must know and apply their limits and be aware that regardless of the technical training and physical level one has, their practice can lead to accidents or even death.

The in-person activities and trips offered by B4Experience are carried out on land and activities that may inherently involve risks for those who carry them out and thus clients are informed that they contract them.

DOSSIER DISCLAIMER:

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print/ download a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

ITINERARY DISCLAIMER:

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. On all Outdoor trips, the routes will be adjusted depending on the weather, the level of the group participants and the risks assessed by the guide/trip leader.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.