Snowing White - 6 days (Winter)
ABOUT THE TRIP
A 6-Day Winter Wonderland in Svalbard!
Prepare to step into the Arctic winter of your dreams with Snowing White! This 6-day adventure in Svalbard is the ultimate winter escape for those who crave a snowy, adrenaline-filled journey through the Arctic’s wildest landscapes. From exhilarating snowmobile rides across icy plains to magical nights chasing the northern lights, this trip is packed with unforgettable winter experiences.
What You’ll Experience on This Arctic Adventure:
- Snowmobile Expeditions Across Frozen Landscapes: Feel the thrill as you zip across Svalbard’s snow-blanketed tundra on powerful snowmobiles. This guided journey takes you into the heart of the Arctic wilderness, covering vast distances that reveal dramatic peaks, frozen fjords, and a sweeping snowy horizon like no other. Each ride is an adventure through untouched, wintry terrain.
- Hiking Through Snowy Valleys and Arctic Wilderness: Svalbard’s winter landscapes are an explorer’s paradise. Join our guided hikes to witness the quiet beauty of snow-draped valleys and rocky outcroppings, where the fresh Arctic air and serene surroundings make every step feel like a discovery. You’ll encounter breathtaking vistas, patches of unique Arctic flora, and maybe even spot some of Svalbard’s wildlife!
- Northern Lights Hunts under Arctic Skies: Get ready for magical nights as we set out to witness one of the world’s most captivating natural phenomena: the northern lights. With each evening comes the possibility of catching the aurora borealis as it lights up the sky in vivid greens, pinks, and purples. Our expert guides know the prime locations for viewing, maximizing your chances of a truly unforgettable experience.
- Optional Dogsledding and Ice Cave Exploration: For even more Arctic adventure, try your hand at dogsledding—a traditional way to traverse the snowy plains, powered by a team of eager sled dogs. Or venture into Svalbard’s mystical ice caves, where the frozen walls and glittering ice formations create a surreal and otherworldly setting.
Why Snowing White is Perfect for Winter Lovers:
Snowing White offers a deep dive into Svalbard’s enchanting winter landscape, blending high-energy activities with serene moments under the Arctic sky. Each day is packed with unique experiences that capture the magic and majesty of winter, while evenings promise the thrill of hunting for the northern lights. This trip is crafted for those who want to embrace the Arctic in all its frosty glory—an ideal winter escape for adventurers at heart!
Are you ready to explore Svalbard’s snow-covered beauty? Join us on Snowing White for six unforgettable days of Arctic wonder!
Start Your Journey Here!
Reserve online
Schedule
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DAY 1 - Arriving in SvalbardList Item 1
You arrive in Svalbard! Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience?
After landing, you can take your time exploring the special town of Longyearbyen, taste the delicious food the town's restaurants offer, don't miss it!
After a good meal, take a stroll down the snowy lanes and enjoy Longyearbyen's fascinating mountains and the beautiful ocean near town.
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DAY 2 - Seed Vault Hike in Blomsterdalen and a Dog Sledding ExperienceList Item 2
Global Seed Vault Hike in Blomsterdalen
Our adventure begins with a pickup from your accommodation, setting the stage for an immersive experience ahead. As we set out on foot, our path leads us towards the summit of Blomsterdalshøgda, offering panoramic views of Adventfjorden and the surrounding landscape. Along the way, we encounter remnants of Svalbard's mining legacy, including the iconic cable car trestles and the historic Mine 3.
At the pinnacle of our journey stands the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, nestled deep within the mountain. While we won't venture inside on this tour, our guide will illuminate the significance of this extraordinary facility, which serves as a vital safeguard for the world's agricultural biodiversity.
Bolterdalen Dog Sledding Experience
Your adventure begins as your guide collects you from your hotel and transports you to the kennel, nestled approximately 10 kilometers outside of town. Here, nearly 300 eager huskies eagerly await their next expedition. Will Electro, Ginger, Duma, or Briz be among the fortunate ones to join your team? Equipped with exposure suits, boots, and mittens, you'll assist the guide in harnessing and preparing the dogs. Amidst the initial cacophony of barking and howling, a serene calm descends once the dogs begin their run. Fully focused on propelling the sled through the snow, they navigate the landscape in silence, allowing you to revel in the enchanting surroundings.
The guide leads the way with two guests aboard the first sled, followed by subsequent sleds driven by pairs of guests who can alternate between driving and riding. Traversing the scenic riverbed that meanders through Bolterdalen, a picturesque valley ensconced by formidable mountains, the journey resembles a natural roller coaster, ascending and descending amidst the moraine formations.
En route, sightings of Svalbard reindeer are common, with occasional glimpses of ptarmigans or polar foxes adding to the excitement.
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Day 3 - Safari to Elveneset (Driver's License Required)List Item 3
Safari to Elveneset (Driver's License Required)
Embark on a thrilling snowmobile adventure through the pristine Arctic winter landscapes on a tour designed especially for beginners. Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel, followed by outfitting at our expedition center, where you'll receive all the necessary gear, including a scooter dress, boots, balaclava, helmet, and mittens. Our experienced guide will provide a comprehensive tutorial on snowmobile operation before we set out into the wilderness.
This tour covers approximately 70 kilometers, culminating at Elveneset, a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking Tempelfjorden. Here, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the fjord and Tempelfjellet, a majestic mountain rising 766 meters above sea level. Its distinctively carved structures, resembling temple ruins, make it a sight to behold. The route traverses varied but manageable terrain, winding through valleys flanked by towering mountains on all sides.
As we journey through this Arctic wilderness, keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of the local wildlife, including the iconic Svalbard reindeer and the elusive polar fox.
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DAY 4 - Wildlife Photography and a Northern Lights Evening
Wildlife Photography Safari
We begin by picking you up at your accommodation and heading to handpicked spots known for wildlife sightings. The tour’s length varies based on weather and wildlife activity, and it's perfect for all ages, including families. Traveling mostly by car, we take short, easy walks between 500 meters and a few kilometers to get the best vantage points.
From May through September, the focus is on Svalbard’s abundant birdlife, with stops at select locations for prime photo opportunities. In the colder months, October through April, we focus more on the region’s dramatic landscapes, though sightings of reindeer, ptarmigan, and Arctic foxes are common. Winter weather may impact our schedule, but the adventure remains unforgettable.
During the Northern Lights season, clear nights offer the chance to capture the aurora, starry skies, and nightscapes. Our guides are equipped to help you set up for night photography and will drive to locations optimal for capturing the Northern Lights.
This tour is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating wilderness of Svalbard and take home stunning photos of Longyearbyen’s remarkable landscapes and wildlife.
Northern Lights Evening
A bus will collect you from your hotel. As we leave the town and drive through the expansive Adventdalen (the ‘Advent Valley’), anticipation builds. The towering mountains on either side of the valley are like looming giants, barely visible in the polar night. What awaits us at the end of the road?
After a 10-15 minute drive, we arrive at Camp Barentz, a small collection of cabins, including a replica of the cabin where Willem Barentz, the discoverer of Svalbard, spent the winter of 1596 on Novaya Zemlya. Our knowledgeable host for the evening, equipped with polar bear protection due to the cabin's location outside town, warmly greets us. Inside, around a large campfire, we are served drinks, a delicious homemade reindeer bidos, coffee, and dessert. Following the meal, our host will share information and photographs about the northern lights, explaining this amazing phenomenon as we sit around the fire.
At Camp Barentz, far from the artificial lights of town, conditions are ideal for viewing the northern lights. With some luck, we may conclude the evening by witnessing this spectacle firsthand in the sky outside. Then, the bus will pick us up for our return to Longyearbyen.
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DAY 5 - Ice Cave Hike and Snowcat Northern Lights Chasing
Hike to the Ice Cave - Icy Adventure
The trek to the glacier and the entrance of the ice cave typically takes around two hours, encompassing an ascent of approximately 350 meters. Meandering through the snow-covered terrain, with the towering peaks of Svalbard's vast mountain landscape as our backdrop, offers a serene perspective of nature's grandeur. The tranquil expanse of pristine snow against the undulating slopes of the moraine is truly a sight to behold. But the real adventure lies ahead!
Upon reaching the glacier's entrance, your guide will equip you with a helmet, crampons to affix to your shoes, and a headlamp. The descent into the ice cave may vary each year, often beginning with narrow passageways. We proceed with caution, taking our time to navigate through this captivating underground realm adorned with shimmering ice formations, pristine snow, expansive chambers, and snug passages. It's fascinating to contemplate that we're traversing through meltwater channels sculpted by the previous summer's snow and ice melt.
Snowcat Northern Lights Chasing
As our distinctive snowcat arrives to collect you, its imposing presence contrasts with the vastness of the surrounding wilderness, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey. Led by our experienced guide, you'll depart Longyearbyen and leave behind the artificial lights, immersing yourselves in the mysterious darkness of the wild.
Traversing the frozen expanse of Adventdalen, our snowcat will make several stops along the way, providing ample opportunities to gaze at the night sky in search of the elusive northern lights. While seated in the snowcat's cozy interior, equipped with heated seats for added comfort, you'll have the chance to step outside during stops and marvel at the Arctic landscape.
While sightings of the northern lights cannot be guaranteed, the experience of venturing into the silent majesty of the valley and feeling the power of nature in Svalbard is a journey in itself. Bundle up warmly and join us for a magical evening as we seek out the celestial dance of the aurora borealis amidst the enchanting Arctic wilderness.
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DAY 6 - Departure from SvalbardList Item 4
You leave Svalbard after an unforgettable trip :)
After seeing the beautiful scenery of Svalbard, the unique wildlife and animals home to the archipelago (and hopefully a polar bear), you had back to the airport, with a smile full of experiences and a satisfied mind.
What's Included?
Included
- Transfer from/to accommodation in Longyearbyen
- A simple expedition lunch
- Hot drinks and biscuits
- Guide with all necessary safety equipment
- Search and rescue insurance
- Loan of flotation suit, life jacket and goggles (if needed)
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel Insurance
- Luggage handling
