A Self-Supported Polar Adventure Across the Glaciers of Spitsbergen
Highlights
- A rare and ultimate expedition
- A group limited to 6 people
- A unique itinerary through the glaciers of Spitsbergen
- Organized entirely by Expeditions Unlimited
- A highly experienced French guide
Expeditions Unlimited takes you on a truly epic adventure and a formidable challenge with this complete, fully self-supported crossing of Spitsbergen (the main island of the Svalbard archipelago), from the far south to the far north, traversing pack ice, glaciers, and ice caps. A pulka-skiing challenge covering over 600 kilometers and 6000 meters of elevation gain in polar bear territory, between 76° and 80° north latitude!
This expedition requires thorough preparation and an unwavering spirit of adventure. So, are you ready?
Descriptif
What sets this crossing apart from all other major polar expeditions is its diversity. Unlike the Greenland crossing—where the landscape is often repetitive—Spitsbergen never looks the same from one day to the next: coastal pack ice, rolling glaciers, mountains, barren ice caps, frozen fjords, and inland valleys traversed by reindeer. It is an entire island revealing itself in all its complexity.
It is also an expedition experienced over time. A month of total self-sufficiency is long enough for the adventure to become a way of life. A rhythm settles in, the cold becomes familiar, and the team bonds in ways we cannot foresee.
Finally, Spitsbergen is home to one of the highest densities of polar bears in the world. We move through their natural habitat for most of the expedition—a constant coexistence that demands constant vigilance and reminds us at every moment that we are the visitors.
Jour par jour
Day 0
Information about this program
Please note that this itinerary is subject to change; given the length of the journey and the variety of conditions we may encounter, a specific arrival date cannot be guaranteed. The itinerary may be modified at any time, before or during the expedition, to ensure the safety and success of the expedition.
We anticipate an expedition lasting between 30 and 35 days. Return flights must be fully flexible. Your guide will be in constant contact with our base in Lyon, and we will handle adjusting the return logistics in real time (return snowmobile transfer, accommodations, flights, etc.) so that you can devote all your energy to completing this daring itinerary. And, remember, in this kind of adventure, the ability to adapt is essential.
Days 1 & 2: Arrival in Longyearbyen and gear preparation
Day 1
We arrive in Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost city, later today. After being met by our guide at the airport and transferred to our hotel, it’s time for our first briefings to plan every detail of this major expedition. Most of our gear has been shipped from France, and we need to carefully pack the pulkas with a mix of personal belongings and shared equipment. We take the time to set up a tent and practice using the stoves to get back into the swing of things. We stock up on food at the supermarket, and a few purchases can be made at the city’s excellent outdoor stores to perfect our gear setup. It’s time to check the weather and confirm that the next day’s snowmobile transfer can proceed safely.
Day 3: Snowmobile transfer to southern Spitsbergen
Day 3
This morning we load our pulkas and skis onto the snowmobile trailers for a long journey south through the great valleys and glaciers. We disembark at the edge of South Spitsbergen National Park, where snowmobiles are prohibited. The snowmobiles head back, leaving us alone amidst the glaciers. We pull the pulkas for the first few kilometers; they are heavy, and we have to get back into a slow, efficient rhythm.
Days 4 to 32: Skiing southward, then due north
Day 4
We enter South Spitsbergen National Park, heading due south, to ski to Sørneset, the southernmost point of Svalbard at 76°30' north latitude—one of the most remote places in Europe, battered by the winds of the Barents Sea. Then we reverse course and head north, never looking back: we cross the Nathorstland glaciers, skirt the spectacular Hornsund Fjord from a distance with its glacier fronts plunging into the frozen waters, cross the ice floes along Van Keulenfjorden before ascending the great Reindalen valley. Further north, we pass at the foot of the former Svea coal mine, an industrial relic swallowed by the snow, and ascend the steep-walled Kjellstrømdalen valley to reach the great central ice caps. On Filcherfonna and then on the vast Lomonosovfonna (5800 km²), we spend several days at an altitude of over 1000 meters in a white, uniform world, guided by compass and GPS, with Newtontoppen (1713 m), the highest peak in Svalbard, within sight. The descent northward takes us through Haakon VII Land, then across the Augustabreen Glacier and the steep Trinity Glacier—the most technically demanding section of the expedition—before crossing Åsgårdfonna and reaching Polheimflya, the coastal plain of the Far North where polar bears and seals leave their tracks in every direction. Verlegenhuken, the northernmost cape of Spitsbergen, at 80°03' N, is our final destination. Over 600 kilometers on skis, dozens of glaciers, bivouacs in the storm, and days of polar light: an expedition unlike any other.
Day 33: Return by snowmobile from the far north of Spitsbergen
Day 33
The return trip from 80° is an expedition in itself, as we have no less than 300 kilometers to cover, either across glaciers or over pack ice, depending on conditions. Once back in Longyearbyen, a celebration is in order after such an adventure (along with a good shower, of course!).
Day 34: Safety Day in Longyearbyen
Day 34
Today is set aside for cleaning, drying, and repacking all of our equipment, which will be checked as luggage on the flight.
Day 35 : Return flight
Day 35
FIN DE PROGRAMME
For reasons that cannot be foreseen at this stage, such as unpredictable weather, the physical fitness or lack of fitness of participants or other circumstancess (customs formalities, road conditions, traffic, landslides, force majeure, etc.), your expedition leader may have to adapt the program, if necessary, to ensure the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and the one who guarantees your safety. Activity times are given as an indication and may vary from one participant to another.
The itinerary for all our expedition programs, or the ascent program for our high-mountain expeditions, are given here as a guide only. They are flexible enough to adapt to weather conditions with a few contingency days. In any case, you should follow the recommendations of your guide, who may suggest that you cancel your expedition due to weather, safety or physical conditions.
It is important to remember that this is a truly unsupported expedition, and that anything can happen. Expeditions Unlimited, your expedition leader, your guide or our local teams can in no way be held responsible.
Any costs incurred as a result of a change in the expedition schedule (extra nights' accommodation, extra flights) will be borne by the participants and not by the organizers. "Contingency days" refer to the expedition in the strict sense of the term (base camp/base camp in the mountains, departure point/exit point on a traverse, etc.).
Any early return of the expedition or of certain members only (early success, abandonment, etc.), generating costs for accommodation, meals, changes to air tickets or other activities not provided for in this program, will be charged in full to the participants.
Fiche Technique
Accompagnement
This program is guided by a Polar Experience guide, accredited by the IPGA (International Polar Guides Association) with a solid experience in the polar regions. See description above in this document.
For unpredictable reasons at this stage, like adverse weather conditions, insufficient physical condition of participants, insufficient competencies of participants related to the intended activities, your guide may decide to adjust the intended program and/or activities. At all times, his decision will be final on all matters likely to affect the safety and well-being of the trip.
Niveau de difficulté
Level rated: difficult
This program is aimed at participants in good physical shape, with a significant sport practice, endurance in particular, holding a strong mental to face difficulties that are unforeseen by nature.
This Level 3 expedition requires excellent physical fitness and proven experience with backpacking expeditions in polar environments. The concept of "teamwork" is essential on this type of long-distance expedition, and it is imperative that each participant demonstrate a solid understanding of techniques specific to polar environments—such as setting up tents and managing a stove— as well as experience with varying conditions (blizzards, extreme cold, etc.) and excellent equipment that has been tested and proven during previous expeditions.
Mental commitment is also crucial, as the success of this expedition depends on maintaining motivation day after day over the long haul.
This challenge requires careful preparation; therefore, please feel free to contact Sébastien Royer (sebastien@secret-planet.com), our "polar regions" sector manager—a guide and expert on Svalbard—who will provide you with detailed information.
Compagnies aériennes internationales
The airline serving Spitsbergen is SAS for the last leg, leaving from or arriving at Oslo. Flights to or from Oslo are with SAS, Air France, Lufthansa, etc.
Hébergement
In a hotel in Longyearbyen and in tents during the expedition.
Repas
The meals are eaten at the hotel or restaurant at the start and at the end of the expedition (breakfasts are included but lunches and dinners are not included in this package). During the expedition meals are mostly prepared in freeze-dried form. They give us all the daily calories needed during the expedition. You can check with your guide to adjust your diet. All meals in Oslo are not included.
Transferts / Transport
Transfers from/to airport are collective and are ensured by buses or taxis.
Taille du groupe
The group is composed of 4 to 6 participants maximum. The number of participants is deliberately limited to allow for greater immersion, to avoid embarrassing our hosts, and to develop freedom and flexibility. However, the maximum number may be exceeded if the last person to register wishes to travel with one or more other people. The services will not be modified, and the conditions of the trip will remain the same.
Équipement
Personal equipment is not provided. However, a complete list is provided to allow you to check that you are taking what is necessary.
The equipment provided includes tents, pulka sled, mattresses, stoves, kitchen equipment, etc.
A full list of personal equipment which is not provided is presented later in this document, part of which can also be rented to the participants. This list will be finalized and clarified while preparing your expedition with your guide.
Nos engagements pour un développement durable
Our commitment to a better planet has been a reality since the beginning of our story but we always need to do more and better. Please find out more about our charter and our commitments in terms of sustainable development. We have drafted our charter and take action through six themes on which we act as concretely as possible, most often with you: social equity and cultural respect, preservation of water, waste management in expedition, protection of biodiversity, raise public awareness on these subjects and finally, the optimization and recovery of CO2 emissions.
Regarding carbon emissions, most of which are due to air travel, we calculated and communicated in 2018 on the carbon footprint of each of our programs, expressed in tonnes of CO2.
And in 2022, we have set ourselves a carbon reduction target that we believe is unprecedented in the tourism industry, aiming to reduce the total emissions of our activity by 5% per year, taking 2019 as the reference year (3,430 tonnes of CO2). This commitment is in line with the trajectory of the Paris climate agreements of 2015, the current benchmark. By 2030, we aim to not exceed 2,160 tons of CO2. In 2024, all Secret Planet journeys emitted 2,064 tons, well below our maximum limit of 2,940 tons. The ceiling for 2025 is 2,800 tons, and in 2026 it will be further reduced to 2,660 tons. And so on until 2030. To find out more about all of our calculations and our commitments in terms of reducing our carbon emissions.
In addition, since 2019, we have been encouraging you when you book for your journey to contribute with a donation to an independent NGO, among the two we have selected that share the commitments made in our charter. We matched the amount of this donation to this program's carbon footprint. Thus, the journey you are considering generates 2,02 tons of CO2, which corresponds to a 100% donation of €61 for an estimated value today of €30 per tonne of CO2. This donation remains of course optional and you can decide to give between nothing and 100% of this amount. Since 2019, including covid years of 2020 and 2021, we have been able to collect thanks to you nearly €5,500 for these associations.
Please do not hesitate to come back to us with any questions you might have regarding this carbon footprint mechanism, our other sustainable développement commitments or even to share with us your experience through a chat or a mail at contact@secret-planet.com.
Mot de l'expert
Of all the major polar crossings, this one is undoubtedly the most scenic and diverse! We cross a vast number of glaciers and traverse sections of pack ice where polar bears are present. From the island’s extreme south and the spectacular Hornsund Fjord to the north with Newtontoppen—the island’s highest peak—and the crossing of the Lomossov Ice Cap, not a single day is the same!
But please note that this expedition requires thorough preparation!
Dates et Prix
Please find below all dates and prices for this expedition. Prices are quoted "from" and may be adjusted notably according to the number of participants (see trip notes for details). Please note that dates and prices for years beyond 2024, when given, are for guidance only and are subject to change and readjustment to take account of current economic realities.
Le prix comprend
- Complete pulkas (covers and harnesses)
- 4 nights with breakfast in Longyearbyen (2 on the way there and 2 on the way back)
- Stoves, cookware, shovels, arctic bedding
- Two-person tents
- Group glacier safety equipment
- Polar bear safety equipment (shotgun, etc.)
- All expedition food
- Accompaniment by an expert Expeditions Unlimited guide
- Permits for access to certain areas of Spitsbergen
- Snowmobile transport for drop-off and pick-up
- Professional weather forecast services
- 24/7 medical assistance provided by Ifremmont (Chamonix)
- Live satellite tracking
Le prix ne comprend pas
- International return flight to Longyearbyen
- Lunches and diners in Longyearbyen
- Personal equipment
Customized expedition
Bring your expedition to life—designed to match your ambition.
Does one of our existing expedition almost align with your objective? We can tailor it precisely: adjust the duration, refine the level of commitment, integrate specific goals (scientific, athletic, audiovisual production), adapt the logistics, or strengthen supervision and safety measures. This approach is built on proven terrain in order to create an expedition fully aligned with your goals.
Is your project unique and unlike anything that we currently offer? We design fully custom expeditions. This is no longer about adapting an existing program, but about building a complete project based on your constraints, your level of engagement, your objectives, and the realities of the field. Remote environments, extreme conditions, complex logistics, or specific projects (exploration, filming, scientific missions, personal challenges): every expedition is designed with precision and uncompromising standards.
For over 15 years, Expeditions Unlimited has been designing and operating expeditions worldwide—across all regions, environments, and activities—for individuals and corporate projects alike. Our field expertise ensures reliable systems, robust logistics, and controlled management of demanding environments.
Because every project is unique, our commitment is clear: to support you in designing and executing a safe, fully realized expedition that truly reflects your ambition.
Learn more about our custom expedition approach.
Tell us about your project
A few details are enough to get started. One of our experts will contact you within 48 hours to better understand your needs and propose a tailored approach.
Frequently asked questions
What level of physical fitness is genuinely required for this traverse?
This is a physically very demanding expedition, rated difficult (level 3). Participants haul a pulka for approximately 30 consecutive days over 600 km in intense polar cold, often with strong winds. A sustained endurance sports background, long-distance running, cross-country skiing, cycling, is essential, as is strong mental resilience to cope with the unpredictable nature of the Arctic environment.
Is prior polar expedition experience required?
Confirmed experience of multi-day polar expeditions is required. Applicants must be proficient in extreme cold bivouac techniques: pitching a tent in high winds, operating stoves in freezing conditions and managing equipment autonomously. This traverse is not suited to a first polar experience.
Is the technical level high? Is high-mountain skiing experience necessary?
The rated technical level is easy. Progress is made on Nordic touring skis with a pulka across glaciers and plateaus, with no vertical ice climbing or technical ascents. Solid ski touring or cross-country skiing ability on varied terrain is sufficient for most of the route. A few more exposed sections, notably Trinity Glacier, require alertness and experience on crevassed terrain.
What personal equipment must I bring, and what cold rating should it meet?
Personal Arctic mountaineering equipment is each participant's responsibility and must be tested before departure. This includes base layers, mid-layers and outer shells suited to temperatures that can drop below -30 °C, an extreme cold sleeping bag, polar ski boots, and thermal accessories (mitts, balaclava, goggles). The guide reviews all personal gear during the briefing in Longyearbyen, any unsuitable item must be replaced locally before the pulka departure.
How is the traverse structured over the 35 days?
The first two days are dedicated to arriving in Longyearbyen, briefing and preparing the collective equipment. On day 3, a snowmobile transfer to the south of Spitsbergen marks the real start of the expedition. Days 4 to 32 form the traverse itself approximately 30 travel days pushing north, with buffer days built in to absorb weather delays. The return to Longyearbyen is by snowmobile on day 33, followed by an equipment decommissioning day before the return flight.
What is the total distance and average daily pace?
The route covers more than 600 km on ski pulka between the south of Spitsbergen and its northernmost cape (Verlegenhuken, 80°03'N). The daily pace varies considerably depending on conditions: terrain, weather and ice state all directly affect how far the group can travel. Some days may require a full stop due to weather, such disruptions are inherent to an expedition of this nature.
How is weather managed during the expedition?
Professional weather routing is provided throughout the expedition, with forecasts transmitted by satellite. The expedition leader is the sole judge of safety: they decide on each day's plan, forced rest days and any route modifications based on actual field conditions. Favourable weather windows are exploited as soon as they arise, including outside standard travel hours.
Can the programme be modified during the expedition?
Yes, the programme is indicative and may be adapted to weather conditions, terrain state (sea ice, crevasses, polar bears) and participants' physical condition. An early return is possible if circumstances require it, any additional costs incurred are entirely the participants' responsibility. This flexibility is intrinsic to any polar expedition of this scale.
What types of terrain does the route cross?
The traverse crosses highly varied environments: the South Spitsbergen National Park with its fjords (Hornsund, Van Keulenfjorden), vast ice caps (Filcherfonna and Lomonosovfonna, reaching around 1000 m in altitude), coastal sea ice, inland valleys such as Reindalen, and more exposed terrain on Trinity Glacier to the north. This diversity sets the route apart from other polar traverses.
What makes Trinity Glacier the most technical section?
Trinity Glacier is one of the most committing sections of the traverse, with crevassed terrain and variable conditions. Constant vigilance and careful route-reading are required throughout. All glacier safety equipment (ropes, ice axes where necessary) is provided and managed by the guide.
What is the polar bear risk and how is it managed?
Polar bear presence is a constant reality across the Svalbard archipelago and must be treated as an objective hazard of the expedition. A protective rifle is provided and carried at all times by the guide. Participants are briefed on arrival in Longyearbyen on vigilance protocols and the behaviours required both at camp and while travelling.
What is the guiding ratio and who leads this expedition?
The expedition is led by a highly experienced French guide specialising in Svalbard, with a ratio of approximately 1 guide to 4 to 6 participants. The operation is managed 100% by Expeditions Unlimited, with no local sub-contracting for guiding. The group is capped at 6 participants, ensuring individual attention throughout the 30 travel days.
What medical support is in place during the expedition?
Medical assistance is provided by Ifremmont (Chamonix), available 24/7 via direct satellite link. This system enables remote medical consultation in emergencies or cases of doubt, without delay. There is no doctor physically present in the field: the guide handles first aid on the ground, and an evacuation from Longyearbyen can be arranged if the situation requires it.
What equipment does the programme provide?
The programme provides complete pulkas with covers and harnesses, two-person tents, stoves and cooking pots, Arctic bedding, shovels, collective glacier safety equipment and polar bear protection gear (rifle). Full expedition food for the entire duration is included, along with 4 nights' accommodation in Longyearbyen with breakfast, access permits for the Spitsbergen zones and snowmobile transfers at the start and end.
What costs remain the participant's responsibility?
International flights to Longyearbyen are not included in the advertised price. Meals in Longyearbyen (lunches and dinners) during the preparation and return days are also excluded. Personal equipment (technical clothing, boots, extreme cold sleeping bag) remains each participant's responsibility. An optional donation of €61 is offered to offset the 2.02 tonnes of CO2 associated with the programme.
What sets this traverse apart from other ski pulka expeditions in the Arctic?
The full south-to-north traverse of Spitsbergen is one of the rarest and most complete polar expeditions available to non-professionals. The route of more than 600 km, the diversity of terrain covered, and the reaching of the island's northernmost cape (Verlegenhuken, 80°03'N) make this an itinerary unique in its geographical ambition. The group cap of 6 and the fully in-house operation add to its rare and demanding character.
What expedition objectives does this traverse naturally lead to?
This traverse provides a solid polar experience base for tackling more committing objectives: a ski pulka crossing of Greenland, expeditions toward the North Pole, or autonomous polar programmes in even more remote regions. It can also broaden the profile of a mountaineer looking to add a polar dimension to their practice before high-altitude objectives in extreme cold conditions.
Explore all our polar expeditions in Greenland and the high-Arctic
Polar expedition on the Arctic Circle Trail
Crossing Greenland from West to East
A sea kayaking adventure with the whales of Disko Bay
Discover Manhauling
Northwest Passage crossing ski manhauling in the Canadian Arctic
Winter expedition on Lake Khovsgol in Mongolia
