Pulka-skiing on the steps of the Von Post glacier
Itinerary
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Day 1 Flight Paris - Longyearbyen
Welcoming at the airport of Longyearbyen and transfer to our accommodation.
Accommodation : Guesthouse
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Day 2 Longyearbyen - Preparation of the raid
After a good Norwegian breakfast, we prepare our equipment for the raid.
Departure in the afternoon from Longyearbyen : we leave in autonomy and in direction of Tempelfjord pulka-skiing. We start our raid on the "Adventure valley".
After a few kilometers, we settle our camp for the night. 2 person will sleep in a 3 person tent, and a large tent will allow us to have our meals together and with an enjoyable warmth coming from our stove.Accommodation : Camp
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Days 3 to 6 Ice pack in the Tempelfjord
A few kilometers is separating us from the small valley of Geerdalen, that we'll take to arrive to the Krekling pass (250m). We join the Flowerscaret pass (750m), highest peak of our trip. We then join the Flowerbreen glacier. What a beautiful show to discover Sassenfjorden and the surrounding mountains from the very top !
We start our descent on the very nice valley of Flowerdalen. We join the iced seaside. Our progression on the ice pack will depend on the state of the ice : sometimes smooth or spotted with air bubbled, sometimes covered in snow, cracked or undulating with the swell coming into the fjord, the ice pack can take many forms.
Arrived in the area of Fredheim, we stay a day in the Tempelfjord to adventure on the ice pack and approche seals having a sun bath.
According to weather conditions and to the physical conditions of the groupe, we will approche the Von Post glacier : this giant bluish ice cliff high of 30m stopping brutaly on the ice pack.
For weather conditions, our progression can't be planned in advance day by day. Therefore, for safety reasons, we can arrive to Longyearbyen in advance if weather conditions are favorable.Accommodation : Camp
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Day 7 Return journey to Longyearbyen
This morning, we hop on a snow vehicle (3h drive) to join the city of Longyearbyen.
We settle in our accommodation for the night.Accommodation : Guesthouse
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Day 8 Longyearbyen
Relaxing day in Longyearbyen before leaving.
You can use this day to visit the superb polar museum, but also try out some optional activities such as dog sled, snowmobile our exploring ice caves (is there is availability).
At the end of the day, we'll head to the airport. -
Day 9 Back to France
We arrive in Paris in the middle of the day. We'll say goodbye to each other, our heads full of memories.
Dates & prices
International departures:
No departure for now
Trip code: 66ENSPSK1
Included
- Flights : Paris / Longyearbyen / Paris
- Flight and safety taxes
- Transfers included in the trip's program
- Full-board accommodation during the trip
- An expert french and english speaking guide
- The night in Oslo in case of stopover
- Lawn of the great cold material : skis, shoes type Dorel, poles, pulks, duvet jacket, polar jumpsuit, duvets, self inflating mattress, camping equipment
Not included
- Registrations fees : 18 euros per person
- Carbon compensation for your trip to Spitzbergen : 8 euros per person
- Insurance and assistance
- Transfer to Paris
- Flights supplement taxes
- Trip extension to enjoy other activities : dog sledding (130€ for half a day), driving a snowmobile (200€ for 3h), exploring the ice caves (90€ for 3h)...
Notes
Comfort 1/5: Camping
Level 4/5: Demanding
Terms and conditions
Subscription
Invoice procedure
Cancellation policy
- More than 30 days before departure, you will be charged for the amount of 50€
- From 30 to 21 days before departure, you will be charged for the amount of the deposit (30% of the trip’s price)
- From 20 to 14 days before departure, you will be charged for 50% of the trip’s price
- From 13 to 7 days before departure, you will be charged for 75% of the trip’s priceLess than 7 days before departure, you will be charged for the whole trip’s price
- Airline fixed costs: plane tickets are bought in advance to avoid too high airline prices, however they are non refundable in case of cancellation or plan changes. In that case, the charges above apply to the price of your trip without the plane ticket’s price
- Ground fixed costs: you will be charged for the fees that were paid early
- Insurance fees: Insurance fees will not be refunded if you have subscribed to a multi-risk or cancellation insurance. The specific conditions will be written on your subscription confirmationIf you have no choice but to cancel your trip before departure, you must inform Montagne Expeditions and your insurance provider with a written statement as soon as possible, you will get a receipt.
Changes to travel contract
Pricing
Contract transfer
Insurance
Practical info
Staff
Food
Accommodation
Transportation
Budget & exchange
- Any additional activities
- Drinks and personal expenses
- One evening meal in Longyearbyen, kitchen facilities, shops and restaurants available*
- Food and perhaps accommodation during your transfer in Oslo
Tips
Supplied equipment
Group Equipment
- A 'Tepee' style mess tent with table, stools and cooking equipment
- A Sarsat beason
- A VHF radioA heavy caliber rifle
- An alarm gun
- Mini-flares and penjectors for each group member
- A copy of Spitsbergens animal records
- A first aid kitBooks about local flora and fauna
Individual Equipment
- A large warm down jacket for when you are not participating in activities
- A suitable tent per two people (a 3 man dome tent for maximum space and comfort)
- A self-inflating sleeping mat
- A suitable synthetic sleeping bag ( -25°C)
- Cooking stove
- A thermos flask
- Nordic cross country skis and/or snowshoes
- Ski poles
- Warm snow boots for walking around camp (Sorel)
- Pulks (mini sledges for carrying your gear)
Vital equipment
- Waterproof jacket (with a hood)
- Waterproof trousers/salopettes
- At least two pairs of good gloves
- Sunglasses (UV 400)
- A ski mask
- A balaclava (fleece)
- Appropriate warm neck wear
- A warm hat (wool)
- A warm jacket (synthetic down)
- Several sets of warm thermal underwear (long johns & long sleeved tops)
- Thin socks and 3 or 4 pairs of thick socks
- Sun cream and protective lipsal (not water-based - water freezes)
- Any personal medication
- Mini toiletry kit and toilet roll
- A thermos flask
- Head torch & spare batteries
Material
Our advice for keeping warm
- No cotton
- Bring dry spares of everything, including underwear and gloves
- Wear multiple layers including:
- A warm breathable base layer
- A second thermal layer
- Wind and waterproof protective out layers
Helpful equipment
- Your camera (with suitable protective case)
- Binoculars
- A comfortable evening outfit for Longyearbyen
- A small inflatable pillowInsect repellant
- A knife
- A notepad and pencil
- Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
Luggage
Medicine
- Personal medicine
- Pain reliever (preferably paracetamol)
- Double skin
- Elastoplast
- Local disinfectant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- Anti-diarrheal
- Anti-vomiting
- Intestinal antiseptic
- Eyewash
- Light sleeping pills
- Earplugs
- Broad spectrum antibiotic
- Vitamins C
Passport
Visa
Mandatory vaccines
Health information & recommendations
Weather
- The weather in the Svalbard archipelago is very changeable.
- The average annual rainfall in Longyearbyen is only 200mm (7.87 inches), in London, England, the annual average is 594mm (23.4 inches) - Spitsbergen is a cold desert!
- Average temperatures in Longyearbyen range from -16°C to -9°C (3.2°F - 15.8°F) in April and -3°C to -7°C (26.6°F - 19.4°F) in May.
- Strong katabatic winds can occur here, particularly near to high glaciers but winds can generally be described as moderate and localised.
- Dark polar nights occur from 14th November to 29th January, the full moon shines across the snow creating a beautiful gliterring winter landscape. Then, from 19th April to 23rd August, the sun shines constantly, uninterrupted, high in the sky.
Electricity
Local time
Topography
- The Norweigian Svalbard archipelago is the closest territory to the North Pole; Spitsbergen is the name of the largest island.
- Svalbard covers an area of around 39146 square miles (63000km2) and two thirds of this polar world are constantly covered by ice.
- The archipelago was deserted by human civilisation for a very long time but today has over 2600 inhabitants.
- The archipelago has 3 National Parks, 3 Nature Reserves, 15 Ornithological Reserves (bird reserves) and 3 Botanical Reserves.
Sustainable tourism
- Be prepared
- Stick to trails and camp overnight right
- Stash your trash and pick up waste
- Leave it as you find it
- Be careful with fire
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors