SVALBARD

CHALLENGE 12

TRAVERSE THE ARTIC'S HIGHEST FRONTIER

CHALLENGE METRICS

Duration:
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14 Days
Mode:
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Skiing
Distance:
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160Km
Price:
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$TBD USD
Dates:
Dates: icon
28th April - 13th May 2026
Location:
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Svalbard
Challenge Information:
Challenge Information: icon
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CHALLENGE METRICS

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Duration: 14 Days
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Mode: Skiing
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Distance: 160Km
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Price: $TBD USD
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Dates: 28th April - 13th May 2026
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Location: Svalbard
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Challenge Information:
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CHALLENGE HIGHLIGHTS

Ski 160 kilometres across the most northerly inhabited island on the planet. This 14-day expedition gives you the rare opportunity to view stunning scenery that few other people have seen before. You will experience glaciers, mountains, sea ice, and all types of weather and wildlife. The Svalbard East to West crossing is as challenging as it is exciting and beautiful.  

 

You will spend the first two days of the trip meeting your guides and preparing from the crossing, which includes understanding what to do if you come across a polar bear. The expedition begins when you mount the snowmobiles with your equipment to travel to the start point of the route. 

 

The following days you will head to the Bay of Dunér, past the glacier front and turn west and traverse Svalbard navigating through small glacier plateaus, past Ulvebreen (the Wolf Glacier), Bergmesterbreen mountain pass, and beautiful meltwater valleys. Arriving back at Longyearbyen on day 12, you'll have crossed one of the remote and unforgiving islands on Earth.  

 

This is the Arctic as it is meant to be seen: harsh, honest, and unforgettable.  

 

Whether this is your first polar expedition or the experience of a lifetime, this challenge is extremely demanding, but it delivers huge rewards. Svalbard is a true wilderness with beauty that cannot be described in words. 


This is a two part polar challenge. Before heading to Svalbard, you will travel to the Pole to Pole Academy in Sweden to undertake your cold-weather expedition training course, which is included as part of the package. 

ITINERARY

Day 1 -Arrival and Preparation:

On arrival at the airport, the Pole to Pole team will collect you to travel to the Pole to Pole Academy where you will meet everyone and carry out some pre-course formalities. 


Day 2 – Equipment Issue and Lessons:

You will receive your expedition training equipment and begin the classroom and practical lessons on how to work in the extreme cold weather environment. 


Day 3 – Skiing Lessons:

Continuation of training focusing on skiing technique. 


Day 4 – Deploy on the Expedition:

After final preparations and a kit check you will deploy on the training expedition with your first night in tents. 


Day 5 & 6 Training Expedition: 

The course will progress with greater distance being skied and more technical training while on the expedition before returning back to the Pole to Pole Academy in the afternoon on Day 6 to de-service equipment.  In the evening, there is a celebration dinner to mark the end of training.  


Day 7 – Departure Day:

Final feedback from the instructors and discussions about the Antarctic specifics and equipment requirements before departing for the airport. 

Day 1 :

The first day after arriving in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, will be spent meeting your guide and the rest of the team before beginning preparations. You will pack your equipment, learn some of the safety routines, and test out your pulk. 


Day 2:

The beginning of the Challenge. You will load your equipment onto the snowmobiles and drive to the start point of the expedition. On arrival, you will establish camp and re-pack your equipment ready to start in the morning.


Day 3 to 10:

You begin the expedition routine, gradually increasing the daily distance and time on skis. The skiing routine will be 60 minutes of pulk hauling followed by a 5 to 10 minute break to eat and drink. 


The route starts close to the east coast at the Bay of Dunér and you’ll ski onto the sea ice, past the glacier before turning west.  The route will take you over small glacial plateaus, through mountain passes and valleys, and part epic mountain ranges. 


Day 11 & 12:

Return to Longyearbyen and your hotel for a hot shower and some fresh food. Before you celebrate, you will de-service your equipment and assist the guide in the post-expedition shut down.  


Once the admin is done, you can reflect back on the previous 10 days with pride, reflecting on the challenges you’ve overcome and the success you have achieved as part of your team. 


Post Challenge: 

The option to stay in Longyearbyen and experience the culture or to fly home from Svalbard. 

Man in arctic turrain looking out over the woods of snow covered trees

What's included in this package?

  • Pole to Pole Expedition Foundation Course at the Pole to Pole Academy, Sweden 
  • Accommodation and meals while in Sweden 
  • Airport transfers in Sweden 
  • Food while training and on the expedition 
  • All specialist cold-weather equipment 
  • Support in your planning and preparation.  

Plane flying over land

What's not included in this package?

  • Flights 
  • Personal clothing and equipment 
  • Personal Travel Insurance 
  • Accommodation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard 
  • Food and drink in Longyearbyen, Svalbard 

FAQs

Full details in the information document.


Frequently asked questions we've received for this challenge from previous challengers.

Still have questions after reading our FAQs? Use the button below to contact us, and a team member will respond shortly.

ENQUIRE

  • Is this for me?

    You do not need any prior cold-weather experience to take part in Challenge 12. Included is  the Pole to Pole Expedition Fondation training course, which will teach you all the skills needed to undertake the expedition in Antarctica. 


    This Challenge is a physically and mentally demanding expedition. You will ski up to 10 hours a day, over undulating snowy terrain, while pulling your own pulk in sub-zero temperatures. It requires good fitness, strong technical skills, and full commitment to pre-expedition training. 


    If you’re prepared for this Challenge, the ability to say that you have skied across Svalbard will last a lifetime. 

  • How fit do I need to be for Challenge 12?

    You’ll need steady fitness and a comfort level with long hours outdoors to take on this journey. No need to be a marathoner — just be up for physical activity and the demands of winter exploration.