Blog Svalbard East to West 2026
Blog day 9
Today the team left Reindalen and skied into Tverrdalen, following the riverbed through the valley. The final kilometres were icy, but with no overwater they were able to stay on the river the entire way. Ptarmigans and reindeer were spotted along the windblown ridges. The ascent to Bolterskardet went smoothly, and here camp was established for the night.
With time to spare, some of the team took to the slope behind camp for telemark skiing! Snow has now started to fall, and attention turns to what the final day will bring. The group covered 13 km today.
Blog day 8
The team woke to a cold morning after a chilly night and skied downhill toward the base of Kokbreen. As the sun reached their tracks, they warmed up and continued across the glacier, where they explored a meltwater cave—an impressive chamber of ice and rock that felt almost like a chapel, with the sound of rushing water echoing below.
They then followed the river through the moraine into Reindalen, settling into a quiet rhythm as they skied out of the valley under calm, cloudless conditions. Despite limited snow, they managed to find a good spot to set up camp and end the day comfortably.
Blog day 7
The team spent a cold but wonderful night at camp. As morning came, golden light reached the nearby peaks, and they hiked up a small hill to fully savour the view. After taking it in from the pass, they skied down, arriving at the bottom just as the sun began to warm their faces.
Making their way up Drønbreen, the temperature gradually rose, and by the time they reached the top of the pass, they found themselves baking in the sun. From there, it was easy skiing down Kokbreen before they set up an early camp on the glacier.
They enjoyed a long lunch in the sun, which stayed with them through dinner and into sunset. Ekte påskestemning (true Easter atmosphere)!! It felt good to have a shorter day after several days of heavy climbing.
Blog day 6
The team set out in cloudy conditions with light snowfall, skiing through Oppdalen and into the river valley. Reindeer were spotted on the hillsides along the way. Sections of overwater on the frozen river forced the group to leave the riverbed and move onto higher ground.
Lunch was taken at the foot of Bergmesterbreen, where Jørgen treated the team to some homemade cake, a welcome boost before the climb.
Before ascending the glacier, the group took time to explore an impressive meltwater cave. The climb up Bergmesterbreen was steady and demanding, but as they gained elevation, the clouds began to lift.
With tired legs, the team eventually reached the top of the pass above Bergmesterbreen, where they established camp.
Blog day 5
The team started the day under low clouds and limited visibility, climbing Sveigbreen at a slow and steady pace. The final hill to reach the top of the pass was challenging, but the group pushed on together.
Reaching the top, the relief of removing climbing skins and gliding down the other side was palpable. The snow was perfect, making the descent down Såtebreen a true joy. Gradually, the clouds parted, and by the time the team reached the valley bottom, the surrounding mountains were bathed in sunlight.
The group paused to explore what was visible of a meltwater channel before continuing to make camp in Oppdalen. With sunshine warming the campsite, everyone enjoyed dinner outside. The team covered 18 km in total, ending the day content and energized for the next stage of their journey.
Blog day 4
Some clouds moved in during the night, but the group could still see the surrounding mountains as they set off in the morning. They made their way off the glacier and descended into Eistradalen, where the snow revealed signs of heavy winds earlier in the winter.
Skiing became easier as they approached Agardhdalen. During a lunch break, the group spotted an arctic fox along with several ptarmigans, a welcome highlight of the day.
They then continued west through the valley toward Sveigbreen, where they eventually found a suitable campsite for the night after a long day of travel.
The group covered 21 kilometers today.
Blog day 3
After a cold night, the group was greeted by sunshine from morning until evening. They descended Ulvebreen down to Dunerbukta, skiing along the sea ice at the glacier front. Towering walls of ice in varying shades of blue made them feel small as they moved alongside it.
They enjoyed a leisurely lunch in the sun, taking in views of Edgeøya and Barentsøya. In the latter half of the day, the group climbed toward Isrosa, where they made camp. It was a fantastic day, covering 14 km in total.
Blog day 2
After a slightly cold night, the group set off into the morning. Clouds had moved in early, limiting visibility as they began their ascent of Nordmannsfonna. Moving slowly and steadily upward, they pulled heavily at first, the effort demanding and constant. Gradually, however, the terrain eased, and their pace smoothed into a gentle glide over silky snow.
As they began their descent toward Dunerbukta, they dropped below the cloud layer. The landscape opened up before them, revealing the eastern coastline and offering a clear view of where they will go tomorrow.
Blog day 1
After the last days of packing equipment and food the snowcat was loaded and ready for departure this morning. The group had the pleasure of beautiful weather as they were headed out, on the snowcat ride taking about 4 hours, with a short break. From their drop-off point they skied a few hours before pitching camp in the clear afternoon sun.
All are happy and looking forward to tomorrow!