Svalbard South to North Ski expedition 2026 Blog
Blog day 33
Today the team reached Verlegenhuken, the northernmost point of Spitsbergen. A huge congratulations to everyone for reaching such an incredible milestone!
It took about four hours from camp, so lunch was enjoyed after arriving there. After lunch, the group went down to a sheltered bay, where June and Marion took a swim.
Back at camp, some of the equipment was organized for tomorrow’s snowmobile trip, and the rest of the evening was spent relaxing
Blog day 32
The expedition started the day skiing down Tåbreen. The snow was deep, but the descent was smooth, and after two hours the team had reached the bottom. The weather then improved, and Mosseldalen was beautiful to ski through.
As the group came out onto Polheimflya, it began to snow and visibility worsened. Even so, the surrounding mountains were still visible enough for navigation. There are many bare rocks in this area, covered only by around 20 cm of very loose snow, so both skis and pulkas picked up a few scrapes along the way.
The team is now 11 km from the northernmost point of Svalbard and expects to reach it by lunchtime tomorrow.
Blog day 31
Another tough day in the Arctic for the expedition. The team woke to strong winds and temperatures of -15°C. When the group set off skiing, there was not a patch of skin left uncovered. After about an hour, the wind eased slightly, allowing the team to remove a few layers.
The entire day was spent pushing through deep snow. Although the pulkas are now very light, with only a few days remaining, progress was still slow. The expedition managed just 16 km, and everyone was tired by the time camp was reached.
The group is now right at the top of Tåbreen, with the 5 km downhill stretch from Åsgardsfonna ahead. The whole team is eager to make the descent tomorrow.
Blog day 30
Åsgardsfonna really does not want visitors! The team faced headwinds on the ascent, endured two storms, and today they pushed through strong winds and low temperatures for the entire day. The first hour brought a brief sense of relief as the wind dropped, and for a moment it felt like the day might turn calm and even warm, but that quickly changed.
Everyone layered up properly and kept moving, skiing for seven hours. By the end of the day, the team had covered 18 kilometres, a distance they felt satisfied with given the conditions.
Blog day 29
Very little happened today as the expedition remained tent-bound due to the weather. Temperatures dropped to −19°C, with a strong gale and gusts reaching storm force, making it unsafe and impractical to move outside. The team spent the day resting, eating, reading, listening to music, and talking, making the most of the enforced pause.
By the evening, everyone felt well rested and ready, hoping for improved conditions tomorrow.
Blog day 28
The expedition group woke to strong winds that lasted until 05:00 this morning before easing quickly. When they stepped out of their tents, the skies were clear and offered wide views of the surrounding mountains, fjords, and glaciers.
Skiing conditions were very good through the morning until lunch, when the wind began to build again. With poor weather forecast for the following day, the team decided to extend the ski day and continued for two hours longer than usual.
During the final part of the day, conditions became more demanding as strong winds returned and progress became heavy for everyone. The group managed to set up camp during a short lull in the wind, just before it picked up again. They are now in their sleeping bags, listening to the wind outside the tents.
Blog day 27
The group woke early today to get a head start on the forecasted wind, climbing the great Trinity Hall glacier. It was a long and heavy leg of skiing that took them five hour in total. When reaching the top the tea enjoyed a long lunch, before skiing a bit more before the wind caught up with them.
The afternoon and evening was spent in the tent relaxing and planning tomorrow.
Blog day 26
The team woke to low clouds and light fog after a calm night on the glacier. There had been some visitors in camp, with both a polar fox and snow buntings passing through, which made the polar bear watch less lonely. From there on the day just got better and better, with sunshine chasing away the clouds!
Heading down Veteranen, it was obvious early on that this would be a fast day. A hard, icy layer on top of the snow gave excellent glide, and the team moved efficiently from the start. As the day went on, the weather steadily improved. The clouds lifted, the light came through, and the surrounding mountains became more and more visible, making it a great day to be on skis.
In total, the expedition covered 24 km in six legs and chose to stop early, setting camp while there was still time to sit back and take in the view.
Blog day 25
The expedition woke to dense fog and heavy whiteout conditions. Visibility was so poor that objects on the far side of camp were almost impossible to make out. The first half of the day took the team through glacier passes and beneath towering mountains that remained largely hidden, with skiers often barely able to see one another.
On the fourth leg, just before lunch, the weather began to ease slightly. Shapes emerged through the fog, and soon the outline of mountains became visible. Among them was Newtontoppen, the highest peak in Svalbard. The group had hoped for clearer conditions to attempt a climb, but the weather did not improve enough to make that possible.
Lunch was taken with a rare and welcome view of the mountain. During the break, Marion shared mint cake with the team, a nod to the well-known snack carried by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary during their ascent of Everest.
After lunch, the weather continued to improve gradually. By the time the team set up camp, the surroundings had opened up into a striking landscape. They established a beautiful campsite beneath Meteorane, with clear views returning after several days of near-total whiteout.
After many days in flat light and fog, seeing the mountains again lifted spirits!
Blog day 24
The expedition experienced its whitest day yet. Visibility was almost zero, and for most of the day the team saw nothing but each other, apart from a few snowmobiles passing in the distance.
They skied all the way to the top of Lomonosovfonna at around 1200 meters above sea level, before continuing down toward Sentralisen. After the long climb, the descent was the clear highlight of the day, something everyone in the group agreed on.
Back in camp, thick fog has settled in again, and ice is steadily building up on everything exposed to the wind.
Blog day 23
It was a hard day for the team. They faced deep snow and strong headwinds for most of the journey. The weather cleared slightly at times, and for about an hour around lunch the wind dropped completely and the temperature rose, giving a short but welcome break.
They saw several snow buntings during the day. One bird flew close and seemed to inspect the group before continuing east. Visibility improved as the day went on, though it never became particularly good.
During the calm at lunch, they experienced a striking phenomenon. As the wind picked up again, it set thousands of snowballs in motion, some small and some large, rolling down the glacier toward them like an army moving across the ice.
Now in camp, it is around -1°C with light wind and fog outside. The group is tired and looking forward to a good night’s sleep.
Blog day 22
The team set out into very white conditions on day 22. For the first three hours, they could still see the mountains around them, but for most of the day visibility was extremely limited, with thick fog dominating the landscape. At times, it was difficult even to see the last skier in the group.
Despite the conditions, the expedition covered 19 km and reached Filchnerfonna.
Kari sends a greeting home: “Hilser til den fine flokken min, alt velt, glad i dikka!”
Blog day 21
This was the warmest day of the expedition so far, with the thermometer reaching 9°C at its peak. The group enjoyed excellent views of Sassedalen and Tempelfjorden while skiing north. During the day, they were also visited by the Governor of Svalbard, who passed by, stopped to check in on them, and made sure all their paperwork was in order.
Blog day 20
The group had a fantastic day today!
They woke to whiteout conditions that at first suggested poor visibility for the day ahead, but within the first hour the weather cleared. From then on, the team skied in sunshine with wide views of glaciers and surrounding mountains as they made their way up Nordmannsfonna.
It was a demanding day, with steady uphill travel in soft snow, but the group worked well together and kept a good pace, reaching their planned distance. By evening, they settled into a well-placed camp at 575 meters above sea level, overlooking the mountains of Sassendalen.
Blog day 19
The group had polar foxes, snow buntings and ptarmigans moving around camp during the night. They woke to -1°C and good visibility. Snow conditions were better during the first stretch of skiing, but turned deep and heavy again after lunch.
The route led them through Eistradalen, a narrow valley winding its way up toward Isrosa. They reached the top about an hour after lunch, but were met by fog. After an hour of skiing down Buckfallet, the fog cleared, giving them a view toward Dunerbukta for the final hour.
It was a demanding day, and the team was pleased to cover 18 km. Tomorrow brings more uphill travel, with hopes for better snow conditions.
Blog day 18
Around 20 cm of snow fell overnight, leaving deep, soft conditions. The team began the day skiing up Søre Bellsundpasset, facing what turned out to be the toughest three hours of the expedition so far. Progress was slow and demanding, but reaching the top brought clear rewards, with wide views and the sun dropping low over the glacier beyond the pass.
After a long lunch break, the group continued on in the afternoon warmth. The rising temperature made travel more difficult, with snow sticking to pulkas, skis and skins, slowing everything down again.
They have now reached Agardhdalen, where two curious ptarmigans wandered close to camp to inspect the visitors. The temperature has dropped slightly compared to yesterday, which should mean a more comfortable night and, hopefully, no damp sleeping bags by morning.
Blog day 17
The day began with a relentless wind sweeping across the Arctic landscape, meeting the team head-on from the very first stride. For hours they pushed forward into gale force conditions, each movement demanding focus and effort as the wind steadily built. By late morning, the group agreed that tents would go up at lunch if the conditions held.
Yet, as so often happens out here, the weather shifted without warning. After four hours of battling the wind, it dropped away almost completely just half an hour before their planned stop. The sudden calm felt surreal, as if Svalbard had decided, briefly, to grant them a moment of ease.
The afternoon brought gentler conditions, and even a short appearance from the sun, a welcome sight after the harsh morning. Spirits lifted as the team covered 20 kilometres across the terrain, the rhythm of skiing returning now that the wind had relented.
By evening, light rain began to fall, adding to the dampness that has settled in over these warmer days. Marco found a flat and comfortable place to camp, which was much appreciated. Later, Tone made her way around the tents, sharing slices of Fyrstekake with everyone, a welcome treat!
Clothes and gear are growing increasingly wet, and everyone is hoping that colder temperatures will return soon, bringing drier conditions with them.
A note from one of the participants, written by June, captured a lighter side of life on the ice:
Day 71 in the Arctic. I can no longer feel the cold, and the polar bears think I am one of them. There are days when I think the same. Eyvind, can you please remember to water our plants?
Blog day 16
After a windy, snowy night, the group woke to another unusually warm day on Svalbard. Overnight, the wind had shifted almost 180 degrees and now met them head-on, though thankfully without much strength.
The route followed the sea ice across Van Mijenfjorden. Seals were spotted throughout the day, while the only sign of a polar bear came in the form of old tracks in the snow. Conditions for skiing remained excellent, and despite heavier pulkas after the resupply, the team covered 21 km in seven steady, unhurried legs.
Back in camp, the evening settled into calm, with only the soft sound of snow brushing against the tents.
Blog day 15
A super warm day. Wind and mild temperatures set the tone from the start. After about an hour of skiing, the group reached the resupply on Svalbreen. A few minutes of digging later, each pulka was suddenly 20 kg heavier.
The added weight could have slowed things down, but conditions were on their side with excellent glide. The 20 km passed quickly, and there was still energy left in the evening.
Time was spent sorting through food and gear from the resupply, drying clothes and sleeping bags, and visiting between tents. A productive and social end to the day.
Blog day 14
The night had been unusually warm, and the team was greeted by the cracking sounds of the surging Doktorbreen and Liestølbreen. Northern fulmars flew overhead, and Jesper spotted an arctic fox, while elsewhere a ptarmigan made a brief appearance. Skiing conditions were excellent, with Marion reporting +2.5 °C at lunchtime. Thanks to careful attention to skin wax, the group encountered no snow sticking to their skis, allowing them to make steady progress.
The morning was spent skiing around and beneath Storovola, a classic Svalbard mountain, before the team tackled Steenstrupbreen in the afternoon. The climb was slow and steady, and as they gained altitude, the weather gradually deteriorated. By the final leg, snow fell steadily and visibility dropped, yet the team reached their intended position precisely as planned. Spirits remained high, and the expedition looks forward to a restful night and another day of adventure tomorrow.
Blog day 13
he night brought an unexpected warmth. Several members of the expedition woke up overheated, shedding layers in their sleeping bags as temperatures rose well above what they had grown used to. Warmer air often signals incoming clouds, and for a time this proved true. However, during Tone’s early morning shift on polar bear watch, the sky began to clear. As the light improved, she was joined by five snow buntings, a small but welcome sign of life in the vast Arctic landscape.
The day’s travel unfolded under calm and mild conditions. The team moved steadily on skis, enjoying the rare comfort of warmth while taking the opportunity to dry sleeping bags and charge batteries. Spirits were high as the group made its way across the terrain today!
Along the route, they paused at a small glacier front beside a frozen lake. Here, the expedition spent an hour weaving through a striking maze of massive ice blocks, a natural labyrinth shaped by the slow movement and fracture of the glacier. It was a memorable stretch of the journey, combining careful navigation with moments of awe.
Toward evening, clouds returned and the weather shifted once more. As wet snow began to fall, the decision was made to establish camp. By coincidence or design, the team found themselves back at the very place where the expedition had begun thirteen days earlier.
The snowfall has since stopped, and the wind has settled. The group now rests in a calm and quiet camp beneath the imposing presence of Storvola Mountain, ending the day in stillness.
Blog day 12
The team enjoyed a relatively “warm” and calm night at around –12°C, with no wind. Today’s route led up to Novbreen and through the pass onto Nathorstbreen. Conditions made for an excellent day, with clear views and comfortable temperatures throughout. Nathorstbreen proved especially impressive, offering striking views of Pilsudskifjella and Neumayerberg among others.
On the final leg, the team stopped to ski down to one of the lakes that form on the glacier during summer. There, a large block of ice resting on gravel caught their attention. Morten explained how it likely ended up there, and despite a collective effort, the team couldn’t budge it!
The mild conditions have continued into the evening. Camp has settled into a quiet rhythm, with some preparing for polar bear watch while others have already turned in.
Blog day 11
The team woke to a cold night, but quickly warmed up once they got moving. Under clear skies and no wind, they skied through the moraine toward Hornbreen in calm and pleasant conditions. Crossing the glacier was a different story, with a sharp easterly wind making it one of the coldest stretches of the trip so far. As they moved behind the mountains onto Flatbreen, the wind gradually eased, giving way to a calm and beautiful end to the day.
At lunch, Ewa surprised the group with Easter eggs, a small but much appreciated boost to morale.
Blog day 10
The team woke to wind shaking the tents, though the skies were fairly clear. To the south, they could see Haitanna—the “shark’s tooth”—while Slakbreen stretched out ahead of them. By lunchtime, they had reached the glacier pass, and as they skied down Sykorabreen, the wind eased.
They are now in camp overlooking the glacier front. The sun stayed with them well into the afternoon, giving them plenty of time to dry sleeping bags and down jackets. It had been a very nice day in the sun.
Blog day 9
The team had a heavy day in near whiteout conditions and deep snow. For the first four hours, visibility was minimal, and there was little to see beyond a pair of curious northern fulmars that circled the group a few times.
The weather improved slightly toward the end of the day, revealing distant mountains and glaciers. After covering 27 kilometers yesterday and another 23 kilometers today, the team is feeling the strain.
Tomorrow they aim to return to a more manageable pace of 18 to 20 kilometers, hoping to have more energy to enjoy better weather.
The day ended on a high note when Greg surprised the team with Polish cake, Torcik Wedlowski, a welcome treat that lifted spirits after a long and demanding day.
Blog day 8
The expedition woke to views of the mountains and the Arctic Ocean after a windy day and night. The team spent an hour digging out two tents, then packed their pulkas with food and warm clothing before skiing down Mathiasbreen toward Sørneset. Conditions and weather were excellent, and along the route the group spotted polar bear tracks, reindeer, Arctic foxes, and northern fulmars.
Reaching Sørneset marked the southernmost point of the expedition. The team paused for lunch, enjoying the sweeping view of the sea ice before beginning the return. The climb up the glacier was demanding, but with no wind and well-gripping skins, the ascent proved easier than anticipated. Surrounded by the stunning scenery, many considered it their best day so far, and the group was thrilled to have reached this milestone. With spirits high, the expedition is now turning north to complete the full traverse toward Verlegenhuken.
Blog day 7
The group awoke to harsh weather, with strong winds, mild temperatures, and steady precipitation sweeping through the camp. Given the conditions, the expedition decided to remain in place for the day.
Time was spent productively, repairing damaged gear, reading, playing card games, and working through crosswords while waiting for the weather to improve. The team also built substantial snow walls around the tents to provide added protection from the wind.
If conditions ease as expected, the plan is to ski down to Sørneset tomorrow once the winds have subsided.
Blog day 6
The expedition reached a point 10 km from Sørneset today. The day began with a crossing of Isbukta, and along the route from Camp 5, the group took a scenic detour to admire the striking views of Øydebreen before skiing down to the sea ice. Conditions on Isbukta were favorable, allowing the team to make the crossing within a few hours.
The climb up Sørkappfonna took a bit longer than expected, and the group arrived at camp slightly behind schedule. Much of the day was shrouded in clouds, but as the team began setting up camp, the sky partially cleared, revealing the surrounding mountains and a spectacular sunset, providing a perfect end to a demanding day.
Blog day 5
After a warm night, the expedition awoke to a landscape blanketed in white. Visibility was limited during the first hours, with only two mountains occasionally emerging through the shifting fog. At the top of the mountain pass toward Sklifonna, conditions began to clear, and by lunchtime there was sunshine and calm, windless weather.
After six hours of travel, camp was established at Isbukta. Although the day was shorter than usual, it offered a welcome opportunity to rest. The following day is expected to be longer, as the team plans to cross Isbukta and set up a final camp before reaching Sørneset.
Blog day 4
Another great day on Svalbard for the expedition, skiing across Hornbreen - a 3.2 km-wide glacier bridge linking Spitsbergen with what may one day become the separate island of South Spitsbergen. The crossing came with incredible views of Hornsundtind, one of the region’s most iconic peaks, and even a reminder of who else uses this route: two sets of polar bear tracks stretching across the glacier between the east and west of Spitsbergen.
Blog day 3
The expedition woke to warmer weather. Kari and Marco saw the northern lights during their polar bear watch, which is rare as the days grow shorter.
They skied 20 km in beautiful conditions, took a long lunch break, dried their sleeping bags, and enjoyed the sun. On some of their 50 minute legs it was even warm enough to ski in just wool shirts.
Back in camp, Kari surprised the group with a Snickers cake, a real calorie bomb and very good. Outside it’s -12°C, and it looks like it will be a comfortable night.
Blog day 2
After a cold night on polar bear watch, the group welcomed the chance to get moving and warm up. The day was marked by a steady headwind and biting cold, forcing everyone to keep their face masks on from morning until evening. Conditions eased slightly upon arrival at camp, set high on Nathorstbreen. As the wind dropped, the surroundings revealed a calm, almost surreal stillness. The day ended with a striking sunset stretching across the frozen landscape, with a welcome surprise-snack Ewa brought from Germany, a vivid contrast to the harsh conditions endured just hours earlier. Now, tucked into their sleeping bags, the team settles in for the night, warm, sheltered, and ready for whatever tomorrow brings
Blog day 1
After a few days of carefully packing the pulkas, today the group were finally underway to the starting point of their expedition. They travelled by snowmobile and had a comfortable journey to the border of the national park, here motorised transport is prohibited and thus the rest of the journey South will be on skis.
There is always a bit of organizing to be done the first day or two of such a long trip, so they skied only 5,3 km before pitching camp and getting to it. Now the temperature is -24 celsius, and a quiet nice evening in camp.
Blog day 0 - Preperations in Longyearbyen.
The past days we have packed food and gear in Longyearbyen, and we are finally finished.
The weather is nice, and although it’s a lot of work, we have had plenty of time.
Tone has knitted mittens for us all, as a surprise, which she gave us today. These will keep us nice and warm the next 34 days!