Days 1-2
Oslo / Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen

Arrive in Longyearbyen, where you and your guide review the expedition's route. Spitsbergen Lodge B L D
Day 3
Longyearbyen

Prepare for survival in polar extremes: review equipment and safety procedures, and practice maneuvering your snowmobile with a pack sled. You carry everything you need on this adventure. Spitsbergen Lodge B L D

Day 4
Into the Arctic Wilderness / Van Mijenfjorden / East Coast of Spitsbergen

Snowmobile south through mountain passes to the fjord area of Van Mijenfjorden. During the 45-mile journey, you may encounter high-arctic reindeer, arctic fox and ptarmigan. You leave the mountain regions and reach the remote east coast, where land meets pack ice and the sea. This is polar bear country: you are now entirely dependent on yourself, your equipment, and your guide's knowledge and experience. Arrive at your base camp in a location sheltered from the wind and the elements while still close to the polar bears. Base Camp B L D

Days 5-8
In Polar Bear Country

Venture into the coastal habitat in search of Ursus maritimus, the world's largest land carnivore. Depending on weather and distances, you trek, ski and/or snowmobile, staking out varied vantage points to observe the bears. During this season, females and cubs are emerging from hibernation.

Lone males, thin from the long winter, hunt and track prey. Spitsbergen is the last protected natural polar bear habitat, and with a bear population of 4,500, sightings should be excellent. Eider duck, auk and other seabirds, as well as ringed seal, also inhabit this region. Your daily activities are dependent on the bears. Base Camp B L D

Day 9
Arctic Wilderness / Longyearbyen

Pack your sled and snowmobile back to Longyearbyen. This can take all day, depending on weather. Arrive back in time for a warming farewell reception at a traditional restaurant. Spitsbergen Lodge B L D

Days 10-11
Longyearbyen/Oslo

Enjoy an early morning breakfast before departing Spitzbergen for an overnight flight home.B

12/09