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9 Days Norway: On the Trail of the Polar Bear Tour Package
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Priced From: $14,420 ( Price is per person, based on double occupancy )
Dates: March
Seek the world's largest carnivore via snowmobile and sled along the coastal pack ice of the Arctic Circle.
Expedition Guide:
Mats Forsberg
Mats Forsberg has led most of the world's leading polar bear researchers into the extreme Arctic wilderness. An expert on polar bear tracking and observation, Mats has even guided BBC production teams into the region's polar bear habitat. He has also explored the region solo on skis and has led expeditions on snowmobiles from a base tent camp.
Environment & Conditions
- Temperatures of 17° F, with high winds
- Sea level elevation
- Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, winter camping
- Excellent physical condition required
- Latitude 78° 15' N
- Longitude 15° 28' E
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Arrive in Longyearbyen, where you and your guide review the expedition's route.
Day 2
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.
Day 3
 Into the Arctic Wilderness / Van Mijenfjorden
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.
Day 4
Arctic Wilderness / East Coast of Spitsbergen
Snowmobiling 45 miles further, you 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. Select your base campsite and set up your tent, where you ready yourself for the challenges ahead.
Days 5 - 7
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.
Day 8
Arctic Wilderness / Longyearbyen / Oslo
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.
Day 9
Longyearbyen
An early morning breakfast before departing Spitzbergen.
Save time, money and stress!
For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by our Norway Ski vacation specialist.
Contact : Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
3/09
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