Newtontoppen Summer Ski
The highest peak of Svalbard in the summer
Newtontoppen, at 1,712 metres, is the highest peak in Svalbard. Most ski expeditions to the summit happen in April or May, when snowmobile transport reaches the foot of the glacier and spring snow is still firm. This expedition is different.
We climb Newtontoppen in summer, on skis and crampons, with boat transfer to and from the glacier front. Twelve days through the Atomfjella range, 120 km across glaciers, moraines, meltwater rivers and one of Svalbard's largest ice caps. The terrain is more varied than the spring route, and more technical: real Arctic summer conditions in 24-hour daylight.
The reward is solitude that even Svalbard regulars rarely see. You will likely meet no one for the duration of the expedition — only the rhythm of skis, sled and rope team across Arctic terrain that has changed little since the early polar age.
SKIING: 12-13 days
Date: August 2026
Price: 58 000 NOK
Expect 1 leader and 8 participants per team.
Date August 2026 - exact dates will be announced
Mixed travel on foot, crampons and skis. Roped at all times in crevassed terrain.
Expedition details
This is a true Arctic ski expedition: open sea, sandy coastlines, rough glacier ice, meltwater rivers, and the great glacier plateaus of east Spitsbergen — where we ski between vast mountains and complex crevasse fields under the midnight sun.
the route
The full Newtontoppen traverse is 120 km. We sail from Longyearbyen to Adolfbukta, near the glacier front of Nordenskiöldbreen, and are dropped on the coast with all our equipment. From there we carry across rugged terrain until we reach the ice, then pull and haul our sleds until the snow-covered upper glacier — where we put on skis. After the summit we aim to return by a different route through the central ice cap, ending again at the Nordenskiöldbreen glacier front for boat pick-up.
Day by day
Day 1 — Longyearbyen
You arrive in Longyearbyen on day 1 (or earlier, if preferred). We pack provisions, prepare sleds, double-check personal equipment, and visit the local outdoor store for any last items. We go through the route in detail, expected weather, and the team protocols for navigation, communication and polar bear safety.
Day 2 — Boat to Adolfbukta, first camp
"An early rise is the first commandment for the one who wants to reach the top," wrote the Norwegian poet Kristofer Randers. We follow the same mentality. The boat takes us across Isfjorden to Adolfbukta. After offloading, we begin carrying equipment up toward the glacier and establish our first camp high enough to reduce the risk of polar bear encounters.
Day 3–4 — Ferrier Glacier on crampons
We move east across the Ferrier Glacier. The terrain is heavily crevassed, with meltwater rivers and slippery slopes. We travel roped at all times, mostly on crampons rather than skis.
Day 5–6 — Onto the ski plateau
The terrain opens. We transition from crampons to skis as we move into the central Atomfjella range — a striking landscape of high peaks and diverging glacier systems.
Day 7 or 8 — Summit day
We leave the sleds at the foot of the final climb and ascend with only daypacks, ropes and safety gear. The last section is steep but requires no climbing experience. In good weather the summit view extends across most of central and northern Spitsbergen.
Day 9–11 — The return route
If time and conditions allow, we descend by a different route through one of the world's twenty largest ice caps. Long, gentle slopes lead down Oxford Glacier, which merges with Transparent Glacier and then Nordenskiöldbreen. The view across the fjord at the glacier front is one of the most striking moments of the expedition.
Day 11 or 12 — Boat extraction
We descend to sea level and wait at the coast for the boat to bring us back to Longyearbyen.
Note: This program is approximate. Weather and ice conditions will shape the actual day-by-day. Flexibility is part of any real polar expedition.
What is included
The price covers an experienced polar guide and all group equipment: tents, sleds, pulling harnesses (if needed), navigation, communication, polar bear protection and other safety essentials. All meals are included from departure to return (see Meals below), as is boat transfer between Longyearbyen and the glacier front. We also provide pre-expedition advice and individual training guidance in the lead-up to your departure.
What is not included
The price does not include travel to and from Longyearbyen, or accommodation and meals before and after the expedition (we are happy to recommend the places we use ourselves). Personal clothing is not included: base layers, jackets, pants, socks, hats and mittens. The same applies to personal equipment such as skis, boots, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, thermos, drink bottles, cutlery and personal bags. Travel and cancellation insurance is required and is the responsibility of each participant. Additional cost for special dietary needs may apply if extra logistics are required to ensure adequate and safe food. Any extra cost arising from unforeseen weather, delays or changes of plan is also outside the included price.
meals
All meals are included from the moment we leave Longyearbyen until we return. Breakfast is Børge's signature high-energy porridge, with coffee or tea. Lunch and snacks are taken in short, frequent stops through the day, rather than one long break. Dinner is composed of Real Turmat and DryTech expedition meals.
If you have food allergies or specific dietary requirements, let us know on application — we will work out the best solution together.
Training and preparations
Summer skiing may sound relaxed, but Newtontoppen rewards those who prepare well. The right training depends on each participant's starting point, so we provide individual training programmes and advice in the months leading up to departure.
As a general baseline, you should be able to carry a 20 kg backpack for 8 hours per day, on consecutive days. This is a measurable target, but the route to get there can take many forms — running, hiking with a loaded pack, sled-pulling on tyres, ski touring, or strength work. We will help you build a programme that fits your time, terrain and starting fitness.
signing up / Deposit / invoice:
The booking process is straightforward. Send us a booking form to reserve your place in the queue. We then send a deposit invoice — the deposit is non-refundable, in line with our travel conditions. Once the deposit is paid, your place on the expedition is confirmed. Three months before departure, we send the final invoice for the remaining balance.
Please ensure you have travel and cancellation insurance in place before the deposit is paid.
Have questions before booking? Get in touch — we are happy to talk through whether this expedition fits you.
