I have been asked if I would like to join an unsupported ski tour of the length of Spitsbergen being organised by staff from the Hurdigruten expedition cruise I went on over Xmas last winter. All needs will be carried or pulled in pulks. The route is around 400 kms long, with a possible bail-out half way. There will be local guides.
This is a big commitment and I would be grateful for any comments from those who have experience of such skiing in Spitsbergen. I am also anxious about charging my camera batteries; I know that solar chargers are available but don't know how much sun can be expected on Spitsbergen in april - May.
Helpful comments much appreciated.
AlanSloan
On April 20, the midnight sun comes back to Isfjord: the morning of the polar day. In late April, there is no such thing as twilight anymore. In May and June, the sun is above the horizon all the time, making the light sometimes a bit boring for photographers. https://www.spitsbergen-svalbard.com/spitsbergen-information/midnight-sun-polar-night.html
Basically it will be light all the time. Someone did a write up of a S to N traverse. I don't think I have a copy. They skied for two weeks to get to the start in the south because motorised transport wasn't allowed. From what I remember it was full on. Alan
DaveSmith
You should check the report in the 2001 yearbook by John Starbuck describing just such a traverse with Paul Walker. Both are very experienced Arctic travellers and, though I dont have the article to hand now, I recall they both found it extremely demanding and very cold, keeping frostbite away was an issue.
StephenGoulden
Thank you both. Those responses are very helpful.
Being late enough to avoid the full-on cold mentioned in the write-up Dave gives (which I have now read), the cold shouldn't be so bad, with daylight for 24 hours a day.
But the whole thing does come over as being a strenuous but fairly boring exercise, apart from the ever-present polar bear meetings. The programmed 15-20 kms per day, presumably because of the terrain and the pulks, doesn't help with the boredom and no mention has been made of summiting anything.
I was already thinking of not committing and these readings have not changed my mind.
PhilWickens
The last week of April can have a bitterly cold snap, as we found out last year and 4 years ago (-20C at sea level), but it quickly rises as the spring arrives. I'm assuming the start point (northern tip of Ny Friseland at Velegenhuken) will be reach by snowmobile from LYR, and the pick-up by boat in Horsund by boat)? Most of the terrain in that area (i.e. eastern Spitsbergen) is gently rolling hills on fairly benign glaciers. The scenery is spectacular in the Atom mountains, though much of the rest of the route would be 'more gentle on the eye'. If you're wanting a pulk-based ski trip (with ski peaks along the way) I would head for Oscar II Land (opposite Longyearbyen) and head to Ny Alesund.