Are you prepared to embark on a snowkite/ski touring adventure like no other? Immerse yourself in the wonder of Svalbard, a remarkable domain that has bewitched bold explorers since the late 16th century. A pocket of pure tranquility, this archipelago flaunts an area of 70,000 square kilometres, akin to the size of Ireland, and an intimate populace of just 2,642 inhabitants – an assured ticket to a breathtaking transformation of scenery. All our destinations are meticulously designed to cater to non-kiters as well. Rest assured that accompanying friends or family members will have an abundance of activities and experiences to enjoy as well!
Since 1920, Svalbard has been under Norwegian governance, mandating all adventurers to first make a pit stop in Oslo before embarking on their journey to Svalbard Longyearbyen the following day.
In this season, the mesmerizing spectacle of the midnight sun paints an ethereal tableau where day and night gracefully merge into one. This extraordinary phenomenon, exclusive to areas north of the northern polar circle and south of the southern polar circle, graces Longyearbyen from April 19th until August 23rd. For an uninterrupted night sleep, we recommend pulling down those blinds!
While the mercury never plunges below -15° during this time, you can typically anticipate temperatures hovering between 0 and -5°. Rest assured, your standard ski attire will suffice, but our guides are equipped to provide super-warm snowmobile suits if necessary. Navigate through town and to the prime snowkite spots on snowmobiles, while indulging in the wild wonders of this natural utopia – polar bears, seals, and whales to name a few.
Home to over 300 polar bears, Svalbard exercises a unique law: it’s forbidden to venture out without a weapon. Consequently, our guides will be suitably armed during your excursions. However, fears of polar bear attacks should remain minimal, with an incidence rate of just one every 10 years. Though a bear can reach speeds of 40km/h, the snowkiting world speed record stands at an impressive 142km/h. Trust us, any pursuing bear is bound to wear out! Still skeptical? Just Click Here .
While the Pyramiden video showcases an intriguing deserted Soviet-era town, it is unfortunately out of our reach. However, other active Russian mining settlements are well within our exploration radius. On a calm, windless day, a snowmobile ride to Barentsburg offers a splendid way to invest your time. As Svalbard’s second-largest town, Barentsburg is primarily inhabited by Russians and Ukrainians, and can also be reached via a delightful boat excursion.
Embrace the thrill, seize the adventure, and relish the unique culture and history that Svalbard has to offer!
Are you set to experience the rush of snowkiting across the undulating expanses of Svalbard? This Norwegian northern haven offers prime snowkiting locations in the South, North, and Northeast. Thanks to a generous snow cover lasting until the end of May, the rocky challenges become a smooth ride under a thick blanket of snow. Glide downwind from majestic glaciers to solid pack ice, and relish the honor of kiting in untouched territories!
Our most recent expedition was a whirlwind of weather conditions. From brilliant sunny skies coupled with ideal winds to cataclysmic stormy days (just one, thankfully), Svalbard did not disappoint. A not-so-perfect day presents the perfect occasion to delve into one of Svalbard’s mystical ice caves. Despite the varied weather, wind was a constant companion during our seven days of kiting. Our astute local guides were exceptional wind whisperers, unerringly finding the hidden gusts. Each day, we embarked on exhilarating snowmobile journeys lasting between 30 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes to reach our kite spots. The snowmobiles, quite the delight to drive, were easy to handle even for novice drivers. Just remember, a valid driving license is mandatory, and the snowmobiles can be shared.
Guided by a team of four local experts and two French guides – including the former world champion snowkiter, Johann Civel, your safety is our primary concern. Encounters with polar bears are an extremely rare event, although we were fortunate enough to spot one on the final day of our 2023 voyage. As for the Arctic reindeer, they are a common sight, often spotted as soon as you venture outside the town of Longyearbyen.
Set out on this unforgettable journey and conquer the snowy plains of Svalbard under the watchful guidance of seasoned experts, and perhaps you might just have your own polar bear sighting!
At Snowkite Sensation, we understand that the whims of the wind can sometimes be a spoilsport in the best and most renowned kiting locations. On those rare windless days, fear not – we’ve got you covered with a catalogue of thrilling alternatives.
Other winter sports: Experience the magic of the Arctic with a fun sled ride. Led by a team of 6-12 dogs, you’ll get to explore the inside of an ice cave and the wide-open valleys of Svalbard. Imagine the quiet of the Arctic, broken only by the excited barking of the dogs as they pull the sled through the snow. If you enjoy hiking, you’ll love Longyearbyen. It’s a perfect place for walking adventures. Get ready to find the hidden gems of this Arctic wonderland (please note, there’s an extra charge for dog sledding).
Gastronomy: Scrumptious cuisine often serves as the centerpiece to an unforgettable journey. With a diverse collection of more than 15 restaurants, pubs, and bars, Longyearbyen is a haven for food lovers. It might surprise you to find out that two of Norway’s culinary gems – Huset and Funktionærmessen – are nestled right here. We secure dinner reservations each evening around 7 pm, offering you the chance to indulge in the local cuisine. To top it off, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included within your package, allowing you to enjoy your culinary adventure without any hassle!
Visiting and relaxing:Dive into an icy paradise tucked beneath Svalbard’s majestic glaciers. Embark on a thrilling snowshoe trek leading to a stunning glacier. As you crest the summit, don your helmet and headlamp to step into an awe-inspiring ice cave. Uncover a hidden realm featuring grand chambers, intricate narrow passageways, and mesmerizing ice crystals. This electrifying venture into Svalbard’s subglacial world is unquestionably an experience not to be missed on your Arctic adventure!
Snowmobiling is an amazing way to travel and explore around Svalbard: you can see old trapper’s huts, icebergs and Arctic wildlife while driving through the wonderful nature of the east coast. Spend the day snowmobiling to the Russian town of Barentsburg. The 500 strong population predominantly consists of Russians and Ukrainians. The town used to be self-sufficient, but has now become dependent on Russia for food imports. In its glorious days when it was under the influence of the Soviet union, the town was a display of communism in the arctic. However, when the USSR collapsed and supplies started to dwindle, the city decayed and a dramatic downsizing insued. In the latest years there has been huge changes in the city. Hotels and other buildings has been renovated and the town is yet again developing.
Straight after landing in Longyearbyen The Polar Expedition museum is your first stop ! A private shuttle bus will drive to you there from the airport. A guided tour of the museum is included !
The museum tells the tale of the courageous endeavors undertaken by pioneers in their quest to reach the North Pole during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum aims to convey the historical significance and impact of Arctic expeditions on the North Pole. It serves as a platform to highlight the diverse personal narratives of the expedition participants. To achieve this, the museum features written contributions from an international array of historians and relatives of those who took part in the expeditions. Spanning two floors, the exhibition showcases a collection of original expedition film footage, photographs, telegrams, newspapers, philately, as well as models of ships and planes, and other associated artifacts.
As you descend into the ice cave, a mesmerising frozen realm unveils itself. Within the icy confines, you’ll encounter remnants of plants frozen for over a millennium, ensnared amidst breathtaking ice formations, narrow passages, and expansive caverns. This hidden underworld of the glacier remains undiscovered by those who have not ventured into its depths.
A captivating winter spectacle awaits exploring Svalbard guarantees an encounter with glaciers, as they cover approximately 60% of its terrain. During the winter season, there is a high probability of traversing these icy wonders via snowmobile or dog sled. Standing upon the vast expanse of pristine white, it becomes challenging to fathom the enchanting frozen paradise that lies beneath. Longyearbyen ice caves undergoes annual transformations, ensuring a sense of surprise with each visit.
Traveling to Barentsburg via boat is a ten-hour journey that allows you to visit our Russian neighbors. You’ll traverse the Isfjord and pass by the Esmark Glacier before reaching Barentsburg. It’s not uncommon to catch glimpses of seals, walruses, or even polar bears along the way. Upon arrival, a local Russian guide fluent in English will meet you at the pier in Barentsburg. The guide will lead you on a captivating sightseeing tour of the town, sharing its fascinating history.
During the return trip, you’ll pass Grumant, another deserted Russian town dating back to the 1960s. Additionally, you’ll sail past Birdmountain, which is renowned for its abundant seabird population, as the name suggests. The onboard crew is committed to ensuring your visit is enjoyable and will serve you a delectable barbecue lunch.
Download our brochure for all the details and prices of our little snowkite adventure! Share it with your friends and family and plan your unforgettable adventure together!
NOT EVERYONE IN YOUR GROUP NEEDS TO BE A KITER (discounts will apply) ! Our destinations are designed to offer an incredible journey for everyone, whether you're a kiter or not.
If you're new to snowkiting, it's completely normal to have many questions. We've got you covered with our comprehensive Q&A section on our website. We understand the importance of talking to experts, and our knowledgeable team is here to guide you every step of the way.