Part 6: On the snowmobile back to Longyearbyen

After we were all fully dressed up it was time for the 3 to 4 hours trip back to Longyearbyen. We would take a slightly different route on the way back through some different valleys, only to end up again on the same pass from which we would descend back into Longyearbyen. The first few miles were however the same as the outbound journey, driving along a beautiful fjord while the sun was slowly setting.







From the base of the fjord we would however take a different turn into some inland valleys. At this time, the sun was already so low on the horizon that the skies started to colour purple. These colours are typical of the so-called 'pastel winter' in the months of March and April where you have sunset colours for multiple hours as the sun sets super slowly.





We made a few stops in the valley for pictures and at one instance for our guide to scout the best route ahead. Especially at this point I really had the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere.







The colours were simply amazing and even somehow managed to get even better as we went on.





At one point we hit a big plain where we could again see the giant Isfjorden in the far distance. This was the location of the abandoned Russian coaling town of Grumant. Being short on time, we however did not go all the way to Grumant on the coast but headed back inland towards the mountain pass.



The last bit of the ride was definitely the trickiest as my concentration started to go down – which is not what you need if you are driving on a snowy mountain pass where you need to make sharp turns. I even nearly tipped over the snowmobile when I accidentally hit the throttle lever and the vehicle did shoot straight up the side of the hill instead of making a turn – only thanks to some last ditch manoeuvre and some luck did I manage not to crash.





Once at the top of the pass, the views down over Longyearbyen were fantastic.



About 30 to 40 minutes later we were again in Longyearbyen and drove along the main road towards the snowmobile parking spot. After helping our guide refill every snowmobile with petrol and parking them, it was back into the minivan to the HQ of the tour outfit where we could finally get out of the snowmobile clothes.





Being completely exhausted from the long day I had a quick burger somewhere only to retreat back to the comfort of my hotel room to drink the bottle of wine I bought at OSL duty free.



In short: Excursions on the island of Svalbard aren't cheap – and this especially counts for a full-day snowmobile trip (which was almost more expensive than my flight tickets). Yet it is a must-do when you visit the place in winter (you can ride a snowmobile until May what I heard) and I had tons of fun doing so. It's not as easy as you might think it is – but at the same time I believe everyone who is fit enough can easily learn it and embark on such a full-day excursion. I can highly recommend Spitzbergen Adventures for it!

Next up: A look around in the town of Longyearbyen