Svalbard Snowmobile Tours from Longyearbyen: Which Safari Should You Choose?

When is the snowmobile season in Svalbard?

There is no single fixed snowmobile season, because the safe routes depend on snow and ice conditions. In tourism terms, most snowmobile trips fall within Visit Svalbard’s two winter seasons:

• Northern Lights Winter: 1 October to 28 February
• Sunny Winter: 1 March to 16 May

Snowmobile tours generally start later than October, because enough snow has to build up first. Always check the operating calendar for your exact travel year.

December and January: snowmobiling in the Polar Night

December and January offer the most unusual version of snowmobiling. Instead of riding in broad daylight, you may ride through:

• darkness
• stars
• moonlight
• blue twilight
• with luck, the Northern Lights

Choose December or January if you want:

• the Polar Night
• a chance of the Northern Lights
• snowmobiling in darkness
• stars
• an unusual atmosphere instead of huge visible panoramas

February: winter with returning light

February is a transition month. Daylight gradually returns, but the evenings stay dark enough for Northern Lights trips. That makes February a good compromise if you want:

snow + some daylight + a possible aurora

without committing to the full Polar Night.

March and April: the best months for big snowmobile expeditions

If your main goal is landscape and distance, March and April are the strongest months. Sunny Winter begins on 1 March. Snow still covers the landscape, but daylight increases fast, and that combination is ideal for long-distance snowmobiling.

You can see:

• valleys
• glacier systems
• mountain ranges
• frozen fjords
• sea ice when conditions allow

This is when trips towards the East Coast and Van Mijenfjorden are at their best.

May: snowmobiling beneath the Midnight Sun

Snowmobiling in May sounds contradictory, but several current tours continue into mid-May. By then the Midnight Sun has returned, which gives you an unusual combination:

snowmobile + frozen Arctic landscape + 24-hour daylight

Late-season routes depend more on conditions, so keep your plans flexible.

1. Short snowmobile tours near Longyearbyen

If you have never driven a snowmobile, there is no need to start with a ten-hour expedition. Shorter tours around Longyearbyen let you learn the basics while still getting out into the wilderness.

These shorter trips are ideal if:

• it is your first time
• you have only two or three days
• you want to combine snowmobiling with another activity
• you are unsure about the cold
• you are travelling with someone less adventurous

Is snowmobiling difficult for beginners?

Most introductory tours are designed for first-time drivers. Guides provide:

• a safety briefing
• driving instruction
• an explanation of braking
• convoy procedures
• route rules

Snowmobiling is not technically difficult in the way skiing can be, but it still needs:

• concentration
• balance
• physical control
• confidence operating a motorised vehicle

Do you need a driving licence?

If you want to drive, yes. The Governor of Svalbard requires a valid driving licence to drive a snowmobile, and a category B car licence is accepted. You must carry it on organised tours too: on the ice cave adventure, the operator gives no refund if a driver turns up without one.

Passengers do not need a licence. If you cannot or do not want to drive, many tours let you ride behind another driver.

Can two people share one snowmobile?

Usually, yes. A typical setup is:

1 driver + 1 passenger

Some operators let two qualified guests swap drivers during the trip. On the East Coast snowmobile expedition, for example, two people on one booking share a machine, one driving and one riding. If you both want to drive, check whether you should book one snowmobile each.

2. Snowmobile + ice cave tours

For a first Svalbard trip, this is one of the strongest combinations. Instead of spending a day only riding, you use the snowmobile to reach a glacier and then walk into a natural ice cave.

Why this is such a good first tour

You get:

1. snowmobile driving
2. Arctic valley scenery
3. glacier terrain
4. an ice cave
5. a completely different experience once you leave the machine

It also makes efficient use of limited days. The ice cave adventure by snowmobile takes about 3.5 hours with no more than four riders per guide, and it is rated 5.0 from six reviews. The snowmobile adventure and ice cave exploration gives the ride far more of the day, about seven hours with a field meal, and has four reviews. If you have no licence, the private ice cave adventure by snowmobile has the guide drive while you ride, though it has only three reviews. Our ice cave tours guide compares them in full.

3. Northern Lights snowmobile tours

In the dark season, a snowmobile is one of the most adventurous ways to look for the aurora.

Are the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. You need:

• darkness
• auroral activity
• clear enough skies

Choose the snowmobile tour because you want the ride itself. If the lights appear, that is an extraordinary addition. The private Northern Lights snowmobile tour is a three-hour passenger trip into Adventdalen with hot drinks and snacks; it has two reviews so far. Our Northern Lights snowmobile guide goes into the details.

4. Daytime Northern Lights by snowmobile

This deserves its own mention because it is so unusual. In December and January, Svalbard can stay dark enough for aurora viewing in the morning and around midday.

In theory, you could:

• eat breakfast
• see the stars
• drive a snowmobile
• watch the aurora
• be back for lunch

Very few Northern Lights destinations can offer that.

5. Northern Lights camp snowmobile safari

If you want more than a short aurora ride, there are longer camp-based trips.

Best for

• travellers who want a substantial day
• Polar Night visitors
• people who dislike standing outside the whole time
• anyone who wants a camp as well as snowmobiling

6. Frozen waterfall snowmobile tours

Frozen waterfalls are often paired with snowmobiling because they give the ride a natural destination without needing a very long expedition. This works well if you want a clear goal for the day but do not want an eight- or ten-hour trip.

7. Van Mijenfjorden snowmobile tours

On the longer spring trips, the scale increases a great deal. Van Mijenfjorden lies far beyond the usual Longyearbyen touring area, and getting there takes a full-day expedition through Reindalen.

Why choose Van Mijenfjorden?

Because you leave the “short excursion” feeling behind. The trip becomes much more about:

• distance
• wilderness
• glacier scenery
• remote valleys
• the journey itself

Best for

• travellers with previous snowmobile experience
• adventurous first-timers comfortable with a long day
• photographers
• visitors staying at least four or five nights

8. East Coast snowmobile tours

The East Coast is the headline full-day snowmobile expedition for many Svalbard visitors. These tours cross Spitsbergen from the Longyearbyen side towards the east, through broad valleys and glacier terrain, to a coast where there is much more sea ice than on the west side.

What makes the East Coast different?

Distance. You are no longer simply taking a snowmobile ride outside Longyearbyen. The whole day becomes an expedition through:

• wide valleys
• glacier systems
• mountain passes
• remote terrain
• possible sea-ice landscapes

The East Coast snowmobile expedition takes about 10 hours with hotel pickup, and lunch and hot drinks on the frozen sea at Mohnbukta. It is a new listing with one review so far.

Is an East Coast tour good for beginners?

Some operators accept first-time drivers. But there is a difference between being allowed to join and wanting to spend ten hours doing it.

Consider a shorter tour first if:

• you have never been on a snowmobile
• you are unsure about the cold
• you have back problems
• you dislike long stretches of motorised travel

Can you see polar bears on an East Coast tour?

Possibly, but that should never be the reason you book. There is no guarantee. A responsible guide puts safety and a proper distance first instead of trying to manufacture a wildlife encounter. Our guide to seeing polar bears in Svalbard explains the rules.

Book an East Coast tour for:

• landscapes
• glaciers
• remoteness
• snowmobiling

9. Midnight Sun snowmobile tours

Late spring brings one of Svalbard’s strangest combinations: the snow stays while the daylight becomes continuous. Instead of the aurora and darkness, you get:

• low evening sunlight
• huge visibility
• mountains
• glaciers
• mining history
• snowmobiling late into what feels like daytime

Best for

• photographers
• April and May visitors
• travellers who want a shorter alternative to an East Coast expedition
• people who like unusual light

10. Overnight snowmobile expeditions

Day tours are not the limit. Multi-day snowmobile trips can include wilderness cabins and much more remote travel. They suit travellers who:

• already know they enjoy snowmobiling
• have enough time
• want an expedition, not sightseeing
• are comfortable spending long periods in Arctic conditions

Snowmobile vs dog sledding

Choose snowmobiling if you want to see as much landscape as possible. Choose dog sledding if you want quiet, huskies and traditional Arctic travel; our dog sledding guide covers it, and our winter tours guide shows how the two fit into one trip.

Snowmobile vs snowcat

A snowcat or other tracked vehicle is much less physically demanding. Choose a snowcat if:

• you do not want to drive
• you want shelter
• you feel the cold easily
• you have limited mobility
• you are travelling with younger children

Choose a snowmobile if you want to take part and a stronger sense of adventure.

Driver vs passenger: which should you book?

Book as a driver if:

• you enjoy driving
• you meet the licence requirements
• you want the full experience
• you are comfortable concentrating for several hours

Book as a passenger if:

• you do not have a suitable licence
• you want to focus on the scenery
• you are nervous about driving
• you prefer less responsibility

What clothing is provided?

Most operators provide substantial Arctic outerwear. This commonly includes:

• an insulated snowmobile suit
• winter boots
• a helmet
• gloves or mittens
• a balaclava
• goggles

You should still wear your own:

• thermal base layer
• fleece or wool mid-layer
• warm socks

Our guide to what to wear on a Svalbard day tour has the full list.

How cold does snowmobiling feel?

Often colder than standing outside in Longyearbyen. The reason is wind chill, and your hands, feet and face are usually the first places you notice it.

Longer tours generally include stops for:

• food
• hot drinks
• warming up
• photography

What should you bring?

Useful items include:

• thermal layers
• wool socks
• sunglasses for Sunny Winter
• sunscreen in spring
• a phone or camera
• a spare camera battery
• a small power bank
• your driving licence, if you plan to drive

Can you take photos?

Yes, and snowmobile tours are superb for landscape photography. Guides normally stop regularly at viewpoints and interesting places. Never stop on your own for a photograph unless the guide tells you it is safe.

Are snowmobile tours safe?

Guided tours follow strict local procedures, but snowmobiling is still an outdoor adventure activity. Risks include:

• changing snow conditions
• ice
• poor visibility
• cold
• uneven terrain
• mechanical problems
• wildlife

Follow the guide’s instructions on:

• spacing in the convoy
• speed
• stopping
• the route
• wildlife
• emergency procedures

Do tours pick up from hotels?

Many do. Check your confirmation, because the arrangements vary between operators.

Should you stay centrally for snowmobile tours?

Central Longyearbyen is convenient, but you do not need to choose your hotel by where the snowmobile trails begin, because many operators provide transfers. Our where-to-stay guide covers the bases with easy pickup.

How far in advance should you book?

Book the major snowmobile trips early. Prioritise:

1. an East Coast expedition
2. a Van Mijenfjorden expedition
3. an ice cave combination
4. a specific Northern Lights departure
5. short introductory rides

Our guide to booking Svalbard tours explains the order to reserve things in.

Which tour is best for a 3-day Svalbard trip?

Choose a combination tour. The strongest option is often:

snowmobile + ice cave

because you get both driving and a major natural attraction in one day.

Which tour is best for a 5-day trip?

With five days, you have room for a bigger experience. A good structure might be:

Day 1

Longyearbyen sightseeing

Day 2

A full-day snowmobile expedition

Day 3

Dog sledding

Day 4

An ice cave or glacier activity

Day 5

A flexible weather-backup day

Which tour is best for first-time riders?

For most people, a 4–6 hour trip is the sweet spot. It gives you enough time to get comfortable with the machine and travel somewhere interesting, without committing to an exhausting full day.

Which tour is best for experienced riders?

Look at:

• the East Coast
• Van Mijenfjorden
• Reindalen
• overnight expeditions

The longer the tour, the less it should be treated as transport to an attraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tourists drive snowmobiles in Svalbard?

Yes. Many guided tours let visitors drive after instruction, provided they carry a valid driving licence; a category B car licence is accepted.

Do you need snowmobile experience?

Not for many tours. Introductory and combination trips are designed for first-time drivers.

What is the best month for snowmobiling in Svalbard?

March and April are the strongest months for long expeditions, because there is plenty of snow and the daylight increases quickly. December and January are better if you specifically want the Polar Night and the Northern Lights.

Can you snowmobile in May?

Yes, some tours continue until mid-May, although routes and availability depend on snow conditions.

Can you see the Northern Lights on a snowmobile tour?

Yes, in the dark season, if the weather and auroral activity allow.

Can you see the Northern Lights during the daytime?

Possibly, during the deepest part of the Polar Night in December and January.

Can you visit an ice cave by snowmobile?

Yes. Snowmobile and ice cave combinations are among the most popular winter tours.

How long is an East Coast snowmobile tour?

Current examples run about nine and a half to ten hours from Longyearbyen.

Are polar bears guaranteed on East Coast trips?

No. Sightings are possible but never guaranteed.

Are clothes included?

Specialist Arctic outer clothing is commonly included, but you need your own warm layers underneath.

Do snowmobile tours offer hotel pickup?

Many do. Check the confirmation for your tour.

The bottom line

The biggest mistake when choosing a Svalbard snowmobile tour is assuming they are all versions of the same experience. They are not.

A short ride outside Longyearbyen is an introduction. A snowmobile-and-ice-cave trip is a varied adventure day. A Northern Lights safari turns the Polar Night into the attraction. A ten-hour East Coast expedition is closer to a small Arctic journey.

For most first-time visitors, a 4–6 hour snowmobile trip, ideally combined with an ice cave, a frozen waterfall or another destination, offers the best balance. If snowmobiling itself excites you, go bigger. From February onwards, full-day routes towards Van Mijenfjorden or the East Coast show you how quickly Longyearbyen disappears behind you and how enormous the frozen landscape is.

And if you visit in December or January, do not overlook the strangest option of all: starting your snowmobile after breakfast and riding into an Arctic darkness deep enough that the Northern Lights may still be overhead. For everything else you can book across the year, see our guide to the best Svalbard day tours and the best-time-to-visit guide.