Where you will sleep
Accommodation on this expedition strikes a balance between comfort and true Arctic adventure. You'll spend 2 nights in hostel or simple hotel accommodation in Longyearbyen at either end of the itinerary, providing a warm bed, hot shower and the opportunity to organise kit before and after the expedition. The remaining 6 nights are spent wild camping in the Arctic wilderness, sleeping in expedition tents surrounded by glaciers, mountains and vast snow-covered landscapes. Camping forms a core part of the experience, offering an authentic taste of polar expedition life as we establish remote camps, melt snow for water, cook together and settle in for the night beneath the Arctic sky. These camps aren't just places to sleep; they are an integral part of the adventure, teaching the skills, self-sufficiency and teamwork required to travel through one of the world's most remote environments.
What you'll eat
From the first day of the Expedition (excluding the arrival day) all your meals are included. You will need to bring a supply of snacks with you to keep you energised throughout the day. We will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner each activity day.
How we will support you
Throughout the expedition, you'll be supported by a highly experienced Svalbard polar guide alongside a dedicated Rat Race Expedition Leader. Our Svalbard Expert guide brings invaluable expertise gained from years of operating in the Arctic, with specialist knowledge of glacier travel, polar bear safety, route planning, weather systems and expedition travel in one of the world's most challenging environments. Working alongside them, your Rat Race Expedition Leader will provide support, encouragement and hands-on coaching throughout the journey, helping you develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the polar wilderness.
How we will keep you safe
Safety is at the heart of every expedition in the Arctic, and one of the most important procedures we follow is a 24-hour polar bear watch system while in camp. Svalbard is home to more polar bears than people, and when travelling through their habitat, maintaining constant vigilance is essential.
Each evening, once camp is established, the team will operate a rotating watch schedule throughout the night. While the rest of the group sleeps, designated team members and guides remain on watch, monitoring the surrounding area for any signs of wildlife activity. Camps are also strategically positioned, and additional safety systems are used to provide early warning should a bear approach.
Far from being a chore, many participants find polar watch to be one of the most memorable parts of the expedition. Standing beneath the Arctic sky, surrounded by complete silence and vast wilderness, it offers a unique opportunity to experience the true remoteness of Svalbard. Your guides will provide full training and support, ensuring everyone understands their role and the procedures in place.
Remote medical care
Rat Race is audited and accredited to the prestigious BS8848 expedition safety standard, with robust emergency protocols and response systems in place across all adventures. Participant and staff safety is our highest priority. Every trip is supported by detailed in-country risk assessments, qualified staff with adventure-specific competencies, high-level first aid capability, and 24/7 medical and emergency response support. In the event of an incident, our teams are trained to deliver immediate, life saving care, coordinate evacuation where needed, and follow comprehensive medical procedures. We’ll also advise you on the required travel insurance for your trip and request proof of cover before departure.
If you can't make it
Entries may be transferred up to 12 weeks prior to departure in accordance with the Rat Race transfer policy. We strongly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book to protect yourself against any unforeseen circumstances. Participants also have the option to add Refund Protect to their booking, facilitated by a trusted third-party provider, which may allow you to claim a refund should you be unable to attend for a range of qualifying reasons.
Included equipment
We provide all specialist expedition and safety equipment required for the journey, including:
Personal Equipment
- Avalanche transceiver
- Expedition pulk
- Rope hauling system
- Ski harness
Shared Tent Team Equipment
- Hilleberg Keron 3 GT expedition tent
- MSR XGK stove and fuel
- Avalanche shovel and probe
- Therm-a-Rest Z-Rest sleeping mat
Polar Bear Safety Equipment
- Rifle (guide carried)
- Signal pistols
- Trip-wire alarm system
- Bear safety barrel
- Polar bear watch suit
All equipment is designed for professional use in the demanding Arctic conditions of Svalbard and full training will be provided throughout the expedition.
Training weekend
As part of your preparation for Svalbard, your expedition package includes a fully supported 2-day Arctic training weekend in Aviemore in January 2028, with accommodation included. You can book yourself onto this via our team on events@ratrace.com as part of your entry fee. Food and travel not included.
This hands-on weekend is designed to introduce the key skills and systems you'll use during the expedition. You'll gain practical experience in campcraft, cold-weather living, equipment management, navigation, teamwork and expedition routines, all under the guidance of the Rat Race and Svalbard expedition team.
Set in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the weekend provides the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow expedition members, build confidence, test your kit and develop the skills needed to thrive in the Arctic before we head north to Svalbard.
