Expedition Report
From 7 August to 12 September 2011, six Imperial College members undertook a month-long, unsupported expedition in central Svalbard, aiming to experience Arctic wilderness and complete significant mountaineering objectives. The primary goals were to summit Newtontoppen (1,713 m)—Svalbard’s highest peak—reach as far north as 80°N, and return to the Nordenskiöldbreen glacier.
After extensive planning and training, the team was dropped by boat at Nordenskiöldbreen on 10 August. They hauled heavy pulks across challenging terrain, including crevassed glaciers and white-out conditions, gradually ascending the Lomonosovfonna ice cap. On 17 August, they successfully summited Newtontoppen in clear weather, achieving the expedition’s main objective. Continuing north along the Veteranen glacier, progress was halted on 21 August by an extensive meltwater lake, making further travel impossible. The team adapted by focusing on mountaineering in the surrounding area.
Over the remaining days, they climbed eight peaks, including Didierfjellet (1,455 m), Malloryfjellet (1,319 m), and Astronomfjellet (1,487 m), and attempted one additional summit. Conditions varied from soft snow early on to hard, icy surfaces later, which eased travel but introduced new challenges. Persistent white-outs and logistical difficulties tested the team’s resilience, but they managed risk effectively through polar bear watches, GPS navigation, and strict safety routines. The expedition concluded on 3 September, when the team was retrieved by the last boat of the season. While the late-summer timing limited long-distance travel due to meltwater, it offered extended daylight and relatively mild temperatures, making August suitable for mountaineering without skis.
In addition to funding provided by the Exploration Board this expedition was supported by the Old Centralians' Trust, Royal College of Science Association Trust, Gino Watkins Memorial Fund, Andrew Croft Memorial Fund, Augustine Courtauld Trust, Geelman Trust, and the AC Irvine Travel Fund.
