From the rolling landscapes of Scotland, to the edges of the map. Ryan’s passion for the world’s wildest and most remote places eventually led him north, far north, to Svalbard.

Since arriving in Longyearbyen in 2023, Ryan has embraced everything the High Arctic has to offer. He thrives in the deep winter months, where true silence settles over the land and the wilderness feels limitless. For him, the Arctic isn’t just a workplace it’s a place where nature speaks in its own quiet, powerful way.

With an adventurous spirit and a deep respect for the environment, Ryan guides guests safely through the raw beauty of Svalbard, sharing the moments that make this place unlike anywhere else on Earth

Ivar was born and raised in Groruddalen in Oslo. He has a big heart for nature and wilderness and thrives best on longer walks in mountains, fjords and forests. After many trips to Ny Ålesund through childhood, Svalbard made great impressions on him that never completely let go.

Ivar completed the Arctic nature guide study at the University Center in Svalbard in 2016/17 and is also a certified kayak instructor and boat guide.

If you’ve ever visited our dog yard together with Niklas, you’ll quickly realize that this is a guide with a truly special connection to huskies and their needs. As Dog Yard Manager at Trapper’s Station, Niklas thrives when he stands quietly on the sled, focused on his four-legged companions — observing how they work together, ensuring each dog pulls with power and joy, without strain or injury.

Originally from Nes in Akershus, Niklas moved to Svalbard in 2013 for studies and while at the same time completing an internship as an Arctic nature guide with Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen. A few years later, he spent three winters in Alaska, training sled dogs and competing in races, while returning to Svalbard each summer to work. He has been hosting at Isfjord Radio and assisted at the local veterinary clinic in Longyearbyen.

In addition to his education in biology, business economics, and Arctic nature guiding, Niklas is a certified massage and rehabilitation therapist for dogs.

“The most important thing in dog sledding is that the dogs feel good and stay happy,” says Niklas. “We achieve that through the right balance of training and recovery, both mentally and physically, along with proper nutrition.”

For Niklas, nature, freedom, community, and purpose are the foundations of his life in Svalbard.
And for our huskies, Niklas is at the very heart of their well-being — both at Trapper’s Station and out in the wild Arctic landscape.

Read more about Niklas’ philosophy for the highest standard of animal care for our dogs at Trapper’s Station.