Shane Roseth
Shane’s 26 year long life has come with some serious contrasts. Born in the Philippines, she moved to Svalbard at just 10 years old, trading a warm life of flip-flops and t-shirts for sub-zero temperatures and woolen layers at 78 degrees north.
“At first, adjusting to such a different place—with the cold and a new language—was challenging. But through school, I was introduced to ski trips, hunting, and the beauty of the Arctic. Now, Longyearbyen and the polar landscape feel like 100 percent home,” Shane shares. “Svalbard means so much to me that I had to come ‘home’ after studying on the mainland.”
Living in Longyearbyen, Shane feels incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by nature daily, whether she’s out hiking or simply relaxing on her couch. “The wilderness is always present,” she says. “I also love the seasons here; it’s hard to pick a favorite, but the dark season has a special charm. As Christmas approaches, I cozy up with candles, a cup of cocoa, and some knitwear.”
Winter is another highlight for Shane, with its returning light and the buzz of snowmobiles venturing across the tundra and glaciers. During this time, she enjoys cabin trips with family and friends, snowshoeing, or relaxing by a campfire—fully immersed in the grandeur of the Arctic wilderness.