10-Year-Classic Aims to Become Youngest to Cross Svalbard

Mina Floriana Read, age 10, is preparing for an ambitious expedition to cross Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic, from south to north. If successful, she will become the youngest person in polar history to complete the journey on skis. The expedition is scheduled to commence on March 26, 2026, and is expected to take 46 days.

A History of Adventure

This isn’t Mina’s first extreme adventure. In 2025, she and her father, Alexander Read, crossed Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull in Iceland. Prior to that, at just five years old, she completed a 400-kilometer ski expedition across the Finnmark Plateau. Mina has spent over 700 nights in a tent and traveled more than 4,500 kilometers on skis and on foot with her father. High North News reports that Alexander Read emphasizes this journey is about shared experiences, not record-breaking.

The Svalbard Expedition: A Challenging Journey

The upcoming expedition will cover over 600 kilometers (approximately 373 miles) and involve an elevation gain of 7,000 meters (over 22,965 feet). NTB details that the challenging landscape is part of the appeal, fostering a deeper connection between father and daughter. Alexander Read stated, “We don’t go on trips because it’s easy or comfortable…We know it will be demanding, but that is exactly why it gives us the opportunity to get close to each other and share both the good and the tricky times.”

More Than Just an Adventure: Scientific Research

The expedition has a scientific component as well. Mina will be collecting snow samples along the route to be analyzed for “eternity chemicals,” also known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), in collaboration with the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) and the CLEAN research project. NRK reports that this research aims to understand climate and environmental changes in the region.

A Family Affair and Environmental Responsibility

The team includes Alexander Read, Mina Read, Lerke Bie, Signe Fonneland Steen, Aksel Framstad Holden, and the dog, The Conductor, a mix of Greenland Dog and Siberian Husky. In addition to the scientific research, the team will also be collecting rubbish along the way as part of a collaboration with Hold Norway Clean, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Mina’s Perspective

Mina expressed her excitement about the trip, saying, “I’m really looking forward to going on another expedition with daddy. I’ve been preparing for a long time with training, extra schoolwork and by learning more about Svalbard. The most important thing is being together with daddy, but I really hope I get to see polar bears along the way.”