Svalbard Ski Touring
Ski on untouched Arctic slopes in Svalbard — an overall exclusive experience
Navigate fjords on a high-end sailboat on a sail & ski adventure
Witness the Midnight Sun or Northern Lights
Spot Arctic wildlife like walruses, orcas, and seals
Enjoy personalized guidance from an IFMGA-certified mountain guide and experienced skipper
Benefit from all-inclusive, hassle-free logistics from arrival to departure
Ski under the Arctic sky in Earth's last wilderness
Join a high-end adventure with limited availability
Navigate through Svalbard's network of fjords
Adapt each day's outing to sublime snow
Leave the sailboat for an unforgettable adventure every day
Experience slopes with both challenge and enjoyment
Ski where the Northern Lights and Midnight Sun meet
Secure your May or June spot for a lifetime memory
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Longyearbyen Airport, you’ll be greeted and transported to our Garcia sailboat, your home for the next week. The crew will assist you with gear storage and cabin accommodation. Once settled, you’ll meet your IFMGA-certified mountain guide and the rest of the team. We’ll address essential safety briefings and an overview of the boat’s amenities. As the sailboat sets its course toward the initial anchorage, you’ll be treated to your first onboard dinner while you catch glimpses of the stunning Arctic landscape that will be your playground for the coming days.
Each day of your skiing adventure is designed to be unique, offering an adaptive experience tailored to prevailing weather and snow conditions. Your professional IFMGA mountain guide, with over a decade of experience in Svalbard and the Lyngen Alps, will select the optimal spots for each day’s outing. Skiing sessions will last between 4 to 8 hours, covering terrains that range from 500 to 1,100 meters in elevation.
Whether it’s the West Coast’s glacier-filled landscapes or the secluded fjords that catch your eye, you can rest assured your guide will aim for the most enjoyable and safe spots. You’ll be skiing in areas that are largely untouched, meaning fresh powder and an intimate experience with the Arctic wilderness. Wildlife encounters, from walruses to polar bears, add an extra layer of excitement to your journey.
As the sun rises on your final day in Svalbard, the boat will return to the port in Longyearbyen. After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to say your goodbyes and disembark. You’ll be transported back to the airport or your hotel, marking the end of an unforgettable Arctic adventure. You might leave, but incredible memories and a newfound respect for the Arctic’s rugged beauty and majestic landscapes will remain with you. Whether you’re catching your flight home or extending your stay in Svalbard, you’ll be leaving with a sense of accomplishment and stories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Pricing
Included in price
Stay onboard the ship for the specified voyage duration
Professional skipper, chef and IFMGA mountain guide
Standard offshore lifejacket and lifeline
Shore landings and tours with the dinghy
Bedding and towels
Onboard food (breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner), hot beverages and non-alcoholic beverages
Fuel and all port dues
Air fares to and from departure point
Insurance (personal medical, travel, cancellation, etc.)
Alcoholic beverages
Food and beverages on the day of arrival until boarding
Ski, trekking or other outdoor activity gear
Voice and data communication using onboard equipment
Entry fees into parks, museums, etc.
Description
Imagine skiing down slopes that seamlessly meet the ocean under the Arctic sky. The experience is as exclusive as it gets, limited to only six guests each week throughout May and June every year. That’s how we ensure a high-end adventure with limited availability in Svalbard, one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.
Svalbard is a realm of stark contrasts and untamed beauty, where glaciers carve their paths through rugged mountains and into the sea. Nestled between the Greenland Sea and the Barents Sea, this Norwegian archipelago is a sanctuary of Arctic wildlife and a monument to the majesty of nature.
Has skiing down slopes that end where the ocean begins, in a land where the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights take turns lighting up the sky really not entered your bucket list yet?
But let’s talk skiing. With an IFMGA-certified mountain guide leading the way and an experienced skipper at the helm, your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. Our guides, seasoned in Svalbard’s unique weather patterns and terrains, will adapt each day’s outing to where the snow is most sublime.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a passionate amateur, our small, cohesive groups ensure everyone gets the most out of their experience. We’ll be skiing on slopes with gradients mostly around 25-30 degrees, offering both challenge and enjoyment. And when you’re not skiing? You’re aboard a luxurious sailboat, spotting walruses, bearded seals, orcas, and perhaps even the elusive polar bear.
The sailboat allows us the flexibility to navigate through Svalbard’s intricate network of fjords to find the best skiing spots each day. It’s equipped with all the comforts you’d expect from a high-end experience, ensuring you can relax and unwind after a day of skiing.
From booking your adventure with us to you leaving Longyearbyen afterwards, we take care of all the details. You’ll be introduced to your guide beforehand, receive assistance with equipment rentals, and have all your logistical questions answered. Your only job is to be ready for the unforgettable adventure in front.
With only six spots open each week and availability restricted to May and June now is the time to secure your place in this high-end, exclusive adventure. We can assure you it’s something people couldn’t forget within ten lifetimes.
Things to know
Yes, we offer both guided and self-guided tours to cater to your preferences. Our guided tours are led by experienced IFMGA-licensed guides who will take you to Norway’s hidden gems, ensuring both safety and an enriching experience. For those who prefer a bit more independence, our self-guided tours come with detailed itineraries, GPS routes, and 24/7 support to help you navigate the trails on your own.
We welcome skiers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. Our tours are designed to offer a variety of experiences that can be tailored to match your skill level. Whether you’re looking for challenging backcountry skiing or a more leisurely cross-country experience, we have a tour that’s right for you.
While we provide essential skiing equipment rental, you are welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer. We recommend checking the specific equipment list for your chosen tour, as requirements may vary. If you’re new to ski touring, our team can assist you in selecting the appropriate gear for your adventure.
Safety is our top priority. All our tours are led by experienced IFMGA-licensed guides who are trained to make informed decisions in various conditions. For tours in avalanche-prone areas, we provide essential safety equipment and training. Additionally, we offer 24/7 support to ensure your trip runs smoothly and safely.
Preparation is key for a successful ski touring experience. We recommend that you engage in regular cardiovascular exercise leading up to your trip. Make sure to check the specific equipment list for your chosen tour and pack accordingly. If you have any medical conditions or dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Our tours are generally suitable for adults and teenagers who have a reasonable level of fitness. However, some tours may have specific age or skill requirements. If you’re planning to bring younger family members, please contact us in advance to discuss suitable options.
All our tours are designed to be adaptable to varying weather conditions. In case of bad weather, we almost always have a viable alternative plan to ensure you won’t miss out on a ski day. Our experienced guides will assess the situation and make the necessary adjustments to your itinerary.
Our tours are designed to be as safe as possible. Ski touring activities are only conducted with experienced IFMGA-licensed guides who are trained to assess and manage risks. For those interested in cross-country skiing, our routes are on groomed pistes that don’t require any special knowledge regarding avalanches or other potential hazards.
Certainly! We offer the option to rent any ski equipment you might need for your tour. Just let us know what you require in advance, and we’ll make sure it’s ready for you when you arrive.
No worries at all! Our tours are designed to accommodate all skill levels. If you’re a beginner, we can adjust the tour’s difficulty to match your comfort level. Just make sure to inform us about your experience level in detail so we can plan accordingly.
Our Sail & Ski sailboat tours and cross-country skiing accommodations are popular and can fill up quickly. While some tours, like those in Sunnmøre, can sometimes be booked last minute, we highly recommend booking as early as possible to secure your spot and avoid any issues.
The weather plays a significant role in your experience. The climate can vary depending on the region you’re touring, but generally, you can expect cold, snowy conditions, which are ideal for skiing. In the northern areas, especially above the Arctic Circle, winters are long and dark, offering unique skiing experiences under the Northern Lights. Coastal areas like the Lofoten Islands tend to have milder winters but can be wetter, affecting snow quality.
Temperature inversions are common in the mountains, meaning it can sometimes be warmer at higher altitudes than at the base. This can affect snow conditions and avalanche risk, so it’s something our guides monitor closely. The best months for ski touring in Norway are typically from February to May, when the days are getting longer, and the snowpack is stable.
Yes, our Sail & Ski tours are pre-confirmed, so you can book with confidence. The tours have guaranteed departures on the dates listed, allowing you to plan your adventure without worry.
Longyearbyen is the administrative centre of the Svalbard archipelago, located far north and closer to the North Pole than mainland Norway. The most common way to get to Longyearbyen is by air. Both Norwegian and SAS offer flights to Svalbard, with the journey from Oslo taking about 3 hours and from Tromsø about 1.5 hours. During peak seasons from March to August, the number of flights increases, offering more flexibility for travellers.
Once you land at Svalbard Airport Longyear, you’ll find yourself about 5 kilometres northwest of Longyearbyen. Walking is not an option due to the presence of dangerous polar bears in the area. The most common method of transportation from the airport to the city centre is the airport express line called Flybussen. The bus departs approximately 30 to 40 minutes after the arrival of all planes and stops at various hotels in Longyearbyen. Taxis are also available.
In Svalbard, winters are long, dark, and cold, with temperatures often dropping below -20°C (-4°F). However, the cold is usually dry, which can make it feel less biting. The polar night lasts from late October to mid-February, offering a unique skiing experience under the Northern Lights. Conversely, the polar day, or Midnight Sun, occurs from late April to late August, providing continuous daylight for your skiing adventures. The region is subject to sudden weather changes, including storms and high winds, which can affect visibility and skiing conditions. Therefore, it’s crucial to have appropriate clothing and equipment, and our guides will provide real-time weather updates to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
In Svalbard, the polar night lasts from late October to mid-February. During this period, the sun never rises above the horizon, creating a magical, twilight-like atmosphere perfect for skiing under the Northern Lights. On the flip side, the polar day, or Midnight Sun, occurs from late April to late August. During these months, the sun never sets, providing continuous daylight and extended skiing opportunities.
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