Ski & Sail on Svalbard
The adventure of a lifetime
Get a discount for:
NOK 6.990,- per person
Book now instead of later
Departure dates:
5 dates exploring the untouched in May. Departure every Saturday.
Regular price:
NOK 69.900,-
per person
Limited time offer. Your price:
NOK 62.910,-
per person
Exclusive early access
to only newsletter subscribers.
Only 8 spots for each tour.
Book before April 20th 2026:
What to look forward to:
Cabin
8 days and 7 nights in a comfortable cabin designed for rest and sleep after long days skiing. There is a small sink in the cabin as well. Cabins are shared between two guests. Are your travelling solo then we have a limited number of cabins available reserved for single use for an additional fee.
Meals
Every morning will start with a nice breakfast before we head out for a new adventure. When we are out in the wilderness we will also provide field lunch, snacks and warm drinks to keep the energy level high. Dinner will be servered on the ship made by our private chef for the week. Alcoholfree beverages are included.
Landings and ski touring days
This isn't your typical ski holiday - it's an immersive expedition ski touring into an environment where nature regins supreme. Each day brings beautiful terrain to explore. We will have daily shore landings and access to remote fjords and summits. All landings are included as we will need to use a dinghy to get to shore.
Expert ski touring guide and safety gear
Our expert guides have extensive Svalbard experience and safety is our absolute priority. They all possess not only exceptional technical ski touring or backcountry skills but also extensive experience in polar environments where they have completed training in Arctic safety such as polar bear awareness and understanding of snow conditions.
Program: Day by day
These backcountry ski expeditions on Svalbard starts weekly on Saturdays.
We recommend that you arrive at least one day prior to the expedition
and have at least one day in town afterwards.
We can help arrange accomodation and excursions in Longyearbyen.
We will go where we will find the best snow.
Program can change due to weather conditions but this is an estimated program for the exploration:
Day 1: Heading towards distant shores
We will set sail from Longyearbyen and enjoy the beautiful surroundings going out into Isfjorden and hopefully we will have the possibility to spot some wildlife like seals, walrus or whales. .
You will get your cabin and we will set anchor in a secluded bay, where the sight of towering mountains and glaciers will leave you speechless. Enjoy a light dinner onboard while your guide evaluates the conditions for the journey ahead and we will get to know one another better
Day 2: First turns & first peaks
You will wake up to the most beautiful Arctic landscape where you can enjoy your breakfast and a cup of coffee to the view. There's no internet out here. No notifications. No rush. No schedule. Just conditions, decisions, you and the adventure ahead. Based on weather and snow conditions we will spend the day skiing from breathtaking peaks, carving through untouched snow and creating our own lines. Return back on board for a warm meal before setting sail to the next destination.
Day 3: The rhythm of the wild
Now you have the routine that feels more natural: Sail, climb, ski, repeat. This is remote Arctic backcountry skiing and we will explore hidden, pristine mountains in an area chosen for the best conditions. Every turn offers fresh snow and dramatic views. We will end the day once again with a scenic evening sail where we can share stories and reflections from the day hopefully acmpanied by the midnight sun. The midnight sun season will give us long days with light and hopefully sun too.
Day 4 & 5: Exploring the unknown
We are deep in the Arctic wilderness but our route adapts to the conditions, ensuring the best possible ski experience. We take our time and we'll be spending two nights in an extraordinary area, immersing ourselves in the untouched wilderness and creating memories to last a lifetime. We will scout for wildlife while sailing and hope to see some of the Arctic wildlife like whales, walrusses, birds soar and who knows maybe a polar bear in the distance.
Day 6: The calm and views
Historic peaks and wilderness are on the schedule. Weather and conditions dictate our next stop, whether it's skiing in terrain shaped by glaciers or discovering remote slopes first explored by early adventurers. Soak in the solitude and raw beauty of the Arctic.
Day 7: Final ski touring day
Your guide selects the slopes for the last day, ensuring an unforgettable experience based on the latest conditions. A perfect end to an incredible adventure.
Day 8: Return to Civilization
After a week of exploration we drop anchor back in Longyearbyen. We disembark and it's time to say goodbye to your guides, to the sea, to the rhythm of simplicity and to your new friends. You head home with incredible memories from an Arctic journey shaped by nature itself.
Ski touring on top of the World
Experience the Arctic like never before
The beautiful Arctic light
The midnight sun season has begun and the return of the sun will create surreal lighting conditions, casting long shadows and golden hues across the landscape. It will give us longer days and nights to explore this magical and remote place.
Stillness in pristine terrain
This will be a unique time to feel the freedom, nature and adventure. Over 60% of Svalbard is covered by glaciers, creating an endless playground of snow-covered peaks, frozen fjords and valleys. The silence is total.
"The best powder on Earth"
…This is how our ski touring guide describe the experience even growing up in the Alpes: “The wind is crisp and cold, but the snow is dry, light and the Arctic powder can stay for days”. The wilderness makes every descent feel like a first descent.
Beyond the map
with T/S Shaeftinghe:
The sturdy yacht
This will be your floating home and trusted companion throughout your Arctic adventure. She is built with a generous interior combined with a large deckhouse. The vessel's reinforced hull withstands ice conditions, whilst her sallow dragt enables navigation into remote fjords inaccessible to larger ships.
A floating home
Life aboard is comfortable. Step aboard and enjoy warm, well-appointed staterooms that provide the ideal refuge after a day of exploring. Relax in the common lounge, with huge windows framing the ever-changing vistas, or have freshly prepared meals in our dining room, where you can swap tales and plan your day's travels.
Small group = big adventure
With a small group size, our ship provides an intimate atmosphere in which you will immediately feel like part of the crew. It's more than simply a trip; it's a shared adventure into the wild, with each day marking a new chapter in your tale.
Built for exploration
The ship is equipped for Arctic conditions, with modern navigation systems and safety equipment, allowing access to inaccessible regions that few people have seen. Whether you're skiing down unspoiled slopes, photographing animals, or simply relaxing in the tranquil surroundings, our cruise is the ideal starting point for your journey.
Sailing on Svalbard
with high quality
On Saeftinghe you have a floating basecamp for your Ski & Sail adventure.
On board you will be met by the professional crew of sailors and our guides.
Her warm and contemporary wooden interior is built by the finest Dutch craftsmen
and is 23,5 meters long, and can take a maximum of 10 guests, crew and 2 guides.
The lounge & dinning
Located on top on the deck we have an inviting lounge area with kitchen, ready to both socialise and relaxing and for eating delicious meals served by the chef. The warm interior and comfortable layout will ensure a comfortable stay during the sailing.
The observation deck
On the outside we have a great oberservation deck with seatings in the outdoor areas to offer an amazing view of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. The perfect spot to relax after a long day skiing and see if you can spot some wildlife.
Cabins
and life on board
T/S Saeftinghe is equipped with 5 cabins with 2 beds in each, and separate sinks in each room.
Step inside your cabin aboard, and you’ll find a simple, cozy retreat with warm wood and soft light.
The cabins are designed with the purpose of offering a calm place to rest with comfortable beds to recharge after long days spent skiing.
The toilet and bathing facilities are modern and comfortable with shampoo.
The dining experience
with private chef
The layout of the ship
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the answers to the most frequently asked questions about our Ski and Sail experiences, such as what to bring, how to prepare, and what to anticipate on the voyage. If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us—we are here to help!
1. What is included in the Ski and Sail package?
The package includes accommodation on board the sailing vessel, guided ski touring with certified guides, safety equipment, meals during the trip, and transfers in Longyearbyen. Ski gear rental is available upon request for an additional fee.
2. Do I need prior ski touring experience?
Yes, participants should have prior ski touring experience and be comfortable skiing in variable terrain. Good physical fitness is essential, as the Arctic conditions can be challenging.
3. What safety measures are in place during the tour?
Our certified guides are experienced in Arctic safety and carry avalanche and navigation equipment at all times. The sailing vessel is equipped with advanced safety gear, and we closely monitor weather conditions to ensure your safety.
4. How many participants are on each trip?
To ensure a personalized experience, group sizes are kept small. All departures have a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum of 8 particiapants.
5. What kind of skiing terrain can I expect?
The terrain varies from gentle slopes to steeper descents, with opportunities to explore untouched Arctic snowfields and breathtaking glacier landscapes.
6. Do I need to bring my own ski gear?
You are welcome to bring your own ski gear, but we also offer high-quality ski equipment for rent. Please let us know in advance if you need to rent any equipment.
7. What kind of clothing and gear should I pack?
We recommend packing warm, windproof, and waterproof clothing suitable for Arctic conditions. A detailed packing will be sent.
8. Are meals included on the boat?
Yes, all meals are included while aboard the vessel, and we cater to dietary preferences if informed in advance. Expect delicious, hearty meals to fuel your adventures.
9. What wildlife might we encounter?
While wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, you may spot polar bears, seals, Arctic foxes, and a variety of seabirds during your trip. Our guides ensure all wildlife interactions are safe and respectful.
Pre-package offer
To ensure a smooth and relaxed start to your ski & sail expedition,
we offer a pre-arrival package in Longyearbyen.
Designed for those who want to make the most of their time in the Arctic before heading out to sea.
The package include:
Arrival transfer
Hotel
This is placed in the town center
- 2 nights in a hotel in Longyearbyen before departure
- Breakfast
Dinner
- 3 course dinner at Restaurant Nansen
Excursion
You can choose one of the following excursions to be included
- The Global Seed vault and iconic places in Longyearbyen
- Hike to an ice cave
- Glacier hike with spikes or snowshoes
(depending on weather) - Wildlife photo safari tour
Doubleroom for 2 persons. Price NOK 6.590,- per person.
Singleroom for 1 person. Price NOK 10.690,- per person.
The package can be added in the booking process.
Please notice you will not get a single cabin when choosing a singleroom.
Ski gear rental
You can bring your own ski equipment and/or avalanche equipment. Skis we use are Alpine- or telemark skis.
"Ski gear"-package
Price NOK 900,- per person per day
The “ski gear”-package include ski, skins, poles, helmet, ski googles and ski crampons.
"Avalanche"-package
Price NOK 450,- per person per day
The “avalanche”-package include avalanche tracker/ beacon, probe and shovel.
"Ski & avalanche" gear
Price: NOK 5400,- per person for a week
The “ski and avalanche”-package include gear rental for the whole week.
What's included and what's not
Included
⛵ Sailing for 8 days
🛏️ Bedding and towels
⛽ Fuel and all port dues
🚗 Pick up/drop off at your hotel at the time started for the excursion
🍲 Field lunch
🍪 Snacks
🍽️ Breakfast and dinners on board the ship
🫗 Non-alcoholic beverages
☕ Coffee / tea
⛷️ Shore landings and tours with the dinghy with standard offshore lifejacket and lifeline.
🪑 Sitting pads
🚁 SAR-insurance
🐻❄️ Professional skipper, first mate & ski touring guide with safety gear and polar bear protection
Not included
✈️ Flights to/from Longyearbyen
🛏️ Hotel in Longyearbyen
(Possible to add)
🚗 Pick up/drop off from the airport
🍽️ Meals and beverages in Longyearbyen which is not mentioned in the program before boarding
🍹Alcoholic beverages
🧥Clothes
🎛️ Voice and data communication using built-in equipment
🎿Full ski equipment package – Possible to rent
(Alpine touring skis, telemark skis, skins, avalanche safety gear, helmet, ski googles, poles, and glacier travel harness for advanced touring).
💥Travel and cancellation insurance
Practical information
• The itinerary is always weather dependent and the tour/activity can be modified or cancelled due to safety concerns. Please see conditions.
• All tours are with english speaking guides.
Price
NOK 62.910,- per person
Single add on:
NOK 35.000,- per person
Departure 2027
May 1st to 8th
May 8th to 15th
May 15th to 22nd
May 22nd to 29th
May 29th to June 5th
Conditions for the offer
- The departures require a minimum of 4 persons.
- This discount only applies if you have made your booking before the last booking date.
- There are a limited amount of spots for each departure.
- This offers is exclusive to our newsletter community for approx. 2 weeks before it will be available to others.
Email: booking@backyardsvalbard.com
Phone: +47 988 02 283
