Ski & Sail on Svalbard:
Arctic ski touring from summit to sea
Sailing is a gateway to Arctic ski touring. This is an unforgettable 8-day Arctic ski adventure and sailing trip on Svalbard where untouched snow meets endless sea. No internet. No noise. Just pure freedom, luxury comfort, and skiing where few have ever been.
10+ highlights for ski & sail on Svalbard
- Explore the best places on Svalbard for ski touring
- Sail along the coastline for the intimate, authentic experience
- "The best powder on earth": Dry, light and it stays for days
- The beautiful Arctic lights: Midnight sun, pastel, twilight, blue sky
- An Arctic memory for life - Not many can say they have done this
- Get access from sea to untouched summits
- Absolute stillness: No lifts, no noise, no tracks, just you and ski
- Only small groups for biggest experience
- Expert local ski guides who know terrain and conditions
- Spot Arctic wildlife like walrus, whales, snowfox & polar bear
- Available period: Departure every saturday in May 2027 (5 dates)
- Pick up time: At 16.00 from your hotel on departure date
- Difficulty level: Intermediate to advanced
- Age limit: 18 years
- Minimum /Maximum: 4 person / 8 persons
- Price per person: NOK 69.900,-
Ski and sail in Svalbard is one of the most unique ski touring experiences in the World
What you can look forward to for to...
The amazing fjords on Svalbard leads to even better mountains for ski touring. From fjord to fjord and from summit to sea you will be surrounded by majestic nature where mountains meet the sea. This is a possibility to go to remote places with our expert skiing guides on untouched mountain sides. Remote places you can only get to by boat! No rush, no schedule, just conditions. decisions and a small dedicated group of people to share it with. Each day unfolds differently
Travel dates and availability 2027
T/S Shaeftinghe
- May 1-8
- May 8-15
- May 15-22
- May 22-29
- May 29 to June 5
Itinerary: 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.
Program can change due to weather conditions but this is an estimated program for the exploration:
Day 1: Heading towards remote shores
Step aboard T/S Saeftinghe where you will get your cabin and settle into life at sea. As we sail into the Arctic wilderness, enjoy stunning coastal views while your guides brief you on the upcoming adventure. Our first anchorage will be carefully chosen based on conditions, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey. Hopefully we will have the possibility to spot some wildlife like seals, walrus or whales along the way.
From now on 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
Wake up in a remote bay to the most beautiful Arctic landscape where you can enjoy your breakfast and a cup of coffee to the view of untouched peaks. After breakfast we will head to shore for our first ski tour. 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. Each day we will navigate to new fjords and islands, skiing spectacular terrain far from the crowds. During evenings we can share stories and reflections from the day hopefully accompanied by the midnight sun. The midnight sun season will give us long days with light and hopefully sun too.
Day 4 & 5: Exploring the mountains
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 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
Some days may bring long ascents to panoramic summits, followed by unforgettable descents towards the sea. Other days shorter tours may allow for mulitple runs. Weather and conditions dictate our journey, 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 best slopes for the last day, ensuring an unforgettable experience based on the latest conditions. A perfect end to an incredible adventure.
Day 8: Farewell & 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.
Get the brochure + priority access for:
Availability for Saeftinghe
The Guides
The ship: T/S Saeftinghe
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 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 compact and the beds comfortable after long days spent skiing. You will not have much time to spend in the cabin as you’re here on Svalbard for long days of discovery on skis.
The toilet and bathing facilities are modern and comfortable with shampoo.
The dining experience
with private chef
The layout of Saeftinghe
Pictures from ski & sail expeditions
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 is the best time of year for Ski and Sail in Svalbard?
The season runs from Ma until June, offering long daylight hours and excellent snow conditions for ski touring.
4. 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.
5. How many participants are on each trip?
To ensure a personalized experience, group sizes are kept small for bigger experiences. All departures have a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum of 8 particiapants.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. What kind of clothing and gear should I pack?
We recommend packing warm, windproof, and waterproof clothing suitable for Arctic conditions. A detailed packing you can find above in the packing list.
9. 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.
10. 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.
Save your spot
Limited spots for Ski & Sail:
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 from airport to hotel
Hotel
This is placed in the town center for instance Radisson Blu Polar or Polfareren.
- 3 days/2 nights in a hotel in Longyearbyen
- Breakfast
Excursion
Choose one of the following excursions to be included
- The Global Seed vault and iconic places in Longyearbyen
- Hike to an ice cave
- Wildlife photo safari tour
- Ski touring in the backyard
Doubleroom for 2 persons.
Price from NOK 5790,- per person.
Singleroom for 1 person.
Price from NOK 10.100,- per person.
The package can be added in the booking process but price can vary depending on hotel and excursions.
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
🚗 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.
How to prepare for the ski & sail expedition
Find the travel information for how to get to Svalbard for your next adventure. We can help plan your stay in Longyearbyen.
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