Daytime, midnight & snowmobile

Ski touring on Svalbard

Imagine ski touring in a place with no trees and a stunning Arctic scenery with some of the best untouched snow in the world. Explore Svalbard most unforgettable ski adventures in the Arctic mountains guided by certified ski experts in small groups.

Four ways to eXPLORE THE aRCTIC ON SKIS

Our ski touring adventures

Ski touring adventures from Longyearbyen.
From bright sunny winter to endless Arctic light in the summer the ski touring season runs from February to May.
Choose the ski touring adventure that matches your dream. 

Sunny winter
ski touring

Midnight
ski touring

Ski touring & snowmobile

Dark winter
ski touring

The best time for ski touring on Svalbard

Highlights for each ski season

Each season offers something unique

What influences
the ski conditions?

Polar nights

February to March
  • Ski under northern lights
  • Cold temperatures (-10º to -20ºC)
  • Blue hour & light returning
  • Accessible landscape even in dark
Dark

Sunny winter

March to April
  • Sun returns to the mountains
  • Cold temperatures (-10º to -20ºC)
  • Clear, crisp Arctic air
  • Magical pink & blue skies
Favorite

Midnight sun

April to May
  • Ski under endless daylight
  • Milder temperatures (-5º to -15ºC)
  • Longer days/nights on ski
  • Midnight sun & golden light
Light 24/7
Backcountry skiers on the ascent for ski touring on Svalbard

Beyond the ordinary

This is your Arctic ski moment

We have no tress in Svalbard only absolute stillness in the mountains. Svalbard is your playground for untouched powder, endless peaks, and the ultimate backcountry ski adventure. Whether it’s carving turns under the midnight sun, exploring hidden glaciers, combine the experience with a snowmobile tour or gearing up for a custom ski mission, this is where you will get a once-in-a-lifetime experience ski touring at the edge of the world. 

Experience the best of the Arctic on an exciting ski touring journey in the backyard of Svalbard. 

Requirements and ski level

Small groups & unique experiences

You need intermediate skiing skills and good physical fitness for ski touring in Svalbard. This is not the tour for you if you need an introduction to ski touring and backcountry skiing. You should be able to:

  • Comfortable skiing off-piste in varying snow conditions
  • Be able to ascend using climbing skins
  • Have good endurance
  • Have a good control of speed
  • Be able to handle skiing in unpredictable conditions
Ski-touring in the backcountry of Svalbard with Backyard Svalbard

Private & Tailor-made ski touring on Svalbard

Your Svalbard.
Your line.
Your adventure.

You want something unique? We’ll create a private ski touring experience that matches your goals, intermediate to expert ski skills and the conditions on the day. 

Tell us what your ideal day in the Arctic looks like. 
We’ll help turn it into an unforgettable adventure. 

Experience ski touring on Svalbard in your pace that doesn't follow an itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions
about ski touring on Svalbard

You need intermediate skiing skills and good physical fitness for ski touring in Svalbard. You need to have a good fitness level for the climb as well as having enough energy left for a controlled, safe descent.

You should be comfortable skiing off-piste in variable snow conditions, be able to ascend using climbing skins, have good stamina and good level of control for your speed, and be able to handle unpredictable situations. This is not the tour for you if you need an introduction to ski touring and backcountry skiing.

You should be able to:
  • Ski off-piste in varying snow conditions
  • Climb with skins
  • Have good endurance
  • Have good control of speed and skiing in unpredictable conditions

You are welcome to bring your own ski and avalanche equipment

  • Ski touring equipment
    (Alpine or telemark touring skis, high traction climbing skins, poles, boots, helmet,
  • Avalanche gear
    A modern transceiver (beacon), a sturdy aluminum shovel, and avalanche probe.
  • Backpack 
    A 35-45 liter backpack for your gear and personal belongings. 

Rental for ski- and avalanche package is also available. You can add this as an extra in the booking process. We will need to know your ski, boot and helmet size. 

No. You do not need previous experience driving a snowmobile.

You will drive your snowmobile yourself and will get an introduction to driving a snowmobile before going on the adventure.

If you will be two persons you can be a driver and passenger and share a snowmobile too and shift driving it.   

You need a driver’s licens to drive a snowmobile.

If you are travelling solo and do not have a driving license then please feel free to contact us for price for a private driver. 

You need a valid driver’s licence (category B) which is required to drive a snowmobile on Svalbard. It is important that you have the driver’s licence in physical form as it will not be accepted as an online version.

If you do not wish to drive the snowmobile yourself and you are travelling solo, shared driving arrangements may be possible with renting a driver – please reach out to us. 

Ski touring on Svalbard without a guide is not recommended and can be dangerous. The terrain involves glaciers, crevasses, and potential polar bear encounters. Our guides are trained in glacier navigation, avalanche safety and wildlife protection, ensuring a safe and ewarding experience. 

We chase the best conditions and not a specific mountain top. We adapt daily to give you the umtimate Arctic ski touring experience. In Svalbard, nature rules, and flexibility is the key to both safety and great skiing. Every morning out certified guides select the perfect peak based on threee strict criteria:

  • Safety first 
    We continuously monitor avalanche risks and weather patterns to pick the safetest terrain for the day 
  • The best snow 
    We track wind and temperatures to find where the best powder is deepest and the snow quality is highest. 
  • Maximum fun for everyone
    We tailor each tour and route to the group’s energy levels and skills, ensuring a rewarding and memorable day for all.

We don’t promise one exact peak – we promise the most enjoyable skiing available on any given day. 

All our backcountry ski guides are professionals with extensive ski touring experience in Arctic terrain and high-alpine safety. 

Every guide has completed specialized Arctic safety training, such as the ANG (Arctic Nature Guide) program, Svalbard Guide Training (SGO) or equivalent guide certifications. 

All guides are fully certified in firearms handling due to polar bears and Arctic wildlife safety regulations. 

Our team also have avalanche safety training, glacier rescue skills and wilderness first-aid training. 

Yes, we offer fully custmized private ski touring day trips for families, solo, groups or corporate teams etc. looking for an exclusive Arctic adventure. 

Booking a private backcountry tour gives your group several distinct advantages: 

  • 100% tailored pace and ability

    Unlike open groups where you must adapt to the small group, a private guide designs your trip to your physical fitness and skiing proficiency. 

  • Flexible itinerary
    Your guide will still pick the absolute best mountain with best snow conditions and route based on the whether
  • Logistics
    We can adapt start times to fit your travel schedule. 

To learn more about private guiding rates and availability for the season, please contact us directly with your group size and preferred tour date. 
Contact us here

The main ski touring season on Svalbard is from mid February to mid May where longer days and stable snow conditions create excellent opportunities for Arctic skiing. The snow is dry and can stay for days. 

Template is not defined.

10 highlights for ski touring on Svalbard

Pick up time day tour: 10.00 (return at 15:00)

Pick up time midnight tour: 20.00 (return at 01:00)

Pick up time Ski & Snowmobile tour: 10.00 (return at approx. 17:00)

You can read more about difficulty levels here: See difficulty level description for Svalbard tours here

We only have small groups for our ski touring excursions so we all get the biggest and best experience

Have you ever tried to ski in dark. This is exhilirating and no trees to consider. Just you and the stars.

Ski touring in dark

Departure: January to February

Why you should try skiing in the dark: 

Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Svalbard’s dark season. This unique ski touring experience allows you to glide through pristine snow under the Arctic sky, bathed in the mystical blue light that defines the polar night. You’ll ski with the occasional glimpses of the Northern Lights dancing above. The polar night casts a shadow over the rugged landscape, and the silence is broken only by the crunch of skis cutting through the snow. Skiing in these harsh, frozen conditions is not for the faint of heart. This is an adventure for those who want to experience Svalbard at its most elemental.

5 Highlights of dark season ski touring
  • Backcountry skiing under the Arctic polar night – in total darkness
  • Stunning, peaceful landscapes that are accessible in the dark season
  • A chance to see and ski under the Northern Lights
  • How many can say they have tried to ski in total darkness
  • Professional ski guides ensuring your safety and enjoyment

Avalanche package is mandatory for safety. Equipment rental is available

Read More
The midnight sun provides long days and long nights where we can do ski touring by night and skitouring by day. Come join us in our backyard

Midnight ski touring

Departure: April to May

Why this time of year is magical for ski touring in the backyard of Svalbard:

There’s nothing quite like skiing under the midnight sun. It’s a rare and exhilarating experience where the sun never sets which brings us 24 hours of daylight. We do not always have the sun but the daylight will give us long days and nights.
This tour will have you gliding through the Arctic wilderness during the spring months, with daylight that lasts 24 hours. The light is soft and golden, casting long shadows across the mountains and fjords. You’ll ski through untouched snowfields, descending into serene valleys and up to high ridgelines, all under the endless glow of the Arctic midnight sun.

5 highlights for ski touring at midnight:
  • Skiing under the endless daylight of the Arctic summer.
  • 24-hour daylight providing a surreal experience
  • Glorious landscapes with snow-covered peaks and deep valleys
  • A rare and unforgettable adventure
  • Professional, experienced guides for a safe journey

Avalanche package is mandatory for safety. Equipment rental is available.

Read More
Svalbard Ski touring in the backcountry with Longyearbyen nearby

Sunny winter ski touring

Departure: March to May

Why you should choose skiing in sunny winter:

Ski touring during the sunny winter season brings a crisp air and perfect snow conditions, but don’t let the beauty fool you—the Arctic’s rugged side is always lurking. The land is wild, untouched, and full of challenges. As you ski through deep powder and across rugged ridgelines, the landscapes open up in all their raw, untamed glory. Svalbard’s mountains are demanding, offering one of the most thrilling ski touring experiences you’ll ever have.

5 highlights for ski touring during sunny winter
  • Skiing in optimal snow conditions with fresh powder
  • Beautiful winter days with clear skies and crisp air
  • Stunning landscapes with glaciers, fjords, and mountains
  • A perfect opportunity for intermediate skiers to explore Svalbard
  • Guided by expert local guides

Avalanche package is mandatory for safety. Equipment rental is available.

Read More
Experience the beautiful place of Svalbard with customized snowmobile trips

Ski touring and snowmobile adventure

Departure: February to May

The gateway to more backcountry skiing experiences

This is where raw adventure meets power. A snowmobile is our gateway to explore the backyard and backcountry skiing even more. The snowmobile will allow us to go deep into Svalbard’s untamed wilderness, where we will reach the foot of the mountain to start the ascent. When we have reached the top you’ll then ski through terrain so rugged and untouched that it feels like no human has ever set foot here. You will be the one who creates the lines surrounded by silence. You’ll reach places few have seen, and the challenge of skiing through these remote landscapes will leave you breathless. If you want to try something different outside the tourist trail should definitly be on your bucket list.

Hightlights of adding the snowmobile as a gateway to ski touring adventures
  • A snowmobile ride to secret areas of Svalbard
  • Skiing through untouched, harsh terrain that’s truly off the beaten path
  • A pulse-pounding adventure through one of the most hostile yet beautiful places on Earth
  • Experienced guides who know how to navigate this wild land

Note: You will be sharing the snowmobiles.

Read More
Ski touring at gletcher with Backyard Svalbard

Bespoke ski touring | Private and Tailor-Made for you

Departure: February to May

Why you should choose a private and tailor-made ski tour on Svalbard:

Do you want to do something different outside the tourist trail? Maybe combine several adventures into one day. Maybe you would like to visit an Arctic ice cave and combine this tour with a day out on skis. Use a snowmobile as your gateway to evenmore exploration. Create your perfect Arctic ski adventure with a private, tailor-made experience that takes you deep into the unyielding landscapes of Svalbard. Whether you’re looking to explore remote, uncharted areas or tackle challenging peaks, our experienced guides will work with you to design a route that suits your preferences. You can choose from a variety of terrains, including rugged mountain ridgelines, pristine snowfields, and deep fjords, all surrounded by the harsh beauty of the Arctic. This is a chance to ski in one of the wildest places on Earth, with the flexibility to shape your adventure to match your skills, fitness level, and sense of adventure. Let us know you dreams and we will help you create it.

Hightlights of tailor-made ski tours
  • You can choose a half day or a full day of adventure
  • You can combine the tour with other places you wish to see like an ice cave, or sailing.
  • You can choose to add the snowmobile as a gateway to more experience in combination with other adventures as well
  • It will be designed for your pace and level of expertise. No rush.
What’s the price for a private ski touring tour?

1-3 persons: You pay for at least 4 persons (= A total of NOK 11.960,-)
4-5 persons: You pay for at least 6 persons (= A total of NOK 17.940,-)
6 persons: You do not pay extra (= A total of 17.940,-)

Read More

Save my spot

Book your ski touring

If you need assistance before booking please feel free to contact us: Click here

Packages and Bespoke ski touring

Request availability

The expert ski guides

Peter Alex Wainwright

ACMC – Ski guide

Clement Carasco

Ski guide

Jonas Haass

Arctic Nature Guide and Splitboarder

Niall Finch

Arctic nature guide and ACMC glacier guide

Andreas Gschwentner

Svalbard guide with SGO

Brage James Fuglestad

Arctic Nature Guide with AST 2

Fredrik Aurell

Experienced guide

Erlend Kjørsvik

CEO and arctic nature guide with AST 2

Jack Arnold

Guide

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When will be the

best time to go ski touring

on Svalbard?

The ski touring season runs is best from March to May – depending on snow conditions.
Options are for both daytime skiing or nighttime skiing under the midnight sun.

Select a season:

Sunny winter is the prime time for ski touring on Svalbard  

This is between the end of February until May

  • Enjoy some of the best snow conditions
    as this ski season reveals Svalbards most stunning snow landscapes with high mountains and white landscapes.
  • The clear, crisp Arctic air and beautiful mountains with skies turning pink and blue is truly magical. 
  • Temperatures from approx -10 to -25

Ski adventures with 24 hours of daylight

This will be between the end of April and May

  • If you wish to have the possibility to ski day and night then you should visit during this time of year.
  • We have midnight ski touring trips
  • Ski under the never-setting sun
    for a truly unique adventure in Svalbard. 
  • Temperatures from approx. -5 to -16

The polar nights ski touring experience.

The best time to start ski travels to Svalbard  is
from the end of January and February

  • Would you like to ski in complete darkness and maybe under the northern lights during January?
  • Or experience the beautiful twilight as the sun is returning in February?
  • Or maybe experience the Arctic's mystical blue and purple lights as you glide through pristine snow.
    This is the season for you then. 
  • Temperatures from -10 to -16
Try ski touring on the top of the world on Svalbard as close to the north pole as you can get

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Ski touring on Svalbard without a guide is not recommended and can be dangerous. The terrain involves glaciers, crevasses, and potential polar bear encounters. Our guides are trained in glacier navigation, avalanche safety and wildlife protection, ensuring a safe and ewarding experience. 

Yes, when you have a guide. Safety is our top priority. 

You will bring your own equipment like skis, skins, poles, boots, helmet, avalanche gear (transceiver, shovel, probe). 

BUT we do also offer the possibility for a ski rental package if you do not have the possibility to bring your own. You can add this as an extra when booking. 

We have ski camps for several days where you experience the most unique Arctic skiing. You can find more information under “expeditions”

We will access the possibility on the departure day as weather forecasts on Svalbard can change from hour to hour. If we have to cancel the tour we will contact you as soon as we know and offer you a date change. We recommend you to have the tour in the beginning of your stay. 

Dress warmly in woolen layers.  

Ski touring on Svalbard is demanding. You need to have experience skiing off-piste and must have prior ski touring/backcountry experience. You need an intermediate to advanced level. 

Extra layers
Sunglasses 
Personal belongings like a camera 
Small Backpack (30-40L)
Lightweight down jacket for extra insulation 

It varies. Svalbard offers several spectacular peaks with beautiful views of glaciers and fjords. The guide will have a look at the weather, snow conditions and your experience level to decide where to go. This could be for instance: 

• Nordenskiöldfjellet 
• Trollsteinen 
• Champagneglasset
• Etc.

The spot for where to go is not the most important. Our guided tours prioritize safety to make each summit unforgettable. 

Yes, we have the possibility for you to rent ski equipement as well as avalanche equipment. 

When booking the ski rental package we will need your ski boots size and height.

Explore Svalbards wilderness on daytours og expeditions with special offers
By Jonas Haass
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Only available to subscribers

Discover Svalbard's Exclusive Mountains with Ski and Snowmobile Tours

There are thousands of mountains in Svalbard to explore. The mountains are normally around 700 – 1000 m high. With that exclusivity, it means that we get to have the mountain to ourselves. Together with you and your group, the guide makes a decision on the destination based on weather conditions, snow and avalanche conditions and their experience. This way we can adapt the experience optimally for you. Some trips start right in the backyard and we can drive to the starting point. These tours are great and suitable for beginners as well as experienced.

If you choose a trip with a snowmobile as transport, we drive the snowmobile out to the foot of the mountain. You do not need previous experience with snowmobiles, but you must have a driving license for a car with you. If you are unsure about snowmobiling, you can be a passenger. The guide meets you at the hotel in the morning and reviews the weather, road and plan for the day with you. Then a fantastic experience awaits out in Svalbard’s wilderness. The tour’s time frame can vary based on your wishes and agreement with the guide. On this trip, you do not need to have much experience with top hiking, but you must be in normal good physical shape.

Tours are available from 15 February to 15 May.

Minimum 1 guests, maximum 6.

Top tours without snowmobiles
Top tours with snowmobiles

Ski Touring in Dark Season

Ski Touring in Midnight Sun

Ski and Snowmobile

Svalbard Ski touring in the backcountry with Longyearbyen nearby

Ski touring in Svalbard

(day tours in bright winter, differs from the dark season ski tours)
Experience the thrill of backcountry skiing on Svalbard

Private and Tailormade ski tours

Private and tailormade ski and snowmobile tour

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