Ski Touring

Imagine skiing in a place with no trees and a stunning Arctic scenery with some of the best untouched snow in the world.  Professional ski guides will show small groups the best of the arctic and lead you on an exciting ski touring journey in the backyard of Svalbard. 

8 highlights for ski touring on Svalbard

The most impressive ski adventures at the edge of the World. What you can look forward to...

Svalbard is your playground for untouched powder, endless peaks, and the ultimate backcountry 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. 

Small groups & great experiences

To participate we require:
Minimum 1 guest & maximum 6.

What requirements and level do I need to be to join the tour? 

You need intermediate skiing skills and good physical fitness for ski touring in Svalbard. 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
Ski touring on top of the World on Svalbard

Choose your ski touring experience...

We design our backcountry ski tours to suit every adventurer, no matter your preferred duration or skill level. All prices are for a group of 1-4 persons (You can be one or more)
We ensure an exclusive and unforgettable Svalbard journey.
Find your perfect Arctic exploration below!

Dark season ski touring

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.

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Midnight sun ski touring

There’s nothing quite like skiing under the midnight sun, a rare and exhilarating experience where the sun never sets. 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.

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Ski touring with Backyard Svalbard

Sunny winter ski touring

The bright winter months bring 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, and the snow is relentless, offering one of the most thrilling ski touring experiences you’ll ever have.

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Experience the Svalbard with ski and snowmobile

Ski and snowmobile adventure

This is where raw adventure meets power. A snowmobile will take you deep into Svalbard’s untamed wilderness, where you’ll then ski through terrain so rugged and untouched that it feels like no human has ever set foot here. The snow is rough, the winds are biting, and the mountains are as unforgiving as they come. But with the help of snowmobiles, you’ll reach places few have seen, and the challenge of skiing through these remote landscapes will leave you breathless.

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Ski touring at gletcher with Backyard Svalbard

The ultimate private ski adventure: Tailor-Made for you

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.

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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. 

Top tour with or without snowmobile as transport

There are few places in the world where you can drive a snowmobile out to the mountains and then go skiing. Here in Svalbard you get to experience both!

⛷️ Ski Touring trip

🚗 Pick up/drop off at your hotel at the time started

🍲 Field lunch 

🍪 Snacks

☕ Termos with warm water for coffee, tea

🪑 Sitting pads

🚁 SAR-insurance

🐻‍❄️ Professional ski touring guide with safety gear and polar bear protection

✈️ Flights to/from Longyearbyen

🛏️ Hotel in Longyearbyen

🍽️ Meals not mentioned

🧥Clothes

🎿Full ski equipment package - Possible to rent
(boots, Ski, skins, poles, avalanche beacon, probe and shovel, avalanche equipment)

💥Travel and cancellation insurance 

🎒 Backpack (20-30L)

🥤 Bottle for water

🪖Ski helmet

🧥Shell jacket (windproof)

👖Outdoor pants

⛷️ Warm layers (merino wool, fleece, wool sweater). Extra layer of clothing (warm sweater) 

🧤 Hat, buff, mittens, and gloves 

🎿 Ski equipment if you do not rent

Explore Svalbards wilderness on daytours og expeditions with special offers
By Jonas Haass

This best way to go ski touring

at the top of the world

You want to explore Svalbard’s majestic peaks on skis but this is polar bear country so you can’t do this by yourself…. 

Discover the unparalleled beauty of Svalbard’s wilderness with our expert-guided ski touring adventures. Whether you’re seeking the serene magic of the dark season, the endless light of the midnight sun, or the crisp air of the bright winter months, we offer unforgettable tours tailored to your skill level and preferences.

Our experienced guides prioritize your safety and enjoyment, carefully selecting routes based on conditions, weather, and your group’s abilities. From untouched slopes to breathtaking Arctic views, every tour is designed to give you an authentic and thrilling experience.

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
Top tours without snowmobiles
Top tours with snowmobiles

Ski Touring in Dark Season

Ski Touring in Midnight Sun

Ski and Snowmobile

Ski touring with Backyard Svalbard

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

Get access to our backyard and early bird offers before others

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