SKI TOURING. SAILING. EXPLORING THE ARCTIC

Ski & Sail
Expedition on Svalbard

An epic 8-day ski touring journey sailing between glaciers, from fjord to fjord between remote mountains and skiing from summit to sea. 

Experience ski touring from summit to sea

Have you ever dreamed of skiing from an Arctic mountain peak directly down to the shoreline?

Join us on the most unforgettable 8-day ski and sail expedition on Svalbard. An Arctic ski adventure where untouched snow meets endless sea. Each day unfolds different and will take you through dramatic landscapes, remote mountains and unforgettable views. Sailing from fjord to fjord and going from summit to sea. Just pure freedom, premium comfort, and skiing where few have ever been. 

HIGHLIGHTS

What our guests say
Stories from the Arctic
"It was out of this world"
Ian from United Kingdom • Ski & Sail in May 2026
I choose Backyard Svalbard for Ski & Sail because I really liked what I saw and read. Ever since being a child I have had a passion for polar exploration. Svalbard in the Arctic Circle really ticked the boxes for me. The feeling of skiing untouched Arctic mountains was out of this world and the last ski day with the final Arctic ocean glacier dip was a highlight! The guides were a great team. Considerate, thoughtful, knowledgeable and such great fun. Great people/client skills. The vibe and connection with other guests was truly amazing. I made some great new friends. I have to say it was pretty damned perfect.
"I would absolutely recommend it"
Luca from Luxembourg • Ski & Sail in May 2026
They had knowledge of the trip and boats and we chose Svalbard because it was a great mountain location close to north pole. Skiing in the Arctic is impressive and our highlight was the whole experience. Great boat and crew and I felt very safe. I would say to someone who is currently looking at this trip to really thing about it, it's a once in a lifetime experience!
"Pristine adventure"
Gil from USA • Ski & Sail in May 2026
Svalbard is less travelled and fells magical, majestic and pristine. Nothing beats the moment we dropped anchor, stepped onto untouched Arctic snow, and skinned up those towering peaks under a silent polar sky. PURE MAGIC. The ships crew was fantastic above excellent, very comfortable and well-organized food outstanding ... not enough room for clothing gear though. Guides were fantastic always on the move for finding locations and plotting them out, when I struggled on the mountain they were always there to help me. Other guests were kind and positive always a great vibe. If you are currently looking at this trip I would say “JUST DO IT”.
"This ski expedition is highly recommended"
Ski & Sail skier from US • Ski & Sail in May 2026
This company seemed more low key than some of the others. I was originally looking at Norwegian xc and skate skiing destinations. New adventure! The boat looked cool! And we saw Clement on Youtube describing the trip. We are in our 60's, but everything went very well, enjoyed our entire group, guides, boat crew, chef...To describe this in 3 words: “A rare gem”. Being in that surreal environment, finding good snow and the overall flow of the trip. Food great, bathrooms and showers good, berths small but one at a time worked well getting gear together. Slept well! The safety and expertise of guides were excellent, couldn't have asked for better guides and they made the trip. Trip exceeded our expectation despite some first time concerns in prepping. It's a unique and a once in a lifetime experience.
"Absolute highlight was the long powder runs"
Jesper from Norway • Ski & Sail in May 2026
It was suggested to me by friends. Absolute highlight was the long powder runs. Very satisfactory. Life onboard was very good, about as expected. Safety was top level. Just go for it! It is a wonderful experience

SKI & SAIL EXPEDITION PRICE

  • NOK 69.900,-

    per person

Save my spot

Every expedition begins with a short conversation. Let us help you determine whether this journey is right for you.

Ski & Sail Itinerary: Day by day

Explore the ship: T/S Saeftinghe:
Your home in the Arctic

The ship Saeftinghe for ski and sail expedition in Svalbard. Backcountry skiing on remote mountains.
Photo by Tallship Saeftinghe Magnan Alexandre
The layout of Saeftinghe
The ship Saeftinghe for ski and sail expedition on Svalbard

The interior view of the cozy cabins aboard the expedition ship Saeftinghe in Svalbard Photo by: Tallship Saeftinghe. Magnan Alexandre[/caption]

The interior view of the cozy cabins aboard the expedition ship Saeftinghe in Svalbard

Cabins on board the ship T/S Saeftinghe for the ski and sail expedition
Photo by: TALLSHIP SAEFTINGHE_SKI & SAIL. Magnan Alexandre

Interior lounge on Saeftinghe ski expedition ship with Backyard Svalbard

Photo by: Tallship Saeftinghe. Magnan Alexandre

The interior view of the kitchen area and dining salon aboard the expedition ship Saeftinghe in Svalbard Photo by: Tallship Saeftinghe. Magnan Alexandre[/caption]

The interior view of the kitchen area and dining salon aboard the expedition ship Saeftinghe in Svalbard

Photo by: Tallship Saeftinghe. Magnan Alexandre

The toilet facilities aboard the ship Saeftinghe are updated modern and comfortable.

Photo by: Tallship Saeftinghe. Magnan Alexandre

The interior view of the toilet and shower facilities aboard the expedition ship Saeftinghe in Svalbard Photo by: Tallship Saeftinghe. Magnan Alexandre[/caption]

The interior view of the toilet and shower facilities aboard the expedition ship Saeftinghe in Svalbard Photo by: Tallship Saeftinghe. Magnan Alexandre[/caption]

The interior view of the toilet and shower facilities aboard the expedition ship Saeftinghe in Svalbard
Photo by: Tallship Saeftinghe. Magnan Alexandre

Experience ski and sail under the midnight sun season in May Photo by Tallship Saeftinghe Magnan Alexandre[/caption]

The interior view of the cozy cabins aboard the expedition ship Saeftinghe in Svalbard

Cabins

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. 
Included: Towels and bedding

The interior view of the toilet and shower facilities aboard the expedition ship Saeftinghe in Svalbard

Toilet and bathrooms

The toilet and bathing facilities are upgraded and comfortable. There are 4 toilets and 3 bathrooms.
Included: Shampoo

The interior view of the kitchen area and dining salon aboard the expedition ship Saeftinghe in Svalbard

Galley and salon

The ship has an inviting lounge area with galley and salon, ready to both socialise, relaxing and for eating delicious meals served by the chef. The warm interior and comfortable layout will ensure a comfortable stay during the sailing.
Included: Full board (exclusive alcoholic beverages)

The ship Saeftinghe for ski and sail expedition in Svalbard. Backcountry skiing on remote mountains.

Outdoor 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.
Included: All landings

Premium Arctic ski touring
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 all-inclusive dining experience
with private chef
Out here, in the middle of the Arctic wilderness, you don’t have to think about much else besides your passion for ski touring in the backyard of Svalbard. Your onboard chef takes care of the meal crafting delicious, nourishing dishes that tast even better after a long day in the mountains. They use fresh ingredients and full of flavour food. Do you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies then let us know when booking. 
 
A historic vessel with soul and Arctic steel

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. It is built for the tougest ice but designed for ultimate comfort. Her sallow dragt enables navigation into remote fjords inaccessible to larger ships.

Explore Svalbards coastline from summit to sea when sailing into fjords to try Arctic backcountry skiing
Our floating warm basecamp

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.

From fjord to fjord and summit to sea explore the untouched lines on backcountry skiing
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.

The exclusive 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.

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!

Before booking

Yes, participants should have prior ski touring/backcountry experience and be comfortable skiing in variable terrain. Good physical fitness is essential, as the Arctic conditions can be challenging. You need to have an intermediate or expert ski level. 

The terrain varies from gentle slopes to steeper descents, with opportunities to explore untouched Arctic snowfields and breathtaking glacier landscapes.

The Ski & Sail season runs from May until June during the midnight sun season, offering long daylight hours and excellent snow conditions for ski touring.

Yes, you can join as a group of 2 persons. Most of our Ski & Sail departures are “open expeditions” meaning we combine individual bookings into a small group. You don’t need to come as a pre-formed group.

We usually aim for around 800-1200 vertical meters per day depending on conditions, terrain and the group’s level. Some days can be a bit shorter or longer, but we always adapt to keep it enjoyable rather tahn pushing purely for numbers.

Yes, we’re happy to help you put together a full Svalbard itinerary around the expedition. We recommend that you have at least 1 night before departure and 1 night when returning. Most guests stay a couple of night extra in Longyearbyen to settle in and explore the town and surroundings on land a bit before sailing out.

The booking process

The Svalbard ski and sail expedition includes everything for the perfect adventure: 

  • Cabin on board the sailing vessel
  • Daily guided backcountry tours
  • Certified Arctic guides
  • Safety equipment
  • Meals during the trip
  • And transfers in Longyearbyen.

Ski gear rental is available upon request for an additional fee. You can see the full list for “whats included” here

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. We use Alpine- and telemark skis.

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 participants.

You can join as a group of 2. You can also book as a single person. Most of our Ski & Sail departures are “open expeditions”, meaning we combine individual bookings into a small group. You don’t need to come as a pre-formed group

In the rare event that we don’t get the minimum of 4 guests, then your booking will be cancelled and you’ll receive a full refund or the change to move to another departure if openings are available. 

On the ship

We recommend packing warm, windproof, and waterproof clothing suitable for Arctic conditions. A detailed packing list will be send to you upon booking.

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.

If you do have any dietary restrictions or allergies we will need to know in advance to accommodate this.

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.

While wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, you may spot whales, polar bears, walrus, seals, Arctic foxes, and a variety of seabirds during your trip. Our guides ensure all wildlife interactions are safe and respectful.

For the Ski and Sail expedition in May the weather is relatively good and stable. We will have 24 hours of daylight so we do not need to plan the day for when it gets dark. The midnight sun might be our companion on our ski touring from the Arctic mountains. You’ll sail from fjord to fjord and ski touring is depending on the weather conditions. Your guide will make sure to maximize your skiing time.

Regarding temperatures, it’s generally around -10°C (14°F) at sea levels with a variability throughout the day. Naturally, the nights are colder and temperature can vary depending on the altitude. We recommend packing more than you need, because the weather can come in quickly, and a sunny morning can soon become a cloudy afternoon.

Weather in Svalbard is, of course, part of the adventure. It’s not uncommon that conditions influence the plan, but it very rarely means “no activity”. If skiing isn’t ideal on a given day (for example due to visibility or wind), we adjust by exploring different areas, doing shorter tours, focusing on glacier travel, or using the boat to reposition to better conditions. Sailing itself is generally quite flexible, and the vessel alows us to move strategically to find good weather windows. 

High-quality ski gear rental

For Ski & Sail you can bring your own ski equipment and/or avalanche equipment
or rent ski and avalanche gear. 

Backcountry skiing from summit to sea in untouched wilderness of Svalbard

"Ski gear"-package

The "ski gear"-package include:
Skis, boots skins, poles, helmet, ski googles and ski crampons.
Price NOK 990,- / person per day

Backcountry skiing from summit to sea in untouched wilderness of Svalbard

"Avalanche"-package

The "avalanche"-package include:
Avalanche tracker/ beacon, probe and shovel.
Price NOK 490,- / person per day

Backcountry skiing from summit to sea in untouched wilderness of Svalbard

"Ski & Avalanche"-package

The "ski and avalanche"-package include:
Gear rental for the whole week.
1 week price: NOK 5920,- / person per week

Ski touring level

Every expedition begins with a conversation

Our expeditions take place in one of the most remote environments on Earth.
To ensure the safety of our guests and the quality of your experience,
every booking include a personal readiness call.
Tell us a little about yourself and your ski level
on a 10 minute call with our ski expert to make sure
this expedition is the right fit for you.

Your journey starts here

1. Schedule call

Choose a date for your
10-minute call.

2. Save your spot

Fill out the form for
how to contact you

3. Talk to our expert

We get to know you & answer your questions personally

4. Confirm & prepare

We'll reserve your spot and start the adventure together

Expedition at a glance

Highlights for Ski and Sail on Svalbard

From Longyearbyen into Isfjorden going towards Ny-Ålesund and Krossfjorden area.

We have 5 departure dates in May.

Aboard the ship Saeftinghe

You will have pick up at your accommodation in Longyearbyen as well as drop off after the expedition. 

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

The minimum requirement for the expdition to run is only 4 participants. We only need a minimum of 4 participants to confirm the departure. You do not need to be a pre-formed group to book the tour. We will be a maximum of 8 persons in total so we all get the biggest and best experience together.

The most unique backcountry ski adventure

Have you ever dreamed of skiing from an Arctic mountain peak directly down to the shoreline?

We will go from fjord to fjord and from summit to sea. It is backcountry skiing surrounded by majestic nature where remote mountains meet the sea and our basecamp is the ship Saeftinghe. This is an exclusive and intimate possibility to create new lines in powder snow.

With our expert guides you will experience remote places you can only reach by boat. Join a small dedicated group of ski touring entusiasts. Each day unfolds differently.

Travel dates and availability 2027

T/S Saeftinghe

  • May 1-8 – Fully booked
  • May 8-15
  • May 15-22
  • May 22-29
  • May 29 to June 5
Ski touring from summit to sea in Svalbard backcountry

Ski & Sail 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:

Pre-expedition recommendation

We recommend that you arrive at least one day prior to the expedition . We can help arrange accommodation etc. in Longyearbyen.

Day 1: Heading towards distant 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 ski touring remote 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.

During the evening 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. Now we will most like be close to Krossfjorden in the west coast of Spitsbergen. It is close to Ny-Ålesund. The fjord has a varied landscape with several branches and side bays as well as the glacierfronts.

We navigate to the best ski touring spots in the fjords, skiing spectacular terrain far from the crowds and create new lines.

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

Isfjorden has a lot of amazing spots for backcountry skiing. 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.

Post expedition recommendation

We highly recommend spending 1-2 days after the expedition in Longyearbyen and before flying home. Arctic weather can delay the return from the mountains, and these buffer days ensure you do not miss your flight. We can also recommend our backyard for ski touring from town before going back home.

Note: Accommodation, meals etc. is not included for this day in Longyearbyen. We will be happy to help you arrange this for you.

The most amazing ski touring adventure where you sail to remote fjords and mountains to create new lines. Sailing through breathtaking landscapes on the west coast.

Save my spot

Book Ski and Sail in May 2027:

If you need to get in touch before booking please contact us here: click here

What guests say

Don't just take our
word for it

Ian from United Kingdom • Ski & Sail in May 2026
It was out of this world
I choose Backyard Svalbard for Ski & Sail because I really liked what I saw and read. Ever since being a child I have had a passion for polar exploration. Svalbard in the Arctic Circle really ticked the boxes for me. The feeling of skiing untouched Arctic mountains was out of this world and the last ski day with the final Arctic ocean glacier dip was a highlight! The guides were a great team. Considerate, thoughtful, knowledgeable and such great fun. Great people/client skills. The vibe and connection with other guests was truly amazing. I made some great new friends. I have to say it was pretty damned perfect.
Luca from Luxembourg • Ski & Sail in May 2026
I would absolutely recommend it
They had knowledge of the trip and boats and we chose Svalbard because it was a great mountain location close to north pole. Skiing in the Arctic is impressive and our highlight was the whole experience. Great boat and crew and I felt very safe. I would say to someone who is currently looking at this trip to really thing about it, it's a once in a lifetime experience!
Gil from USA • Ski & Sail in May 2026
Pristine adventure
Svalbard is less travelled and fells magical, majestic and pristine. Nothing beats the moment we dropped anchor, stepped onto untouched Arctic snow, and skinned up those towering peaks under a silent polar sky. PURE MAGIC. The ships crew was fantastic above excellent, very comfortable and well-organized food outstanding ... not enough room for clothing gear though. Guides were fantastic always on the move for finding locations and plotting them out, when I struggled on the mountain they were always there to help me. Other guests were kind and positive always a great vibe. If you are currently looking at this trip I would say “JUST DO IT”.
Ski & Sail skier from US • Ski & Sail in May 2026
This tour is highly recommended • January 2026
This company seemed more low key than some of the others. I was originally looking at Norwegian xc and skate skiing destinations. New adventure! The boat looked cool! And we saw Clement on Youtube describing the trip. We are in our 60's, but everything went very well, enjoyed our entire group, guides, boat crew, chef...To describe this in 3 words: “A rare gem”. Being in that surreal environment, finding good snow and the overall flow of the trip. Food great, bathrooms and showers good, berths small but one at a time worked well getting gear together. Slept well! The safety and expertise of guides were excellent, couldn't have asked for better guides and they made the trip. Trip exceeded our expectation despite some first time concerns in prepping. It's a unique and a once in a lifetime experience.
Jesper from Norway • Ski & Sail in May 2026
Absolute highlight was the long powder runs
It was suggested to me by friends. Absolute highlight was the long powder runs. Very satisfactory. Life onboard was very good, about as expected. Safety was top level. Just go for it! It is a wonderful experience

The Arctic 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

The ship: T/S Saeftinghe

Photo by: Tallship Saeftinghe. Magnan Alexandre

A vessel with soul and Arctic steel

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. It is built for the tougest ice but designed for ultimate comfort. Her sallow dragt enables navigation into remote fjords inaccessible to larger ships.

Explore Svalbards coastline from summit to sea when sailing into fjords to try Arctic backcountry skiing

Our floating warm basecamp

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.

From fjord to fjord and summit to sea explore the untouched lines on backcountry skiing

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.

The exclusive 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.

Premium Arctic ski touring

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 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 all-inclusive dining experience

with private chef

Out here, in the middle of the Arctic wilderness, you don’t have to think about much else besides your passion for ski touring in the backyard of Svalbard. Your onboard chef takes care of the meal crafting delicious, nourishing dishes that tast even better after a long day in the mountains. They use fresh ingredients and full of flavour food. Do you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies then let us know when booking. 
 

The layout of Saeftinghe

The ship Saeftinghe for ski and sail expedition on Svalbard

Pictures from ski & sail expeditions

Get the brochure for ski & Sail:

Availability for Saeftinghe

High-quality ski gear rental

You are welcome to bring your own ski equipment and/or avalanche equipment for the adventure.
Skis we use are Alpine- or telemark skis.  

"Ski gear"-package

Price NOK 990,- per person per day

The “ski gear”-package include skis, skins, poles, helmet, ski googles and ski crampons.

"Avalanche"-package

Price NOK 490,- per person per day

The “avalanche”-package include avalanche tracker/ beacon, probe and shovel.

"Ski & avalanche" gear

Price: NOK 5920,- per person for a week

The “ski and avalanche”-package include gear rental for the whole week.

Pre-package

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
 
Longyearbyen Hotel for 2 nights

This Svalbard accommodation is placed in the town center for instance Radisson Blu Polar or Polfareren.

  • 3 days/2 nights in a hotel in Longyearbyen 
  • Breakfast 
Excursion

We recommend 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.

Packing list & what gear you should bring

Here you can find answers to some of your questions regarding the Svalbard Ski & Sail expedition. You will receive a complete packing list when booking.

  • Shell jacket (windproof)
  • Down jacket
  • Outdoor pants (windproof/warm)
  • Warm layers/underwear (merino wool, fleece, wool sweater).
  • Extra layer of clothing (warm sweater) 
  • Beanie
  • Buff/neck warmer
  • Neoprene mask
  • Warm mittens
  • Gloves
  • Wool underwear; longs + jersey + extra change
  • Intermediate garments; wool or fleece
  • Wool socks
  • Backpack (20-30L)
  • Bottle for water 1 L / 2 á 0.5 L Nalgene and food thermos 0.8 – 1 L
  • Insulted thermos 0.8 – 1 L
  • Polarized sunglasses and ski googles
  • SPF Sunscreen and moisturizer (non-water based to prevent freezing)
  • Tooth brushing + other hygiene items 
  • Lip balm
  • Toe and hand warmers (heat packs)
  • Hygiene kit (tooth brush, tooth paste etc.)
  • Pain reliever/ necessary medication / compeed
  • Camp comfort activity. Personal enjoyment, ie book, crossword, music (book, crosswords, music, knitting..etc)
  • Sleeping bag with comfort temperature -25°C minimum.
    (Available for rent NOK 780,- for the trip)
  • Matress and an insulated inflatable mattress term-a-rest or similar
    (Available for rent: NOK 580 for the trip)

Backcountry ski gear

  • Backcountry touring skis with steel edges (XC) 
  • Warm Ski boots (XC)
  • Climbing skins
  • Ski touring ski crampons
  • Ski helmet

Avalanche safety gear

  • Shovel (metal)
  • Avalanche Probe
  • Avalanche transceiver (Sender/receiver)

Glacier gear

  • Harness
  • Carabiner

Ski boots, skis, poles and skins (rentable)

Join us on an unforgettable ski and sailing expedition on Svalbard

What's included and what's not

Included

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

What you need to bring

✈️ 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

Things you need to be aware of

• 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. 

• A full packing list will be provided upon booking

Why this is arguably
the best ski & sail expedition on Svalbard

  • True small-group experience
    We only take a handfull of skiers. That means zero waiting time when launching dinghy, more time on the snow, and a private, intimate atmosphere in the wilderness. 
  • Guaranteed departure with minimum 4 guests 
    Many Arctic cruises require a high number of participants. With only a minimum of 4 guests required, your dream trip to Svalbard is secured.
  • 100% tailored routes
    We chase the best weather, the best fjords, and the most pristine powder snow.
  • Certified Arctic guides

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