About
Imagine skiing through the arctic wilderness without any trees but only untouched snow.
You will have the crisp, cold Arctic air and the beautiful surroundings with hopefully stunning pastel horizons or blue skies.
Places are limited, so we can ski in small groups, so secure your spot and prepare for an unforgettable winter adventure in the Arctic. Only few get to experience this magical place on ski. You will be as close to the North pole as possible gliding across the pristine snowfields surrounded by towering peaks and serene glacial valleys. Everything in absolute stillness and silence – no lifts, no noise, no tracks. Just silence, wind and snow.
The snow conditions are normally perfect this time of year and you will have some of the best powder on earth when you ask our expert skiing guides. The snow is dry, light and the Arctic powder stays for days.
5 highlights of this skiing experience:
- Only a few people on earth can say that they’ve done skiing in Svalbard
- The remoteness – you’re skiing in one of the most untouched and wild places on the planet
- Led by expert ski guides with specialized arctic knowledge
- The light – long Arctic twilight, pastel skies, golden light or northern lights on endless glaciers.
- Experience the absolute stillness and wilderness with reindeer, foxes and seals.
Frequently asked questions
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
What time of the year should I choose?
Winter: Northern lights and dark season (January-February)
Lets you experience the Arctic in its rawest, most authentic form. We will have darkness and the possibility of northern lights above us. The conditions will be best from January. The light will start to return in January and February where will have the blue light.
The average temperature is approx. -9 to -17 degrees.
Sunny winter (March to April)
This time of year is cold and crisp and ideal for skiing because it combines stable snow conditions with increasing daylight. The sunny winter in Svalbard will just improve your ski touring experience with the unique “pastel winter” lighting.
The average temperature is approx.. -8 to – 20 degrees.
Polar summer: Midnight Sun (April - May)
The Backyard will be our playground, and we will have endless daylight. The snow conditions are normally good and the light is soft and golden, casting long shadows across the mountains and fjords.
The average temperature is approx. -6 to -11
Who are the guides?
We only have expert and professional ski guides who take safety to the highest level. We have the best ski guides, who are experts with different certifications within skiing so they make sure you will get an unforgettable ski touring adventure.
Will it be safe to ski in the backcountry with polar bears?
Our ski guides will also be bringing polar bear protection. We will try our best to avoid a polar bear on our tours but hope to spot wildlife like reindeer, foxes, seals and maybe walrus.
Do I need to bring my own ski equipment?
No, you can rent our equipment (Skis, boots, ski poles, helmet and avalanche gear).
You can add this in the booking process or send us an email: booking@backyardsvalbard.com
Practical Information:
- Duration: Approx. 5 hours.
- Distance for the ski tour: approx. 8km
- Difficulty level: 4 out of 5 (Intermediate skiing skills and good physical fitness).
- Minimum: 1 person
- Maximum: 6 persons
- Minimum age: 14
- Season: February to May
- Start time: At 10.00 at your hotel
- Return time: At 15.00 you will be back at the hotel
Included in the price:
- Professional Arctic guide with extensive experience.
- All necessary safety equipment.
- Transport to and from the starting point of the tours.
- Gear you get from us
- Thermos with hot water
- Snacks and coffee/ tea
- Sitting pads
- SAR-insurance.
Not included in price:
- Flight tickets
- Accommodation and food
- Personal skiing equipment (Skis, poles, boots and skins)
- Clothing
- Personal cancellation and travel insurance
You need to bring the following:
- Backpack (30-40L) with spare clothes.
- Ski equipment (Skis, ski boots, poles and skins) (you can rent this from us. Just add this during the booking process or contact us on booking@backyardsvalbard.com)
- Avalanche equipment (you can rent this from us. Just add this during the booking process or contact us on booking@backyardsvalbard.com)
- Warm layers (merino wool, fleece, wool sweater)
- Down jacket
- Shell jacket and shell pants
- Hat, buff, mittens and gloves
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