Ski & Sail Svalbard: Discovering the untouched Arctic mountains - Backyard Svalbard

About

Why you should join us for these 8-days of ski touring in the backyard of Svalbard

How many can say they have been skiing at 78° north?
This is where one of the World’s most extraordinary ski touring experiences unfold.
This is skiing in the backcountry of Svalbard, with a small expedition ship as your basecamp.
Each evening, we anchor in sheltered fjords, surrounded by silence and incredible scenery.
The atmosphere is informal, adventurous and welcoming — like a small expedition team exploring together.

Highlights to expect
- Ski touring – Directly from sea level to mountain top
- Long descents from Arctic summits to the fjord
- Remote locations only accessible by boat
- Small groups and personal guiding
- Flexible expedition-style itinerary

Why choose a ‘Ski & Sail’ expedition on Svalbard?
Ski touring by ship offers a freedom only a few places on this Earth can match.

We are at the northernmost destination for ski touring.
Instead of returning to the same valley each day, the landscape shifts constantly, and we can too.

The ship glides quietly to a new fjord, a new place on the island, a new range of mountains.

We will go to shore with the dinghy every day for a new adventure.

You can drink your morning coffee with the most spectacular views, maybe spotting wildlife like whales or Arctic birds before skis are strapped on and you will be just steps from the shoreline and the climb begins.

This is skiing in its purest form — far from lifts, crowds and marked trails.

What do we do after the ski touring in the mountains?
After a long day in the mountains, the expedition continues back on board.
Here there will be warm cabins, good food, and a welcoming atmosphere that await while the Arctic landscape drifts past outside the windows.

You will be enjoying the company of other likeminded people and have the long days as this is during the midnight sun season where there will be light for 24 hours.

Svalbard is not only famous for its mountains but also for its incredible wildlife. 
During the expedition we often encounter wildlife like:
- Seals resting on sea ice
- Arctic fox along the coastline
- Large colonies of seabirds
- Reindeer grazing in the valleys

The expedition ship built to chase untouched Arctic ski lines

The ship T/S Saeftinghee is designed for exactly this kind of ski touring journey.
Small, comfortable and built for exploration, the vessel can reach remote corners of Svalbard where larger ships simply cannot go.
We will be guided by weather, conditions and the spirit of exploration. Therefore, we do not have a set program. 

The atmosphere on board feels like a floating basecamp in the Arctic wilderness.

This will be a place where stories from the day’s descent are shared over dinner, made by the chef, while the midnight sun might be glowing over the fjords. 

This is ski touring at the edge of the World
as only a few people have ever experienced.

Ski & Sail in Svalbard is not just a trip—it is an expedition into one of the wildest and most beautiful places on Earth.
Here the mountains meet the ocean, the snow is untouched, and every day brings new discoveries.

What requirements and level do I need to join the tour? 
This expedition is designed for experienced ski tour enthusiasts with good physical fitness level.
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.

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

Prices includes: 
Duration: 8 days, 7 nights on board
Group size: Small group of maximum 8 guests
Stay onboard the ship for the specified travel duration
Professional skipper, first mate and a professional guide
Standard offshore lifejacket and lifeline
All shore landings and tours with the dinghy
Bedding and towels
Onboard food & snacks
Field refreshments
Fuel and all port dues

Prices excludes: 
- Air fares to and from departure point in Longyearbyen
- Insurance (personal medical, travel, cancellation, etc)
- Hotel stay in Longyearbyen – we can help arrange extra nights and excursions
- Ski equipment (Skis, skins, helmet, poles, beacon, boots, probe, shovel and avalanche equipment) – Possibility to rent
- Food and beverages on the day of arrival until boarding
- Trekking/ski clothing
- Voice and data communication using onboard equipment

Contact information
To book or if you need any information then please feel free to contact us:
Mail: booking@backyardsvalbard.com
Tel: +47 988 02 283

Note:
Each tour requires a minimum number of participants. This means that if this number is not met, then the tour may be cancelled.
If this happens then you will receive a full refund or an offer to rebook for another date.
The itinerary may be subject to change due to weather conditions or operational reasons.