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

About

On our Ski & Sail, you’ll get a well memorable experience on board the beautiful ship Ocean Sherpa. On board you will be greeted by our professional crew and guides, you will soon get to know well. The ship, which is 34 m long, has capacity for 10 guests, 4 crew and 2 guides.

The boat is well equipped with 6 double-cabins with private shower and washbasin. We also have an inviting indoor lounge with bar and all rights. If you want to be outside, we have the perfect lounge to observe nature and enjoy a lovely meal after the ski trip. 

With 2 guides on board, we will be flexible and be able to adapt to the group's ambitions and experience level. Our guides are well qualified and will always make safe and good choices for your ski trip. In Svalbard, all guides must carry weapons to protect us from polar bears. We are also dependent on carrying a satellite phone with us, as we are out of coverage for large parts of the trip.

The sailboat Ocean Sherpa

In addition to the fore-and-aft sail setup Ocean Sherpa has three square rigged sails, enabling her to sail in traditional style, like the old day explorers. The sails are easily handled so even unexperienced guests can take an active part in the handling of the ship.   

Ocean Sherpa’s beautiful rigging might come across as traditional, but is fine-tuned to perfection. Expert insulation, heating and ventilation insure a comfortable climate on board.

The deckhouse holds an inviting saloon with a bar and a panoramic view. You can relax or enjoy a meal while still observing the wonders around you. The practical double cabins equipped with shower and wash basin are situated below decks, every cabin has its own porthole and European sockets with 220 Volts.

Program:
This voyage starts weekly on Saturdays. Here is the program of the tours:

Day 1:  Leaving Longyearbyen
We sail in fantastic Isfjorden, a fjord that is well visited by wildlife. In Isfjorden we will see very attractive mountains in the west, and we will head for these. In Trygghamna we will anchor and spend the night, ready for tomorrow's excursion to the mountains.

Day 2:  Trygghamna
Our first ski lines on the trip will set in the calm Trygghamna bay, which is given its name because of the "calm sea". The Protector Mountain that protects Trygghamna is a fantastic mountain, next to other treats such as Protectoraksla and Daudmannen.
Once back on the boat we are served a delicious meal by the chef, before we set course for St. Johnsfjorden.

Day 3: St. Johnsfjorden
Arriving in St. Johnsfjorden we will explore its secret treasures. Among mountains such as Gunnar Knudsenfjella, Holmeslet Mountain, and Mount Konow, there is supposed to be untouched snow – and gold!

Day 4: Krossfjorden
After St. Johnsfjorden we head north towards Krossfjorden, at 79 degrees north. Kongfjorden and Ny-Ålesund are not far from this fjord. We can sail by there to visit the world's northernmost settlement. Ny-Ålesund, which is an old mining town, is today a research town, completely isolated from the outside world. Only very few people come here.

Day 5: Another day in Krossfjorden
We spend 2 nights at this fantastic place in Kongsfjorden, because you will soon realize that this is a "once in a lifetime" experience. This place is the northernmost point we sail to on this trip.

Day 6: Prince Karls Forland
Sailing south again, we stop at Forlandet, Svalbard's westernmost island. "The land of the pointed mountains, Spitsbergen" were the words that suffered from explorer William Barents when he sailed past these mountains in 1594.

Day 7: Isfjorden
Once back in Isfjorden we find ourselves back to cover and still plenty of time to climb peaks. Ymerbukta is a nice bay with a very nice mountain range that we are going to visit.

Day 8: Back in Longyearbyen
After breakfast, it is time for disembarkation in Longyearbyen. How about one last trip to the souvenir shop before departure by plane?

Prices includes: 
- Stay onboard the ship for the specified travel duration
- Professional skipper, first mate and a professional guide
- Standard offshore lifejacket and lifeline
- Shore landings and tours with the dinghy
- Bedding and towels
- Onboard food, snacks, hot beverages and non-alcoholic beverages
- Fuel and all port dues

Prices exludes: 
-  Air fares to and from departure point
- Insurance (personal medical, travel, cancellation, etc)
​​​​​​-​ Alcoholic beverages
- Food and beverages on the day of arrival until boarding
- Trekking clothing
- Voice and data communication using onboard equipment
- Entry fees into parks, museums, etc.

For updated availability check out our web page: Ski og Sail - Backyard Svalbard.

Contact us if you have questions:

Mail: booking@backyardsvalbard.com
Tel: +47 988 02 283