Ski & sail
Your Gateway to Unforgettable Arctic Adventures
About the itinerary
The fjords in Svalbard
The fjords in Svalbard and Lyngen are nature’s gift to ski fanatics. These are the ultimate places to go Ski & Sail. Surrounded by majestic nature – where mountains meet sea, you now have the chance to be with our guides in untouched mountain sides. Places you can only get to by boat!
Our guides take you out to new untouched mountain sides every day. On board the boat, the atmosphere is good, and you can relax and enjoy nature together with good company.
These tours are newly launched!
On board with high quality
On the imaginative Ocean Sherpa you have a floating base camp for your Ski & Sail. On board you will be met by our professional crew of sailors and our guides. The steel ship with a fantastic interior is 34.5 meters long, and can take 10 guests, 4 crew and 2 guides.
The ship is equipped with 6 double rooms with showers and separate sinks in each room.
On deck we have an inviting lounge with a bar, ready to both enjoy the view and for a delicious meal served by the chef in turn. Here there are good opportunities to observe the rich wildlife on Svalbard.
Join us for an experience of a lifetime!
Day by day
Program
This weekly sailing starts on Saturdays. Here is the weekly program for the trips:
Day 1:
Set sail and anchor in a secluded bay, where 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.
Day 2:
Skiing Adventure – Based on weather and snow conditions, spend the day skiing breathtaking peaks, carving through untouched snow. Return for a warm meal before setting sail to the next destination.
Day 3:
Remote Skiing – Explore hidden, pristine mountains in an area chosen for the best conditions. Every turn offers fresh snow and dramatic views. End the day with a scenic evening sail.
Day 4 & 5:
Deep in the Arctic – Our route adapts to the conditions, ensuring the best possible ski experience. We take our time, spending two nights in an extraordinary area, immersing ourselves in the untouched wilderness and creating memories to last a lifetime.
Day 6:
Historic Peaks & Wilderness – Weather and conditions dictate our next stop, 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 Day – Your guide selects the best slopes for the last day, ensuring an unforgettable experience based on the latest conditions. A perfect way to end an incredible adventure.
Day 8:
Return to Civilization – After a week of exploration, disembark and head home with incredible memories from an Arctic journey shaped by nature itself.
Included in price
THE PRICES INCLUDE
- Stay on board the ship for the specified journey duration
- Professional sailing crew and guide
- Standard offshore lifejacket and lifeline
- Disembarkation and trips with zodiacs
- Bed linen and towels
- Food on board, snacks, hot drinks and non-alcoholic beverages
- Fuel and all port taxes
PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE
- Airline tickets to and from the place of departure
- Insurance (personal medical, travel, cancellation, etc)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Food and drink on the day of arrival until boarding
- Skiing clothes
- Voice and data communication using built-in equipment
- Entrance fees to parks, museums, etc..
Availability
Trips in 2025:
- May 1-8 – Fully Booked
- May 13 – 19 – Charter on request
- May 20-27 – Fully booked
- May 25 – June 1: Fully Booked
- Jun 1-8: Few spots left
Contact us for more info
Trips in 2026:
- May 2– 9 – spots available
- May 9- 16 – spots available
- May 16-23 – spots available
Minimum: 6 people
The Guides
Christoph Hofer
Christoph hails from the mountains of Austria, where the air smells of pine and adventure. His passion for skiing and mountaineering ignited a fire within him—a fire that burns bright even on the iciest slopes. Armed with ice axes and a heart full of wanderlust, Christoph thrives in frozen wonderlands.
Peter Alex Wainwright
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Fredrik Aurell
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Clement Carasco
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Jonas Haass
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Niall Finch
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Life on board
More About the Ship
Embark on an unforgettable journey
Our ship is more than simply a vessel; it’s a floating base camp for adventure. Designed to cruise the magnificent waterways of Svalbard, it blends robust durability with modern comforts, assuring a smooth and pleasurable ride regardless of the weather.
A home away from home.
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.
Sustainability at the Heart
We are devoted to maintaining the clean environment in which we work. Our ship uses eco-friendly measures to reduce its environmental impact and safeguard the sensitive ecosystems of the Arctic. Join us in our journey to explore responsibly.
Built for 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.
Join Us Aboard!
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.
How to get to Svalbard
Reaching the Arctic Frontier.
Traveling to Svalbard is part of the adventure! Located far above the Arctic Circle, this secluded archipelago is surprisingly accessible, with daily flights from important European cities.
Fly to Longyearbyen.
Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s largest settlement, serves as the major entrance to the islands. Flights are available year-round with connections from Oslo and Tromsø in Norway. Major airlines like as SAS and Norwegian Air provide regular service, making it simple to arrange your trip.
Connect to Oslo or Tromsø.
Most overseas passengers will need to fly into Oslo, Norway’s capital. Take a direct trip to Longyearbyen or have a picturesque layover at Tromsø, the “Gateway to the Arctic.”
What You Need To Know
- Entry Requirements: Svalbard is a visa-free zone for most nations, although you may require a visa to enter mainland Norway.
- Packing Tips: Be prepared for Arctic conditions! Layers, durable footwear, and waterproof clothing are needed.
- Seasonal Travel: Flight schedules may change depending on the season, so check early to assure availability.
Packing list
- Beanie
- Buff/neck, neoprene mask
- Polarized sunglasses
- Goggles / ski goggles
- Warm mittens
- Gloves
- Wool underwear; longs + jersey + extra change
- Intermediate garments; wool or fleece
- Down jacket
- Windproof shell clothing
- Wool socks
- Bottle 1 L / 2 á 0.5 L Nalgene
- SPF Sunscreen
- Moisturizer
- Toe and hand warmers
- Thermos 0.8 – 1 L
- Skis/splitboards
- Crampons
- Ski boots
- Helmet
- Shovel
- Probe
- Sender/receiver
- Tooth brushing + other hygiene items
- lip balm
- Pain reliever/ necessary medication / compeed
- Personal enjoyment, ie book, crossword, music
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!
1. What is included in the Ski and Sail package?
The package includes accommodation on board the sailing vessel, guided ski touring with certified guides, safety equipment, meals during the trip, and transfers in Longyearbyen. Ski gear rental is available upon request for an additional fee.
2. Do I need prior ski touring experience?
Yes, participants should have prior ski touring experience and be comfortable skiing in variable terrain. Good physical fitness is essential, as the Arctic conditions can be challenging.
3. What is the best time of year for Ski and Sail in Svalbard?
The season typically runs from late April to mid-May, offering long daylight hours and excellent snow conditions for ski touring.
4. What safety measures are in place during the tour?
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.
5. How many participants are on each trip?
To ensure a personalized experience, group sizes are kept small, typically ranging from 6 to 10 participants.
6. What kind of skiing terrain can I expect?
The terrain varies from gentle slopes to steeper descents, with opportunities to explore untouched Arctic snowfields and breathtaking glacier landscapes.
7. Do I need to bring my own ski gear?
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.
8. What kind of clothing and gear should I pack?
We recommend packing warm, windproof, and waterproof clothing suitable for Arctic conditions. A detailed packing you can find above in the packing list.
9. Are meals included on the boat?
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.
10. What wildlife might we encounter?
While wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, you may spot polar bears, seals, Arctic foxes, and a variety of seabirds during your trip. Our guides ensure all wildlife interactions are safe and respectful.
How to reserve a spot?
Only booking through email at booking@backyardsvalbard.com for Ski and Sail.
Get in Touch Today
Don’t just visit the Arctic—experience it in the most intimate, adventurous way possible. Reach out now to start planning your adventure.
People Who Love Our Place
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