Ski Touring

Imagine skiing in a place with no trees and a stunning Arctic scenery with some of the best untouched snow in the world.  Professional ski guides will show small groups the best of the arctic and lead you on an exciting ski touring journey in the backyard of Svalbard. 

10 highlights for ski touring on Svalbard

The most impressive ski adventures at the edge of the World. What you can look forward to...

Svalbard is your playground for untouched powder, endless peaks, and the ultimate backcountry ski adventure. Whether it’s carving turns under the midnight sun, exploring hidden glaciers, combine the experience with a snowmobile tour or gearing up for a custom ski mission, this is where you will get a once-in-a-lifetime experience ski touring at the edge of the world. 

Who can participate?

Small groups & great experiences

What requirements and level do I need 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
Ski touring on top of the World on Svalbard

Choose your ski touring experience...

We design our backcountry ski tours to suit every adventurer, no matter your preferred duration or skill level. All prices are for a group of 1-4 persons (You can be one or more)
We ensure an exclusive and unforgettable Svalbard journey.
Find your perfect Arctic exploration below!

Have you ever tried to ski in dark. This is exhilirating and no trees to consider. Just you and the stars.

Dark season ski touring

Departure: January to February

Why you should try skiing in the dark: 

Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Svalbard’s dark season. This unique ski touring experience allows you to glide through pristine snow under the Arctic sky, bathed in the mystical blue light that defines the polar night. You’ll ski with the occasional glimpses of the Northern Lights dancing above. The polar night casts a shadow over the rugged landscape, and the silence is broken only by the crunch of skis cutting through the snow. Skiing in these harsh, frozen conditions is not for the faint of heart. This is an adventure for those who want to experience Svalbard at its most elemental.

5 Highlights of dark season ski touring
  • Backcountry skiing under the Arctic polar night – in total darkness
  • Stunning, peaceful landscapes that are accessible in the dark season
  • A chance to see and ski under the Northern Lights
  • How many can say they have tried to ski in total darkness
  • Professional ski guides ensuring your safety and enjoyment

Avalanche package is mandatory for safety. Equipment rental is available

Read More
The midnight sun provides long days and long nights where we can do ski touring by night and skitouring by day. Come join us in our backyard

Midnight sun ski touring

Departure: April to May

Why this time of year is magical for ski touring in the backyard of Svalbard:

There’s nothing quite like skiing under the midnight sun. It’s a rare and exhilarating experience where the sun never sets which brings us 24 hours of daylight. We do not always have the sun but the daylight will give us long days and nights.
This tour will have you gliding through the Arctic wilderness during the spring months, with daylight that lasts 24 hours. The light is soft and golden, casting long shadows across the mountains and fjords. You’ll ski through untouched snowfields, descending into serene valleys and up to high ridgelines, all under the endless glow of the Arctic midnight sun.

5 highlights for ski touring at midnight:
  • Skiing under the endless daylight of the Arctic summer.
  • 24-hour daylight providing a surreal experience
  • Glorious landscapes with snow-covered peaks and deep valleys
  • A rare and unforgettable adventure
  • Professional, experienced guides for a safe journey

Avalanche package is mandatory for safety. Equipment rental is available.

Read More
Day tour on Svalbard with Ski touring, ice cave visits, ice climbing swim in the Artic ocean, visit the Global Seed Vault with Backyard Svalbard

Sunny winter ski touring

Departure: March to May

Why you should choose skiing in sunny winter:

Ski touring during the sunny winter season brings a crisp air and perfect snow conditions, but don’t let the beauty fool you—the Arctic’s rugged side is always lurking. The land is wild, untouched, and full of challenges. As you ski through deep powder and across rugged ridgelines, the landscapes open up in all their raw, untamed glory. Svalbard’s mountains are demanding, offering one of the most thrilling ski touring experiences you’ll ever have.

5 highlights for ski touring during sunny winter
  • Skiing in optimal snow conditions with fresh powder
  • Beautiful winter days with clear skies and crisp air
  • Stunning landscapes with glaciers, fjords, and mountains
  • A perfect opportunity for intermediate skiers to explore Svalbard
  • Guided by expert local guides

Avalanche package is mandatory for safety. Equipment rental is available.

Read More
Experience the Svalbard with ski and snowmobile

Ski touring and snowmobile adventure

Departure: February to May

The gateway to more ski experiences

This is where raw adventure meets power. A snowmobile is our gateway to explore the backyard and backcountry skiing even more. We will take you deep into Svalbard’s untamed wilderness, where you’ll then ski through terrain so rugged and untouched that it feels like no human has ever set foot here. You will be the one who creates the lines surrounded by silence. You’ll reach places few have seen, and the challenge of skiing through these remote landscapes will leave you breathless.

Hightlights of adding the snowmobile as a gateway to ski touring adventures
  • A snowmobile ride to secret areas of Svalbard
  • Skiing through untouched, harsh terrain that’s truly off the beaten path
  • A pulse-pounding adventure through one of the most hostile yet beautiful places on Earth
  • Experienced guides who know how to navigate this wild land
Read More
Ski touring at gletcher with Backyard Svalbard

The ultimate private ski adventure: Tailor-Made for you

Departure: February to May

Why you should choose a Tailor-Made tour:

Do you want to do something different? Maybe combine several adventures into one day. Maybe you would like to visit an Arctic ice cave and combine this tour with a day out on skis. Use a snowmobile as your gateway to evenmore exploration. Create your perfect Arctic ski adventure with a private, tailor-made experience that takes you deep into the unyielding landscapes of Svalbard. Whether you’re looking to explore remote, uncharted areas or tackle challenging peaks, our experienced guides will work with you to design a route that suits your preferences. You can choose from a variety of terrains, including rugged mountain ridgelines, pristine snowfields, and deep fjords, all surrounded by the harsh beauty of the Arctic. This is a chance to ski in one of the wildest places on Earth, with the flexibility to shape your adventure to match your skills, fitness level, and sense of adventure. Let us know you dreams and we will help you create it.

Hightlights of tailor-made ski tours
  • You can choose a half day or a full day of adventure
  • You can combine the tour with other places you wish to see like an ice cave, or sailing.
  • You can choose to add the snowmobile as a gateway to more experience in combination with other adventures as well
  • It will be designed for your pace and level of expertise. No rush.
Read More
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

Ronny Lauritz Berntsen

Experienced Guide Specializing in Expedition & Ski Touring

Save my spot

for ski touring

e design our backcountry ski tours to suit every adventurer, no matter your preferred duration or skill level. All prices are for a group of 1-4 persons (You can be one or more)
We ensure an exclusive and unforgettable Svalbard journey.
Find your perfect Arctic exploration below!

Have you ever tried to ski in dark. This is exhilirating and no trees to consider. Just you and the stars.

Dark season ski touring

Departure: January to February

Why you should try skiing in the dark: 

Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Svalbard’s dark season. This unique ski touring experience allows you to glide through pristine snow under the Arctic sky, bathed in the mystical blue light that defines the polar night. You’ll ski with the occasional glimpses of the Northern Lights dancing above. The polar night casts a shadow over the rugged landscape, and the silence is broken only by the crunch of skis cutting through the snow. Skiing in these harsh, frozen conditions is not for the faint of heart. This is an adventure for those who want to experience Svalbard at its most elemental.

5 Highlights of dark season ski touring
  • Backcountry skiing under the Arctic polar night – in total darkness
  • Stunning, peaceful landscapes that are accessible in the dark season
  • A chance to see and ski under the Northern Lights
  • How many can say they have tried to ski in total darkness
  • Professional ski guides ensuring your safety and enjoyment

Avalanche package is mandatory for safety. Equipment rental is available

Read More
The midnight sun provides long days and long nights where we can do ski touring by night and skitouring by day. Come join us in our backyard

Midnight sun ski touring

Departure: April to May

Why this time of year is magical for ski touring in the backyard of Svalbard:

There’s nothing quite like skiing under the midnight sun. It’s a rare and exhilarating experience where the sun never sets which brings us 24 hours of daylight. We do not always have the sun but the daylight will give us long days and nights.
This tour will have you gliding through the Arctic wilderness during the spring months, with daylight that lasts 24 hours. The light is soft and golden, casting long shadows across the mountains and fjords. You’ll ski through untouched snowfields, descending into serene valleys and up to high ridgelines, all under the endless glow of the Arctic midnight sun.

5 highlights for ski touring at midnight:
  • Skiing under the endless daylight of the Arctic summer.
  • 24-hour daylight providing a surreal experience
  • Glorious landscapes with snow-covered peaks and deep valleys
  • A rare and unforgettable adventure
  • Professional, experienced guides for a safe journey

Avalanche package is mandatory for safety. Equipment rental is available.

Read More
Day tour on Svalbard with Ski touring, ice cave visits, ice climbing swim in the Artic ocean, visit the Global Seed Vault with Backyard Svalbard

Sunny winter ski touring

Departure: March to May

Why you should choose skiing in sunny winter:

Ski touring during the sunny winter season brings a crisp air and perfect snow conditions, but don’t let the beauty fool you—the Arctic’s rugged side is always lurking. The land is wild, untouched, and full of challenges. As you ski through deep powder and across rugged ridgelines, the landscapes open up in all their raw, untamed glory. Svalbard’s mountains are demanding, offering one of the most thrilling ski touring experiences you’ll ever have.

5 highlights for ski touring during sunny winter
  • Skiing in optimal snow conditions with fresh powder
  • Beautiful winter days with clear skies and crisp air
  • Stunning landscapes with glaciers, fjords, and mountains
  • A perfect opportunity for intermediate skiers to explore Svalbard
  • Guided by expert local guides

Avalanche package is mandatory for safety. Equipment rental is available.

Read More
Experience the Svalbard with ski and snowmobile

Ski touring and snowmobile adventure

Departure: February to May

The gateway to more ski experiences

This is where raw adventure meets power. A snowmobile is our gateway to explore the backyard and backcountry skiing even more. We will take you deep into Svalbard’s untamed wilderness, where you’ll then ski through terrain so rugged and untouched that it feels like no human has ever set foot here. You will be the one who creates the lines surrounded by silence. You’ll reach places few have seen, and the challenge of skiing through these remote landscapes will leave you breathless.

Hightlights of adding the snowmobile as a gateway to ski touring adventures
  • A snowmobile ride to secret areas of Svalbard
  • Skiing through untouched, harsh terrain that’s truly off the beaten path
  • A pulse-pounding adventure through one of the most hostile yet beautiful places on Earth
  • Experienced guides who know how to navigate this wild land
Read More
Ski touring at gletcher with Backyard Svalbard

The ultimate private ski adventure: Tailor-Made for you

Departure: February to May

Why you should choose a Tailor-Made tour:

Do you want to do something different? Maybe combine several adventures into one day. Maybe you would like to visit an Arctic ice cave and combine this tour with a day out on skis. Use a snowmobile as your gateway to evenmore exploration. Create your perfect Arctic ski adventure with a private, tailor-made experience that takes you deep into the unyielding landscapes of Svalbard. Whether you’re looking to explore remote, uncharted areas or tackle challenging peaks, our experienced guides will work with you to design a route that suits your preferences. You can choose from a variety of terrains, including rugged mountain ridgelines, pristine snowfields, and deep fjords, all surrounded by the harsh beauty of the Arctic. This is a chance to ski in one of the wildest places on Earth, with the flexibility to shape your adventure to match your skills, fitness level, and sense of adventure. Let us know you dreams and we will help you create it.

Hightlights of tailor-made ski tours
  • You can choose a half day or a full day of adventure
  • You can combine the tour with other places you wish to see like an ice cave, or sailing.
  • You can choose to add the snowmobile as a gateway to more experience in combination with other adventures as well
  • It will be designed for your pace and level of expertise. No rush.
Read More

When will be the

best time to go ski touring

on Svalbard?

The ski touring season runs is best from March to May – depending on snow conditions.
Options are for both daytime skiing or nighttime skiing under the midnight sun.

Select a season:

Sunny winter is the prime time for ski touring on Svalbard  

This is between the end of February until May

  • Enjoy some of the best snow conditions
    as this ski season reveals Svalbards most stunning snow landscapes with high mountains and white landscapes.
  • The clear, crisp Arctic air and beautiful mountains with skies turning pink and blue is truly magical. 
  • Temperatures from approx -10 to -25

Ski adventures with 24 hours of daylight

This will be between the end of April and May

  • If you wish to have the possibility to ski day and night then you should visit during this time of year.
  • We have midnight ski touring trips
  • Ski under the never-setting sun
    for a truly unique adventure in Svalbard. 
  • Temperatures from approx. -5 to -16

The polar nights ski touring experience.

The best time to start ski travels to Svalbard  is
from the end of January and February

  • Would you like to ski in complete darkness and maybe under the northern lights during January?
  • Or experience the beautiful twilight as the sun is returning in February?
  • Or maybe experience the Arctic's mystical blue and purple lights as you glide through pristine snow.
    This is the season for you then. 
  • Temperatures from -10 to -16
Try ski touring on the top of the world on Svalbard as close to the north pole as you can get

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Ski touring on Svalbard without a guide is not recommended and can be dangerous. The terrain involves glaciers, crevasses, and potential polar bear encounters. Our guides are trained in glacier navigation, avalanche safety and wildlife protection, ensuring a safe and ewarding experience. 

Yes, when you have a guide. Safety is our top priority. 

You will bring your own equipment like skis, skins, poles, boots, helmet, avalanche gear (transceiver, shovel, probe). 

BUT we do also offer the possibility for a ski rental package if you do not have the possibility to bring your own. You can add this as an extra when booking. 

We have ski camps for several days where you experience the most unique Arctic skiing. You can find more information under “expeditions”

We will access the possibility on the departure day as weather forecasts on Svalbard can change from hour to hour. If we have to cancel the tour we will contact you as soon as we know and offer you a date change. We recommend you to have the tour in the beginning of your stay. 

Dress warmly in woolen layers.  

Ski touring on Svalbard is demanding. You need to have experience skiing off-piste and must have prior ski touring/backcountry experience. You need an intermediate to advanced level. 

Extra layers
Sunglasses 
Personal belongings like a camera 
Small Backpack (30-40L)
Lightweight down jacket for extra insulation 

It varies. Svalbard offers several spectacular peaks with beautiful views of glaciers and fjords. The guide will have a look at the weather, snow conditions and your experience level to decide where to go. This could be for instance: 

• Nordenskiöldfjellet 
• Trollsteinen 
• Champagneglasset
• Etc.

The spot for where to go is not the most important. Our guided tours prioritize safety to make each summit unforgettable. 

Yes, we have the possibility for you to rent ski equipement as well as avalanche equipment. 

When booking the ski rental package we will need your ski boots size and height.

Top tour with or without snowmobile as transport

There are few places in the world where you can drive a snowmobile out to the mountains and then go skiing. Here in Svalbard you get to experience both!

What's included and what's not

Included

Included:

⛷️ Ski Touring trip

🚗 Pick up/drop off at your hotel at the time started

🍲 Field lunch for snowmobile tours (or tours above 7,5 hours)

🍪 Snacks

☕ Termos with warm water for coffee, tea

🪑 Sitting pads

🚁 SAR-insurance

🐻‍❄️ Professional ski touring guide with safety gear and polar bear protection

Not included

What you need to bring

✈️ Flights to/from Longyearbyen

🛏️ Hotel in Longyearbyen

🍽️ Meals not mentioned

🧥Clothes

🎿Full ski equipment package – Possible to rent
(boots, Ski, skins, poles, avalanche beacon, probe and shovel, avalanche equipment)

💥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.

• We have a 0‰ alcohol tolerance. If this is not respected, you cannot participate in the tour and you are not entitled to a refund.

• *Information: This trip runs all year around but for Norwegian public holidays (“red days”), a different minimum number of participants may apply. Please contact for information. These days include:
– Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday
– Labour Day (May 1)
– May 17, Ascension day
– Whit sunday and Whit Monday

• All tours are with english speaking guides. Please feel to make a request for language and we can have a look at the possibilities (no guarantees). 

• For snowmobile tours: You need a valid and physical drivers licens for a car or motorbike to drive a snowmobile. You need to bring it with you on the tour. The guide can refuse partipation with no refund if this is not valid in Svalbard.  

 

🎒 Backpack (20-30L)

🥤 Bottle for water

🪖Ski helmet

🧥Shell jacket (windproof)

👖Outdoor pants

⛷️ Warm layers (merino wool, fleece, wool sweater). Extra layer of clothing (warm sweater) 

🧤 Hat, buff, mittens, and gloves 

🎿 Ski equipment if you do not rent

Explore Svalbards wilderness on daytours og expeditions with special offers
By Jonas Haass

The best way to go ski touring

at the top of the world

You want to explore Svalbard’s majestic peaks on skis but this is polar bear country so you can’t do this by yourself…. 

Discover the unparalleled beauty of Svalbard’s wilderness with our expert-guided ski touring adventures. Whether you’re seeking the serene magic of the dark season, the endless light of the midnight sun, or the crisp air of the bright winter months, we offer unforgettable tours tailored to your skill level and preferences.

Our experienced guides prioritize your safety and enjoyment, carefully selecting routes based on conditions, weather, and your group’s abilities. From untouched slopes to breathtaking Arctic views, every tour is designed to give you an authentic and thrilling experience.

Discover Svalbard's Exclusive Mountains with Ski and Snowmobile Tours

There are thousands of mountains in Svalbard to explore. The mountains are normally around 700 – 1000 m high. With that exclusivity, it means that we get to have the mountain to ourselves. Together with you and your group, the guide makes a decision on the destination based on weather conditions, snow and avalanche conditions and their experience. This way we can adapt the experience optimally for you. Some trips start right in the backyard and we can drive to the starting point. These tours are great and suitable for beginners as well as experienced.

If you choose a trip with a snowmobile as transport, we drive the snowmobile out to the foot of the mountain. You do not need previous experience with snowmobiles, but you must have a driving license for a car with you. If you are unsure about snowmobiling, you can be a passenger. The guide meets you at the hotel in the morning and reviews the weather, road and plan for the day with you. Then a fantastic experience awaits out in Svalbard’s wilderness. The tour’s time frame can vary based on your wishes and agreement with the guide. On this trip, you do not need to have much experience with top hiking, but you must be in normal good physical shape.

Tours are available from 15 February to 15 May.

Minimum 1 guests, maximum 6.

Top tours without snowmobiles
Top tours with snowmobiles
Top tours without snowmobiles
Top tours with snowmobiles

Ski Touring in Dark Season

Ski Touring in Midnight Sun

Ski and Snowmobile

Day tour on Svalbard with Ski touring, ice cave visits, ice climbing swim in the Artic ocean, visit the Global Seed Vault with Backyard Svalbard

Ski touring in Svalbard

(day tours in bright winter, differs from the dark season ski tours)
Experience the thrill of backcountry skiing on Svalbard

Private and Tailormade ski tours

Private and tailormade ski and snowmobile tour

Get access to our backyard and early bird offers before others

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