9 Days
Intermediate
6 people
English, Italian
Svalbard Ski and Sail is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, a unique combination of ski mountaineering and Arctic exploration in the land of glaciers and the legendary white bear. Sailing through the frozen fjords aboard the magnificent Rembrandt Van Rijn, you will reach remote bays and untouched coastlines where mountains rise directly from the sea. From the deck of the ship, every day begins with a new exploration: we step onto the snow, attach our skins, and climb from the shoreline to wild, isolated summits surrounded by the silence of the High Arctic.
Once on top, breathtaking views open across endless ice fields, frozen ocean expanses and sharp polar ridges. The descent is an unforgettable experience — skiing deep, cold Arctic powder “at the top of the world”, far beyond the Arctic Circle and immersed in an atmosphere that exists nowhere else on Earth. Guided by our experienced team, Ski & Sail in Svalbard offers an extraordinary blend of adventure, discovery and pure wilderness, giving you the chance to live the true spirit of Arctic ski mountaineering in one of the most remote and fascinating regions of the planet.
During our Ski & Sail expedition in Svalbard, we navigate between silent fjords, narrow inlets and majestic icy bays, using the ship as a moving basecamp. Each day we anchor in a new secluded location, step off the vessel, and begin our ski mountaineering tours directly from the shore. The ascents develop across wide glacial valleys and pristine snowfields, with daily elevation gains typically ranging from 1,000 to 1,400 meters — perfect for intermediate ski mountaineers seeking rewarding climbs and long, flowing descents on cold, dry Arctic powder.
But ski mountaineering is only part of what makes this journey truly extraordinary. This expedition is also a polar cruise, offering the rare opportunity to explore one of the wildest and most remote environments on Earth. The dramatic scenery alone — ancient glaciers, blue icebergs, rugged coastlines and endless snow-covered peaks — is worth the voyage. With a bit of luck, encounters with Arctic wildlife will make the experience even more memorable. It is not uncommon to spot whales, seals, walruses, reindeer, Arctic foxes, and a remarkable variety of seabirds. And sometimes, from a safe and respectful distance, it is even possible to observe the majestic polar bear, the true symbol of Svalbard’s untouched wilderness.
In this breathtaking setting, skiing becomes only one of the ways to connect with the spirit of the Arctic, making the Svalbard Ski & Sail experience something far beyond a classic ski trip — a journey into the heart of the high north.
The Svalbard Islands, also known by their historical name Spitsbergen, form a remote Arctic archipelago located between the 74th and 82nd parallels north. With roughly 2,500 inhabitants, Svalbard is one of the northernmost populated regions on the planet. Outside the small settlement of Longyearbyen, there are virtually no roads; moving across the archipelago means travelling on foot, by boat, by snowmobile or by dog sled, fully immersed in the raw beauty of the Arctic wilderness.
Svalbard’s climate is unmistakably polar. Along the coastline temperatures are softened slightly by the influence of the ocean — especially on the west coast, touched by the tail of the Gulf Stream — but even in summer the thermometer rarely rises above 5–6°C. Vast glaciers, frozen bays, permafrost landscapes and an ever-changing light create an environment that feels both extreme and extraordinarily captivating.
The Polar Bear: The Icon of Svalbard
The undisputed symbol of the archipelago is the polar bear. According to the most reliable surveys, approximately 3,000 polar bears inhabit the region — more than the human population itself. Majestic and powerful, the polar bear is a superb predator, driven by constant hunger and therefore potentially dangerous.
Although statistics show no attacks on organized ski mountaineering groups, incidents have occurred with unprotected campers, especially at night. For this reason, Arctic travel protocols require moving with proper safety equipment, always with the goal of deterring the animal rather than harming it. Only in extreme, unavoidable cases should a weapon be used in self-defense — a last resort in an environment where respecting wildlife is fundamental.
Exploring Svalbard means entering a land where nature dictates the rules. It is a place of silence, vast horizons, deep snow and encounters that leave a mark forever — a true frontier for those who seek adventure in the far north.
Ocean-A is a huge steel ketch with a total length of 22.65 m. It has an ocean sailing qualification without restrictions in wind and waves and has also received the ice strengthening mark from PRS: we can sail even in difficult Arctic waters, where ice formation is the order of the day.
The total sail area of over 190 square meters consists of two forestay sails on rakes and the main and mizzen on straight running and offering a number of possibilities for the selection of the surface of the furlers and booms.
The yacht is equipped with an additional mechanical drive: a 220 hp Cummins engine, which, combined with a four-ton fuel tank, allows for very long sailing independence without calling at ports, even in unfavorable wind conditions.
The leading Guide is a fully certified IFMGA Montain Guide.
You can book this activity in any date/dates within the availability periods. We tailor your experience to meet your every need, from your fitness level to your skiing ability.
Don’t hesitate to contact us for any other question/information.
Flight Italy – Oslo - Longyearbyen, before the meeting point date.
From Longyearbyen we will transfer aboard the sailing ship on the morning of May 18, 2025. Start of navigation.
Welcome aperitif, briefing on safety and organization on board and, after a first afternoon trip, dinner and night on board
Ski mountaineering and navigation trip.
The sailing ship will navigate following the best possible route taking into account the sea and mountain conditions, according to the decisions of the Captain in coordination with the Alpine Guides.
During the journey, as many trips as possible will be made (usually 6 trips), taking into account the weather and snow conditions of the moment.
Disembarkation in Longyearbyen on the last morning in relation to the return flight time, transfers to the airport and return.
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