Svalbard - Spring 2025

The Skiing

There are few things that can compare to skiing on a remote island high above the arctic circle. The views looking out across the frozen fiords, drifting sea ice and endless glaciers are nothing short of mind-blowing and guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

After scouting the shoreline (for signs of polar bears as well as good ski lines) we typically start climbing on skins right from the sea-ice or the beach - usually to around 1000m. We can often reach a summit on skis but sometimes carry crampons and ice axes in case they enable us to access a more interesting descent. If conditions and energy levels are good we might do a second and even a third descent before returning to the Zodiac.

We are often skiing on glaciers but in general they are quite benign so the risk posed by crevasses is relatively limited. While a certain level of fitness is essential for ski-touring, starting at sea level removes altitude from the equation and makes it less demanding than ski touring in mountain ranges such as the Alps or Rockies.

Being such a remote location, this is neither the place to learn ski-touring nor the place to push your personal envelope. However, there is terrain to suit a wide-range of abilities from wide-open mellow cruisers to engaging, steep couloirs. First descents are always a possibility. As with any ski touring, the snow can be variable but in our experience finding amazing corn snow or powder is usually possible and seeing other ski tracks is rare. Our aim on a daily basis is to ski the best snow and most interesting terrain away from other skiers.

One of those days where you find the motivation for "one more run" without too much difficulty.

Other than the Skiing

Only a tiny minority of Svalbard visitors are skiers and this is a perfect trip on which to be joined by non-skiing friends and family.

Once on board, the arctic safari begins and our expert polar guide brings the journey to life, spotting and telling us about the remarkable wildlife - whales, walruses, arctic foxes, puffins, seals, reindeer, terns and of course, polar bears. The Zodiacs also enable us to get closer to the wildlife and create amazing photography opportunities.

The scenery around us is simply breathtaking - dramatic mountains, glaciers plunging into the sea and barely a sign of humanity once we leave Longyearbyen.

There are plenty of opportunities to go ashore to go hiking or show-shoeing for a change of perspective. We might also visit Ny Alesund, the world's northernmost town.

A polar plunge is not obligatory but many enjoy the exhilaration and find this becoming a daily ritual. For the truly brave, a lap of the boat is the ultimate Wim Hof challenge!

Photo: Stian Hagen

How It Works

With regular flights from Oslo, Svalbard is surprisingly easy to get to from Europe. However, with no roads outside Longyearbyen, once there, a boat or snowmobile is the only way to get around.

Our vessel is small enough to get close to the shore (and not to bring a crowd) but big enough to be comfortable and strong enough to break ice. Her speed and crew of 10 enable her to reposition 24 hours a day so that we can navigate around weather systems and explore widely, whether searching for powder or polar bears.

We run 7-night trips, meaning a night ashore in Longyearbyen followed by 6 nights on board. This gives us a day to explore Longyearbyen, visit Svalbard's museums and the locality - on foot, snowmobiles, e-bikes or dog sleds, before casting off for 5 days of ski-touring and exploring the archipelago formerly known as Spitsbergen.

The itinerary is flexible and agreed and adapted between guides, captain and guests based on the weather, snow conditions and priorities of the group.

Booking 2025

2025 is now open for booking and you can also add your name to our 2026 waitlist.

Trips will be operating 14-25 April and May 2025 (exact dates tbc). Bookings can be made for private groups of up to 10 guests or on a "by cabin" basis.

April 2025 dates are priced at EUR9500 per person or EUR95,000 for full charter (1 night Longyearbyen, 5 nights on board) are as follows:

• 14-20 Apr
• 19-25 Apr

2025 Bookings will close by mid-July.