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Tobias Granath

Svalbard Ski & Sail Expedition

Longyearbyen

Svalbard offers one of the world’s most remarkable ski touring experiences.

Based from our expedition vessel, we explore the remote fjords and mountains of Spitsbergen, travelling through a landscape of glaciers, Arctic wildlife and dramatic alpine terrain. Each day begins and ends on board, allowing us to access ski objectives far beyond the reach of traditional land-based trips.

Our goal is simple: to combine exceptional skiing with an authentic Arctic expedition experience. Expect long spring days, breathtaking scenery and summit descents directly towards the sea, often with uninterrupted views across the Arctic Ocean.

With peaks ranging from 600 to 1200 metres, diverse snow conditions and exceptional opportunities for exploration, Svalbard has become one of the world’s premier destinations for ski touring and ski mountaineering.

The program is operated with two IFMGA mountain guides, a dedicated expedition vessel and a small group of guests, ensuring a personal experience and a high level of flexibility throughout the week.

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  • Info
  • Equipment

Program

The exact route is determined by weather, sea ice and snow conditions, allowing us to make the most of each day and maximise the quality of the skiing.

Operating from our expedition vessel gives us access to a vast network of fjords, glaciers and ski objectives along the west coast of Spitsbergen. Possible destinations include St. Jonsfjorden, Kongsfjorden, Krossfjorden, Magdalenefjorden and Prins Karls Forland.

Each day begins with breakfast on board before heading ashore for ski touring. Depending on the objective, summit elevations typically range from 600 to 1200 metres above sea level. Lunch is enjoyed during the day in the mountains, while afternoons and evenings are spent back on board, sharing stories from the day, enjoying good food and travelling towards the next destination.

In addition to exceptional skiing, the expedition offers opportunities to experience Arctic wildlife, glaciers, remote fjords and the unique atmosphere of the High Arctic under the midnight sun.

A detailed itinerary is provided before departure, but flexibility remains an essential part of every successful Arctic expedition.

HIGHLIGTS

• 7 days / 7 nights aboard expedition vessel
• 6 days of ski touring
• Maximum 8 guests
• 2 IFMGA Mountain Guides
• Professional ship crew
• Full board on board the vessel
• Daily ship-to-shore transfers
• Midnight sun
• Arctic wildlife and spectacular fjord scenery
• Peaks ranging from 600–1200 metres

GROUP & CREW

To provide a personal and flexible experience, the expedition is limited to a maximum of eight guests. The group is accompanied by two IFMGA Mountain Guides and a professional ship crew consisting of captain, chef and engineer.

EXPEDITION LOGISTICS

A dedicated expedition Zodiac allows efficient ship-to-shore operations throughout the week. Fast and reliable transfers maximize our time in the mountains while providing the flexibility required to adapt to weather, sea and snow conditions.

Dates for season 2027

21-28/5 The weeks starts on a Friday evening and ends at Friday morning.

Note:

Please feel free to contact us about requests.

Travel

Flights to and from Longyearbyen are not included.

Accommodation

The expedition is based aboard M/S Ulla Rinman, a former Swedish Sea Rescue vessel built for operations in Arctic waters. With one of the highest ice classifications available, reinforced steel construction and decades of experience in polar regions, the vessel provides a comfortable and reliable base for ski touring expeditions around Spitsbergen.

Offpist and ski-touring skills

Participants should have previous off-piste and ski touring experience, and be comfortable skiing in variable snow conditions.

A good level of fitness is required, with typical touring days involving 5–6 hours of movement and ascents of up to 1200 vertical metres.

Guide/Client ratio

Maximum 8 guests.

The expedition is operated with two IFMGA Mountain Guides, maintaining a guide-to-guest ratio of 1:4 while skiing.

Duration

• 7 days / 7 nights aboard expedition vessel
• 6 days of ski touring
• Daily ship-to-shore Zodiac transfers

Season

Late April – Early June

Assurance

Participants are responsible for arranging appropriate travel, accident and rescue insurance.

Price

EUR 8500 per person.

Included

• 7 nights aboard M/S Ulla Rinman
• Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Water, coffee, tea and soft drinks
• 6 days of guided ski touring
• Daily ship-to-shore Zodiac transfers
• Two IFMGA Mountain Guides
• Expedition permits
• Polar bear safety and protection measures

Not Included

• Flights to and from Longyearbyen
• Additional hotel nights in Longyearbyen
• Ski touring equipment
• Alcoholic beverages
• Travel and rescue insurance

Svalbard equipment list

To save space on board, please pack your belongings in a duffel bag rather than a hard suitcase. Bed linen and towels are provided. Please contact us if you need to rent any of the equipment listed below.

Technical Equipment
  • Ski-touring equipment; skis, skins, ski-crampons, poles, ski-touring boots
  • Transceiver, probe, shovel
  • Crampons, harness, ice-axe

Other Equipment
  • Backpack around 30 liters
  • Warm hat & sunhat, buff/neck gaiter
  • Insulated jacket, down jacket
  • Base layer, mid layer, extra socks
  • Jacket (wind and waterproof)
  • Trousers (wind and waterproof)
  • Thin and warm gloves
  • Ski-googles and sunglasses

  • Water bottle 1 liter
  • Thermos
  • Snacks, Bars
  • Blister kit & painkillers: Including Compeed blister plasters and elastoplast or similar
  • Sunscreen
  • Earplugs
  • Seasickness medication
  • Slippers for indoor use on the Vessel
  • Swim wear. For an arctic after-ski swim!
  • Camera