Svalbard / Spitsbergen Ski and Sail

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at the airport in Longyearbyen from Oslo (with SAS or Norwegian Airlines) in the early afternoon (usually one overnight required in Oslo). Transfer to our Hotel and time to check out the town including a visit to the “Polarmuseum”.

Day 2: Ski touring day trip close to town and return to our Hotel. Many ski touring options exist, partly already in glaciated terrain.

Day 3: Ski touring day trip close to town or alternatively a snowmobile tour to the town of Barensburg, as small Russian mining town.

Day 4: Potentially another shorter ski touring trip from Longyearbyen or a visit to an ice cave (4 hrs). Arrival day for those participants who chose to participate in the boat trip only. Embarkation around 4 pm, safety briefing on board, departure from pier usually around 6 pm.

Day 4 – 11: Boat-based part of the trip:
We usually only sail one hour to our first ski tour in the Isfjord to anchor in a protected “harbour” like Ymerbukta. From there, we continue to sail along the West Coast of Spitzbergen to sample the best ski touring and peak ascent the group of islands has to offer. In May and June the sun will be with us for 24 hours in Svalbard, which leaves a lot of flexibility for our departures. After each day of skiing we return from the shoreline by Zodiak motor boat back to our Yacht, where the smell of dinner will usually welcome us. We usually finish the day on deck with a glass of wine, enjoying the contrast of the sea and the magnificent mountainscape with the everlasting sun above the horizon.

Arrival back in Longyearbyen usually around 4 PM. Candle light farewell dinner on board.

Day 12:
We bid farewell to our Yacht and crew in the morning after breakfast and head back to the airport. Via Tromso we will fly to Oslo from where we can catch our international connections, which may require an overnight.

Details and Logistics

Air Travel and Logistics

Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen is reached by scheduled daily flights from Oslo (sometimes connecting through Tromsø). The flight usually arrives in the early morning hours and depart mid day. Cost from the major European hubs range from €200-500 / person return and require an overnight stay in Oslo. Travel time from the airport to the town of Longyearbyen is only 5 km. There are about 10 hotels, several restaurants and bars, shops and a supermarket in this town of about 2500 inhabitants.

Best Season, Weather and Temperatures

Best season for “Ski and Sail” trips in Svalbard / Spitsbergen are April, May and June with May probably being the prime time. Earlier in the season, some of the fjords may still be frozen or choked with pack ice and some landing spots for ski touring may not be reachable by ship. Later in the season (commonly starting mid June) the snow at sea level has melted, requiring a bit of walking in order to get to the skiing in some locations.

The warmer North Atlantic Current influences the weather in Svalbard and keeps temperatures about 20 degrees Celsius warmer than in comparable latitudes in the continental polar regions of Canada and Russia, which keeps the open waters around Svalbard ice-free, except for the fjords which freeze during the winter.

Average temperatures in Svalbard for the month of May for the small settlement of Ny-Alesund along our sailing itinerary are highs of -1C (30F) and lows of -3C (26F). Generally, precipitation is frequent but falls in small quantities (about 400 mm annually) which means that there is a snow shower or two on most days but rarely is the weather really bad to where we can’t ski tour.

While the winter is pitch dark in Svalbard with cold temps (-13C- -20C) and often strong winds, the spring has 24 hrs daylight with pleasant, very moderate winter temperatures.

Travel Insurance is Required

Please also be aware that payment for evacuation, repatriation, and any other related medical cost is the sole responsibility of the passenger in the event that a medical problem arises either on board or on shore during your trip. You are required to carry proper travel insurance that includes medical and repatriation coverage. This insurance must include COVID-19 and death insurance, including the isolation, transfer, hospitalization, and repatriation coverage of a suspected close contact case as well as the possibility of travel suspension. All responsibility for these costs belongs solely to you as a passenger, and OnTop Mountaineering/Oceanwide Expeditions accepts no liability for them.

Our Svalbard trips take place north of the Arctic circle at latitudes up to (max) 79.6°N; many insurance policies exclude travel above the Arctic circle, and we know of none which provide insurance north of 80°. Please refer to our “travel insurance” tab for a trip insurance provider recommendation and details.

Participants need to be seasoned ski tourers, able to hold a steady uphill pace up to 1500 meters vertical rise every day. Our day packs will be relatively heavy, as we have to carry glacier equipment, lunch & beverages, group emergency gear, bear deterrents and at least one heavy rifle for the group. Participants also need to be confident skiers able to negotiate turns in challenging snow conditions and/or bad visibility without falling frequently.

Given that you will be spending a week together on a boat in the sparsely traveled waters of the arctic sea, you need to be comfortable sleeping in confined quarters under deck and sharing limited space on board with your fellow travelers. If you are easily susceptible to motion sickness, you may also be better off with one of our land-based trips. If in doubt whether you have the required skills and fitness level, feel free to give us a call to discuss your options!

This trip is not for beginner ski tourers. You must be an experienced ski mountaineer comfortable skiing all types of terrain and in all conditions.

FAQ

Do I need to sign a Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement (a.ka. liability waiver)?

Yes, you do. Mountaineering, skiing, climbing, hiking, via ferrata and all other wilderness and adventure travel activities are inherently risky with potential for injuries or even death.
It is very important to us that you are aware of those risks before you start the booking process, which includes filling out a booking form and paying a deposit.
With signing the liability waiver, you confirm that you understand the potential risks and hazards, and are willing to accept the risks, which includes giving up legal rights you may have.
This would also be the time to ask questions or address concerns before you book.
For your reference here is a link to our Liability Waiver. Our booking terms & cancellation policy with more details can be found here

Where can I find out more information about the s/v Noorderlicht?

The s/v Noorderlicht is one of the very best vessels for ski and sail trips, striking a perfect balance between spaciousness, intimacy, and a very classy design. Here’s a collection of 360-degree views of the ship (on our partner’s website) to give you a better idea of what to expect when you step on board this May. See for yourself why we are so excited to be offering another Noordlicht Ski & Sail trip this year!

Want to see deck plans?

The Virtual Tour is great but knowing the ship’s design specifications and layout is really helpful too. That information is available for download here: Ship Details, Ship Plans

What will the snow and weather be like?

May is the month for Svalbard Ski and Sail trips. The temperatures are mild and stable, with lows typically around -5°C and highs around +2°C. The snowpack is typically stable and skiing of the spring corn variety for the most part, although often Arctic Pow can be found on the steep norths.

“Will we get a chance to take photos of Polar Bears?” / or: “Will we be attacked by Polar Bears?”

The short answer to both questions is “No”. While it is possible we will see polar bears on this trip it is highly unlikely. Many tourists travel to Svalbard with the goal of seeing polar bears and join trips that specifically go into the polar bear’s prime habitat — which is north into the pack ice. The goals of our trip are simple: to get the best possible skiing accessible by sailboat. This means sticking to the ice-free waters further south. As a result, I have to disappoint those of you hoping to see polar bears.
At the same time, polar bear safety is always an important consideration. There will always be at least one person in each group carrying a rifle as well as flare guns (a type of bear deterrent). Since we move from place to place and do not camp on land, there is also no chance of enticing a bear over time into our midst.
The reports we hear every couple of years about encounters with polar bears on Svalbard — the most recent being this July — are either with habituated bears close to the towns or far north with tour groups actually seeking out polar bear encounters. Unfortunately in each case the end result has been the destruction of a bear who is usually emaciated, desperate and close to death already.

Travel Insurance is Required

Please also be aware that payment for evacuation, repatriation, and any other related medical cost is the sole responsibility of the passenger in the event that a medical problem arises either on board or on shore during your trip. You are required to carry proper travel insurance that includes medical and repatriation coverage. This insurance must include COVID-19 and death insurance, including the isolation, transfer, hospitalization, and repatriation coverage of a suspected close contact case as well as the possibility of travel suspension. All responsibility for these costs belongs solely to you as a passenger, and OnTop Mountaineering/Oceanwide Expeditions accepts no liability for them.

Booking

Please read and fill out this additional Reservation Form and FAQ.

 References of prior guests: We will gladly put potential clients in touch with previous participants of each trip in order for interested guests to get more personalized references and their questions answered from a more objective point of view than what our office could provide.

“Jorg and Tom are true professionals. If you were on the fence about going on a trip and then found out that Jorg and/or Tom were guiding…you’d go. haha
General organization of the trip was great. I could feel Jorgs stress level decrease as we corraled everybody on the boat. Everything went as smooth as the sailing ahead of us.  The itinerary was great. Every location we stopped and toured had its own special feel. I truly enjoyed every day in this region. The stop to see the walrus’ and the night in Barentsburg/midnight skiing rounded the days out into memorable side trips.
The Noorderlicht was wayyyy better than expected. The boat and the crew were a welcome site at days end. Gabrielle always had a snack/soup ready for us…beer fridge was stocked. What else could you ask for. The food was amazing…I enjoyed every meal. The only drawback to this trip is that it will now be the benchmark for all future similar excursions. I am always prepared to be a bit uncomfortable on ski/climbing trips but man, we were spoiled. One more thing to mention. Jorg barked at me for not having my skis strapped together tight…I swear they were Matty’s. hahaha
This trip was a 10 in my book. Throw in Jorg, Tom and our whole like-minded group…I could bump it to an 11. And thank you Heather and Kristine for fielding all the pre trip questions. You guys are great!” Glenn S., USA

PACKING NOTES

You need to bring all of the following personal equipment. Please don’t bring extra equipment. If you have any questions at all about gear please do not hesitate to contact us.

Ski crampons are a must for spring ski touring on Svalbard. If you have any difficulty obtaining these please let me know. We have some spares and can likely set you up with a pair. If you have telemark bindings, G3 crampons have an attachment system that works well for most tele bindings.

CLOTHING

• Wool or synthetic socks and liner socks
• Long underwear top – synthetic or wool
• Light fleece or wool sweater
• Wind shell – nylon or ‘Schoeller’ type jacket
• Waterproof breathable jacket
• Warm insulated jacket – down or synthetic
• Long underwear bottoms – synthetic or wool
• Multipurpose stretch nylon or ‘Schoeller’ type pants
• Waterproof breathable pants
• Warm hat – wool or synthetic
• Brimmed cap for sun protection
• Face warmer – scarf, neck tube, or balaclava (optional)
• Light gloves – wool, synthetic, or leather
• Insulated gloves or mitts with a waterproof outer shell
• Spare gloves or mitts
• Handkerchief for blocking the sun (optional)

SNOW SAFETY EQUIPMENT

• Avalanche beacon with good batteries (and spares)
• Shovel
• Probe (2.4m or longer preferred)

TRAVEL EQUIPMENT

• Skis
• Ski strap
• Ski boots
• Poles
• Climbing skins
• Skin wax (or a candle)
• Ski crampons (mandatory)
• Binding repair kit to fix your personal travel setup
• Ski helmet (optional)

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

• Pack (30-40 liters)
• Sunglasses (both orange and dark lenses help a lot for travel in all conditions)
• Goggles (orange lenses)
• Sunscreen and lip cream (SPF 30+)
• Headlamp with good batteries
• Insulated water bottle or thermos (1-2 L)
• Lunch bag or container
• Personal blister kit (i.e: Leukotape-P and Compeed/Second Skin blister pads)
• Pocket knife (optional)
• Camera (optional)
• Binoculars (optional)

GLACIER GEAR

• Harness – fitted for over your ski clothing
• Locking carabiners (x2)
• Non-locking carabiners (x2)
• Prussik cord – 5m x 6mm (optional)
• Sewn sling – 120cm (optional)
• Lightweight ice axe (optional, don’t bring if you don’t have one or don’t like steep skiing)

ON THE SAILING BOAT & AT THE HOTEL

• Duffle bag to contain your clothes in your berth
• Shoes
• Slippers
• High rubber boots for entering/exiting the dinghy
• Comfortable clothing
• Personal medications and toiletries
• Earplugs
• Reading material
• Chargers & adapters for electronic devices (normal AC power is available as 220V Euro plug)
• Norwegian cash in NOK or Euros to pay for your beer tab, souvenirs, and tips/gratuities (for both guiding staff and boat crew)

NOTE THE FOLLOWING ARE PROVIDED:

• Beer and wine are available to purchase on the boat at a reasonable price — but the selection may be limited. The local grocery store is well stocked with a good selection of local microbrewery beers as well as liquor and wine.
• Pillows, duvets, bed linen, and towels supplied on the boat (& hotel)

GROUP GEAR (SUPPLIED BY THE GUIDES)

• Altimeter
• Map and compass
• GPS
• Snow study kit
• Snow and/or bush saw
• First aid kit
• Emergency tarp
• Emergency toboggan
• Group repair kit
• Radio & satellite phone
• Ropes for glacier travel

Travel Insurance is Required

Please be aware that payment for evacuation, repatriation, and any other related medical cost is the sole responsibility of the passenger in the event that a medical problem arises either on board or on shore during your trip. You are required to carry proper travel insurance that includes medical and repatriation coverage. This insurance must include COVID-19 and death insurance, including the isolation, transfer, hospitalization, and repatriation coverage of a suspected close contact case as well as the possibility of travel suspension. All responsibility for these costs belongs solely to you as a passenger, and OnTop Mountaineering/Oceanwide Expeditions accepts no liability for them.

Our Svalbard trips take place north of the Arctic circle at latitudes up to (max) 79.6°N; many insurance policies exclude travel above the Arctic circle, and we know of none which provide insurance north of 80°.

Global Rescue Services (click link to enroll) has long been recognized as the Gold Standard for remote and extreme locations rescue insurance worldwide.

Information about their covid coverage can be found here.