SAIL-TO-SKI SALBARD

From $7,800.00

Enjoy 10 days in our Sail-to-Ski Svalbard, Norway Advenutre. Where you can truly escape to a remote and wild part of the world.

Category

Skiing
Activities

Backcountry Skiing, Sail-to-Ski
Max Group Size

8 Persons
Destination

Europe , Norway Ski Tour

Trip Enquiry

Trip code WT-CODE 5408

Guide Ratio: 4:1 Trip Dates: Apr 29 - June 3rd Trip Dates: May 13 - May 23 Duration: 10 Days

Sail-to-Ski Svalbard Adventure

Our trip begins in the town of Longyearbyen, on the island of Spitsbergen in the archipelago of Svalbard, which is part of Norway. Svalbard sits between 74 and 81 degrees north, about half way between the mainland and the North Pole. The 60 percent of entire landmass of Svalbard is covered in ice, the landscape punctuated by 5,000 foot mountains and deep icy fjords. This is a truly remote and wild part of the world. Home to lots of wildlife including polar bear, walrus and the blue whale. This majestic setting will be our playground for 10 days of world-class skiing.

THE BOAT

During our trip, we will make our home aboard the SkyDancer, a 73-foot steel hull schooner, custom-built for Arctic sailing. The SkyDancer sleeps 10 guests; 6 in 3 highly comfortable double cabins, and 4 more in a quad bunk upfront. In addition, there are two guest toilets, one with a shower and a heated floor for added comfort. There are 2 large salons, one deck saloon with an all-around view, and comfortable couches. This is a perfect area for reading, planning our days, or just hanging out. The second salon is down below, equipped with a kitchen and a large table for the entire crew to have meals together. Comfortably, the central heating with personal controls in each room will keep you warm and dry.

THE SKIING

Each day we begin our ski day by climbing in the zodiac and heading to shore. We spend most of our time along the stunningly picturesque and remote west coast line of the island of Spitsbergen. Once ashore, we will put skins on our skis, clip in and begin to hike. You can expect 6-8 hour days with 3-7 thousand vert of ascent. Of course what goes up, must come down… and your efforts will be reward with breathtaking views, wild ski terrain and with any luck a whole lot of powder turns. This is backcountry skiing and ski mountaineer like you’ve never had before.

Because this place is so remote, wild and the weather can change at anytime, we also staff the trip with 2 IFMGA guides. Furthermore, because it is alway possible to encounter a polar bear while skiing, the guide will always carry a gun..not to shoot the bear necessary, but more to try to scare it off. We have yet to discharge one of our guns, but we must be prepared should we encounter a polar bear too close.

Average temperatures range between 22 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and in May the sun never really goes down. We’ll try to keep on a normal schedule, but sometimes weather and travel nudge us to switch it up a bit. No biggie though, were in the land of mid night sun, and skiing down a couloir with the sea below at 2am in the Arctic makes for good stories.

THE EXPERIENCE

Basing on a boat is a great way to enjoy a ski vacation. We have no commute. We wake up every morning only minutes from clipping into our skis. At the end of the day, we step on the boat to Apres Ski with all our friends as we motor to our next destination.

Our hosts, Nick and Estella are also a big part of the experience. The SkyDancer is their home, and aboard we are invited into their world. All the meals are outstanding and plentiful. Dinner is served family-style, and always plentiful and tasty. Breakfast is more buffet style, so we can all eat when we choose as we prepare for our day. Lunch is sandwiches and other snacks the each of us will choose and put together on our own from leftover breakfast and other goodies Estella sets out for us.

SAIL-TO-SKI SVALBARD ITINERARY

Ideally you should arrive the evening before the the scheduled start day. We recommend the RADISSON BLU POLAR. Although it is not mandatory to arrive the day before the start date, it does give a bit of a buffer incase luggage or flights are delayed.

Itineraries

Day 1

Transport to Sailboat

Move into your room, organize gear, briefing and dinner. Plan on moving onto the boat between 10 and 1pm. You should plan on using the morning to buy alcohol, specialty items or any last minute needs.