Explore untouched Arctic terrain and ski under the endless light of the midnight sun.
Experience world-class backcountry skiing where glaciers rise straight from the sea.
Spend your days exploring untouched terrain on the remote and beautiful Svalbard. Experience the breathtaking scenery and wildlife that draws enthusiasts from around the globe on this backcountry ski touring and sailing expedition along the west coast of Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island.
From the trip description by Ice Axe Expeditions
On-snow support
- Independent: Below this trip's level of support
Ski or ride independently, without trip staff accompanying you on the mountain.
- Hosted: With your guide
Trip hosts ski or ride with the group, help everyone get oriented, and share local knowledge.
- Guided: Included
Professional guides lead the group and select suitable terrain and routes based on conditions and ability. Instruction is not included.
- Coached: Not confirmed
Professional coaches lead the group, select suitable terrain, and provide instruction and personalized feedback to help you improve.
- Backcountry guidingSki guide services
Terrain, ability and who it is for
- Sport
- Ski + Snowboard
- Max group size
- 12 guests
What the price includes
Included
- Lodging
- Meals
- Transfers
- Ski guide services
- One night’s stay in a hotel in Longyearbyen (prior to departure) with continental breakfast and welcome dinner
- Group transfers from the airport to the hotel and from the boat to the airport on disembarkation and all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board the boat
- Shore landings and Zodiac excursions as permitted by weather and local conditions
Not included
- Ski or trekking equipment
- Airfares to or from your home city
- Extra hotel nights if arriving early or staying after the trip
- Passport and visa expenses and any government arrival and departure airport taxes
- Ski or trekking equipment
- Mandatory emergency medical and evacuation insurance
- Excess baggage charges
- Telecommunications charges
- Alcoholic and specialty beverages
- Customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for guides and yacht personnel
Not confirmed by the operator: Lift pass, Lesson.
Day by day
- Arrival: ArrivalArrive Longyearbyen, Norway, and transfer to hotel.
- Day 2: Board the Grand Explorer and begin the journey with almost endless daylight. Once onboard you will meet the crew and get briefed about safety and routines while sailing with on the Explorer. When getting acquainted in your allocated cabins, we will set sail out of Longyearbyen and you can relax and enjoy the pristine scenery. We will be heading far north to Northern Spitsbergen where we will be on our own for the next few days.
- Days 3–8: We will cruise the fjords of Spitsbergen in search of excellent terrain and first descents. Our onboard chef will provide excellent warm meals.
- Day 9: Return to Longyearbyen, Norway and depart for flight home.*Flexibility is a must for all Arctic travel. This program is subject to change throughout the journey depending on ice, weather and local conditions.
From the trip description by Ice Axe Expeditions
Where you stay
- We will sail to a new location every day using our expedition-equipped vessel the Grand Explorer.
- One night’s stay in a hotel in Longyearbyen (prior to departure) with continental breakfast and welcome dinner
Getting There
SAS and Norwegian Air have flights serving Longyearbyen, Svalbard (LYR) from Oslo (OSL). It is recommended to book roundtrip airfare from your home city to Oslo (OSL) to accommodate for a SAS or Norwegian roundtrip flight from Oslo (OSL) to Longyearbyen (LYR). Often, you will need to overnight in Oslo to accommodate for flight times.
From the trip description by Ice Axe Expeditions
Pins show the approximate main trip area—not a route, meeting point, or full itinerary. Confirm exact locations in the company's trip details.
Dates and prices
- Apr 22 – Apr 30, 20272026/27 · 9 days11,300 USD$11,300 per guest, as printed under Pricing Details.AvailableChoose these datesBook on company website
- Apr 29 – May 7, 20272026/27 · 9 days11,300 USD$11,300 per guest, as printed under Pricing Details.Sold OutChoose these datesBook on company website
Sold out; the page offers a waitlist.
Prices, taxes and fees, required extras, inclusions, availability, and booking terms can change. Confirm the current price and trip details on the company website; source last reviewed September 24, 2026.
Good To Know
Required gear includes skis/splitboard (appropriate for ski mountaineering), skins, alpine touring boots, ski crampons, avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.
We require that you have at least $100,000 in medical evacuation insurance coverage. Your insurance policy should cover ski mountaineering/hazardous sports.
Cancellations received up to 180 days prior to departure are refunded less an administrative fee of $500 per person. If cancellation is received between 180 and 95 days prior to departure, the 50% deposit is forfeited. For cancellations received within 94 days prior to departure, all deposits are forfeited.
If any trip must be delayed due to bad weather, cancelled or delayed transportation, sickness or any other situation for which Ice Axe Expeditions cannot make provisions, all costs incurred during such delays must be borne by trip members.
From the trip description by Ice Axe Expeditions
Reviews
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