Ski touring program in Svalbard Norway

Start date: 01/05/2024

Final date: 31/05/2024

Duration: 8 days

Price: from 7000€

Svalbard, Norway | Level: Medium

Svalbard is an archipelago located in the heart of the Arctic Ocean, far north of the European mainland, and belongs to the Kingdom of Norway. It consists of a group of islands ranging between 74 to 81° north latitude and 10 to 35° east longitude, forming the northernmost part of Norway.

For centuries, many travelers have been attracted by the polar climate and wildlife, as well as by its exceptional wilderness and singular cultural heritage such as the old mines. The main town is Longyearbyen, an amazing place which, albeit remote, offers an international atmosphere, with visitors hailing from different countries, but also exhibitions, concerts, festivals, and a wide variety of traditional restaurants serving whale, reindeer or seal meat and locally crafted beer. From Longyearbyen, we will sail to discover the surrounding nature and the skiing potential of its mountains, always in the company of local guides, as Svalbard is famous for being the home of the polar bear.

“ Svalbard is as close as most mortals
can aspire to be to the North Pole
without missing its spirit.”

Lonely Planet

« Svalbard » means « cold coasts » in Norwegian. Compared with other areas sharing the same latitude, its climate is surprisingly mild, due to the warming influence of the North Atlantic Current. The midnight sun in the summertime and the Northern Lights during winter give this place two completely different facets. This is why we plan our ski trips in May, as it turns out to be the best compromise in terms of light and temperature both for visiting and ski touring. Whaling and mining have traditionally been the two main economic sectors of the islands. However, nowadays, tourism almost surpasses these last two. Svalbard’s nature is undoubtedly harsh, but also fragile at the same time. This is the reason why two thirds of its surface is a protected area. Today, Svalbard is a certified sustainable destination, a recognition that is awarded only to places that relentlessly work to reduce the negative effects of tourism. This is why we, at Outnørd Travel, work with local companies.

Tailor-made stay
A group of 6 to 12 people
8 days / 7 nights + full board accommodation on the 46.5 meter M/S Explorer, a polar ship completely refurbished in 2021, originally built to be able to sail between sea and ice.
6 days of ski mountaineering activity with 3 mountain guides trained for this objective (1 expedition leader and UIAGM guide + 1 UIAGM guide + 1 SNMSF guide).
2 Zodiac boats for departures and land approach.
Port and entrance fees to Svalbard.

Not included :

Round trip flights to Longyearbyen. Outnørd Travel collaborates with an IATA agency for the issuance of flights and we can help you with logistics.
Hotels, meals and/or transfer to Longyearbyen, in case of an overnight stay before and after the M/S Explorer.
Transfers.
Drinks : alcohol and extra drinks.
Assistance and repatriation insurance (mandatory).

We also provide :
Rental of Kästle skis and safety equipment (with an extra cost).

This program offers the experience of staying in a scientific ship totally adapted and refurbished for this activity where comfort meets the highest standards, not only regarding its rooms but also its common areas, both indoors and outdoors. On top of that, you will be delighted by an incredible gastronomy.

The ship, an accommodation offering the ultimate in comfort

The M/S Explorer is a polar vessel type A1. It was built in 1994 as an oceanographic expedition vessel to Greenland. With 46.5 meter long and 10.5 meter wide, the Explorer was designed to sail between sea and ice.
The ship was completely renovated in 2021.
It features a spacious panoramic lounge, a gym, a sauna and a jacuzzi to relax after skiing. It also provides a large outdoor space on the bridge with a bar area from which you can enjoy stunning views. Its rooms range between 14 and 17 square meters, depending on whether they are single, double rooms or suites.

10 years of experience.
Trips designed and carried out by a passionate team.
Programs in a carefully selected environment with outstanding routes.
Exclusive gastronomy and accommodation.
Professional organization.

Our strengths :

ARCTIC NATURE

The kingdom of the white bear

FLEXIBILITY

Routes adapted to weather conditions

EXCLUSIVE BOAT

High-end accommodation and gastronomy

TEAM

Professional and passionate about skiing and ski touring

PROGRAM :

Ski touring days in Svalbard will be adapted to weather conditions : as a result, we cannot go into details for the exact itinerary. We will be sailing to adapt to the best weather and snow. The goal is to reach and explore as much as we can this part of the planet. We offer you six days of activity surrounded by a spectacular arctic nature and its incredible fauna. This is definitely a unique ski touring experience. Stunning peaks, memorable descents to the sea where the boat awaits us is something quite exceptional and the experience of a lifetime.

WHO IS IT FOR ?

Ski mountaineering enthusiasts who can ski all types of snow.

PHYSICAL CONDITION :

It is necessary to have the ability to practice ski mountaineering for about 6 hours each day with a vertical drop of +/- 1 000 meters per day.

LIST OF EQUIPMENT | CONDITIONS OF SALE | INSURANCE :

Download here the list of necessary equipment.
Download here the conditions of sale.
Download here the conditions of travel insurance.

PRICES

From 7 000 € (based on a group of 12 people).

Download the full programme here