What you get in this adventure: An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area Seven days of sailing and ski touring Transportation to and from the hotel Sailboat accommodations for the duration of the ski tour All meals on board Search and Rescue insurance for the whole tour Safety equipment What’s not included: Technical backcountry ski touring equipment Transportation to Longyearbyen Hotel accommodations in Longyearbyen Meals in Longyearbyen Activities in Longyearbyen Alcoholic beverages on board

How fit do I need to be?

To enjoy this backcountry adventure, you need to be in excellent physical shape. You will be on your feet for 7 full days, covering miles of complex Arctic terrain every day. You will need to manage controlled descents in variable conditions. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging blue or black-level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain. For the enjoyment and safety of everyone involved, participants must be approved to participate in advanced backcountry skiing tours either through a previous trip with the guiding service or through recommendations.

What if I’ve never backcountry skied before?

Backcountry skiing isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner-friendly, meaning anyone with solid blue-level resort experience can have fun in the backcountry. If you’ve never backcountry skied before, heading out with a guide is your best bet. They’ll take care of the planning, introduce you to the basics, like skinning uphill, and teach you how to manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training to keep you safe.

What equipment do I need to bring?

For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring: Alpine touring skis, telemark skis, or splitboard with skins (can be rented) Touring boots and poles (can be rented) Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented): Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon Lightweight snow shovel Avalanche probe Harness for glacier travel (for advanced touring) For clothing, we recommend bringing: 2 merino wool underwear long-johns 2 merino wool underwear t-shirts Fleece jacket and thin down jacket Wool sweater Big down jacket Shell jacket & shell pants 4 pairs thin merino wool socks & 2 pairs thick wool socks Beanies and buffs 2 pairs of gloves (1 thick, 1 thing) & glove liners Warm mittens Inside shoes for onboard the boat Leisure clothing for the boat For personal items, we recommend bringing: Water-resistant duffle bag to pack all your belongings in (90+ liters) Backpack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L backpack) Helmet Sunglasses and ski goggles Water bottle and 1L of water Sunscreen and lip balm Personal medication Toiletries Blister plasters and sports tape (if you’re prone to blisters or sprains) Camera — optional

Can I rent equipment?

All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent it with your guides upon request or from the following store: Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel, and probe from Sportscenteret Svalbard . Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots, and poles can be rented from Sportscenteret Svalbard . Ski rental locations are in Longyearbyen and should be picked up the night before your outing. You can also rent gear with your guides. Contact us to make arrangements.

What’s the weather like?

Although there can never be guarantee of sun, May in Svalbard brings relatively good and stable weather. You’ll sail from point to point and go skiing depending on the weather conditions. Your guide will make sure to maximize your skiing time. Regarding temperatures, it’s generally around -10°C (14°F) at sea levels with a variability throughout the day. Naturally, the nights are colder and temperature can vary depending on the altitude. Check out our clothing and equipment recommendations. We recommend packing more than you need, because the weather can come in quickly, and a sunny morning can soon become a stormy afternoon.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing: For this adventure, the max client-to-guide ratio is 5:1. A minimum of 3 participants is required for the tour to run. If joining alone, you’ll be placed with peers that share a similar level of experience. Cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors above the age of 16 may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis. Minors under 16 are not allowed to join this tour. If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Deposits and cancellation policy

For regular dates, a 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund. For cancellations ninety (90) to one hundred nineteen(119) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking. For cancellations seventy five (75) to eighty nine (89) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount paid when Booking. After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide. Secure your spot for next year with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out! Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure any time in case the dates don’t suit you. Once the dates for 2024 are set, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount. The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to this ski tour in Svalbard, most people fly into Svalbard Airport near Longyearbyen, the largest city in the archipelago and the starting point of this tour. There are daily flights to Longyearbyen from Oslo, Norway, but we encourage you to book early. Norwegian Air flies from Oslo, while SAS arrives from Stockholm. Flying to remote Svalbard takes a while, so plan your journey ahead, and spend a day in town before departure on this tour. Your guide will organize for a minibus to transport you and your gear to your hotel in Longyearbyen.

Covid measures in Svalbard, Norway

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Svalbard, Norway, please refer to the official information about international travel to Norway . Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

Tourers watching the midnight sun near Longyearbyen.

A sailboat in the Longyearbyen harbor, Svalbard.

The deck of a sailboat anchored in Svalbard.

The interior, beds, and bathroom of the Nanuk sailboat.

The communal area on the Nanuk sailboat, Svalbard.

Tourers ascending a slope in Spitsbergen

Ski tourers walking in a line on Spitsbergen, Svalbard.

A skier shredding slopes near the waters of Svalbard.

Spitsbergen | Svalbard

A Week of Sailing and Skiing in Svalbard

5.00 ()

Season

May through June

Nearest city

Oslo is 3 hours away by plane

Duration

7 days

Skill level

Beginner to advanced

Guide

Backyard Svalbard

From $5,760 () / 7 days

Got any questions? or Talk with us

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know
More info

Journey to where Norway meets the North Pole and you’ll find the Svalbard archipelago, home to some of the coolest ski runs and Arctic backdrops in the world. Starting in Longyearbyen, the northernmost permanently inhabited settlement, embark on a week-long ski odyssey under the 24-hour Midnight Sun, during which you’ll tour untouched summits, shred untracked lines, and explore places no one’s ever seen before. From mild cruisers to bone-chilling couloirs, skiers of all skill levels will find a run of their own. And the best part? You won’t have to share the slopes with anyone. Find out more about skiing in Svalbard from Rob Coppolillo, AMGA/IFMGA Guide.

Sample the unique mix of Arctic corn and perfect spring powder
With 24 hours of sunlight, you’ll get the most out of your days on the slopes
New, untracked areas become accessible as summer progresses and the ice melts

Itinerary

Enjoy seven days of sailing and ski touring under the Midnight Sun! Make way to Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost settlement, join a seasoned local guide, and chase the freshest lines on the island of Spitsbergen aboard the cozy and spacious Nanuk sailboat. Your guide will adapt the touring to your group’s goals and abilities. All you have to do is enjoy the views and pick the most exciting slope you want to shred!

Fly into Svalbard Airport just northwest of Longyearbyen and get transferred to your hotel in town. After you go over the trip logistics, get a good night’s sleep. You’ll need it for the adventure to come!
Pack your gear and get transferred to the Longyearbyen harbor. Board the Nanuk, a spacious sailboat built for Arctic expeditions, and head for the waters of Spitsbergen, Svalbard! Spend your touring days chasing some of the most pristine powder in the world, skiing everything from low-angle lines and mild bowls to technical chutes. Once you’re done with the slopes, retreat to your cozy sailboat to take in the solemn atmosphere, enjoy Norwegian delicacies, or share a drink with your crew!

Important note: Depending on the weather and the group’s wishes, every day may vary. There are two options regarding the schedule: the first one is that you go out for the day with a packed lunch and do several lines or one long climb and descent. The second option is going out in the morning, coming back to the boat for lunch, and then heading back once again.

The navigation from one location to another will be discussed and decided on the spot depending on the conditions, both for skiing and navigating. Although nice weather can never be guaranteed, May in Svalbard brings generally stable and quite good weather.
After a week of Arctic adventures, return to the Longyearbyen harbor. You’ll have more than enough time to explore the northernmost town in the world. Visit the Svalbard museum or the local brewery, go on a ski safari, or enjoy a dog-sledding expedition!

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Meet your guide

5.00

Backyard Svalbard

Backyard Svalbard was created in 2019 by a team of passionate skiers enthralled by Arctic landscapes. Their certified guides have extensive experience leading ski expeditions beyond the northernmost sections of Norway, and they’ll do their best to provide you with an authentic Svalbard adventure.

5.00 (2 reviews)

Backyard Svalbard backcountry ski trip

Greg S. about Backyard Svalbard on Tripadvisor

My favorite part of the experience was getting to know Sigurd, the guide, and hearing about all his local adventures. He did a great job arranging all the details for the trip, making it a safe, fun, and enjoyable day in the backcountry of Svalbard. I would highly recommend Sigurd as a guide and feel like I made a new friend. If you visit, remember the weather changes pretty quickly so leave yourself a day or two of flexibility for unpredictable conditions.

Service-minded and great guiding

Alexander F. about Backyard Svalbard on Tripadvisor

Backyard is a great partner during your tour planning, as well at they’ll give you a great tour experience. Their prices are fair and our guide, Loup, was great, both in terms of knowledge and personality. We went for a ski touring trip by snowmobile and had a great trip despite of stormy weather.

Things to know

What you get in this adventure:
- - An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - Seven days of sailing and ski touring
  - Transportation to and from the hotel
  - Sailboat accommodations for the duration of the ski tour
  - All meals on board
  - Search and Rescue insurance for the whole tour
  - Safety equipment
What’s not included:
- - Technical backcountry ski touring equipment
  - Transportation to Longyearbyen
  - Hotel accommodations in Longyearbyen
  - Meals in Longyearbyen
  - Activities in Longyearbyen
  - Alcoholic beverages on board
To enjoy this backcountry adventure, you need to be in excellent physical shape. You will be on your feet for 7 full days, covering miles of complex Arctic terrain every day. You will need to manage controlled descents in variable conditions. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging blue or black-level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.

For the enjoyment and safety of everyone involved, participants must be approved to participate in advanced backcountry skiing tours either through a previous trip with the guiding service or through recommendations.
Backcountry skiing isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner-friendly, meaning anyone with solid blue-level resort experience can have fun in the backcountry. If you’ve never backcountry skied before, heading out with a guide is your best bet. They’ll take care of the planning, introduce you to the basics, like skinning uphill, and teach you how to manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training to keep you safe.
For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:
- - Alpine touring skis, telemark skis, or splitboard with skins (can be rented)
  - Touring boots and poles (can be rented)
  - Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
    
    Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
    
    Lightweight snow shovel
    
    Avalanche probe
    
    Harness for glacier travel (for advanced touring)
For clothing, we recommend bringing:
- - 2 merino wool underwear long-johns
  - 2 merino wool underwear t-shirts
  - Fleece jacket and thin down jacket
  - Wool sweater
  - Big down jacket
  - Shell jacket & shell pants
  - 4 pairs thin merino wool socks & 2 pairs thick wool socks
  - Beanies and buffs
  - 2 pairs of gloves (1 thick, 1 thing) & glove liners
  - Warm mittens
  - Inside shoes for onboard the boat
  - Leisure clothing for the boat
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
- - Water-resistant duffle bag to pack all your belongings in (90+ liters)
  - Backpack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L backpack)
  - Helmet
  - Sunglasses and ski goggles
  - Water bottle and 1L of water
  - Sunscreen and lip balm
  - Personal medication
  - Toiletries
  - Blister plasters and sports tape (if you’re prone to blisters or sprains)
  - Camera — optional
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent it with your guides upon request or from the following store:
- - Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel, and probe from Sportscenteret Svalbard.
  - Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots, and poles can be rented from Sportscenteret Svalbard.
Ski rental locations are in Longyearbyen and should be picked up the night before your outing. You can also rent gear with your guides. Contact us to make arrangements.
Although there can never be guarantee of sun, May in Svalbard brings relatively good and stable weather. You’ll sail from point to point and go skiing depending on the weather conditions. Your guide will make sure to maximize your skiing time.

Regarding temperatures, it’s generally around -10°C (14°F) at sea levels with a variability throughout the day. Naturally, the nights are colder and temperature can vary depending on the altitude. Check out our clothing and equipment recommendations. We recommend packing more than you need, because the weather can come in quickly, and a sunny morning can soon become a stormy afternoon.
Group sizes and pricing:
- - For this adventure, the max client-to-guide ratio is 5:1. A minimum of 3 participants is required for the tour to run.
  - If joining alone, you’ll be placed with peers that share a similar level of experience.
  - Cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows.
Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors above the age of 16 may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.
  - Minors under 16 are not allowed to join this tour.
If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
For regular dates, a 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
- If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund.
  
  For cancellations ninety (90) to one hundred nineteen(119) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
  
  For cancellations seventy five (75) to eighty nine (89) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
  
  After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund.
  
  Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.
Secure your spot for next year with a 10% deposit!

This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!
- Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure any time in case the dates don’t suit you.
- Once the dates for 2024 are set, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
- The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
- Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies.
To get to this ski tour in Svalbard, most people fly into Svalbard Airport near Longyearbyen, the largest city in the archipelago and the starting point of this tour. There are daily flights to Longyearbyen from Oslo, Norway, but we encourage you to book early. Norwegian Air flies from Oslo, while SAS arrives from Stockholm.

Flying to remote Svalbard takes a while, so plan your journey ahead, and spend a day in town before departure on this tour. Your guide will organize for a minibus to transport you and your gear to your hotel in Longyearbyen.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Svalbard, Norway, please refer to the official information about international travel to Norway.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

Have more questions? Read our FAQ, or Talk with us

Life on board

Sail and explore the Svalbard archipelago on a spacious and comfortable 15m / 50ft Nanuk aluminum sailboat that will welcome you back each day after hours and hours of exploration on foot. The boat is equipped with warm and welcoming cabins for up to 6 guests, a covered outside cockpit, two saloons and two bathrooms. Feel cozy as you are securely at anchor in a protected and stunning bay.
Enjoy full meals on board, including some typical local Svalbard dishes. Each meal will be packed with proper nutritional ingredients and hydration to carry with you as you head for the slopes. Relax and enjoy dinner with your group onboard and share experiences as you plan your next adventure.