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ski sail svalbard small group

Ski and Sail Svalbard: Small-Group Arctic Expedition

8 days | Moderate to Challenging | 5.00
From $6,309 ()
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Halfway between Norway and the North Pole, the lines are untracked and the sun never sets. Aboard KÉRABAN—a 16-meter (52-foot) sailboat built for the world’s most remote waters—a small group of up to four will ski untouched Arctic peaks by day and return to warm cabins, a three-course dinner, and a crew that’s already handled everything else. No crowds, no packed boats. Just a tight-knit group, a world-class skipper and guide, and the kind of terrain most skiers will never see.

Lionel
Lionel

Adventure Highlights

  • Your floating Arctic basecamp: KÉRABAN hosts just 4 guests per departure, with two ensuite double-berth cabins, a lounge, and a chef who handles every meal
  • World’s most remote skiing: Snow ranges from dry Arctic powder to spring corn, and every line you ski is one that very few people have ever touched
  • Svalbard beyond the usual routes: Sail into bays and ski zones that larger vessels can't reach—the archipelago stretches from 79° to 84° North, and most of it sees very few visitors
Duration
8 days
Season
May through June
Group size
Up to 4 people
Accommodation
Comfort: KÉRABAN sailboat (up to 4 people)
Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging: Excellent fitness required, traveling 10-20 km (6-12 miles), with 1,100-1,500m (3,609-4,291 ft) of elevation gain per day
What's included
Guide, lodging, all meals, skipper & chef, dinghy, fuel and port dues

The adventure, day by day

Board a 16-meter sailboat with a small group of up to four and spend eight days skiing the Svalbard archipelago under the midnight sun. KÉRABAN is purpose-built for high-latitude Arctic sailing—aluminum hull, top-tier rigging, thermal insulation throughout—and small enough to reach terrain that larger boats can't. Your skipper, mountain guide, and onboard chef take care of everything from conditions assessment to three-course dinners. You focus on the skiing.

Day 1: Welcome aboard
Keraban boat sailing

Fly into Longyearbyen, the main hub on the Norwegian archipelago, where your guide transfers you to KÉRABAN. Get settled into your cabin, meet the crew, check your gear, and attend the safety briefing. Once everything’s in order, we set sail toward the first ski zone.

Meals: Dinner included (food and beverages on arrival until boarding not included)
Accommodation: KÉRABAN sailboat

Days 2–7: Ski and sail
A skier enjoying the view over the snowy peaks and valleys in Svalbard

Each morning, your guide assesses snow conditions and the group picks a new zone to explore. After a full breakfast, we head out for 4–8 hours of ski touring on terrain that ranges from open, low-angle bowls to steeper spines and technical chutes—most of it consistent with low 30-degree angles. Snow runs from dry Arctic powder to perfect spring corn depending on the week. Back on the boat, après-ski snacks are waiting, and dinner is a three-course affair featuring local Arctic specialties paired with wines selected by the chef.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner included
Skiing: 10–20 km (6–12 mi) per day
Elevation: +1,100–1,500 m (+3,609–4,291 ft) per day
Accommodation: KÉRABAN private sailboat

Day 8: Farewell to Svalbard
Longyearbyen's colourful houses surrounded by snow and mountains

We reach port in the morning. Disembark, take one last look at the cobalt sea and snow-covered peaks, and head to the airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

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Life on board

Adventure, packed to go

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.
Lionel
5.00
Lionel
A professional racer-skipper and exceptional boat preparer, Lionel’s carrier spans solo oceanic races, non-stop around the world races, and many more. He is also certified as an offshore commercial yacht master, contributing significant skills in both crew management, safety and medical emergency chapters. Lionel is dedicated to sharing his passion for sailing and nature.
Brian
5.00
Brian
IFMGA Mountain Guide
Brian is a professional mountain and climbing guide, a ski teacher, an Arctic Guide and RYA sailing teacher that has been running Ski & Sail tours for 15 years. In the last 23 years, he has become the lead guide for some amazing companies including the BBC, Pioneer Productions London, Amazon Prime and the top heliskiing operations worldwide. When he’s not leading tours, he tours Europe lecturing about avalanche awareness and rescue!  
Andres
5.00
Andres
IFMGA Mountain Guide
Andres has made his dream a profession—he has been a qualified IFMGA mountain guide for 13 years! Sponsored by Mammut, he carries numerous expeditions all around the world and continuously discovers new terrain around Iceland, Norway, Japan and Alaska. When he’s not skiing, he works as a profiler for the Snow and Avalanche Research Institute in Davos and gives avalanche courses for all levels of skiers every year.
Paul
5.00
Paul
IFMGA Mountain Guide
Paul travels the world year-round. He spends the winter season ski touring, mountaineering, freeriding, heliskiing, ice climbing and snowshoeing across the world, and during the summer he guides for mountaineering, sport climbing, bouldering, trekking and biking.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (10 reviews)
L
Louise Lumley

Fabulous crew, lovely people, great food, fun and accommodating. Excellent well appointed boat with unbelievably experienced skipper.

A
Ana A.

They are a great professional team. Lionel Lemmonchais is the best skipper I ever met!!

M
Mark W.

Clement Carasco was outstanding. Patient, thorough, funny and communicative. Provided encouragement, options and guidance. The week met the expectations of our diverse group.

5.00(10 reviews)
L
Louise Lumley

Fabulous crew, lovely people, great food, fun and accommodating. Excellent well appointed boat with unbelievably experienced skipper.

A
Ana A.

They are a great professional team. Lionel Lemmonchais is the best skipper I ever met!!

M
Mark W.

Clement Carasco was outstanding. Patient, thorough, funny and communicative. Provided encouragement, options and guidance. The week met the expectations of our diverse group.

D
Dave S.

Fantastic! He adapted well to changing conditions and weather, and provided an outstanding week of adventure!

D
Durland M.

Our guide Jonas was a highly skilled snow boarder and leader. He was very familiar with the best slopes on Svalbard and was well trained in assessing avalanche conditions. On board the boat Jonas was personable and had lots of great stories.

G
Greg S.

Guide Lorenzo was outstanding! Smart, skilled and fun. Extremely knowledgeable on many subjects.

M
Mark L.

Great guide, very personal approach with great ideas for skiing and other activities.

M
Myles R.

She was a great fund of information shared with us at all times. Very professional and caring. More importantly fun to be with! Thank you

T
Tim H.

Everything was top notch. The skiing guide was amazing. The captain of the sailboat was amazing. The chef was simply incredible! Could not have asked for better guides!

D
Deborah M.

Roman was knowledgeable and personable. He did a great job managing the group and finding us exceptional turns and fun throughout the whole week. We were so happy and would love to tour w him again!

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 8-day private Svalbard ski & sail expedition (6 days of skiing)
      • 7-night private ship rental with professional skipper and chef
      • Standard offshore lifejacket and lifeline
      • Shore landings and dinghy tours
      • Bedding and towels
      • All onboard meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner)
      • Hot beverages and non-alcoholic beverages
      • Fuel and all port dues

    Not included:

      • Ski, trekking, or other outdoor activity gear
      • Airfare to and from Longyearbyen
      • Food and beverages on the day of arrival until boarding
      • Alcoholic beverages
      • Voice and data communication using onboard equipment
      • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
      • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • Just four guests, one crew, and nowhere to be except out on the snow or back at the table.

    The KÉRABAN is small enough that everyone knows each other by day two—meals happen together, the skipper pulls out charts after dinner, and the guide talks through the next day’s lines over wine.

    The boat and the crew handle the logistics; your only job is to show up rested and ready. A chef spoils you daily with a full breakfast before the skin track, après-ski snacks when you’re back, and a three-course dinner built around Arctic specialties and carefully chosen wines. Bunks are ensuite, the lounge is warm, and outside the windows, there’s nothing but Arctic ocean and snow-covered peaks as far as you can see.

    The sailboat boasts the highest standard deck fittings, rig, and sails. They are maintained and equipped above World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations Category 1 standards.

  • This adventure is ideal for intermediate to advanced backcountry skiers with excellent fitness. Every day, you will travel 10–20 km (6–12 mi), with 1,100–1,500 m (3,609–4,291 ft) of elevation gain.

    All participants should feel comfortable on black-level resort runs, as you’ll be skiing on glaciated terrain with variable snow conditions. No sailing experience is necessary.

  • Due to the terrain, location, and length of the tour, this expedition is for intermediate to advanced backcountry skiers. If you’re just starting out, your guides recommend getting some intro touring experience with a guide before booking.

  • 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 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 — 2.4 m (8 ft) or longer preferred

    Travel equipment

      • Skis or split board
      • Ski strap
      • Ski or snowboard boots
      • Poles
      • Climbing skins
      • Skin wax (or a candle)
      • Ski crampons — mandatory
      • Binding repair kit
      • Ski helmet — optional

    Personal equipment

      • Pack (30–40 litres)
      • Sunglasses — both orange and dark lenses help a lot
      • 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 (Leukotape-P and Compeed/Second Skin blister pads)
      • Pocket knife — optional
      • Camera — optional, but recommended
      • Binoculars — optional

    Glacier gear

      • Harness — fitted for over your ski clothing
      • Locking carabiners (x2)
      • Non-locking carabiners (x2)
      • Prussik cord (5 m x 6 mm) — optional
      • Sewn sling (120 cm) — optional
      • Lightweight ice axe — optional; don’t bring if you don’t have one or don’t ski steep terrain
  • All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. Your guides can provide equipment subject to sufficient notice and availability. Equipment rental will be charged and included in the price. If you wish to arrange rentals, leave us a note at checkout and we’ll take care of it.

  • Group size:

      • KÉRABAN accommodates a maximum of 4 guests, ensuring total privacy, personalized attention, and flexibility in the choice of ski zones and landing spots.
      • Prices are per person in double-berth cabins (2 persons).
      • Due to very limited space (just 2 double-berth cabins), a single occupancy cabin is not available.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors as young as 14 may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.

    If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • No, due to very limited space onboard (just 2 double-berth cabins), a single occupancy cabin is not available.

  • To get to Svalbard, most people fly into Svalbard Airport (LYR) in Longyearbyen, the largest settlement on the Norwegian archipelago and the starting point of your adventure. There are daily flights to Longyearbyen from Oslo; book early, as seats fill up fast. Norwegian Air flies from Oslo, while SAS arrives from Stockholm.

    Your guide will transfer you from the airport to the sailboat. During the evening you’ll have a briefing with your guide and get the full rundown on the days ahead.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  • A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining amount to be paid 90 days prior to departure. For bookings within three (3) months of the departure, full payment is required.

    Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

      • 90% of the price of the trip is refundable more than 365 days before departure date
      • 75% of the tour price is refundable if canceled 120 to 365 days before departure date
      • 50% of the tour price is refundable if canceled 90 to 119 days before departure date
      • 25% of the tour price is refundable if canceled 60 to 89 days before departure
      • 0% of the price of the trip if it is canceled  less than 60 days before departure.

    Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.

    If you are required to cancel your trip before it starts (departure date), you must inform us as soon as possible in writing. The date of your written notice will be used as the cancellation date to charge the cancellation fee.

    For any cancellation by the client, costs incurred by the traveler such as transportation to the departure point of the trip and return home, fees visa documents, travel documents and vaccination fees will not be subject to any reimbursement.

    If cancellation occurs as a result of unpredictable or unavoidable events by the customer or by a third party (e.g. flight cancellations, loss or theft of luggage or personal belongings) other than the guide, the guide cannot be held responsible nor can it be required to reimburse related costs, including cancellation fees.

    You can request consent for a third party to take your place, up to 7 days before departure. The replacement customer must fulfil all the conditions associated with the contract, including medical health and fitness. The customer and the person replacing them shall be jointly and severally liable for payment of the amounts still owed for the travel. The guide may refuse at its sole discretion the replacement customer and cancellation fees would remain applicable.

    The prices are definitive. Price changes after the date of the booking form may arise from subsequent material increases in fuel costs, changes in or new fees (e.g. embarkation & disembarkation fees) or introduction / increase of taxes and government fees.

    Should events beyond guide’s control occur (such as wars, political unrest, strikes, riots, airspace congestion, bad weather, thefts of luggage or other personal belongings of travelers), the guide reserves the right to cancel the travel, change the dates, schedules or itineraries to ensure the safety of travelers, without possible recourse against the guide.

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