SVALBARD
8 DAYS - 6 SKI DAYS | PRICE: 5’400 €
The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is situated to the north of the Norwegian mainland, latitudes 74N to 81N, between the Greenland Sea and the Barents Sea.
”The northern end of the ocean” mentioned in the 12th century Icelandic chronicles, it is nearest it is feasible to sail and land to the North Pole, the starting point for many of the greatest adventurers that raced to reach the northernmost point on Earth. It remains one of the remote frontiers of the planet.
Departures: |
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Embark: | Longyearbyen | ||||||||||||||||||
Disembark: | Longyearbyen | ||||||||||||||||||
Guests: | 6 + 1 Guide | ||||||||||||||||||
The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is situated to the north of the Norwegian mainland, latitudes 74N to 81N, between the Greenland Sea and the Barents Sea.
”The northern end of the ocean” mentioned in the 12th century Icelandic chronicles, it is nearest it is feasible to sail and land to the North Pole, the starting point for many of the greatest adventurers that raced to reach the northernmost point on Earth. It remains one of the remote frontiers of the planet.
65% of the archipelago is covered by ice, a rugged cruising area, most spectacular and contrasting. As our guide Daniel Farquharson puts it “One of the magical things about skiing in Svalbard is the constant proximity of glaciers. Everywhere you look, they are calving into the sea. There are few things more magical than skiing down from a summit which meets the sea”
There are no roads connecting inhabited areas, nor the fjords that are the keepers of our preferred ski domains.
The ideal season to reach fjords free of icepack and benefit from best snow conditions begins mid-May and will typically extend to mid or end of June. We will be sailing the west coast, mainly in the Kings Bay, itself sheltered from oceanic swell by the 50 nm long Prins Karls Island.
As we navigate into the fjords, a magnificent array of peaks and glaciers will appear close us, a skier’s dream playground immersed into Arctic scenery. The ski-touring routes involve peaks ranging from 500 to 1’100m and 4h to 8h tours.
Fauna in the Svalbard is most protected, with 20 natural parcs the home of Arctic wildlife. Gliding silently over water on our sailboat we will approach the wildlife unobtrusively, crossing paths with thousands of birds that migrate in the summer, walruses, bearded seals, whales, deer, polar foxes and with the imposing polar bear.
- Small group, limited to 6 guests on our 22m / 73 ft Garcia sailboat, for unhindered space and comfort. The boat is thoughtfully adapted to host and embark-disembark skiers and their gear, making the entire operation smooth and safe.
- Virtually endless choice of ascent and descent lines thanks to the variety of the domains, excellent snow coverage and quality. Being based on our sailboat, weather permitting we can sail to, anchor and disembark pretty much anywhere.
- You will be guided by our professional IFMGA mountain guides Brian Farquharson, Andres Scherrer and Paul Degonda. With more than 10 years of experience in the Lyngen Alps and Svalbard, they provide an intimate understanding of the local weather patterns, snow conditions and lines to opt for the most enjoyable spots in safety.
- As we are well into the territory of adventure, we have well established safety protocols aboard and onshore, as well as defined high standards of safety gear.
SVALBARD
AT A GLANCE
1100m
HIGHEST PEAKS
8km
MAX ASCENTS
30%
TYPICAL MAX GRADIENT
8h
MAX DURATION
You will be welcomed back onboard in a cozy and comfortable environment, securely at anchor in a protected bay. Your gear and ski clothing will be taken care of by the crew, making sure they are dry and ready for the next morning.
Getting a rest in your spacious cabins with individual restroom, shower and heating system, or enjoying the views surrounding the anchorage, you will find the environment to relish the day’s experience and properly relax ahead of dinner.
Ours is a culinary experience as well. Our first mate and chef will propose gourmet cuisine and typical local dishes assorted with a selection of quality wines, bearing in mind the nutritional requirements of outdoor activity. To store energy and recover properly we will carefully prepare meal packs with proper nutritional ingredients and hydration to carry with you as you head for your climb, and you will be treated with après-ski recovery snacks that will make you return eagerly onboard.
Evenings onboard become a special time for camaraderie and sharing experiences, planning the anchorages and ski lines along your voyage.
DAY 0
- Arrival to Airport and transportation to the sailboat
- Welcome by the crew, checking and storage of gear, accommodation in cabins
- Retrieving of rental gear if applicable
- Review of the boat, safety briefings by skipper and guide
- Setting sail towards the initial anchorage / ski spot, first dinner onboard
DAY 1-6
These are our designated ski days. We have the knowledge and flexibility to select / change spots according to prevailing weather and snow conditions:
- Breakfast and assessment of prevailing conditions, final choice of spot
- 4-8h ski touring
- Welcome back onboard, nourishing après ski snacks, rest time prior to dinner
- Sailing on to and anchoring at the next day’s spot
DAY 7
- Arrival to port in the morning
- Disembarking and transportation to Airport / Hotel
- Stay onboard the ship for the specified voyage duration
- Professional skipper, chef and IFMGA mountain guide
- Standard offshore lifejacket and lifeline
- Shore landings and tours with the dinghy
- Bedding and towels
- Onboard food (breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner), hot beverages and non-alcoholic beverages
- Fuel and all port dues
- Air fares to and from departure point.
- Insurance (personal medical, travel, cancellation, etc)
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Food and beverages on the day of arrival until boarding
- Ski, trekking or other outdoor activity gear.
- Voice and data communication using onboard equipment.
- Entry fees into parks, museums, etc