Ski & Sail Svalbard

This is far more than a typical ski-and-sail trip – this is Svalbard’s most spectacular ski expedition!

Over the course of a week high above the Arctic Circle, you’ll experience new adventures every day. Svalbard is actually closer to the North Pole than Oslo – and you’ll feel it. The expedition combines wild Arctic skiing with warmth and comfort aboard the sailing yacht Ylva.

Welcome aboard – Ylva is a sturdy and elegant two-masted teak ketch, and your floating home for the journey. This trip is for those seeking more than postcard views; it’s for ski enthusiasts who want to be in the heart of it all – on the mountain, in the elements, face-to-face with the Arctic.

At 78° north, mobile coverage disappears, and we enter one of the last true wildernesses on Earth. Around us stretches an endless landscape of snow, ice, and jagged peaks. In the early summer season, the fjords can still be ice-covered – giving us the chance to anchor right at the ice edge and step onto skis straight from the boat. Other times, we use a Zodiac to reach shore.

The expedition is a partnership between Eira Expeditions and Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions, giving you the benefit of a highly experienced crew and local guides with extensive knowledge of Svalbard. We share a common vision: to explore the fragile Arctic environment in the most sustainable way possible. We also believe that the strongest nature experiences engage the whole person – and the combination of skiing and sailing makes this the perfect way to experience the Arctic.

Skiing at 78° North
Svalbard’s ski-and-sail season begins in May, a time when the light and the landscape create truly unique conditions for skiing. Few places in the world can offer anything like it.

How often have you skied straight down a glacier? Or had the chance to choose from almost endless peaks, couloirs, and glaciers – all within reach? Here, the terrain is vast, and the variety greater than most can imagine. Our guides are passionate about skiing and share your enthusiasm. Together, you’ll find the best lines and plan each day according to conditions. In the Arctic, nature has the final say: weather, wind, snow, and ice change rapidly, and flexibility leads to the greatest experiences.

Adventures also come when you least expect them – like when the boat slowly navigates through the ice whilst you see a whale blow in the distance, a walrus resting on an ice floe, or a curious seal watching you from the water. All this as you head toward the next anchorage and a new mountain range.

The Arctic is different. Raw, wild, and unrealistically beautiful. With the midnight sun shining 24 hours a day, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this place. Here, you can ski at any time of day – and every run feels like an adventure in an untouched landscape.

Life aboard Ylva
Ylva is your floating home and secure basecamp throughout the expedition. The moment you step aboard, you feel the calm: the sea lapping against the hull, the view shifting from mountains to glaciers to endless ice, and an atmosphere that instantly relaxes you.

With a small group of ski enthusiasts, the onboard environment is social, informal, and inclusive. Meals are important gathering points: warm, delicious dishes that taste even better after a day in the mountains, offering a chance to share stories, plan the next day, and get to know your fellow travelers.

When it’s time to rest, you can retreat to your cabin, equipped with soft bedding and a warm duvet. There is something truly special about falling asleep to the gentle sway of the boat and waking up to the view of the sea, mountains, and unique Arctic light. Few experiences compare to starting your day like this.

Evenings on board are for relaxing and letting the day’s impressions sink in. Perhaps you’ll treat yourself to a warm bath in the wood-fired hot tub on deck, with a glacier or the golden midnight sun as a backdrop. Along the way, you can also try sailing, help out as crew, or cast a line to test your luck at catching dinner.

Ylva is more than a boat – she is an oasis in the Arctic, where comfort, camaraderie, and unforgettable nature experiences come together.

Good to Know

• Dates: 23–30 May 2026 (contact us for other dates)
• Price: From 66,900 NOK per person for one week, full board
• Duration: 8 days, 7 nights on board
• Cabins: Four comfortable cabins, most with private bathroom and toilet
• Group size: Small, exclusive groups – only 8 guests
• Extras: Additional experiences in Longyearbyen can be arranged, such as overnight stays, local culinary experiences, and other activities
• Travel to and from Svalbard is not included

What you’ll experience

• Ski lines that few – if any – have skied before
• Navigate ice-covered fjords, glaciers, and pristine wilderness
• Anchor in remote bays far from civilization
• Travel with experienced ski guides and a professional sailing crew
• Enjoy a warm hot tub after a day in the mountains
• Digital detox? Mobile coverage disappears – but Wi-Fi is available on board for those who want to share photos with their loved ones back home

Is this trip for you?

This expedition is for experienced ski touring enthusiasts in good physical condition. You should be confident in varied terrain and motivated to put in some effort for the best descents. This is not lift-accessed skiing – it’s true wilderness, with real physical challenges, taking you to one of the world’s most spectacular ski terrains.

Day 1 – Arrival and first encounter with Svalbard
The flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen is straightforward, but the contrast with Svalbard’s raw nature is striking. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and take you to Ylva, your home for the week. That same evening, we depart the harbor and leave civilization behind. Our first stop may be Trygghamna on the north side of Isfjorden, a sheltered anchorage offering a first taste of the wild Arctic landscape. Here, we’re surrounded by snow-covered mountains and jagged peaks, and you might catch your first glimpse of a glittering glacier.

Days 2–6 – Mountains, fjords and lots of skiing
Each day brings new adventures, but we always take the time to enjoy the surroundings. We primarily explore Isfjorden and its side fjords, but if conditions allow, we may sail further north toward St. Johns and Forlandet. Weather, wind, and ice determine the final route – but wherever we go, you are in safe hands. Both Eira Expeditions and Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions have extensive experience in Svalbard’s Arctic waters and will guide you with knowledge and enthusiasm.

Final Day – Return to Longyearbyen
As with all great adventures, this one comes to an end. We sail back to Longyearbyen, filled with memories of incredible days skiing and sailing through pristine wilderness. You will have made new friends, experienced Svalbard’s wild landscapes up close, and glimpsed glaciers, mountains, and Arctic wildlife along the way. If time permits, the trip may conclude with a final gathering in town with your new companions.

Click here to read more about the tour and life onboard Ylva

Disclaimer
Each tour requires a minimum number of participants. If this number is not met, the tour may be canceled, and you will receive a full refund or an offer to rebook. The itinerary may be subject to change due to weather conditions or operational reasons. We always strive to provide you with the best possible experience in a safe manner.