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Join a unique and dream-come-true adventure in the Arctic, our Backcountry ski and sail the Svalbard Expedition in May 2025! Experience stunning landscapes, wildlife like polar bears and whales, and mountains rising from the sea. Each day brings new adventures as we sail to fresh bays for skiing under the midnight sun. In cooperation with Moondance, which is thoroughly equipped for sailing and skiing, we welcome intermediate backcountry skiers for an unforgettable week in West Spitsbergen.

Journey Overview

I have been dreaming since a kid to once ski and sail around Svalbard. Now that dream comes true with an outstanding opportunity. Together with my partner Moondance Expeditions we will set up a trip in Svalbard. This is a unique experience and how we will do it, its never been done before. Experience Svalbard with the best crew you can find, the most fun, educated and safe team maybe on the planet.

We do have space for 5 people - so be fast and sign up now.

Duration: 7 Days
Arrival on the boat: 13th of May 2025
Departure from the boat: 19th of May 2025

Location

Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago north of mainland Norway, lies between the Greenland and Barents Seas at latitudes 74N to 81N. As the last land before the North Pole, it has long been a frontier for explorers. Snow blankets much of the region year-round, but May to early June offers ideal conditions for skiing and sailing, with endless daylight and reduced sea ice.

Svalbard boasts over 3,200 km of coastline, with terrain ranging from gentle slopes to more technical descents. Snow varies from light Arctic powder to spring corn. Your journey begins with a flight to Longyearbyen, with connections through Oslo or Tromsø. We recommend arriving a day early, with easy transfers from the airport to town or harbor.

Your stay

Moondance, a 56ft Koopmans, draws its design inspiration from Dick Koopmans’ sailing ship “De Jager,” winner of the “Round of Britain 2006” and “Cold Handed Cup 2007.” This makes Moondance a truly exceptional vessel, purpose-built for expeditions and the unforgiving Arctic. With its lofty central lounge, comfy accommodations for nine, an array of heaters, a well-appointed bathroom inc. shower, and generous storage, Moondance combines adventure and comfort in one package, promising unforgettable journeys on the high seas.

What is included and excluded

Included:‍

Moondance (57ft Koopmans)
Professional skipper and mate / cook
Ski guide and polar guide
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks
Hot beverages & non-alcoholic
Fuel and all port dues
5 guests berths and 1 guide berth
Dingy rides to the shore
Sailing Suits, safety equipment and live vests
Pre departure team video meetings

Excluded:‍

Flight tickets
Airport transfer
Expenses on shore
Alcoholic beverages

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Longyearbyen and sleep in town

Afternoon: Arrival in Longyearbyensome text
- Arrive at Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world, and spend some time exploring. Visit local landmarks like the Svalbard Museum and galleries if time allows. Sleep in hotel.

Day 2: Arrival in Longyearbyen and Boarding the Boat

Morning: Meet Your Crew & Embark on Your Vesselsome text
- Meet your guides and crew for a briefing on safety, the vessel, and the itinerary.
- Sail out into Isfjorden and do the first ski tour.
- Settle into your cabin and enjoy your first dinner aboard while staying on anchor.

Day 3: Ski Tour at Prins Karls Forland

Morning: Breakfast on the Boat and Ski Briefingsome text
- After a hearty breakfast on board, the crew will brief you on the skiing conditions and safety procedures in the Arctic.
Late Morning: Ski Tour at Prins Karls Forlandsome text
- Disembark via zodiac (small inflatable boat) to the shores of Prins Karls Forland, a narrow island west of Spitsbergen.
- Enjoy your first ski tour in this stunning region with views of fjords and glaciers. The terrain is varied, offering options from easy ascents to steeper slopes, depending on group ability.
Evening: Sail Towards North-West Spitsbergen National Parksome text
- Return to the boat and sail into the night, moving deeper into the untouched wilderness of the Svalbard archipelago.

Day 4: Skiing in Kongsfjorden (King’s Bay)

Morning: Arrival at Kongsfjordensome text
- Wake up as the boat sails into Kongsfjorden, surrounded by towering glaciers and rugged peaks.
Late Morning: Ski Ascent to Alpine Peakssome text
- Head ashore for a ski tour in Kongsfjorden, ascending alpine ridges and slopes with breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and sea ice.
- This area offers varied terrain, from gentle slopes to steeper couloirs, suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers.
Afternoon/Evening: Glacier Views and Sailing to Next Locationsome text
- After your ski tour, return to the boat and sail further north, possibly encountering wildlife like seals or polar bears along the shoreline.

Day 5: Skiing in Lilliehöökfjorden

Morning: Anchor in Lilliehöökfjordensome text
- Lilliehöökfjorden, known for its dramatic glacier fronts, offers a stunning backdrop for today’s skiing.
Late Morning: Ski Explorationsome text
- Head ashore for a ski tour, ascending to a panoramic viewpoint that offers spectacular vistas over the fjord and surrounding peaks.
- The terrain will vary from long, moderate slopes to more challenging sections for those seeking a thrill.
Evening: Sail Towards Raudfjordensome text
- Enjoy dinner on board as you sail toward the northern fjords of Spitsbergen, where the midnight sun begins to stretch its hours.

Day 6: Skiing in Raudfjorden (Red Bay)

Morning: Anchor in Raudfjordensome text
- Raudfjorden is a spectacular fjord system with stunning red-hued rock formations and glaciers.
Late Morning: Full Day Ski Toursome text
- This area offers several options for ski touring. Head ashore for a full day of skiing, with a focus on alpine touring up to ridgelines with sweeping views of the Arctic wilderness.
- Raudfjorden’s terrain offers moderate ascents with thrilling descents for all skill levels.
Evening: Sail East towards Woodfjordensome text
- After skiing, set sail towards Woodfjorden for the next adventure, passing by impressive wildlife and ice formations.

Day 7: Skiing in Woodfjorden and Liefdefjorden

Morning: Arrival in Woodfjordensome text
- This area is known for its stunning glacial formations and ice-covered mountains.
Late Morning: Ski Tour in Liefdefjordensome text
- Head out for a ski tour in the Liefdefjorden region, ascending peaks that offer incredible views over massive glaciers, with an opportunity to ski on untouched powder.
Afternoon: Return to the Boat and Sail Back Towards Isfjordensome text
- Spend your final evening aboard the boat, sharing stories and enjoying a celebratory dinner while sailing back south to Isfjorden.

Day 8: Return to Longyearbyen

Morning: Arrival in Longyearbyensome text
- Early morning arrival back in Longyearbyen.
Afternoon: Departuresome text
- After disembarking, you’ll have some time to explore Longyearbyen before your transfer to the airport, or to relax and reflect on the Arctic adventure before your departure.

Level of the expedition?

This voyage is open to both newcomers and experienced sailors. Our goal is to refine your sailing skills along the route, and we will tailor our approach to accommodate participants at any skill level. We can strike a balance between challenging and more relaxed itineraries.

Fitness and ski ability should be intermediate to advanced, with previous ski touring experience. You should be able to climb up to 1,000 – 1,500 vertical meters per day and ski for 5-9 hours. Individuals should reach out first so we can split our groups into appropriate levels and desired weeks.

How do I get there?

The point of embarkation and disembarkation for this journey is Longyearbyen Harbour. As the departure date nears, we will keep you informed of any updates. From 2 pm you are welcome on arrival day and at 10 am we wave you goodbye at departure day. You can easily reach Longyearbyen by flying through Oslo or Tromso.

Recommendations for flying: Google Flights or Skyscanner to find flights and book directly at the Airliner. Norwegian Air or SAS are the most common.