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Svalbard skiing adventure
Svalbard skiing adventure at its most spectacular, this eight-day ski touring expedition takes you deep into the remote Arctic wilderness of Svalbard. Based aboard the expedition vessel M/V Balto, the journey combines world-class ski mountaineering with the comfort, flexibility, and adventure of a true Arctic expedition.
Svalbard’s dramatic landscape of jagged peaks, immense glaciers, and deep fjords offers some of the most unique ski terrain on Earth. With no roads and few permanent settlements beyond Longyearbyen, the best skiing is accessed by sea. M/V Balto serves as both our expedition basecamp and gateway to a constantly changing itinerary shaped by snow conditions, weather, and the expertise of our guides.
Each day begins with a hearty breakfast as the vessel positions itself beneath a new objective. Guests travel ashore by expedition landing craft, skins on skis, and ascend directly from the shoreline into a vast alpine playground of untouched snow and panoramic Arctic views. From gentle glacier tours to steep couloirs and summit descents, the terrain offers rewarding options for strong intermediate and advanced backcountry skiers alike.
At this latitude, the surrounding environment is as remarkable as the skiing itself. Throughout the voyage, guests may encounter whales, seals, Arctic foxes, reindeer, and an abundance of seabirds. Towering glaciers calve into the sea, sea ice drifts through sheltered bays, and the midnight sun illuminates the landscape long into the evening.
After a day in the mountains, return to the warmth and comfort of M/V Balto. Relax in the vessel’s traditional Finnish sauna, share stories from the day’s adventures in the panoramic saloon, and enjoy freshly prepared meals while anchored beneath snow-covered peaks. The bridge remains a favourite gathering place, offering spectacular views as the ship navigates through Svalbard’s stunning fjord systems.
Unlike land-based ski holidays, a vessel-supported expedition allows access to multiple mountain ranges throughout the week. If conditions are better elsewhere, Balto simply relocates overnight, maximizing skiing opportunities and allowing the expedition team to adapt to changing weather and snowpack conditions.
This is not a conventional ski trip. It is a true Arctic expedition designed for adventurous skiers seeking exceptional terrain, wilderness immersion, and the rare opportunity to explore one of the world’s most extraordinary mountain environments.
Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret
Highlights
- Ski at 78 degrees North
- Ski corn snow in late May
- Ski under the midnight sun
- A yacht based ski adventure
- A wilderness ski adventure in the land of the Polar Bear
Itinerary
Arrive in Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town, and make your way to the harbour for afternoon embarkation aboard M/V Balto. After settling into your cabin, you’ll meet your guides and fellow guests before participating in a comprehensive safety briefing and expedition orientation. As evening approaches, we cast off and begin our journey into the Arctic wilderness, sailing through Isfjorden toward our first ski objective.
Over the next five days, we explore some of the finest ski terrain in the High Arctic. Each morning, Balto positions beneath a new mountain objective, allowing us to step ashore and begin our ascent directly from the shoreline.
Our route is intentionally flexible, enabling us to adapt to weather, sea ice, snow conditions, and the ambitions of the group. We typically work our way along Svalbard’s spectacular west coast, exploring remote fjords, glacier-lined bays, and dramatic alpine peaks accessible only by expedition vessel.
From long glacier traverses to summit descents with uninterrupted views across the Arctic Ocean, every day offers a new adventure. Along the way, there are opportunities to observe Svalbard’s unique wildlife, including reindeer, Arctic foxes, seals, whales, and countless seabirds.
Evenings are spent aboard Balto enjoying hearty meals, relaxing in the Finnish sauna, reviewing the day’s achievements, and planning the next objective as the vessel repositions overnight.
Enjoy one final morning ski tour in the Arctic mountains before returning to the vessel for lunch. In the afternoon, Balto begins the journey back toward Longyearbyen, providing time to relax, exchange photographs and stories, and celebrate an unforgettable week of exploration and skiing in one of the world’s most extraordinary environments.
After breakfast, disembark in Longyearbyen and bid farewell to the crew, guides, and fellow adventurers. Depart with memories of remote summits, pristine Arctic snow, and a true expedition experience in the heart of Svalbard.
Accommodations
M/V BALTO
Explore the Wild Coast in Comfort
M/V Balto is a unique expedition vessel that combines the rugged capability of a northern ice-class ship with the comfort and character of a boutique adventure cruiser. Purpose-built in Finland and originally designed for operation in challenging northern waters, Balto now offers guests an authentic expedition experience, providing access to some of the most remote and spectacular destinations on the coast.
Whether exploring pristine inlets, wildlife-rich shorelines, or secluded anchorages, guests aboard Balto enjoy a level of access that larger cruise vessels simply cannot provide. Her size, stability, and ice-strengthened construction make her an ideal platform for immersive coastal exploration and wilderness adventures.
Comfortable Accommodations
Balto offers comfortable guest cabins designed to provide a welcoming retreat after a day of skiing. Finished in warm wood tones that reflect the vessel’s Scandinavian heritage.
Balto accommodates up to 12 guests in a selection of comfortable and spacious cabins designed for extended expedition travel. The vessel features five twin-berth cabins and two single-occupancy cabins, each with a private ensuite bathroom complete with a shower, toilet, and wash basin.
Thoughtfully designed for comfort at sea, all cabins offer generous living space, ample storage for personal belongings and expedition gear, and a warm, inviting atmosphere after a day of adventure.
For guests seeking an elevated experience, the Owner’s Suite provides additional space and comfort, along with expansive windows that offer breathtaking 180-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Arctic landscape. Whether watching glaciers drift by, spotting wildlife, or enjoying the midnight sun, the suite delivers an unparalleled connection to the wilderness beyond.
The Saloon
The heart of life aboard Balto is the spacious saloon. Large windows provide panoramic views of passing landscapes, wildlife, and dramatic coastal scenery while offering a warm and inviting place to gather.
Guests can enjoy freshly prepared meals, share stories from the day’s adventures, attend presentations from the guides, or simply relax with a coffee or beer while watching the coastline unfold outside. The saloon serves as both a social hub and a comfortable observation lounge throughout the voyage.
The Bridge
One of the most memorable experiences aboard Balto is the opportunity to spend time on the bridge. True to the spirit of traditional expedition travel, guests are welcome to observe navigation operations and learn about the vessel’s route, local geography, weather systems, and maritime history.
The elevated vantage point provides outstanding views and an appreciation for the skill and experience required to navigate remote coastal waters. Watching the coastline emerge from the bridge is often a highlight of any voyage.
Traditional Scandinavian Sauna
After a day of skiing guests can unwind in Balto’s built-in sauna. A nod to the vessel’s Finnish origins, the sauna offers a uniquely Scandinavian way to relax and recharge.
Few experiences compare to warming up in the sauna after a great day in the mountains. It is a favourite feature among guests and adds an extra level of comfort to the expedition experience.
Adventure Beyond the Ship
Balto carries 2 expedition zodiacs that allow guests to quick access to the best ski terrain.
The vessel’s compact size allows for a flexible itinerary that can adapt to weather conditions, wildlife sightings, and unique opportunities encountered along the way.
A True Expedition Experience
Balto is more than a vessel—she is a gateway to exploration. Combining authentic maritime heritage, comfortable accommodations, and access to extraordinary destinations, she offers travellers a rare opportunity to experience the coast in a way that is personal, immersive, and unforgettable.
Whether watching whales from the deck, sharing stories in the saloon, enjoying the warmth of the sauna, or taking in panoramic views from the bridge, every voyage aboard M/V Balto is an adventure shaped by discovery.
Vessel Highlights
- Ice-strengthened expedition vessel
- Boutique small-ship experience
- Comfortable guest cabins
- Spacious panoramic-view saloon
- Accessible expedition bridge
- Traditional Finnish sauna
- Expedition landing craft for shore excursions
- Ideal for wildlife viewing, photography, and coastal exploration
- Access to remote destinations inaccessible to larger vessels
- Experienced crew and expedition guides
Principal Particulars
- Length Overall: 39.75 m
- Beam: 9.0 m
- Draft: 3.2 m
- Gross Tonnage: 422 GT
- Ice Class: 1A
- Propulsion: Electric-Diesel
- Cruising Speed: Approximately 10 knots
- Operating Area: Coastal, Sub-Arctic, and Expedition Waters
Dates & Rates
April 27-May 4
Prices from
What's Included
- 7 nights onboard M/V Balto
- All meals while onboard
- 1-6 Guide to client ratio
- Dedicated skipper and crew
- Sailing instruction
Not Included
- Flights to Longyearbyen
- Travel Insurance
- Airport Transfers
- Ski Equipment
- Avalanche Equipment
- Alcohol
- Dinner in Longyearbyen
Weather
The weather in Svalbard can be temperamental. The Spring and the summer normally experience stable weather patterns with light winds and periods of sun. The average temperature in May is -10 Deg C to 0 deg C.
Trip Map
Pictures & Videos
FAQs
Generally we’re skiing spring snow or corn snow. Sometimes on North aspects we find powder snow.
Spring and summer are the best times to visit Svalbard. It can be temperamental but generally we can expect a mix of good weather skiing and some bad weather days.
Yes, we take necessary precautions to avoid Polar Bears. All guides ski with a gun and are trained in Polar Bear procedures. We have never had to shoot a bear and we’ve never had a negative experience.
Participation in any trip is subject to each participant reading and signing our Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement and any additional waivers that are trip specific (the “Waiver(s)”). If the Waiver(s) are not completed, participation in the trip will not be permitted. PLEASE READ THE WAIVER(S) CAREFULLY! By signing, you will waive or give up certain legal rights, including the right to sue for negligence, breach of contract, or breach of any Occupiers Liability Act or claim compensation following an accident.
The Waivers are provided for review and completion at the time of booking. A sample of our Waiver can be reviewed here.
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