Ski & Sail Svalbard
Explore Svalbard from an expedition sailing yacht
Join us on our Backcountry Ski & Sail Svalbard Expedition next year! You will experience breathtaking scenery and extraordinary wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, whales, reindeer, and birds. Mountains rise straight from the sea, surrounded by stunning glaciers and sea ice. Each day of the journey, we will set sail and anchor in a new bay. The Moondance and its expert team are fully equipped for sailing and skiing adventures in West Spitsbergen, and we can’t wait to welcome you on board in May 2025.
There is a variety of ascents and descents under the midnight sun, giving us unmatched flexibility throughout the trip. Intermediate backcountry skiers and splitboarders are welcome aboard Moondance for an unforgettable week of skiing and sailing in Svalbard.
Trip Summary
Ski & Sail Svalbard
5-6 people
Airport Longyearbyen
Departures
2025
13 May, 20 May
Location
The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is situated to the north of the Norwegian mainland, between latitudes 74N and 81N, and between the Greenland Sea and the Barents Sea. It is the northern end of the ocean and the last land before the North Pole. Many great adventurers raced to reach the northernmost point on Earth, and it remains one of the planet’s remote frontiers.
Snow covers much of the island year-round, but May to early June is the best time to ski and sail in Svalbard. During this period, we will have endless daylight, low sea ice levels, and the most favorable weather (although weather changes rapidly). The terrain in Svalbard is vast, with almost 3,200 kilometers of accessible coastline and untouched terrain. You will find everything from mellow bowls to more advanced and technical terrain. Snow conditions vary from light, dry Arctic powder to spring corn and everything in between.
Your Svalbard Ski and Sail trip starts with a flight to Longyearbyen, with daily flights connecting through Oslo and Tromsø. Please note that it is compulsory to book a flight arriving at least one day before departure. For your return flight, the best option is to book a flight from Longyearbyen on the last day. Convenient airport transfers by bus or taxi take you to the town or the harbor in less than 15 minutes.
Longyearbyen
itinerary
YOUR STAY
things to know
niet aanpassen
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What is included and excluded
Included:
Moondance (57ft Koopmans)
Professional skipper and mate / cook
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks
Hot beverages & non-alcoholic
Fuel and all port dues
6 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
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.
What do I need to bring?
35-40 L backpack (also used for ski touring)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen SPF 30+
Headlamp
Water bottle (1.5+ liters)
Lunch container
Book to read
Earplugs
Blister kit
Seasickness medication (optional)
Binoculars (optional)
Clothing List:
Fleece or woolen sweater
Merino wool base layer (bring at least 3 sets)
Warm down jacket
Waterproof and breathable ski jacket and pants
Waterproof shoes and/or boat boots
Multipurpose stretch pants
Warm hat
Face warmer (balaclava, scarf, or neck tube)
Cap for sun protection
Light gloves
Waterproof gloves
Sandals (for walking inside the boat; we don’t wear shoes inside)
Wool or synthetic socks and liner socks
There are no laundry facilities during the expedition, so please bring enough clothing to last a week.
Ski Equipment:
Ski touring or split board setup
Touring boots
Adjustable poles
Climbing skins and skin wax (a wax candle works too)
Ski crampons
Helmet
Goggles
Boot crampons and a lightweight ice axe
Snow Safety Equipment:
Avalanche beacon
Shovel (steel, aluminum, or carbon)
Probe (3 m or longer)
Glacier Kit:
Harness that fits over your ski pants
2 locking carabiners
2 non-locking carabiners
Prusik cord and sewn sling
We will review this before departing in a video call. We will have spare gear and offer rentals as well. Please pack your belongings in a duffle bag, not a suitcase. Let us know if you need assistance.
How is life on board?
A sailing trip with Moondance Expeditions is a unique experience. We are dependent on the elements, which requires a flexible attitude towards the program, the people, and expectations. In principle, we take the lead and initiative in everything. The captain guides you in their choices and asks for input. Based on our experience, guests feel more involved when they can participate in everyday activities on board. We always ask for a flexible and proactive attitude. The space can sometimes feel small, which is why we will regularly check in with you to ensure everything is meeting your expectations.
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What is on the menu?
During the journey, we provide a variety of delicious and nutritious dishes to ensure your well-being:
Continental breakfast: includes eggs, fresh bread, fruit salad, and more.
Lunch: either premade sandwiches for onshore excursions or a hot meal.
Dinner: a diverse menu featuring self-caught fish, Reindeer, pasta, curry, traditional dishes, Asian cuisine, and more.
Snacks: assortment of cheese, bars, chips, etc.
Please feel free to inform us of any special dietary preferences or requests you may have.
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.
What are the terms and conditions?
Please read our Terms & Conditions when booking with us.
Can I charter the full boat with a group or as a guide/company?
We offer various collaboration opportunities and discounts for large groups, guides, tour operators / companies, hosts, and special projects. At Moondance Expeditions you can rent Moondance bare boat or as a full charter. We also work with local partners if you want to charter other boats. Please contact us for more information.
What people say
Trip Summary
Ski & Sail Svalbard
5-6 people
Airport Longyearbyen
Departures
2025
13 May, 20 May