Ski touring in Svalbard

Located 1,300 kilometres south of the North Pole, Svalbard is, without no doubt, one of Norway's most exotic and challenging destinations when it comes to ski touring.

Stay safe

Norway is an incredible place to explore, with untamed mythical landscapes, mountains, valleys, and fjords. Before you enter the outdoors, familiarise yourself with the nine simple rules of the Norwegian mountain code to help you stay safe.

Plan your trip and inform others about the route you have selected.
Adapt the planned routes according to your ability and the conditions.
Pay attention to the weather forecast and avalanche warnings.
Be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on short trips.
Bring the necessary equipment so you can help yourself and others.
Choose safe routes. Recognise avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.
Use a map and a compass. Always know where you are.
Don’t be ashamed to turn around and go back.
Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary.

Imagine vast glaciers and impressive summits in treeless surroundings. Thanks to Svalbard’s remote location, you can enjoy these idyllic winter landscapes on untracked runs, free from crowds and obstacles.

On a sail-to-ski expedition, you will be based on a boat, accompanied by professional guides with extensive local knowledge that allows them to tailor the tours according to the current weather and snow conditions. The polar environs are home to several rare and hardy Arctic creatures. During the winter months, these landscapes turn into a playground for species like reindeer, polar bears and arctic foxes. Guides will be prepared for this and carry weapons in case of any polar bear encounters.

Best time to go ski touring?

The main ski touring season runs from February to May, but it can last until the 10. June if you book a ski and sail trip. This means that you can also go skiing under the midnight sun from as early as April.

A good base for a skiing adventure is Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s largest town on the island of Spitsbergen. This small coal-mining town has a wide range of accommodation options, from cosy guest houses to full-service luxury hotels. There are also a lot more restaurants here than you may think, with surprisingly varying cuisines.

Svalbard has runs for all levels, and one of the most popular ones is Trollsteinen that crosses the Larsbreen glacier.

Important note!
Before embarking on a journey to Svalbard, you should be mindful that there are strict regulations regarding where and how to visit the archipelago. Book your tours through local guides to ensure your own safety. Read more at visitsvalbard.com.

You must also learn and adhere to the codes of conduct established by the Governor of Svalbard.

Stay safe and find out about the avalanche risk before you set out. Read more about safety in the mountains here and about local conditions on varsom.no.