Who's this trip for?

This trip is for ski tourers and splitboarders who are comfortable travelling in Arctic conditions. You move well in varied snow and can climb up to twelve hundred metres in a day. This is our advanced level and requires notions of avalanche safety, basic rope work and secure movement on steeper ground. You bring competence and motivation. We bring expertise, safety backup and access to remote terrain.

What will your days look like?

You follow the conditions, not a fixed plan. Each morning you leave the Ocean Sherpa and move into quiet Arctic terrain with steady ascents and clear descents. Steeper lines are considered only when conditions allow. You eat outside, spend long hours on snow and reset on board as the vessel shifts position. Plans stay minimal. Adjustments happen throughout the day. Weather and light define the pace.

How's life onboard?

Life on board is simple and functional. Ocean Sherpa is a one hundred and thirteen foot expedition yacht designed for high latitude work. Twin cabins with private bathrooms provide a warm and reliable base. The vessel anchors close to terrain that is otherwise unreachable, giving direct access to ski touting right off the boat or by a short dinghy transfer. You sleep, eat and prepare in the same system you operate in.

What are the conditions like?

Daytime temperatures range from minus six to minus two degrees, with nights dropping to around minus twelve. Weather shifts quickly, bringing wind, snowfall or clear periods. April offers access to remote summits and long descents, with a snowpack that changes through the month. Daylight increases fast, moving from several hours of sun to near continuous light. Conditions vary. The environment sets the parameters.

What protects your booking?

We hold a travel guarantee with the Swedish Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency. It ensures compensation if your package trip is affected by our insolvency or if any part we are responsible for cannot be delivered. Your booking is protected from confirmation.

Someone is always within reach

You can call or email us at any time. After booking, you are invited to join a WhatsApp group with your guides and fellow guests for practical updates and questions as the trip approaches. You will also have the option to book a one to one call if there is anything you prefer to discuss privately rather than over email or in the group.

Day 1: Arrive in Longyearbyen

Arrive in Longyearbyen and settle in at Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg, a cosy former miners’ barracks. Later, head to the harbour to board Ocean Sherpa, meet the crew, and enjoy a welcome dinner as the ship sails into Isfjorden under the Arctic sky.

Day 2: Ski the peaks of Isfjorden

Begin your first ski tour among Isfjorden’s snow-capped mountains. Ascend at your own pace, descend along pristine slopes, and return to the ship to sail toward St. John’s Fjord.

Day 3: Explore St. John’s Fjord

Ski through Oscar II Land’s dramatic terrain of glaciers and peaks, carving fresh lines in a landscape largely untouched by humans.

Day 4: Glacier runs in Krossfjorden

Discover Krossfjorden’s tidewater glaciers and historic whaling stations. Expect long, rewarding descents with awe-inspiring views across icy fjords.

Day 5: Adventure on Prins Karls Forland

Sail to this narrow island, home to harbour seals and walruses. Ski glaciers and summit icy peaks with panoramic Arctic Ocean vistas before returning to the ship.

Day 6: Ski near Barentsburg

Return to land for a day of ski touring above the Russian mining town of Barentsburg. Explore its unique Arctic culture and enjoy a visit to The Red Bear Bar and Brewery before boarding the ship.

Day 7: Final runs and farewell dinner

Spend the day on fresh slopes around Isfjorden. In the evening, celebrate your Arctic adventure with a farewell dinner aboard Ocean Sherpa.

Day 8: Disembark and depart

After breakfast, disembark in Longyearbyen and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.