Hjem

expedition sailboat in the arctic sailing icy water, a polar bear walks in front on the ice

Ocean Sherpa Across Svalbard

Ski & Sail

Your gateway into the Arctic’s raw frontier

Embark on a one-of-a-kind Arctic adventure aboard Ocean Sherpa, a 113-foot expedition sailing yacht designed for high-latitude exploration. Departing from Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town, you’ll sail into remote Svalbard fjords, skin across silent, snow-covered slopes, and carve fresh lines above icy waters. Guided by IFMGA-certified experts, this journey offers a rare blend of sailing, ski touring and perhaps some Arctic wildlife encounters like walruses basking on ice or polar bears in the distance. Life aboard the ship combines rugged exploration with understated comfort, letting you immerse fully in the rhythm of the Arctic.



Trip Overview


Day 1: Arrive in Longyearbyen and board Ocean Sherpa
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.

Available Dates for This Experience:

Want to know more about this experience?

From understanding early-season conditions and remote terrain to preparing your gear, we’re here to help.

We’ll make sure you have everything you need for this intense backcountry adventure.

And here are the friendly faces behind our phone and inbox, ready to assist with any questions.

Our Head if Experience Design & Guides, Fred, walking high up in mountains holding skis carrying pack and gear, leading a group

Head of Experience Design & Guides

Fred Buttard

Fred is a French IFMGA Mountain Guide with 25 years’ experience leading ski trips and expeditions around the world, with a focus on northern Scandinavia. He has been guiding in Finnmark since 2007 and also pioneered trips in the Swedish mountains. At KMX, Fred designs our journeys and oversees our team of guides. You can contact him with questions about destinations, local conditions, weather and snow, history and culture, or technical advice on skiing and kit.

Contact Fred:

I am available to contact on weekdays.


Contact by e-mail: fred@kmexperiences.com

Contact by phone: +46733745959


If I’m not able to pick up the phone, please leave a voice message or send me a text, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.


You can speak with Fred in English, French and Swedish.

Portrait of Marije, Hospitality Operations Manager, in winter clothes

Hospitality Operations Manager

Marije Elgersma

Marije, from the Netherlands, is passionate about creating seamless and memorable experiences. With a background in event coordination, from international SUP events to years in office and retail management, she brings care, optimism, and a hands-on approach to everything she organises. You can contact Marije with practical questions about your trip, from itineraries to packing advice. If she doesn’t have the answer straight away, she’ll coordinate with the team and get back to you.

Contact Marije

I am available to contact on weekdays.


Contact by e-mail: marije@kmexperiences.com
Contact by phone: +31 624841376


If I’m not able to pick up the phone, please leave a voice message or send me a text, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.


You can speak with Marije in English, Dutch and German.