Backcountry skier in untouched snow with ocean and mountain backdrop

Ski & Sail

Experience:

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Where Backcountry Meets the Open Ocean

Ski & Sail is a unique adventure that combines world-class backcountry skiing with the rhythm of life at sea. Onboard an expedition sailboat, your floating basecamp, you will explore the untouched mountains of Finnmark and Svalbard, far from roads and crowds.

Each day involves climbing peaks, skiing lines down to the water’s edge, and returning to the comfort of the boat. Led by IFMGA-certified guides and supported by experienced Arctic crews, this is an extraordinary way to experience the intersection of ocean, snow, and mountains.

Photography by Arnaud Mallez and the crews on SkyDancer Ocean Sherpa and Moondance.

View from expedition vessel in Arctic waters, glacier, iceberg and mountain in front

Backcountry skier with ocean and Arctic mountain backdrop

Two men in winter gear on a motorboat with sailboat and mountains in background

Discover Our Ski & Sail Experiences

Backcountry skier high up in the Arctic with mountains and ocean in the background

Moondance (Finnmark)

Chase the best snow at the edge of the world—where remote islands, soaring peaks and deep fjords meet the icy Arctic Ocean. Traveling aboard Moondance, a 56-foot expedition sailboat, you’ll explore untouched backcountry terrain each day by ski or splitboard.

Backcountry skier seen from afar skiing fast in the Arctic

SkyDancer (Finnmark)

Explore the mountains of Finnmark—landscapes tailor-made for extraordinary skiing. The wild, glacier-marked coastline creates a winter playground that’s hard to find anywhere else. Each day, you’ll skin up pristine mountains and ride new lines down untouched slopes, all while soaking in spectacular views across the horizon.

Big sailboat called Ocean Sherpa from afar in artcic icy ocean, polar bear walking in front of it

Ocean Sherpa (Svalbard)

Embark on an Arctic sailing adventure that blends world-class ski touring with the raw beauty of Svalbard’s fjords. Over the course of a week, you’ll skin and ride pristine slopes, spot iconic wildlife like seals and polar bears, and live aboard the Ocean Sherpa—your floating basecamp in the high north.

Categories
Dates (2026) for the Trips
Type of Boat for Each Trip
Early Bird Rate
Regular Rate
Onboard Accommodation & Guest Living On the Boat
Group Size
Guides & Safety Support
Moondance (Finnmark)
4 weeks available in Mar-Apr
Moondance, 56-ft sailboat
€4 995 per person
€5 995 per person
2 cabins (guest, crew), lounge, 1 toilet and 1 shower
3–6 guests
1 × IFMGA-certified guide
SkyDancer (Finnmark)
15–22 Feb & 30 Mar–6
SkyDancer, 73-ft schooner
€5 995 per person
€6 995 per person
4 shared cabins, 1 bathroom, 2 toilet, 2 saloons
4–8 guests
2 IFMGA or 1 IFMGA + 1 tail
Ocean Sherpa (Svalbard)
11–18 April & 18–25 April
Ocean Sherpa, 113-ft schooner
€6 995 per person
€7 995 per person
6 en-suite cabins, 2-berth, 8 showers, 3 toilets
4–10 guests
1 × IFMGA + 1 × wildlife specialist

Unlock the Skiing Few Will Find

A sailboat grants access to terrain unreachable by overland travel: hidden fjords, remote islands, and peaks beyond the reach of most skiers. In Finnmark, mountains drop directly into the Arctic Ocean, offering a variety of natural ski lines, while in Svalbard, glaciers and ridges rise from icy fjords alive with wildlife. Ski touring and sailing share a similar rhythm: focused effort, sustained energy, and moments of awe.

Backcountry skier seen from behind on untouched snow with ocean and distant sailboat in background

Man and woman enjoying sunshine while sitting on a sailboat in the Arctic, with snow-covered mountains in the background

Life Onboard

Although cabins might be compact, life aboard is both comfortable and practical. Each vessel provides warmth, hot water, drying facilities, excellent food, and snug bunks for resting between outings. Whether on a 56-foot yacht along Finnmark’s coastline or a 113-foot vessel navigating Svalbard’s archipelago, the crew ensures your safety and wellbeing while creating a welcoming, home-like atmosphere. With a small group, the boat quickly feels like a floating basecamp.

Backcountry skier standing in a valley with ocean at the base of the hill and mountains in the background in the Arctic

Backcountry skier in the Arctic seen from behind with ocean and mountains in the background

Backcountry skier carving a single track on an Arctic mountain, with ocean and towering mountains in the background

Experience the True North From Sea to Summit

Reaching the mountains is an adventure in itself. Each morning, a short dinghy ride takes you ashore, from where you skin up peaks rising directly from the sea. In Finnmark, expect long descents through bowls or steep couloirs spilling into fjords, while in Svalbard, skiing beneath hanging glaciers presents the chance to spot seals, walruses, or even polar bears in the distance. After each run, the sailboat moves to the next anchorage in search for the best weather and snow often arriving at a new mountain zone by evening. This seamless rhythm of sailing and skiing turns the Arctic into your personal backcountry playground.

Sailboat with red sails sailing in the Arctic, positioned a bit far away, with a large iceberg behind it and a small iceberg in the foreground

Two people standing on a small iceberg in the Arctic, with a large sailboat visible in the background

Ski the Arctic With Those Who Know It Best

We go beyond the well-known routes to explore lesser-travelled corners of Finnmark and Svalbard. Travelling in early spring provides the best snow conditions and fewer skiers, allowing access to more untouched lines. Captains and crews bring decades of Arctic experience, combining professionalism with a spirit of adventure, while IFMGA-qualified guides adapt each day’s route to conditions and group ability. Every climb and descent is tailored to the group’s skill and ambition, with flexibility to explore new terrain. This is not merely a ski trip; it is a true Arctic expedition.

Want to know more about our ski and sail experiences?

From choosing the right trip for you to questions about gear, boats, experience or destinations, we’re here to support you. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and inspired for your ski and sail adventure with us. With many years of guiding and exploring these areas, and close connection with the captains and crews, we can provide expert advice and answer all your questions.

Find the right person on our team to answer your questions on our contact page – click here.

Or feel free to send your inquiries to our general e-mail at info@kmexperiences.com.