The dates may seem a little strange but end May to mid-July is the only time Spitsbergen is accessible by boat and the snow is good to ski. The rest of the time, the ice floe renders it inaccessible. At this time of year and at this northern latitude, the climate is similar to that of April in Norway.

From Longyearbyen, we travel towards southern Spitsbergen, where only a few venture. It is a unique polar adventure. The south coast of the Svalbard archipelago is little known and wild. Ice and snow is ever-present but in the summer, the flora creates a mosaic of vibrant colours which is mirrored in the deep blue sea.
We will go in search of bearded seals, beluga whales, puffins and polar bears. But don’t worry, each day we will be accompanied by an armed guide who knows the area and fauna extremely well.

For 6 days, sailing and ski tours punctuate life on board.

This trip is a true mission of discovery. As far as the captains of the boats which have sailed around Spitsbergen for many years remember, they have never seen a skier on the island. Some travel across the snow inland with dog-sleds to transport equipment and sleep under canvas on the glaciers. But as yet, no one has attempted to ski tour from a boat like we do in Norway and Greenland.

That said, we will benefit from a large amount of information passed on by high mountain guides and people with lots of ski touring experience who despite not having skied here, know the area well. In addition there are lots of photos and maps etc giving us ample information to plan this trip.
What will we see? The old whaling establishments and fur traders’ cabins. We will explore Isfjorden, Bellsund and Hornsund. Having left the second highest peak in Svalbarden, we will attempt to cross the extreme southern cape, the Sørkapp. Then, if the ice allows it, we will travel back up the rarely explored east coast towards the Isbukta and Hambergbukta fjords.

Our expedition will finish in Longyearbyen, a small but very lively university town where we will quietly celebrate our return!

FEATURES OF THE TRIP

The highlights : This “exploratory cruise” offers a chance to get first-hand experience of environmental issues such as 

                              global warming and the melting of the earth’s ice cover.

                                    It is a unique experience aboard a comfortable traditional sailing boat which is perfectly suited to this 

                              type of trip.

                              The scenery is stunning and radiates calm and serenity.

                              The size of the boat, for just 8 passengers, lends itself to many different sailing itineraries.

                              A specialist armed guard who has great experience of the local wildlife will travel with us during our on-

                              land tours.

                              The ski touring trips are accessible to good ski tourers with a good level of fitness.

Best time of year : End of May to beginning of September

Dates :  Saturday 26 May to Sunday 3 June 2012

              Saturday 02 June to Sunday 10 June 2012

Number of days away : 8

Number of days skiing : 6

Level : 4 to 5 hours to walk up - For competent skiers.

Number of participants : 6 to 8 people per guide.

Accommodation : Comfortable boat - ALBARQUEL

Equipment to be carried : All the routes can be completed with a day pack.

Local transport : Minibuses are used for all transfers during the trip.

PRICE :  € 2590  per person excluding flights. + Flight to Longyearbyen via Oslo

                 At the time we planned this trip, the flights were approximately € 450 from Paris to Longyearbyen via Oslo

Air Travel : Airline SAS

Photos ski touring in Spitzberg