Svalbard – Ski Touring at the Top of the World

At Arctic Heli Skiing we are lucky enough to spend our winters skiing in some pretty wild corners of the Arctic. But there are always places a little further afield that get our attention – and Svalbard is definitely one of them.

Our friends at Elemental Adventure are heading back there in May 2027 for a series of ship-based ski touring expeditions, and if you are looking for a very different kind of Arctic ski adventure, we think this one is well worth a look.

Svalbard lies high above the Arctic Circle, roughly halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Outside the small settlement of Longyearbyen there are virtually no roads and very little human development. Mountains and glaciers rise straight out of the Arctic Ocean and, for skiers, that means a huge amount of terrain that is rarely visited and, in places, may never have been skied. There are no helicopters here. Instead, you earn your turns.

The trip is based aboard **MS Balto**, a comfortable, spacious and beautifully finished ice-rated expedition vessel carrying a maximum of 12 skiing guests. Each day the ship provides access to a different part of the coastline, with the captain, ski guides and polar guide working together to decide where to go according to the weather, snow and sea-ice conditions.

And that's really the beauty of doing Svalbard by boat (in fact, it’s really the only way of doing it). Rather than being committed to one valley or mountain range, the ship can move while you sleep, looking for the best combination of snow, weather and terrain. Once ashore, you climb directly from sea level. Most of Svalbard's skiable peaks are around 1,000 metres high and you might transition a couple of times so a typical day can give you around 1,200-1,800 vertical metres of skiing – often finishing right back at the shoreline where the Zodiac is waiting to take you back to the ship and the warmth of the on-board sauna.

The terrain is surprisingly varied. There are big open faces and glaciers, mellow touring objectives, exposed ridges and steeper couloirs. Groups are matched according to fitness, ability and ambitions, although this isn't really a trip for first-time ski tourers. You need to be comfortable skinning for several hours, making kick turns and skiing confidently in variable snow.

The skiing, though, is only part of the reason to go. This is also a proper Arctic expedition. Whales, walruses and seals are commonly seen and there is always the possibility of spotting a polar bear. A dedicated polar guide travels with the group to help make the most of the wildlife and extraordinary environment.

Back on board Balto, things are considerably more comfortable than the word "expedition" might suggest. The ship has just 12 guest berths in twin and double cabins with private facilities, an open bridge, an expert chef and, importantly after a long day on skins, a sauna.

We have known the team at Elemental Adventure for many years and are can recommend them. Like us, they have spent a long time organising ski trips in remote parts of the world and understand that the success of an Arctic adventure comes down to good guides, good logistics and the ability to adapt when the mountains or weather have other ideas. Their UIAGM guides have already led numerous expeditions to Svalbard, and with at least two ski guides for a maximum of 12 guests, groups remain small and flexible.

Trips are running throughout **May 2027**, starting at **€8,600 per person**, including five nights aboard MS Balto, a night in Longyearbyen before embarkation, full board on the ship, guiding and local transfers. Find out more at Svalbard Yacht-Based Skiing  | EA Heli Skiing