Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail
Highlights
- Ascend and descend Spitsbergen’s snow-covered alpine peaks, with climbs of 700–850 m (2,300–2,800 ft) and daily vertical gains exceeding 1,000 m.
- Explore remote Arctic fjords and pristine terrain—Kongsfjorden, Isfjord, Forlandsundet—amid wildlife and stunning icy vistas.
- Ski-mountaineering guided by expert leaders in a flexible, adventure-driven itinerary shaped by weather, snow, and sea conditions.
Embark on an extraordinary 8-day ski-mountaineering expedition through the wild Arctic landscapes of Spitsbergen, a realm of dramatic fjords, towering alpine peaks, and pristine glaciers. This voyage is designed for skilled ski mountaineers who seek the ultimate combination of challenging climbs, exhilarating descents, and the untouched beauty of the High Arctic. Each day, you’ll ascend and ski down peaks reaching up to 850 meters, navigating snowfields and alpine terrain that few adventurers ever experience.
The expedition follows a flexible route through iconic regions such as Kongsfjorden, Isfjord, and the eastern side of Forlandsundet. The exact path is determined daily by your experienced expedition leader, taking into account weather, avalanche risks, wildlife sightings, and sea ice conditions. This flexibility ensures a safe, rewarding, and authentic Arctic adventure while keeping you in the best snow and most inspiring terrain possible.
While on board and during shore-based activities, you’ll have the chance to witness Arctic wildlife, dramatic ice formations, and the serene beauty of remote fjords. The combination of high-octane skiing and immersive polar scenery creates a profound sense of accomplishment and exhilaration, leaving you with memories of untouched landscapes and the thrill of skiing in one of the world’s most remote regions.
This expedition is ideal for experienced ski mountaineers who crave technical challenges, adventure, and the chance to explore Spitsbergen’s frozen wilderness at a pace dictated by nature itself. Crossing peaks few have ever summited and skiing slopes untouched by crowds, you’ll emerge with a rare Arctic achievement and a lasting connection to the stark, breathtaking beauty of the High North.
Standard Activities
About the Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail
Embark on an extraordinary 8-day ski-mountaineering expedition through the wild Arctic landscapes of Spitsbergen, a realm of dramatic fjords, towering alpine peaks, and pristine glaciers. This voyage is designed for skilled ski mountaineers who seek the ultimate combination of challenging climbs, exhilarating descents, and the untouched beauty of the High Arctic. Each day, you’ll ascend and ski down peaks reaching up to 850 meters, navigating snowfields and alpine terrain that few adventurers ever experience.
The expedition follows a flexible route through iconic regions such as Kongsfjorden, Isfjord, and the eastern side of Forlandsundet. The exact path is determined daily by your experienced expedition leader, taking into account weather, avalanche risks, wildlife sightings, and sea ice conditions. This flexibility ensures a safe, rewarding, and authentic Arctic adventure while keeping you in the best snow and most inspiring terrain possible.
While on board and during shore-based activities, you’ll have the chance to witness Arctic wildlife, dramatic ice formations, and the serene beauty of remote fjords. The combination of high-octane skiing and immersive polar scenery creates a profound sense of accomplishment and exhilaration, leaving you with memories of untouched landscapes and the thrill of skiing in one of the world’s most remote regions.
This expedition is ideal for experienced ski mountaineers who crave technical challenges, adventure, and the chance to explore Spitsbergen’s frozen wilderness at a pace dictated by nature itself. Crossing peaks few have ever summited and skiing slopes untouched by crowds, you’ll emerge with a rare Arctic achievement and a lasting connection to the stark, breathtaking beauty of the High North.
Itinerary
All activities on or off the vessel, such as (but not limited to) ski outings and Zodiac trips, are done at the passenger’s own risk. Oceanwide Expeditions is not liable for any damage, such as (but not limited to) bodily injury, illness, and death unless as a result of gross negligence. Furthermore, with the consent to participate in the ski mountaineering program, the passenger agrees to make no claims for reimbursement for shortened travel days due to reasons beyond the organization’s control, such as (but not limited to) conditions of weather and ice, avalanche threads, polar bears threats, and expedition staff injuries. On all our transactions, the general terms and conditions of Oceanwide Expeditions b.v. apply, registered at the Chamber of Commerce, Middelburg, the Netherlands. File nr.: 50590715. Upon request, a free copy will be provided. All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises, and willingness to compromise on comfort is a basic requirement on board a historic sailing vessel. Important information about the use of sails: The vessel is equipped with sails to be used in good conditions (based on open sea, water depth, wind, and time allowance), but the use of sails is not guaranteed. The captain decides whether to use the sails or the engine. If sails are used, the crew will operate them. Guests must follow the safety instructions of the team. The average cruising speed for s/v Rembrandt van Rijn is 6.5 knots.
Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen - Ski & Sail
This program is designed for experienced ski mountaineers who have mastered techniques both for ascent and descent in challenging snow-covered alpine terrain. A typical day involves climbs on mountaintops averaging heights of 700 – 850 meters (2,300 502,800 feet) and downhill skiing from those points. Accumulated altitude you might climb over a given day can exceed 1,000 meters (3,280 feet).
An accurate route cannot be determined in advance due to variable weather, sea, wildlife, and avalanche considerations. The map outlines a possible (but not final) route in the regions of Kongsfjorden, Isfjord, and the east side of Forlandsundet. This route serves as a rough guide only. The expedition leader makes the final decision as to the daily adjustments. Flexibility is paramount in this type of cruise. Ski mountaineers must bring their own equipment.
What's Included
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Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
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All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
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All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
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Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
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Free use of snowshoes.
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Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on a selection of flights (advised by Oceanwide) to and from Longyearbyen.
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All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programe.
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AECO fees and governmental taxes.
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Comprehensive pre-departure material.
What's Excluded
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Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights.
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Pre- and post- land arrangements.
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Passport and visa expenses.
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Government arrival and departure taxes.
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Meals ashore.
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Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
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Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
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The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
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