Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail

Svalbard

Experience the High Arctic from a mountaineer’s perspective on this Ski & Sail expedition in Spitsbergen aboard Rembrandt van Rijn. Combining classic Arctic sailing with ski touring, this active voyage targets Spitsbergen’s alpine peaks, allowing experienced skiers to ascend snow-covered mountains and ski directly back to the shoreline. With flexible routing, Zodiac access and expert mountain guides, you’ll explore glacier-carved fjords, dramatic coastlines and pristine polar terrain in one of the world’s most spectacular ski destinations

Highlights

  • Ski & Sail expedition in Spitsbergen aboard Rembrandt van Rijn.
  • Ski tour Arctic alpine peaks and descend directly to the sea.
  • Access remote mountains via Zodiac landings and flexible routing.
  • Guided by experienced ski and polar mountain guides.
  • Explore glacier-filled fjords, dramatic coastlines and pristine snowfields.
  • Ideal for experienced skiers seeking a true Arctic ski adventure.

Stewart's Take

Climb snow covered alpine mountains and ski downhill

Overview

Experience the High Arctic from a mountaineer’s perspective on this Ski & Sail expedition in Spitsbergen aboard Rembrandt van Rijn. Combining classic Arctic sailing with ski touring, this active voyage targets Spitsbergen’s alpine peaks, allowing experienced skiers to ascend snow-covered mountains and ski directly back to the shoreline. With flexible routing, Zodiac access and expert mountain guides, you’ll explore glacier-carved fjords, dramatic coastlines and pristine polar terrain in one of the world’s most spectacular ski destinations

Itinerary

Voyage overview 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 to mountaintops averaging 700 - 850 meters (2,300 - 2780 feet) and downhill skiing from those points. The accumulated altitude you might climb over a given day can exceed 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). Day 1 - 8: Starting and ending Longyearbyen 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. PLEASE NOTE: 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. We are 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. 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.

Vessel

S/V 'Rembrandt Van Rijn'

Rembrandt van Rijn sailing ship

‘Rembrandt Van Rijn’ was built as a herring lugger early last century. The vessel was rebuilt as a three-mast passenger sailing schooner in he Netherlands in 1994 and sailed in Spitsbergen (1994 – 1996) and in Galápagos (1998 - 2001). The vessel underwent a complete rebuilding and refurbishment program until 2011. The communication and navigation equipment has been completely renewed according to the latest SOLAS regulations.

For full information about this vessel click here:

Booking Information

Essential Information

Rates, Share and Sole Use policy

All rates are quoted per person, based on shared occupancy. If you are travelling alone and wish to share, you will be matched with another person of the same gender at the shared rate.

Deposits

Reservations require a deposit of 20% at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 60 days of departure require full payment.

Final Payments

Balances are due 60 days prior to departure.

Cancellations

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received 90 days or more prior to departure, are refunded less a fee of 20 % of the total price. If cancellation is received between 89 days and 60 days prior to departure, are refunded less a fee of 50 % of the total price. If cancellation occurs less than 59 days up to and including the day of departure: 100 % of the total price. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.

Booking Terms

Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Oceanwide Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking

Included

  • Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
  • Free use of snow shoes.
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
  • AECO fees and governmental taxes.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure material.

Excluded

  • Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
  • Pre- and post- land arrangements.
  • Passport and visa expenses.
  • Government arrival and departure taxes.
  • Meals ashore.
  • Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is mandatory).
  • Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
  • The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
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