This is your gateway into Svalbard’s Arctic terrain.
Designed for seasoned, active skiers and splitboarders ready to climb and tour beyond the Arctic Circle. These trips are not intended for beginners, and group sizes remain small to keep the experience focused.
Ocean Sherpa takes you deep into remote fjords. A 113 foot vessel acting as your base for the week. We depart from Longyearbyen and move into a landscape shaped by ice, water and mountain walls. Glaciers meet the sea. Broad faces rise above narrow bays. Wildlife appears without ceremony. Seals on the ice. Walruses on exposed shores. Occasionally a polar bear at a distance.
Each day offers travel on clean, sea facing slopes. Snow and weather set the plan, and routes shift as conditions change. Movement stays steady and deliberate, with time to read the terrain and adjust your line.
Our certified guides manage the safety framework. You focus on the climb, the descent and the rhythm of moving through Arctic ground with the ocean always close by.
Live aboard Ocean Sherpa, a vessel built for Arctic waters.
Hike and ride remote slopes far from crowds, with terrain that suits both intermediate and experienced riders.
See Arctic wildlife in its own environment. Harbour seals on the ice. Walruses on exposed shores. Sometimes a polar bear at distance.
Visit historic sites along the coast, from old whaling stations to isolated mining settlements.
Share warm meals on board and end the day in quiet northern light.
Stay focused on the moment while a professional photographer documents the week. A curated gallery follows after the trip.
Travel with two expert and certified guides. We'll also ensure to have someone with solid wildlife knowledge, including polar bear safety for this trip.
Our trips place you directly in the environment. Hands on, outdoors and active. You move at your own pace, but the days are built around steady time on the mountain.
You travel through Arctic fjords by boat and ski on remote, rugged slopes. Ascending on foot. Descending on skis. This trip suits agile skiers and splitboarders who want to explore Svalbard’s wild, off map terrain.
Average day
We ascend and descend around 1,000 vertical metres (3,280 feet). Time on the mountain is 4–6 hours. Two expert guides adapt the route to match conditions and the group.
Challenge day
If snow, weather and the group align, we take on steeper and longer routes. Not tied to a fixed day. Always considered.
Weather
Daytime temperatures range from −6°C to −2°C (21°F to 28°F). Nights fall between −12°C and −8°C (10°F to 18°F). Conditions shift quickly, so pack for wind, snow and sun.
Terrain
April provides reliable touring conditions. Remote Arctic summits, a stable snowpack and untouched descents far from busy ski areas.
Light
Daylight increases fast. Early April offers around 7–8 hours of direct sunlight. By mid‑April, the returning midnight sun stretches daylight towards 24 hours, casting long, soft light across the mountains.
How experienced should I be in the specific activities?
How fit should I be?
How much of an outdoor person should I be?
What kind of lodging should I expect?
This experience is led by two expert and certified guides with solid Arctic experience in ski touring. We will also ensure safety management and wildlife awareness, including polar bear protocols.
They take a clear and flexible approach to the week. Plans shift with weather, terrain and group movement. Their role is to manage the safety framework and provide the knowledge needed to move through remote Arctic terrain with confidence.
You focus on the skiing. They handle the conditions that shape each day.
Ocean Sherpa will be our home on the water for the entire journey. The 113-foot expedition sailing yacht is purpose-built for Arctic exploration and high-latitude expeditions, featuring centrally heated two-person cabins with ensuite bathrooms and private showers. On board, life is pared back and peaceful—the sea rocks you to sleep, and each morning brings a new peak to explore.
In addition to mandatory travel insurance (covering helicopter Medevac and SAR), we recommend a membership with Global Rescue for extra coverage.
Klättermusen Experiences partners with Global Rescue, which provides worldwide medical and security assistance. Without coverage, emergency evacuations can cost over €80,000/$100,000.
Membership includes 24/7 expert support, field rescue, and evacuation to your chosen hospital.
Read more and become a member here: Global Rescue Link.
Questions about Global Rescue? Contact Dan Chomko at Global Rescue directly:
Email: dchomko@globalrescue.com
Call or Text (WhatsApp): +1 802 291 0855
You’re also always welcome to contact us at info@kmexperiences.com and we’ll help guide you in the best way.
We have arranged a travel guarantee with the Swedish Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency (Kammarkollegiet)
The travel guarantee means that you will be able to receive compensation if any part of your package trip or linked travel arrangements is cancelled in the event that we should become insolvent. In addition, this guarantee also ensures that you are entitled to compensation for the unfulfilled part of the package trip or linked travel arrangement for which we are responsible.
We’ll live how we travel—on the Ocean Sherpa, a 113-foot expedition topsail schooner built for Arctic adventure.
We’ve got all your transportation covered, including pick-ups and drop-offs at the airport.
This trip will be led by certified guides, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the journey.
Drift across Arctic fjords on a sturdy expedition sailboat, soaking in dramatic landscapes and tranquil waters.
Skin up Svalbard’s remote peaks by foot, then carve fresh tracks down pristine slopes—trekking wild, peaceful backcountry far from the crowds.
All meals are taken care of, featuring tasty, local dishes. We’ll ask for any dietary requirements or restrictions beforehand.
Enjoy an exclusive discount on Klättermusen gear, with the option to pre-order for your arrival. You’ll also get the chance to test select gear on a complimentary basis during your trip.
We’re here to make sure you have everything for your trip. You’ll get all the details you need for your itinerary and packing list, plus unlimited support via email if you have any questions.
You’ll need to book your own flights to and from Longyearbyen Airport (LYR).
Guests must have travel insurance covering Medevac and SAR. A copy of your insurance certificate must be submitted to us before your trip begins. We also recommend a Global Rescue membership.
Any extra nights at the hotel outside the trip dates will be at your own expense.
Alcoholic drinks can be bought at the ship’s bar at your own cost. Local laws do not allow you to bring your own alcohol on board.
Personal expenses like souvenirs and some alcoholic beverages aren’t included in the package.
Tipping your guides is up to your discretion.
These highlights give a general outline of the trip. Plans may shift before the trip starts and during the trip as conditions change.
Weather, snow and the group’s experience will shape each day, and your guides will adjust accordingly throughout.
We will meet you up at the airport and then make our way to Mary‑Ann’s Polarrigg, a former miners’ barracks now used as a hotel. After meeting the group over drinks and snacks, we head to the harbour to board the Ocean Sherpa. Once settled on board, we start our journey into Isfjorden and anchor before night.
We begin the day with breakfast before heading out to ski the surrounding mountains. The area offers steady slopes with the option for steeper lines when conditions allow. After lunch outside, we take a few more runs before skiing back to the vessel. As we move towards St. John’s Fjord, there is time to reset, rest and prepare for dinner.
We spend the day skiing in St. John’s Fjord, surrounded by glaciers and mixed mountain terrain. The region offers a good variety of lines, and we choose objectives based on conditions. By now the routine of skiing, returning to the vessel and preparing for the next day will feel familiar. If weather allows, we continue towards Krossfjorden in the evening.
We sail into Krossfjorden for another day of skiing. The region is remote and defined by large tidewater glaciers. Historical sites from early whaling remain visible along the coast. We tour in this terrain before returning to the vessel.
We travel to Prins Karls Foreland, a narrow island known for wildlife and open views. When conditions allow, we ski local glaciers and summits with long descents towards the sea. In the evening we begin our return towards Isfjorden.
We spend the day skiing in the terrain around Barentsburg, a Russian‑owned mining town on the coast. After skiing, we dock in the harbour overnight with time to walk through the settlement. A visit to The Red Bear Bar and Brewery is available for those who want to stop by, it's a lively gathering place for miners, scientists, polar explorers and adventurers alike.
On our final day on skis, we’ll return to Isfjorden to explore fresh mountain terrain before making our way back to Longyearbyen. To mark the end of our Arctic journey, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner aboard the Ocean Sherpa.
After breakfast we leave the Ocean Sherpa and begin the journey home. We will drive you to the airport with time before your flight.
