Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail

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. 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 and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife. The on-board expedition leader determines the final itinerary. Itineraries may mention places that require permission to land, which must be granted by the relevant national authorities. Such permission is not granted prior to the publishing of these itineraries. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. Willingness to compromise on comfort is a basic requirement on board of a historic traditional sailing vessel. Important information about the sailing program: the boat is equipped with sails and these will be used in good conditions (open sea, water depth, appropriate wind conditions, time availability). This is not guaranteed. The captain decides whether to use the sails or the engine. There is no claim to one or other propulsion method. If sails are used, they are operated by the crew. Guests follow the safety instructions of the team. Average cruising speed for s/v Noorderlicht is 5 knots.

Day 1 - 8: 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 Prins Karls Forland. 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.