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finnmark

Ski & Sail

Experience:

Where Backcountry Meets the Open Ocean

Ski & Sail is a unique type of trip that combines world-class backcountry skiing with the rhythm of life at sea. Onboard an expedition sailboat, your floating basecamp, you will venture into the untouched mountains of Finnmark and Svalbard, far from crowds and roads.


Each day involves climbing high peaks, skiing fresh lines down to the water’s edge, and returning to the warmth and comfort of the boat. Led by IFMGA-certified guides and supported by experienced Arctic crews, it is a unique way to experience the intersection of ocean, snow and mountains.



Photography by Arnaud Mallez and the crews on SkyDancer Ocean Sherpa and Moondance.

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Unlock the Skiing Few Will Find

A sailboat opens access to what overland travel cannot: hidden fjords, remote islands and peaks beyond the reach of other skiers. In Finnmark, mountains drop straight into the Arctic Ocean, offering natural ski terrain with endless line options, while in Svalbard, glaciers and towering ridges rise from icy fjords teeming with wildlife. Ski touring and sailing share the same rhythm: quiet focus, sustained effort and moments of pure adrenaline and bliss. Over a week, you leave the ordinary world behind, gliding across Arctic waters, climbing mountains and sharing the experience with a small group of like-minded skiers or splitboarders.

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Life Onboard

Although space is limited, life aboard is comfortable and rewarding. Each vessel provides warmth, hot water, excellent food, drying facilities and snug bunks to recharge between outings. Whether on a 56-foot yacht exploring Finnmark’s remote coastline or a 113-foot Arctic vessel navigating Svalbard’s polar archipelago, you’ll be well looked after and fully connected to the adventure. With a small crew and group, the atmosphere quickly feels like a floating home.

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Experience the True North From Sea to Summit

Reaching the mountains is as much a part of the adventure as skiing them. Each morning, a short dinghy ride takes you ashore, from where you skin up mountains rising straight from the sea. In Finnmark, expect long descents through powder-filled bowls or steep couloirs spilling into fjords, while in Svalbard, skiing beneath hanging glaciers offers the chance to spot seals, walruses or even polar bears in the distance. After each descent, the sailboat moves to the next anchorage in search of the best snow, often reaching a new mountain zone by evening. This seamless rhythm of sailing and skiing turns the Arctic into your personal backcountry map.

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Ski the Arctic With Those Who Know It Best

We go beyond the well-trodden routes to explore lesser-known corners of Finnmark and the high Arctic wilderness of Svalbard. Travelling in early spring offers prime snow and fewer skiers, providing access to more untracked lines. Our captains and crews bring decades of Arctic experience, combining professionalism with a spirit of adventure, while IFMGA-qualified guides adapt routes each day to the best snow and conditions, tailoring every run to the group’s skill and ambition and remaining open to exploring new zones. This is not just a ski trip; it is a genuine Arctic expedition

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Discover our Ski & Sail Experiences

Want to know more about our experiences?

From choosing the right trip and understanding our routes, to learning more about Ski & Sail or arranging private group options – we’re here to help. And here are the friendly faces behind our phone and inbox, ready to help you with anything you need.

fred

Head of Experience Design & Guides

Fred Buttard

Fred is a French IFMGA Mountain Guide with 25 years’ experience leading ski trips and expeditions around the world, with a focus on northern Scandinavia. He has been guiding in Finnmark since 2007 and also pioneered trips in the Swedish mountains. At KMX, Fred designs our journeys and oversees our team of guides. You can contact him with questions about destinations, local conditions, weather and snow, history and culture, or technical advice on skiing and kit.

Contact Fred:

I am available to contact on weekdays.


Contact by e-mail: fred@kmexperiences.com

Contact by phone: +46733745959


If I’m not able to pick up the phone, please leave a voice message or send me a text, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.


You can speak with Fred in English, French and Swedish.

Marije

Hospitality Operations Manager

Marije Elgersma

Marije, from the Netherlands, is passionate about creating seamless and memorable experiences. With a background in event coordination, from international SUP events to years in office and retail management, she brings care, optimism, and a hands-on approach to everything she organises. You can contact Marije with practical questions about your trip, from itineraries to packing advice. If she doesn’t have the answer straight away, she’ll coordinate with the team and get back to you.

Contact Marije

I am available to contact on weekdays.


Contact by e-mail: marije@kmexperiences.com
Contact by phone: +31 624841376


If I’m not able to pick up the phone, please leave a voice message or send me a text, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.


You can speak with Marije in English, Dutch and German.