Ski & Sail Trips
The special way of travelling by sailboat and ski!
A ski touring trip abroad offers avid skiers an exciting opportunity to take on new challenges and explore breathtaking mountain landscapes. Whether you’re an experienced skier or just starting out, there are destinations and mountain ranges to suit every ability level!
But a ski touring trip becomes even more unique when sailing sections and life on board come into play: rarely can a trip be as exciting, varied and multi-sensorial as a Ski & Sail trip!
On the one hand, you undertake exciting ski tours in remote landscapes and reach bays and beaches in winter that would otherwise be almost impossible to reach. On the other hand, you will experience life on board, the cuisine, sailing at sea and the variety of marine animals that regularly swim around the sailboat. An incredible experience that not only promises plenty of adventure on the mountain, but also provides new knowledge and insights into life on board. In the evening, you sit around the galley table and enjoy a sip of wine while chatting with like-minded people about the great day in a pleasant and private atmosphere, before planning the day ahead with the mountain guide and boat captain.
This page intentionally does not list ski touring trips that are not offered in the Ski & Sail format. However, we also offer conventional ski touring trips to unique destinations! If you would prefer to go on a special ski touring trip to Central Asia, Japan, Norway or America, you can find more offers by clicking on the button below. We look forward to an exploration trip together!
The slight “wobble” of the sailboat may take some getting used to at first, but quickly proves to be pleasant and not as bad as expected! Here are a few fun facts and ski & sail trips that we are always happy to offer again. We know that you will never forget your ski and sail trip and that it will be a life-changing experience!
Ski & Sail trips in the high north
Norway – Ski & Sail with descents all the way to the sea
Ski & Sail Senja Alps
7 days
The Senja Alps are located just north of the Arctic Circle on the island of Senja, the second largest island in Norway, which lies between Tromso and Lofoten. This island is somewhat less visited than the famous Lyngen Alps, despite the excellent ski touring opportunities and descents across breathtaking fjords. The mountains are rarely over 1000 meters high, which means that two ascents and rapid descents a day are possible 😉 The best way to visit the Senja Alps is by sailboat. It will allow you to reach every bay and every tour start!
Ski & Sail Lyngen Alps
7 days
The Lyngen Alps, high in the north of Norway, are prime ski touring and splitboard exploration terrain. The coast can be explored by sailboat, mooring in a new bay every day to discover the most exciting slopes and the best snow. The opportunity to explore new slopes every day while trying out life on board a boat makes a Ski & Sail ski touring trip twice as unforgettable.
Fun Facts about Ski & Sail trips that you probably didn´t know!
Part 1
Anyone who has ever been on a ski touring trip knows that certain things simply belong to Ski & Sail trips, just like jam on sandwiches! Here are a few fun facts about our ski touring trips with sailboat that you probably didn’t know 😉
In the morning, land is often reached by “dinghy” and not by the sailing boat itself.
The “dinghy” is a small air boat that can be motored to the coast. The captain usually personally drives the ski tour “shuttle” back and forth from the sailboat, which is anchored in the bay. The dinghy is designed to prevent the sailboat from becoming wedged in shallow waters and still make it possible to reach difficult drop-off zones;
The edges of your skis/splitboard will need a “little service” after the trip!
It is well known that salt water is responsible for rusting metal. The salt-saturated air and the wind that regularly blows over the water will cause a small layer of flash rust to form on your ski edges. But don’t worry! This can be easily removed with a little bit of cleaning alcohol, or by giving your skis a “small service” from a specialist shop when you return;
Svalbard – Ski & Sail in the Arctics, between glacier crossings and polar bears
Ski & Sail Svalbard
7 days
The Spitsbergen Islands, a legendary area that offers first-class ski touring terrain. Several sailing sections alternate with glacier crossings, summit ascents and views over endless expanses. The odd whale or polar bear sighting also makes for a unique adventure on the 78 degrees north!
Get Inspired!
A short video about what you can expect on our Ski&Sail trips
Fun Facts about Ski & Sail trips, that you probably didn´t know!
Part 2
No, we’re not going to live like pirates and drink nothing but rum for a week 😉
It may be an old folk tale that you only drink rum and eat crispbread on board of a sailing boat. The cuisine on board is extremely sophisticated and often very delicious. Our board crew go to great lengths to conjure up delicious dishes and snacks time and again. Because a hungry ski tourer is not an efficient ski tourer!
The captain often selects the bays we will visit based on weather, sea ice and wind conditions. Our mountain guide puts together the ski tour based on the snow and avalanche conditions in the chosen bay
It may sound trivial, but it is nevertheless extremely important: the captain of the boat has the say over the water. He decides on the rough and detailed planning of the trip and which route we will navigate. Sea ice in particular is a no-go in some areas, as the water surface is still icy and can make it impossible to reach the bays. Icebergs and floes may look harmless, but they can cause major damage to the sailing boat. Our captain will also use weather and wind charts to select the bays so that we don’t have to sail in stormy seas and high waves. In consultation with the mountain guide, we will then look for the most exciting descents and peaks so that nothing stands in the way of racy ski tours.
Our skis sleep on deck, our ski liners in the captain’s cockpit
Sailing boats are often very well-kept floating accommodations furnished with fine wood. To avoid damage from sharp objects such as ice axes, crampons or skis, these will be secured in ski bags on deck and stored there during the trip. We will always leave our inner shoes to dry in the cockpit of the cabin, also known as the stern of the boat. During short periods of “motoring”, i.e. when the diesel engine is generating electricity on board, the captain’s cabin gets nice and warm and can therefore dry the inner shoes of our ski boots in no time at all.
We will be able to observe a lot of marine and land animals
From polar bears to arctic foxes and musk oxen from the land, to whales, beluga whales and sea lions on the high seas, the list of animals we will see is long. A sailboat provides a noiseless means of transportation and is often visited by the curious “locals”. A fantastic way to see fascinating wildlife up close!
Greenland – Ski & Sail in the land of the Inuits
Iceland – Ski & Sail in the land of fire and ice
Ski & Sail Greenland
10 days
Greenland is considered by many to be a wild and unexplored island. Politically declared by Denmark, it is dream terrain for the first-class adventurer. Iceberg floes alternate with midnight sun as we sail along the coast and sight the bay for tomorrow’s ascent. With our sailing boat we explore the wild coasts of Greenland and navigate slopes that have probably never been navigated before! A unique adventure in the land of the Inuit. Ahoy Captain!
Ski & Sail Iceland
7 days
Iceland is also known as the land of fire and ice. The volcanic island between Greenland and Norway has around 4800 km of coastline. Enough for a week of exploration and racy descents with sea views! Our ski touring days often start with a dinghy ride ashore, from where we will immediately strap on our skis. The descents are often in untracked snow, wonderful!
Ski & Sail Reisen fernab der Zivilisation
Antarctica – Ski & Sail in the continent of superlatives
Ski & Sail Antarctica
14 days, experience the magic of the Antarcic peninsula!
Antartica is not only the southernmost continent, but also the highest, driest, windiest, coldest and iciest continent in the world. Sounds like an adventure, doesn’t it?
In 14 days we explore mountains that rise up to 3000 m out of the ice with our sailing boat. 98% of Antarctica’s surface consists of ice, which among other things forms the largest source of fresh water in the world! The ultimate journey of a lifetime, where few dare to go!
5 good reasons to book a Ski & Sail trip with Exped Tribe this summer
1. Unique combination of water and mountain sports
Skitouring in unspoiled nature
Far away from mass tourism
A Ski & Sail adventure takes you to remote mountain regions. Here you will find slopes that are far away from the crowded ski resorts. Enjoy the feeling of leaving your first tracks in the fresh snow. No crowds, just you and untouched nature. This exclusivity makes skiing a special experience.
Breathtaking landscapes
The landscapes you experience on a Ski & Sail trip are breathtaking. Snow-capped peaks, deep blue lakes and endless expanses. Every turn on your skis offers you a new perspective on the local mountain world. The combination of skiing and sailing allows you to enjoy this beauty from different angles.
Sailing on open sea
Freedom and adventure
Sailing on the open sea brings a feeling of freedom and adventure. The wind in your sails, the sound of the waves and the endless expanse of the ocean. Every Ski & Sail trip offers you the opportunity to explore new sailing areas and experience unforgettable adventures. The freedom to determine your own route makes every trip unique.
Relax and peace
In addition to adventure, sailing also offers moments of relaxation and tranquillity. After an exciting day on the mountain, you can relax on deck and unwind. The gentle rocking of the boat and the fresh sea air ensure pure relaxation. This balance between action and relaxation is what makes a Ski & Sail trip so special.
2. Flexibility and pure Freedom!
Individual route planning
Adaptation to weather conditions
A Ski & Sail trip offers the opportunity to adapt our route flexibly. Of course, the weather plays a decisive role. In bad conditions, we will be more defensive and prefer easier tours. In good conditions, we will experience days full of adventure and sailing.
Taking care of personal preferences
Your personal preferences are the focus of a Ski & Sail trip. You decide which ascents we should make. Whether gentle descents or alpine transgressions, the routes can be individually designed depending on your interests. Every trip is a tailor-made adventure that meets your exact wishes.
Independence from fixed accommodation
Overnight stay on the boat
A Ski & Sail trip offers the freedom to stay overnight on the boat throughout. We are therefore not tied to fixed accommodation. The boat serves as a floating hotel and offers us a good degree of comfort and flexibility. After a day in the mountains, we can relax as soon as we arrive at Bost. Spending the night on the water makes for a special experience that you won’t soon forget.
Flexible docking in various ports
With a Ski & Sail trip, we can dock flexibly in different ports and bays. This gives us the opportunity to discover new places every day. The variety of places visited offers a wide range of experiences. Whether small fishing villages or bays lively with seagulls, we will experience a lot during the trip. This independence makes our trip unique every time.
3. Exclusivity and privacy
Small groups and private charters
Personal service
A Ski & Sail trip in small groups on a private charter offers a personal service that is second to none. The captain and crew take care of our individual wishes and needs. Our mountain guides are highly committed to your safety and enjoyment and provide tips on the best runs in the region. A personal chef provides culinary highlights on board.
Intimate atmosphere
The intimate atmosphere on a Ski & Sail trip creates a special bond between you and your fellow travelers. Small groups quickly create a family feeling. Shared experiences on the mountain and on board strengthen the bond. Evenings under the midnight sun, conversations over a glass of wine and sharing adventure stories make for unforgettable moments. This closeness and familiarity make our trips unique.
4. Adventure and adrenaline
Challenging ski tours
Deep snow descents
Deep snow descents offer an incomparable feeling of freedom and adventure. The fresh powder snow under your skis makes for a unique skiing experience. Every turn leaves a trail in the untouched snow. We will mostly be skiing on deep snow, harsh snow or slush, which requires a certain level of skiing ability.
Steep slopes
Steep slopes challenge the skills and courage of the alpinist. The descents are often demanding and require precision and technique. Every turn must be carefully considered in order to reach the valley safely. The reward is an indescribable feeling of success and pride. We will come across our Ski & Sail trips on steep slopes again and again.
Sailing in different weather conditions
Strong winds and high waves
Strong winds and high waves on the open sea pose an additional challenge for our entire sailing crew. Safety is a top priority in these cases. Strong winds make sailing an exciting adventure, even if it is not everyone’s cup of tea. We always try to wait for the strong winds and high swell to subside into the calm of the bays.
5. Nature experiences
Encounters with wild animals
Marine mammals
A Ski & Sail trip offers the opportunity to observe fascinating marine mammals. Humpback whales and sperm whales often accompany our sailing ships. These majestic animals suddenly appear and provide unforgettable moments. Walrus colonies and bearded seals are also frequently seen. These encounters make our trips in the far north special experiences.
Mountain animals
In the mountains, we often encounter species-rich fauna. Polar bears, the kings of the Arctic, roam the snowy landscapes. Depending on the country, we may be lucky enough to spot Svalbard reindeer or Greenland’s musk oxen. These animals are perfectly adapted to the harsh climate. Various bird species, such as gulls and fulmars, breed in the regions where we are traveling.
Experience the magic of the midnight sun
Experiencing the midnight sun is a special experience. After a short acclimatization period, the body gets used to the 24 hours of daylight. The advantage is obvious: ski tours can be endlessly long, because it never gets dark anyway 😉
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