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“The blue sky and ocean, interrupted by this spectacular, snowy landscape is unbelievable. Add that to the skiing and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip.”
— Rob Coppolillo – Certified AMGA/IFMGA rock, alpine and ski guide
If you’re looking for the ski trip of a lifetime, 57hours has you covered. The company’s mission is to help you find outdoor adventures and make booking them simple and easy. Their trips are led by highly trained guides, who ensure you stay safe when exploring the mountains. What’s behind the name 57hours? There are exactly 57 hours from 3:00 pm Friday to midnight, Sunday. That gives you 57 hours to pack as much adventure into your weekend as possible. There will be plenty of time for trips close to home this winter as we wait for the world to return to a new normal. And with our hopes set on the future, why not take the time to learn about an epic ski trip?
57hours is leading a trip that should be on every skier’s bucket list. At the edge of the Arctic Circle lies the experience of a lifetime – Ski and Sail Under the Midnight Sun in Svalbard. This eight-day trip takes skiers up untracked summits and down 1,000m corn runs, with polar bears wandering in the distance. The trip is more than 57 hours, but it is an experience you will never forget!
Midnight sun on the Longyearbyen waterfront in Svalbard in the Norwegian arctic.
This trip of a lifetime starts in Longyearbyen, a short flight from Oslo, and just on the edge of the Arctic Circle. Guests then board a 150-foot Noorderlichtt, a sailing yacht, along with the boat crew and their experienced guides for the trip. At the helm of the ship, Captain Floriss, knows how to maximize the guest experience, taking them to the best fjords to ensure they experience touring and skiing like never before.
Days spent skiing last anywhere from 5-9 hours, and the midnight sun offers the opportunity to ski into the early night. The soft light reflects across the snow, unique to ski touring this close to the Arctic Circle. Polar bears are present throughout the surrounding landscape, and guides are prepared accordingly with bear deterrents and firearms. The guides do their best to ensure skiers remain at least a kilometer away, protecting the wildlife while still getting the rare opportunity to admire from a distance.
Large polar bear lying on a large ice pack in the Arctic Circle, Nordaustlandet, Svalbard, Norway
But you may wonder whether you have what it takes to complete such an epic adventure full of ski touring under the midnight sun. 57hours needs to ensure that all their participants have the necessary experience for each of their trips. While this is most certainly the adventure of a lifetime, it should not be taken lightly. Both intermediate and advanced individuals are welcome as long as they have knowledge and experience with backcountry touring and skiing. This means having the gear to safely enjoy a ski trip as unique as this. Participants do not need any formal avalanche training but should be in decent shape for days spent exploring.
Each day, the sailing yacht will drop anchor and allow the participants to follow the guides up untracked summits. While the hours of skiing vary day to day, expect to spend 5 to 9 hours touring, skiing, and exploring. But don’t forget the cozy boat will be waiting for you at the end of the day’s activities! Twenty-four hours of sun ensures that there is no rush for the days spent touring. The area of Svalbard is heavily glaciated yet offers gradual climbs to the summits. Not only does this provide long beautiful runs back to the water, but it also means the ascents aren’t overly strenuous.
Large polar bear in the Arctic Circle, Nordaustlandet, Svalbard, Norway
The guides of any trip make it an unforgettable experience. 57hours will work with Rob Coppolillo and Tom Wolfe. Rob, certified with the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations and American Mountain Guides Association, guides skiing, climbing, and running trips worldwide. His extensive experience, along with his love for epic adventures, makes him the perfect guide for this unique experience. Tom, certified with the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations, has led trips across the world along with Rob. Tom owns Sawback Alpine Adventures, located in Alberta, Canada.
Whether you turn this trip into a reality or just spend your time daydreaming about such epic adventures, there is no doubt that those who experience it will have a trip of a lifetime. As we look ahead to the coming year, it is clear that how we adventure will most likely look different than in years past. Though you may not get to ski under the midnight sun, who says you can’t make the most of the mountains close to home? Perhaps this is the year you learn more about backcountry skiing or ski a new line. While an epic trip may not be in your near future, there is plenty of excitement to be found in your own backyard. It’s time to make the most of the upcoming season and see where your skis take you.
Book your Week of Sailing and Skiing in Svalbard
The terrain, though, is remarkably accessible. Gradual, scenic climbs give way to long, beautiful runs back to the water. And best of all, the warm, comfortable boat awaits tired skiers at the end of the day.
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