Backcountry Arctic Ski and Sail 2009

Come and join the Backcountry Team on a unique skiing and sailing experience, exploring the mountains of Arctic Norway on board the yacht Polar Bear.

The centrepiece of the trip involves skiing in the Lyngen Alps, one of the finest ski mountaineering regions anywhere.

The Lyngen Alps form the backbone of the Lyngen Peninsular, pointing due north from the very top of Norway - at it’s northernmost point it is just 1 mile from the 70 th parallel, farther north than most of Alaska.

This promises to be another great shop trip, with 8 places available for customers and friends.The approximate cost for guiding fees plus food and accomodation onboard Polar Bear will be £12-1300.

The trip will run during April 2009 - with dates to be confirmed. If you are interestedat this stage, just let Andy or David know at the shop and we'll keep you informed. Bookings will be available through Alpine Guides from Summer 2008.

Sample Itinerary Subject to weather and snow conditions, the plan is as follows:

Day 1 Sat	AM Flights to Tromso, welcome to Polar Bear - choose a cabin, unpack and relax. Safety briefing, boat familiarisation, introduction to the crew. PM Weather permitting, we’ll leave Tromso in the evening and set sail.
Day 2 Sun	AM Arrive Lyngseidet (time depending on the wind!) – anchor, relax, ski planning. PM Get ashore for a ski in the forest above Lyngeseidet. Return to boat for a beer and hearty dinner.
Days 3-5 Mon - Wed	'Sea to Summit' ski touring days. Assess the weather and select the best skiing for each day: morning drop off, full mountain ski day then meet Polar Bear at a pickup point. Enjoy a few cold beers, another fine feast and an early night. During this period it may be possible to explore various outlying islands (accessible with a few hours sailing) as well as the main range.
Day 6 Thur	Early start for a big sail day (up to 70 degrees north) - we should be in Tromso early evening for a good night on the town. Depending on weather the journey back to Tromso may also be split, in order to maximise skiing opportunities.
Day 7 Fri	Day touring above Tromso (breakfast and lunch provided by the boat). Overnight onshore in Tromso.
Day 8 Sat	Return flights from Tromso to the UK.

Food and Accommodation Full board accommodation on board the boat costs £600 per head for the 6 nights, which includes all meals and refreshments and is payable direct to the charter company. We will be making a group booking once final numbers are known.

Polar Bear - is licensed to carry 12 passengers anywhere in the world and is one of the strongest, world proven ocean racing yachts around today. Originally build in 2000 as part of the Challenge 72 Fleet, she has circumnavigated the globe on three occasions, against the prevailing winds and currents.

In 2005/6 she rose to fame when Dee Caffari, ex-P.E. teacher and solo yachtswoman, sailed her around the world non-stop - becoming the first woman in history to complete a solo west-about circumnavigation.

Through extensive modification to enable solo handling, she is far easier to sail than her sister ships and a smaller crew can manage her, allowing more space per person and a more relaxed atmosphere in which to live.

Travel Flights from the UK are best done via Oslo, from where 6 flights a day head up to Tromso for £100-200 return.

Fitness  This is a strenuous touring week which includes up to 8 hour days (see fitness level 3+).  You can expect to be skinning for 4 hours a day - so we advise you to prepare well in advance with regular cardiovascular training and ideally some skiing.

Skiing Ability  You need to be a good off piste skier (see: ski ability level 3+) with previous touring experience in order to join this trip.

Equipment We will supply you with a full kit list.  You are responsible for bringing personal clothing and sleeping equipment, a rucsac and ski mountaineering kit - at the shop we can supply you with everything you may need for the trip.