Boat-Based Ski Touring Recommendations

**cravenmorhead** · 02-21-2018, 10:06 PM

I know there are a couple of trip reports floating around, but I'm looking for any recommendations for boat-based ski touring trips. Looks like Iceland and Norway are popular options, as well as maybe Alaska. Any opinions on recommended operators? And maybe more generally, any thoughts on comparing a trip like this to some of the hut-to-hut tour options in the Alps (maybe not Haute Route, but skiing-focused variations like the Imperial Haute Route etc.). Thanks all.

**The Duke of Hurl** · 02-23-2018, 07:17 AM

Heading here this spring...

http://ontopmountaineering.com/trips...bard-ski-sail/

Will let you know, if I don't get eaten by a polar bear.

**wicked_sick** · 02-23-2018, 07:30 AM

https://www.canoekayak.com/news/expe...es-and-planks/

**The Tortoise** · 02-23-2018, 08:37 AM

Can't offer any tips. But can provide some inspiration.

**dewam** · 02-23-2018, 11:55 AM

I have had the opportunity to ski Prince William Sound AK basing out of forest service cabins, 50 foot fishing boats, and small sail boats. Most of those times I have seen two charter vessels hauling clients around. They both knew the ski terrain and anchorages. I don't know who is running them, but someone on this board probably does. PWS is easy logistics, and a world class destination. Den

**406** · 02-23-2018, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by The Duke of Hurl

Heading here this spring...

http://ontopmountaineering.com/trips...bard-ski-sail/

Will let you know, if I don't get eaten by a polar bear.

Awesome, hopefully you will post a TR. Svalbard has been on my to do list, but got priced out with the plunging USD. Why did you pick this guide over some of the others?

Iceland & Greenland look cool.

OP, Antarctica was awesome:
https://www.tetongravity.com/forums/...ntarctica-2014

**muted** · 02-23-2018, 12:39 PM

Some local Utah friends (who are fun to be around and very experienced) are doing these boat trips this year:

http://www.inthecompanyofguides.com/skiing/ski-norway/

http://www.inthecompanyofguides.com/...albard-norway/

**XXX-er** · 02-23-2018, 02:24 PM

http://www.inthecompanyofguides.com/...d-hop-with-us/

duno anything about this but it was in my FB

**alive** · 02-23-2018, 05:14 PM

If anyone has a cuddly cabin/cruiser, I have an area where you ski 5000 ft pow runs straight down to the lake. Would love to put a trip together for next year. Happy to point in the right direction for a spot on the boat... ha!

**el hefe** · 02-23-2018, 05:33 PM

Originally Posted by alive

If anyone has a cuddly cabin/cruiser, I have an area where you ski 5000 ft pow runs straight down to the lake. Would love to put a trip together for next year. Happy to point in the right direction for a spot on the boat... ha!

I have a buddy with one in Trout lake!

**goathead** · 02-23-2018, 06:35 PM

Haven’t gone on the Norway trip but have skied with Winslow Passey (in the company of guides) and she is excellent

**ak_powder_monkey** · 02-25-2018, 06:50 PM

I'd rent forest service cabins in PWS in May.

**cmcrawfo** · 02-25-2018, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by alive

If anyone has a cuddly cabin/cruiser, I have an area where you ski 5000 ft pow runs straight down to the lake. Would love to put a trip together for next year. Happy to point in the right direction for a spot on the boat... ha!

I have a line on a sailboat... Arrow lakes by any chance?

**wendigo** · 02-25-2018, 06:58 PM

You could go to Prince William Sound with Alaska Alpine Adventures

Here's an old TR

**bennymac** · 02-25-2018, 07:07 PM

http://www.luxuo.com/lifestyle/trave...om-a-boat.html

There used to be this boat that went up the coast of BC with a heli parked on the back - not sure if it still exists as business.

**LightRanger** · 02-25-2018, 11:52 PM

I saw all of Schralph's photos from 3-4 years back with Ice Axe Expeditions in Svalbard. Based on that, they'd be top of my list.

**The Duke of Hurl** · 02-26-2018, 06:57 AM

Originally Posted by 406

Awesome, hopefully you will post a TR. Svalbard has been on my to do list, but got priced out with the plunging USD. Why did you pick this guide over some of the others?

Iceland & Greenland look cool.

OP, Antarctica was awesome:
https://www.tetongravity.com/forums/...ntarctica-2014

Skied with them before, Rogers Pass, etc.

Been thinking a lot about Antarctica for a few years, this could be a shakedown cruise...

**cravenmorhead** · 02-26-2018, 10:41 AM

Awesome, lots to sift through here, thanks for all the info.

**alive** · 02-26-2018, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by cmcrawfo

I have a line on a sailboat... Arrow lakes by any chance?

A sailboat could work, ideally with a hot tub on board? A little further North. Kinbasket lake. Have cabin, sauna, boat launch, but thinking it would be nice to do it with something bigger than a 16 ft aluminum boat.

**cmcrawfo** · 02-26-2018, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by alive

A sailboat could work, ideally with a hot tub on board? A little further North. Kinbasket lake. Have cabin, sauna, boat launch, but thinking it would be nice to do it with something bigger than a 16 ft aluminum boat.

The real question is how does the boat get you to the top of the run? ... the fish ladder at Mica Dam I assume?

**alive** · 02-26-2018, 02:27 PM

Haven't figured out how the boat will help on the way up other than holding large quantities of food and recovery beverages. 15 km past the Dam.

**cravenmorhead** · 03-10-2018, 03:21 PM

Looks like the group consensus is leaning towards Norway. Still browsing the different boat/guide combinations.

**StuntCok** · 03-19-2018, 10:56 PM

I did the Ice Axe Antarctica trip at the end of 09 and the Svalsbard trip in May of 2010. Both were absolutely incredible experiences but if I was picking one, I would take Antarctica just for the sheer remoteness. There is (or at least was) a sailboat option going to Antarctica, though having been caught in a class 12 storm on the way back, I would only recommend a sailboat for the truly fearless. Gnarwhale did a great TR on Antarctica, I will dig it up if the pics are still valid.