Backyard Svalbard: Bespoke tours by and for skiers

By Maria Sødal Vole

There’s nowhere quite like the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. Equipped with plenty of local knowledge, experience, and a genuine passion for skiing, the skilled guides at Backyard Svalbard welcome customers to discover this fascinating corner of the world for themselves.

Established 5 years ago, the company has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors to the region. “Our intention has always been to become the best ski company in Longyearbyen,” says Backyard Svalbard’s CEO and guide Erlend Kjørsvik. “All along, we’ve worked hard at being the best at what we do and providing unique experiences, and we love getting positive feedback from customers.”

Backyard Svalbard: Bespoke tours by and for skiers

Photo: Backyard Svalbard

Located in the Svalbard archipelago, Longyearbyen is the world’s northernmost town. The remote wilderness of Svalbard makes it a truly remarkable destination where fantastic experiences await. “Svalbard is an incredible arena for exploring nature,” says Kjørsvik. “Taking in the extraordinary scenery on skis is unlike anything else. The view of the majestic, steep mountains meeting the sea is bliss for the eyes, and a lot of our customers are keen to experience the northern lights and midnight sun.”

Photo: Michel Afflerback

Taking part in a tour with a knowledgeable local guide is the perfect way to uncover hidden gems in the captivating, unspoiled nature. Benefiting from the certified guides’ years of experience and passion, visitors from near and far can enjoy individualised experiences in the striking Arctic landscape.

“We’ve always wanted to provide tours that are a bit different, making the most of the resources and spectacular nature. We’re made to be in the mountains,” Kjørsvik says. “Our tours and activities are designed by and made for people who love to ski – by skiers, for skiers.”

Photo: Paul Norheim

Applying their specialised knowledge of the region, the expert guides consider the weather conditions, assess risk at potential destinations, and ultimately advise the best option on any given day, making the customer part of the decision. “Our priority is keeping everyone safe, and we plan well according to local conditions to ensure safety,” Kjørsvik ensures.

The enthusiastic team is skilled at tailoring and adapting tours and activities according to customer needs and wishes. They can cater to anyone, ranging from beginners and families with kids to expert skiers who want to challenge themselves in an extraordinary environment. “Our customers are at the core of what we do,” says Kjørsvik. “If the guide is happy and the customer is happy, we’ve had a great day!”