Cloud studies were carried out with a polarimetric bistatic lidar setup at the Arctic Lidar Observatory for Middle Atmosphere Research in Andenes ( $69°\mathrm{N}$ , $16°\mathrm{E}$ ), Norway. Measurements were performed at altitudes between 1.5 and $10.5\mathrm{km}$ , corresponding to scattering angles between $130°$ and $170°$ . The geometry, not restricted to the parallel or perpendicular laser polarization directions, gave a well-defined scattering angle, which together with polarization characterization, was used to investigate the scattering particles. The principles of the technique and the first results are presented together with an evaluation of the capabilities.