Iceland·25 March - 1 April 2025
Iceland skíðavikan
A whole week of backcountry skiing in the land of Ice and Fire.
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Overview
Ski touring in Iceland presents a unique opportunity to delve into untouched nature, harmonizing the allure of adventure sports with the serenity of the Nordic wilderness. The journey starts from the country's diverse landscapes, from its towering volcanic mountain ranges to its expansive glacier-carved fjords, each offering panoramic views that transcend the conventional skiing experience. The absence of trees gives an uninterrupted, wide-open playground for those seeking an adventurous ski experience. Ski touring in Iceland encourages exploration and independence, with routes that demand endurance but reward with the serenity of isolated, snow-covered landscapes, encompassed by the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights. It's not just about the sport; it's about immersing oneself in the immense and awe-inspiring beauty of Iceland's raw, wild terrain.
Highlights
Tröllaskagi
The Tröllaskagi peninsula lies west of Eyjafjorður, the fjord where the 'capital of the North', Akureyri, is located, and east of Skagafjörður. Despite its high mountains, its flat regions have a fairly high population, thanks to excellent fishing and surprisingly fertile land. Most of the farms are horse farms and horse riding is a popular activity in the area. Icelandic horses are a unique breed, known to be smaller than others, but also more intelligent, curious and robust. They also have a unique gait, the tölt, which makes them very popular with enthusiasts. Akureyri is the most populous town in the area, with many museums and galleries. It also offers excellent opportunities for whale watching and other excursions and is close to northern sights such as Lake Mývatn and the Goðafoss waterfall. Besides Akureyri, the Capital of the North, the most interesting towns are Hofsós and Siglufjörður. Hofsós is most famous for its Infinity Pool, an outdoor pool with an incredible view of the fjord and the ocean. Those taking a walk along the cliffs here will also notice some beautiful basalt rock formations. Siglufjörður, on the other hand, is best known for the Herring Age Museum. This museum has won an international award and illustrates how fishing sustained the Icelandic population under very difficult conditions before the development of the country.
Black lava, white snow, blue ocean
Iceland offers a different style of skiing from most other locations: there are no trees and no extreme altitudes: few peaks exceed 1,500 metres. But the coastal ranges offer something irresistible: you can ski all the way to the ocean. In addition, the length of the trips and descents are equal to or greater than those of Alaska or the best Canadian resorts. This is made possible by the happy combination of abundant snowfall and a unique geology, which has resulted in the island being dotted with mountains and V-shaped valleys carved by glaciers. The scenic variety is also something unique: one moment you are sailing through fjords, the next you are walking over lava fields and passing through fishing villages. These rare inhabited places you encounter are not tourist traps, but authentic settlements with a rich history, a vibrant culture and, unfailingly, the unmissable geothermal bath.
Aurora borealis
The aurora, also known as the Northern or Southern Lights, is a natural light display that occurs in the polar regions of the Earth. It is caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with the Earth's magnetic field, which then excite the gases in the atmosphere, producing a colorful and ethereal light show. Auroras come in many shapes and colors, ranging from green and pink to violet and blue, and can be seen in the night sky in areas with clear, dark skies.
Hosts
Lorenzo d'Addario
Lorenzo is a certified IFMGA mountain guide, based at the Dolomites with tons of experience in mountaineering and adventurous trips in Europe and around the world. He has been guiding many groups in the Nordic countries, across Lofoten, Tromsø, the Lyngen Alps and Iceland.
Schedule
Given the abundance of ski routes in Iceland, we can adjust the itinerary during our skiing week to the preferred challenge level of our clients and the weather. The skiing program is decided on a daily basis based on technique and experience. We are going to leave (early) in the morning (depending on weather conditions) and come back in the afternoon. Lunch will be a snack while skiing. We are going to have a great dinner at the b&b or at some restaurants depending on your preference.
Previous
Next
Day 1
Arrive in Reykjavík and drive to Troll Peninsula
You'll land in Reykjavík, the capital and largest city of Iceland, stands as a charming fusion of cosmopolitan style and traditional culture, wrapped in an envelope of rugged Nordic beauty. Perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the city is renowned for its colourful houses, intriguing architectural blends, and vibrant street art that breathe life into its streets. Its cultural scene brims with world-class restaurants serving inventive Nordic cuisine, numerous art galleries, and museums preserving centuries of Icelandic history and lore.
We'll drive from the capital to the North of Iceland (5h30mins), to the Troll Peninsula, our base camp for the week.
Days 2-6
Skiing days in the Troll Peninsula
We mainly ski in the Tröllaskagi area, also known as the Troll Peninsula, between Skagafjörður and Eyjafjorður. Here, the peaks are among the most interesting on the island, constantly exceeding 1,200 metres. Kerling is the highest peak, reaching 1528 metres. The area is characterised by deep valleys formed by former glaciers. It covers an area of 150 km² and is home to 150 small glaciers.
Most tours start just above sea level and ascend up to about 1,000 metres, with tours usually allowing several ascents and descents in one day.
Day 8
Back to Reykjavík and back home
After a good breakfast, we'll leave the Troll Peninsula and we go back to Reykjavík. Depending on the time of return flights we'll have the chance to stop in some interesting spots or have a short visit to the capital.
What's Included
What's Included
Certified IFMGA mountain guide
6 days of skiing
7 nights in a typical house
What's Not Included
Flights
Restaurants and bars
Anything not detailed in the "What's included" section
Book
Trip Entry
FROM$2,456.78/pp
Gallery
Iceland
A land of Fire and Ice
Iceland, the 'Land of Fire and Ice', is a country of stark contrasts, where volatile volcanoes and fiery geysers coexist harmoniously with sprawling glaciers and icy fjords. Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, this Nordic island nation is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled array of geological wonders, including the iconic Geysir, the stunning Gullfoss waterfall, and the breathtaking glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón. Its capital, Reykjavík, is a testament to the country's unique blend of modernity and tradition, showcasing a lively arts scene alongside historical relics. Icelandic culture, deeply rooted in ancient Norse traditions and sagas, is as captivating as the landscapes themselves. The locals, known for their warm hospitality, are a proud torchbearer of their Viking heritage. Additionally, Iceland is globally recognized for its commitment to renewable energy, largely harnessing geothermal power to sustainably heat homes and generate electricity. From its mesmerizing Northern Lights to its midnight sun, Iceland exudes an otherworldly charm that lures travellers from across the globe.
Trip Tips
Skiing Skills
On this trip, some of the stages are demanding. There are often some long stages, and / or a demanding summit push where it can get cold. You must stand up to reach the goal, and have a good training basis and good health before departure. There could be the possibility to sleep in bivouacs, but you do not have to have experience with bivouacs to participate. It is also recommended that you have previous experience with ski touring or ski mountaineering.
Liability
NIVA selects local partners with the utmost care. For any inaccuracies, however, we can not accept any liability. Climbing and skiing are risky sports that takes place in nature. Ultimately, you are fully responsible for the choices you make. Fjello recommends that anyone who does not have sufficient knowledge and skills not go outdoor alone. All our trips include a local certified guide who will take care of your group. Enjoy your adventures safely with first-hand information from the locals.
Travel
Please DO NOT book your flights until this trip is confirmed. Most of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. Wait for the status of the trip to be confirmed. We can also offer a full package by buying the flight tickets.
You'll Be Staying Here
Typical house or B&B in Siglufjördur
Siglufjördur, or Siglo, is a small fishing village in northern Iceland where time seems to stand still. The colourful, tin-framed wooden houses fill the old town of Siglufjordur with unequalled charm and make it one of the most special places on the Trollaskagi peninsula.
Siglufjörður is also the name of the fjord itself, located in the middle of the northern part of the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, west of the two fjords Héðinsfjörður and Ólafsfjörður. The fjord is 3.5 km wide and penetrates more than 6.5 km inland.
The river Fjarðará flows into the fjord.
We'll stay in Siglo hosted in a traditional house i.e. a turf house. These quaint and picturesque dwellings, once the hallmark of rural Icelandic architecture, have been lovingly restored and adapted to cater to modern travelers seeking an authentic and immersive experience. The turf houses, adorned with their grassy roofs, now offer a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage, providing guests with a taste of traditional Icelandic living amidst the rugged landscape.
Related Blog Posts
Mavi
·
Wed 16 Aug 2023
Some tales from Ísland
Iceland, often conjured in the mind as a realm of icy landscapes, geysers, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights, is not just a physical land but a confluence of history, literature, and geology. Let's embark on a journey that traverses its diverse terrains, both literary and geological, while unveiling the rich tapestry of its past.
FAQs
What should I bring?
Clothing
- Underwear, wool (or warm material)
- Socks
- Midlayer
- Insulated jacket (warm)
- Shell jacket
- Shell pant
- Hat, warm
- Buff
- Thin gloves/mittens
- Gloves/mittens
Footwear
- Ski boots
Equipment
- Head lamp
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen/chapstick
- Goggles
- Ski helmet
- Skis and poles
- Skins
- Crampons
- Ski crampons
- Ice axe
- Avalanche beacon
- Probe
- Snow shovel
- Light thermos
Casual/Other
- Sun protection/stick
- Casual clothing
- Swimming suit
- Thermos flask or thermal mug
- Camera
- Battery charger and other electronic accessories
What's the weather during the period?
You can visit this website for insights about the weather.