5.0
(6 reviews)
Explore the various regions of Iceland on your skis and see as much of this diverse little country as you can. Whether you have a few days, a week or more available, there is no shortage of incredible backcountry skiing to immerse yourself in. Compare and book a certified guide for your trip on Explore-Share.com: 1500+ guides, 70+ countries and more than 8000 different programs to choose from. Take a pick from our selection of Backcountry Skiing trips in Iceland. The mountains are calling!
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(4.9)
What should I know about Backcountry Skiing Iceland?
In spite of its northerly latitude, Iceland has relatively mild winters compared to similar places as far north because of the Gulf Stream. This makes backcountry skiing very popular as the conditions will be slightly more favourable than in other Scandinavian countries.
Outside of the aforementioned backcountry spots, there are many others as well. Just outside of the capital, Reykjavik, there are plenty of spots to see as well. The Sólheimajökull glacier is just 110 kilometers away from the capital and provides excellent views as well as terrains for backcountry skiing.
Eyjafjordur, just east of the Troll Peninsula, also offers plenty of excellent options. Including some hut-to-hut itineraries that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the Icelandic wilderness.
Why should I choose Iceland for my Backcountry Skiing adventure?
Stunning scenery
Iceland is full of diverse and stunning scenery. From active volcanoes and mighty glaciers to snow-capped mountains descending into the sea, there is plenty of pristine wilderness to experience. Getting out on your skis gets you away from what little urban development there is here and out into the wilderness. There is nothing quite like skiing from a seaside summit down a fjord and to the seashore!
The Northern Lights
Arriving in Iceland at the beginning of the backcountry skiing season is the perfect chance to see the Northern Lights. This incredible natural phenomenon can be seen best at night from November until March. Heading out into the backcountry increases your chances of seeing the spectacle due to less light pollution. As night falls, keep your eyes peeled skyward!
Ski and sail
Since there is so little development in Iceland, one of the best ways to travel is by boat. Skiing and sailing tours are popular because they allow you to check out a variety of different spots that you would have much more difficulty reaching on land. Seeing Iceland from the water is also an incredible experience and well-worth undertaking. The whole experience is the best of both worlds.
What can I expect from the weather in Iceland?
During the beginning of spring, average daily temperatures begin to creep back above freezing. The spring is also slightly drier than the winter, meaning fewer days of snow but plenty of powder already on the ground.
How do I get there
Any trip to Iceland will begin with a flight into either Keflavík International Airport (KEF) or Reykjavik Airport (RKV). From here, it is easy enough to rent a car, take public transport or catch a domestic flight to your final destination.
Which language is predominantly spoken in Iceland?
Icelandic
What’s the country code of Iceland?
+354
What currency is accepted in Iceland?
Icelandic króna (ISK)
What’s the high season for Backcountry Skiing in Iceland?
March to May
JD
I can't emphasize enough what an incredible experience we had at the Sóti Lodge. Our annual ski trip, a tradition among close friends, took us to Iceland for Heli-Skiing this year, and choosing Sóti Lodge was a decision we'll always be grateful for. What sets it apart is its commitment to employing exclusively Icelandic staff, and let me tell you, the quality of service was unparalleled. Olof, the owner, brings a wealth of experience, having served as the head of Iceland Tourism for a decade. Her leadership ensures a top-notch operation, and the meals prepared by her husband were simply exceptional. But what truly made our stay memorable was the warmth and hospitality of the entire staff. Each member had a fascinating story to tell, having known each other for decades. Our guide, Ollie, at 51, not only owned his own tourism company with a workforce of over 40 people but also possessed an unparalleled knowledge of the area. Remarkably humble yet undeniably extraordinary, every member of the staff made us feel like family. It was a privilege to hear about their lives and experiences. Trust me when I say, if you're considering a stay in Iceland, there's simply no better choice than Sóti Lodge.
Karen
If you want a perfect vacation with every detail taken care of, stay at Soti. My husband and I spent four nights at the lodge, and skied two days with a private guide from Summit Guides. The lodge was beautiful, had the most amazing view, and served absolute culinary delights for all meals. They even packed us decadent sandwiches and snacks for our ski tour lunches. The pool and hot tub are heated by a hot spring, and were both a delight. A warm pool outside in the middle of summer is just too good to be true. After skiing we put on the thick robes Soti provides and would enjoy the sun going down from the hot tub. The living room is open and airy, and the staff caters to every need, coming to take drink orders and provide snacks between meals. The living area has delicious espresso 24/7 along with books, games, and a guitar. Soti lodge is decorated with tasteful and eclectic art, and they sell a local artists pottery. The lodge has a gear room to store skis and pack for trips as well. The lodging rooms are bright, comfortable, have high quality linens, and are sparkling clean. I’ve never been on a trip to a better place. Everyone should go to Soti. If you book a ski tour, ask for Helgi. He was attentive, thoughtful, knowledgeable, laid back, and funny. He was everything a guide should be. He even took photos of us and emailed them to me after our last day of skiing.
Karen
If you want a perfect vacation with every detail taken care of, stay at Soti. My husband and I spent four nights at the lodge, and skied two days with a private guide from Summit Guides. The lodge was beautiful, had the most amazing view, and served absolute culinary delights for all meals. They even packed us decadent sandwiches and snacks for our ski tour lunches. The pool and hot tub are heated by a hot spring, and were both a delight. A warm pool outside in the middle of summer is just too good to be true. After skiing we put on the thick robes Soti provides and would enjoy the sun going down from the hot tub. The living room is open and airy, and the staff caters to every need, coming to take drink orders and provide snacks between meals. The living area has delicious espresso 24/7 along with books, games, and a guitar. Soti lodge is decorated with tasteful and eclectic art, and they sell a local artists pottery. The lodge has a gear room to store skis and pack for trips as well. The lodging rooms are bright, comfortable, have high quality linens, and are sparkling clean. I’ve never been on a trip to a better place. Everyone should go to Soti. If you book a ski tour, ask for Helgi. He was attentive, thoughtful, knowledgeable, laid back, and funny. He was everything a guide should be. He even took photos of us and emailed them to me after our last day of skiing.
JD
I can't emphasize enough what an incredible experience we had at the Sóti Lodge. Our annual ski trip, a tradition among close friends, took us to Iceland for Heli-Skiing this year, and choosing Sóti Lodge was a decision we'll always be grateful for. What sets it apart is its commitment to employing exclusively Icelandic staff, and let me tell you, the quality of service was unparalleled. Olof, the owner, brings a wealth of experience, having served as the head of Iceland Tourism for a decade. Her leadership ensures a top-notch operation, and the meals prepared by her husband were simply exceptional. But what truly made our stay memorable was the warmth and hospitality of the entire staff. Each member had a fascinating story to tell, having known each other for decades. Our guide, Ollie, at 51, not only owned his own tourism company with a workforce of over 40 people but also possessed an unparalleled knowledge of the area. Remarkably humble yet undeniably extraordinary, every member of the staff made us feel like family. It was a privilege to hear about their lives and experiences. Trust me when I say, if you're considering a stay in Iceland, there's simply no better choice than Sóti Lodge
Rhys
Roger's knowledge of the mountain and the area is superb, excellent mountain guide, trip of a lifetime and would fully recommend both the trip and Roger as a guide.
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