6-Day Ski and Sailing Tour in Iceland’s Westfjords
Join IFMGA/UIAGM certified Mountain Guide Emilie on a 6-day ski tour and sailing adventure in the stunning Icelandic Westfjords!
Group
6 Days
Mar
Fit
Intermediate
Description
The Icelandic Westfjords are a stunning and remote destination. The pristine landscapes and perfect snow capped peaks are a dream for ski enthusiasts, explorers and adventurers. But of course, it is not easy to get there. On this unique 6-day ski and sailing tour in the Westfjords you get a chance to revel and ski in this breathtaking location. Plus get to know Iceland, plus eat the best fresh fish ever, plus maybe even see northern lights, Arctic foxes, seals, whales, and Eider ducks.
As if all that weren’t enough, the adventure takes place aboard a beautiful Aurora Arktika sailboat. This allows us to reach unexplored places through the fjord coasts. Also, the boat has all the amenities you could want and need. She sleeps 12 people, has hot showers, TV and yes, even a library! Additionally, all the meals during the trip are included and are top quality, fresh and gourmet. Think fish, stews, sushi, all kinds of seafood, Icelandic yoghurt, cheeses, vegetables and more!
But let’s get down to what we’re really in this for. After all, this is a ski tour! And we shall ski all throughout the Icelandic fjords just south of the Arctic Circle. Every day we will explore a different area and this will also give us the chance to try out different slopes and a variety of off-piste conditions. For this reason, we do recommend you come with at least some if not a lot of backcountry skiing experience. We usually suggest AT or telemark skis but if you have experience, splitboards are also welcome. And, a good fitness level is a must! Anyway, keep in mind that you will have a 4:1 guide ratio to show you the ropes and help you out every step of the way. Additionally, we will do some safety training so you will have all the skills you need to tackle any difficulties that you might encounter.
I’ve done this trip twice already and I can honestly say it’s my favorite, and for good reason. Iceland is a magical place and I hope you can explore it with me! Also, it is well set up for tourism and there are some great travel deals for east coasters from Montreal, Boston, New York, and Washington D.C. Make sure to check them out!
Are you ready to join me on a ski and sailing tour of a lifetime? Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore Iceland’s Westfjords! Book your place now and make March unforgettable this year!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Accommodation included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Price details
Prices are per person.
ALSO INCLUDED: Use of SUP boards, and Captain and crew of the ship.
NOT INCLUDED: Transportation to Isafjordur,
Alcoholic beverages (BYO),
Gratuitites,
Gear/equipment rental,
Lodging/meals in Isafjordur,
Travel/accident Insurance.
Itinerary
Day 1: Departure from Ísafjörður
We will begin our tour by departing from Ísafjörður at 2pm- After 2-4 hours of sailing we will arrive to Hesteyri in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. There, we will relax and maybe explore an old abandoned whaling station! In late March there is around 12 hours of daylight so we might also do a short ski run.
Day 2: Hesteyrarfjörður to Veiðileysufjörður
After a safety briefing, avalanche search exercise, and an explanation of what to do in case of emergency, we will ski from Hesteyrarfjörður to Veiðileysufjörður. The Hesteyrarfjörður ascent is easy and there are many possibilities on the other side of the ski slopes. Those brave enough may try skiing the steepest slope of the trip, 45°-50° in steepness. After, we will have dinner at the anchor in Veiðileysufjörður.
Day 3: Ski tour to Lónafjörður (Lagoon fjord)
We will begin day 3 of our tour by skiing to Lónafjörður (Lagoon fjord). First, we will climb up to one of the cols to take a look at the bays on the north side. Then, we will ski down to the first valley in Lónafjörður and climb at least two more mountains before meeting Aurora again in the afternoon.
Day 4: Skiing near Rangali
The beautiful Rangali anchorage provides many different ski opportunities. One route will take us to the Snókur mountain with a good view of the coastal mountains on the east side of Hornstrandir. And, we might also get to pick some mussels to snack on later!
Day 5: Sópandi inlet to Hrafnfjörður (Raven Fjord)
We will begin the day by skinning up from the Sópandi inlet over to Hrafnfjörður (Raven Fjord). The mountain cirque at the head of the fjord is very beautiful and the anchorage is a perfect spot to spend the night.
Day 6: Return to Ísafjörður
On the last day of our adventure we will have a morning ski session before sailing back to Ísafjörður. We will arrive around 4pm. This will give you time to catch the last flight from Ísafjörður that night, but we suggest you stay at least one night to relax and get to know this old and beautiful town.
Details
Accommodation Accommodation aboard the Arktika Dutch sailing ship (berth in a shared cabin with shared bathrooms). |
More info Please keep in mind that the suggested itinerary is tentative and could vary depending on weather conditions and group preferences. |
Meeting point Isafjordur |
About the guide
In 2001, after graduating from St. Lawrence University with a degree in Anthropology and 4 years of NCAA Nordic skiing, I begged my way into a job as a rock climbing guide in NY's Adirondack Mountains. Yes, begged! I had few credentials and little experience but I was determined to be a guide, to be outside, and to share my passion for climbing, skiing, and adventuring with others.
Today I am the 9th American woman and 100th American Mountain Guide to be certified at the highest level of training and credential attainable by a professional mountain guide -- IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations) -- an achievement recognized in more than 20 member countries.
Guiding to me is more than just marching you up and down a peak (but if that's what you want, no problem!). Instead it's a partnership -- an educational and instructional experience in which you come away with a strong set skills and techniques to become proficient and self-sufficient in the mountains. Risk management is my priority but fun, summits, and successful days out are a close second!
Come climb, ski, or adventure with me!
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