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Iceland’s North Mountains, 6 Day Group Ski Tour
Join one of the certified guides in the Icelandic Mountain Guides team on this group ski touring program around Iceland's northern mountains and fjords. And ski from impressive summits to the ocean.
Description
Eyjafjörður lies just under the Arctic circle. It’s Iceland’s longest fjord and home of Akureyri, Iceland’s northern capital. It’s surrounded by many summits ranging from 1200 to 1500 m and it offers a lot of interesting descents so it’s an ideal location for a scenic fjord tour.
During most of our trip we’ll be skiing on the west side of the fjord, in the peninsula of Tröllaskagi. But we’ll also visit the peaks of the east side.
And because these mountains are located on the very north part of the planet, an excellent quantity of snow is assured every year. Plus the views of mountains that will surround us and of the blue fjord are magnificent and surreal.
So we’ll be spending long ski days in the best snow you can imagine. Then in the afternoon you’ll be able to relax in local swimming pools, heated with the geothermal water that makes a perfect natural hot tub.
Son don’t hesitate and send us a request to make this dream adventure come true! We will make sure that this Ski touring in the Iceland’s northern mountains and fjords (6 days) fulfills all your wishes.
Details
Accommodation Country guest house |
Disclaimer Please note that the itineraries described can change. Final decision on which routes will be skied each day is in the hands of the guide, and is based on snow conditions, avalanche danger etc. There are abundant possibilities for skiing in the area. For example we might do some classic routes like Hesturinn (the Horse), Hestaskarðshnjúkar or Fýlaskarðshnjúkar, or we might try our skills at some known steep descents like Rimar or Finninn (the Finn). |
More info - This tour can also be offered as a private departure. |
Meeting point Reykjavik |
Photos
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavík-Öxnadalsheiði-Eyjafjörður
Early pick up from accommodation at 8:00. An early morning departure from Reykjavík by road 1 to the north of Iceland. We arrive at our destination, west of the Eyjafjörður fjord, in the early afternoon. The first skiing will take place that day in Öxnadalur at Kinnafjall (1104m/3620’) when we skin up before skiing down the 600 m (1300 ‘) of elevation gained. Night in a country guesthouse.
Driving: 5 hours Skiing: 3 hours Ascent/Descent: 570 m (1900’)
Day 2: Ólafsfjördur-Dalvík-Eyjafjörður
Múlahyrna is a small peninsula situated between the villages of Dalvík and Ólafsfjörður, and here we will find todays skiing. A gentle climb up the Gvendarskál valley is rewarded with view to the dim blue sea of the Eyjafjörður and the North Atlantic Ocean. From here there are various possibilities of descents. Often we have one run down some excellent ski slopes that goes straight down to the valley, before we climb up again and choose a different descent. In good snow conditions it is possible to ski down a steep open slope that faces Eyjafjörður, with the ocean directly below your skis! After a good day of skiing we can relax in the hot tubs of the swimming pool in the village of Dalvík.
Skiing: 5-7 hours Ascent/Descent: 900-1200 m (2900′-3900’)
Day 3: Eyjafjörður-Kaldabakur-Grenivík- Akureyri
At the East side of the Eyjafjörður fjord a beautiful mountain named Kaldbakur rises from sea-level to an altitude of 1200 m (3900′). The name Kaldbakur means “Cold back” and cold it can be! This impressive mountain boasts one of Iceland’s longest descent has abundant snow in the winter time. The scenery from the top is least to say incredible. A magnificent view of nearby mountains, the fjord and into the Icelandic highlands will salute us from up on the summit. After removing our skins, we hit the slopes and ski down to the coast.
On the way back we will experience a little of the local culture and history with a visit to the tuff farm at Laufás and the town of Akureyri, where it is possible to go for a relaxing bath at the Jacuzzis of the town’s swimming pool.
Skiing: 6 to 7 hours Ascent/Descent: 1100 m (3500′)
Day 4: Dalvík - Eyjafjörður
The mountains over the village of Dalvík offer several good ski routes and a few of those can be found on the Sauðaneshnjúkar peaks (992m/3250’). The climb to the top is easy and from there we get a long descent down a great couloir back down to the valley. We can also take a detour to the Jökulbakstindur further in the valley for an a choice of different and possibly steep descents. On the way back we will visit a nearby microbrewery for a taste of the local brew.
Skiing: 6 to 8 hours Ascent/Descent: 1000 – 1500 m (4920′)
Day 5: Eyjafjörður-Héðinsfjörður-Siglufjörður
Today we pick up and move further north to enjoy a couple of ski routes on the tip of the Trollaskagi peninsula. This area only came recently accessible with the opening of a new tunnel, and at the same time new possibilities for exciting ski routes came available. Our first destination is in the uninhabited fjord Héðinsfjorður where we will find the mountain Vatnsendahnjúkur. There we will climb up the Möðruvallaskál for a rather steep descent that offers an impressive view over the fjord and the ocean. After a good day of skiing we head back to the guesthouse for a nice dip in the hot tub.
Skiing: 5 – 6 hours Ascent/Descent: 850 m (2780′)
Day 6: Siglufjörður-Reykjavík
Before heading back south to Reykjavík we are going to take advantage of the Siglufjorður ski area and use their lifts to get in position for one final ascent. Our target is Illviðrishjúkur (Bad Weather Peak) sitting to the west of the fjord Siglufjorður, with a steep descent that will take us right back to your vehicle. Return to Reykjavík in the late afternoon.
Skiing: 3-4 hours Ascent/Descent: Ascent 250m (820′)/Descent 700m (2300′)
About the guide
Icelandic Mountain Guides has been setting the standard in terms of safety, expertise and environmental protection in Iceland since its creation in 1994. Our outdoor adventure company is owned and operated by mountain guides and was the first to offer the Glacier Walk in Iceland, which was key to the industry's exponential growth.
You will find our company's headquarters in Reykjavik and our base camp in the stunning Skaftafell National Park. Whether you want to go hiking, skiing or climbing or whether you are looking for a day tour or a multi-day tour, we can help you. Come with us to discover everything Iceland and Greenland have to offer.
What people are saying about Icelandic Mountain Guides
Enrique Cartagena
4.00
July 2020
Julien COMTE
4.00
June 2019
My tour was cancelled ! Icelandic Mountain replace it with an another
Luis Arnal
5.00
July 2018
Excellent guide, very professional and experienced. Nice person too! Exceeded expectations
Prices per person
Group of 6 | USD 2382 each |
Group of 7 | USD 2382 each |
Group of 8 | USD 2382 each |
Want a different number of travellers?
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Accommodation
- Transport during the trip
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Price details
A minimum of 6 people is required for this trip. The price is US$ 2382 per person with a maximum of 12 clients.
For booking assistance
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These guides love what they do and that shows. Without such an experienced mountain guide it would have been impossible to reach the summit in such dangerous conditions of the glacier.