The WestFjords of Iceland is one of the country’s most remote areas and offers virtually endless ski touring and mountaineering options in the sheltered fjords and bays
We will have the opportunity to explore the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, which is very remote and wild. There are no roads in the nature reserve and the only way to venture there is by boat, hence we will often be by ourselves.
The weather in Iceland is arctic maritime and in May we will have spring like ski conditions with long days (18 hrs of daylight). The temperature in early May ranges from 25-40 degrees F. Spring can bring more stable/calm weather with higher pressure; but be prepared for possible white out conditions and strong winds. The terrain has a variety of options from open low angle slopes to steeper chutes, with generally a well settled maritime snowpack.
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Trip Details
Duration
8 Days, 7 Nights
Difficulty
Some skiing experience necessary
Maximum Guide Ratio
4:1
Included
- AMGA/IFMGA trained and certified ski guide
- Ground transportation
- Two nights lodging in Reykjavik
- Six nights lodging on the boat and all food while on-board
Not Included
- Flights
- Guide gratuity
- Personal AT, telemark or splitboard equipment
Sample Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Flights arrive in Reykjavik and stay one night in a hotel.
Day 2
Depart from Ísafjörður with 2-4 hours of sailing to Hesteyri in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Relax at anchor and maybe explore on the Zodiac and take a look at the old whaling station. With long days this time of year, we will then have an option to do a short ski run.
Day 3
We’ll begin the day with a safety briefing, avalanche search exercise, and an explanation of what to do in case of emergency. We will then ski from Hesteyrarfjörður to Veiðileysufjörður. The climb up Hesteyrarfjörður is easy and the ski slopes on the other side offer many possibilities.
Day 4
Ski to Lónafjörður (Lagoon fjord). We then ski down to the first valley in Lónafjörður and climb at least two more mountains before meeting Aurora again in the afternoon.
Day 5
We may spend an extra day at the beautiful Rangali anchorage. Here are endless opportunities for skiing. From steep couloirs to rolling hills.
Day 6
Skin up from the Sópandi inlet and over to Hrafnsfjörður (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 7
We will have a morning ski session before sailing back to Ísafjörður. We will catch the last flight from Ísafjörður back to Reykjavik for another night.
Day 8
Return home or continue on for more adventuring.
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