Words by

Sveinn Birkir Björnsson

Photo by

GAS

The Icelandic ski season is surprisingly short, and we sure as hell haven’t managed to produce the same number of top skiers as our neighbouring countries. There is still a proud skiing tradition in Iceland. Icelandic ski resorts usually open during winter, depending on weather and road conditions, and stay open for a couple of months. Most resorts offer ski rentals and instructors. Below is a list of some of the most promising prospects for a skiing sojourn in Iceland – but do make sure to check for weather and snow conditions.

Reykjavík

Bláfjöll
Bláfjöll is the largest skiing area in Iceland with 15 lifts. 3.5-10 km cross-country trails are made, weather permitting, and a 5-km section is lit. Bláfjöll is a 30-minute drive from Reykjavík.
Tel.: 561 8400, www.skidasvaedi.is

Skálafell
Skálafell is a rather large resort in the vicinity of Reykjavík. 5 lifts, 6 trails, and a 10 km cross-country ski track.
Tel.: 896 1318, 530 3000, www.skidasvaedi.is

Hengill
Hengill is located in the midst of the volcanic Hengill mountain range and offers a unique opportunity to ski in a geothermal area. 6 lifts and a cross-country track when conditions allow.
Tel.: 530 3000, www.skidasvaedi.is

Outside Reykjavík

Dalvík
Böggvisstaðafjall in Dalvík is a large ski resort in the north, about a half-hour drive from Akureyri. 2 km of cross-country paths and two lifts with a combined length of 1,200 metres. Often open by request for groups.
Tel.: 466 1010, www.skidalvik.is

Ísafjörður
One of the more exciting resorts in Iceland is in Tungudalur and Seljalandsdalur, above the town of Ísafjörður. The mountain offers three cross-country ski circles totalling 11 km, and 1860 meters of combined lifts. Well suited for snowboarding.
Tel.: 456 3793, www.isafjordur.is/ski

Siglufjörður
A great ski resort in Northern Iceland offering more than 1990 combined meters of lifts. 10 km of cross-country trails, 5 km of which are lit. Open every day,  except Mondays.
Tel.: 878 3399, www.siglo.is/sss

Hlíðarfjall
One of the most popular resorts in Iceland, a 5-minute drive from Akureyri. The mountain has four lifts, 9 trails and 5 km of lit cross-country trails. Suitable both for beginners and intermediately experienced skiiers.
Tel.: 460 1000, www.hlidarfjall.is

Stafdalur
Stafdalur is located about a fifteen-minute drive from Egilsstaðir in eastern Iceland. The mountain offers a kilometre-long lift and a slope suitable for both skiers and snowboarders. Sledding is also easily available in the surrounding area.
Tel.: 878 1160, www.ski.is/svaedi.asp?skiid=11

Oddskarð
Between Eskifjörður and Norðfjörður in eastern Iceland is Oddskarð, one of the highest mountains in Iceland. Three ski lifts and over 1800 meters of combined lit trails make this a great stop for downhill skiing.
http://www.ski.is/svaedi.asp?skiid=12

—

Your complete, updated, Aldrei fór ég suður schedule may be found at www.aldrei.is. Again, see you there!