Skiing in north Iceland

With winter almost 9 months a year, it wouldn’t surprise anyone that Iceland is a nation of skiers. Instead of complaining about the, sometimes harsh conditions, we try to utilize them to do all kinds of adventurous activities to light our spirits during the dark winter months. The Icelandic winter climate offers excellent opportunities to do many ski-related activities, such as snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and heli-skiing.

HLÍÐARFJALL SKI RESORT – AKUREYRI

Mountain Hlíðarfjall has been one of Iceland’s prime ski locations for decades. It is located about 5 km outside Akureyri and consists of 7 ski lifts and 24 different skiing paths covering all skill levels. The area has a vertical drop of 455 m, with the longest trail being over 2.5 km. There is also 20 km of cross-country ski routes. All equipment, for both skiers and snowboarders can be rented at the resort and buses run from Akureyri but more information can be found on the website. The ski season usually runs between December and late April, with the best conditions in February and March (Easter is particularly busy). In the long hours of winter darkness, many of the downhill runs are floodlit.

BÖGGVISSTAÐAFJALL – DALVÍK

Böggvisstaðafjall is a great place to go skiing during the winter. It offers slopes for all levels of ability and experience with two ski lifts transporting skiers to the height of 320 m. All slopes offer splendid views over the fjord. Those interested in cross-country skiing can also find suitable paths. Travel companies in the area also offer heli-skiing on the nearby mountains.

SKÍÐASVÆÐI SKARÐSDAL – SIGLUFJÖRÐUR

Siglufjörður offers superb facilities for ski activities. The ski resort at Siglufjörður contains 4 ski lifts, the longest 1034 meters long. With a great variety of slopes to choose from, skiers of all levels should find a slope appropriate to their abilities.

SKÍÐASVÆÐI TINDAÖXL – ÓLAFSFJÖRÐUR

A small ski area with one 650 meters long ski lift but with around 7 slopes to choose from.