If you know the classic Alpine routes inside out and are looking for a new, unspoiled challenge, there's one destination that should be right at the top of your bucket list: Iceland. The world's largest volcanic island magically attracts discerning winter sports enthusiasts. Here you'll experience a surreal landscape of fire and ice, where deep, snow-covered volcanic peaks rise directly from the deep blue Atlantic..
The absolute highlight of this region is what's known as „Summit-to-Sea“ ski touring: you strap on your climbing skins right at the water's edge, ascend into the pristine, oxygen-rich air into the absolute silence of the Arctic, and then enjoy wide descents over immaculate slopes directly down to the surf of the Arctic Ocean..
The weather in Iceland is notorious for its rapid changes – it's not for nothing that a local proverb says: „If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes.“. Thanks to the mild Gulf Stream, winter temperatures are surprisingly moderate, averaging a pleasant 0 °C to -5 °C. However, the Arctic wind can rapidly lower the perceived temperature, making a stormproof hardshell jacket your constant companion..
Among connoisseurs, the period from End of April to early May as the absolute prime season for ski touring in Iceland:
The Firn Advantage: As the Arctic sun shines at a very shallow angle at this time of year, the snow cover does not thaw as rapidly during the day as it does in the spring in the Alps.. This gives you magnificent, butter-soft firn („spring slush“), which often remains in perfect condition for skiing right through the day.
The Midnight Sun By the end of April, the days in the far north are already extremely long – the sun sometimes doesn’t set until just before 9.00 pm, and it remains twilight until late into the night. This gives you unbeatable time flexibility and absolute relaxation when planning your tour..
The geographical focal point for the best ski tours is in the north of the island in the wild Troll Peninsula. This peninsula is the snowsurest region in all of Iceland and is characterised by striking table mountains up to 1,300 metres high.. Whilst the summit plateaus are often flat, the steep slopes and gullies, with gradients of over 35 to 40 degrees, offer extremely exciting terrain for skiers.
The idyllic fishing village serves as the perfect base camp Ólafsfjörður, which lies picturesquely on an arm of the Eyjafjörður. Here, people still live traditionally from fishing, which offers you the opportunity to get freshly caught cod or salmon directly at the harbour after a long day of touring.. Another highlight of the region is the historic port city Siglufjörður at the very northern tip of the peninsula, which captivates visitors with its spectacular fjord scenery.
Between Fire & Ice - Experience a top-class ski touring trip in Iceland. Private lodge with hot tub, state-certified guides & dream tours on the fjord.
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Make the most of your time on the mountain! Perhaps you already have a dream tour in mind or would like to take your first steps in the snowy backcountry? Contact us and let us advise you!
