Mountains & Fjords of the North
A Powder Ski Tour Through the Troll Peninsula & Eyjafjörður
Just below the Arctic circle lies Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjörður and the capital of northern Iceland, Akureyri. Surrounded by numerous summits, ranging from 1,200 to 1,500 m (4,000 - 4,900 ft), Eyjafjörður offers a great number of interesting descents and is an ideal location for a scenic fjord tour. Your highly experienced and knowledgeable ski guide will ensure that you get to experience the best skiing this area has to offer in a safe and fun way.
Most of your time will be spent on the west side of the fjord, on the peninsula of Tröllaskagi (Peninsula of the Trolls), but we will also visit the peaks of the east side. The high northern location of these mountains will assure a good quantity of snow. The view over the neighbouring mountains and down to the deep blue fjord is both magnificent and surreal. You will have ample opportunities to earn your turns in this breathtaking area.
In the late afternoon, local swimming pools, that sometimes look more like a spa (heated with the geothermal hot water), are a welcoming place to relax after a day of skiing from a mountain summit to the ocean. In the evenings, you will rest up in a cosy country guesthouse. Come along for some of the best alpine skiing in Iceland.
For full program details, see the tour Itinerary tab.
Snow, Weather & Terrain
The Troll Peninsula (Tröllaskagi in Icelandic) is a remarkable location of mountains, valleys & fjords between Skagafjörður and Eyjafjorður in northern Iceland. Its peaks reach up to 1,200m, with the Kerling, the highest peak, reaching 1,528m. The area is punctuated with deep valleys left behind by long-gone glaciers; now cut by rivers. It covers an area of 150 km² and holds 150 small glaciers.
Being in the far north, near-Arctic latitudes mean that the springtime sun is not strong, allowing the deep snow pack to stay fresh & cold. So there’s no need for an early start, the snow will stay good the whole day, even on the south facing aspects. A relaxed pace ensures your group has a good breakfast and will get out by 9:30am ish (depending on weather and conditions).
For most people that come ski touring in Tröllaskagi, the novelty is skiing down to the sea.. The majority of the mountains start just above sea level and rise to around 1000m: no single climb will be a big day out, allowing more runs per day. Those wanting more will usually do 'link ups '- dropping a few hundred meters off the first summit and skinning up to the next one. The terrain is perfect for as much or little as the group members want, with plenty of features mid-way where a run can end and a skinning track begin.
Ski Ability & Equipment
The Mountains & Fjords of the North ski tour is classed as 'demanding' & is only suitable for fit, strong intermediate or better skiers with previous ski-touring experience. Ski days range from 3 to 8hr duration, with maximum accumulated ascent of 1,500m/day depending on the fitness, skills & wishes of the group. All guests are required to bring their own ski or snowboard touring equipment (including skins & avalanche safety equipment) & know how to use it.
Small Groups
The Mountains & Fjords of the North ski tour is restricted to a minimum of 6 & maximum of 12 guests per group. Guests must be aged 18yr or older. Two guides accompany tours of 9 or more guests.
