Iceland is a world-class destination for skiing and some of the best ski slopes can be found in the Tröllaskagi area in northern Iceland. With vertical descents of up to 1,500 m, thousands of peaks and slopes for all beginners as well as experienced skiers, Akureyri and the surrounding area are a paradise for skiers and mountaineers.
Hlíðarfjall, the ski area of Akureyri, is situated just 5km outside of town. It’s Iceland’s most popular and most advanced ski resort. The ski area has a vertical drop of 537 m and the longest trail is more than 2.5 km long. It is equipped with eight ski lifts and 23 alpine slopes. “Snow cannons” ensure an early opening of the season, which extends from the end of November until early May. For those who want to go skiing during the shortest days of the year, there are floodlights that make night skiing possible.
If the crowds at Hlíðarfjall are too much for you, you’ll find some smaller ski resorts in the villages of Dalvík and Siglufjörður. Check out skiiceland.is for more information.
If taking the ski lift is just too much work
By the village Grenivík, snowcat tours are offered to the top of Mt. Kaldbakur (1,173 m) Aside from the wonderful view from the top, you also get the chance to skip the ride back down and put your skis on instead.
Heli-skiing is also a growing sport in the area with a season running from around mid-March until the beginning of June with generally excellent corn skiing and the occasional powder dump. Throw in a mix of volcanic activity, hot springs, lava fields and a unique culture and you will find that Iceland is a true adventure skiing destination.