SKIING IN AKUREYRI

Some of Iceland’s best ski slopes can be found in the Tröllaskagi region in northern Iceland. With vertical descents of up to 1,500m (4,900ft), thousands of peaks and slopes for all beginners, as well as experienced skiers, Akureyri and the surrounding region are a paradise for skiers and mountaineers.

Hlíðarfjall mountain is home to the Akureyri ski resort, situated just 5km (3mi) outside of town. With 23 alpine slopes, it’s Iceland’s most popular and most advanced ski resort. The ski area has a vertical drop of 537m (1,762ft), and the longest trail is more than 2.5km (1.6mi) long. It is equipped with eight ski lifts, and “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, floodlights make night skiing possible. The resort also has cross-country ski trails of varying length.

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 www.skiiceland.is for more information.

Greniv K Snowcat Tours

By the village of Grenivík, snowcat tours are offered to the top of Mt. Kaldbakur (1,173m). 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.

In The Summer

From July until early September, chairlift Fjarkinn is operated for hikers and bikers, opening Mt. Hlíðarfjall for recreational activities in summer, too. The ski lift will be open Thursdays & Fridays from 5 pm to 9 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. A ticket costs 1,100 ISK, a day pass 4,400 ISK, and a weekend pass 10,800.

HELI-SKIING

Why use a ski lift to get to the top of the slopes if you can get a helicopter to ferry you to a fresh, untouched slope with stunning views of the surrounding mountains? The season runs from around mid-March until the beginning of June, with generally excellent corn skiing and the occasional powder dump.