Ski Resorts in Iceland

Now Iceland is one of those countries which immediately conjures up images of snow and ice, and you would think it was a more popular ski destination than it actually is. One of the reasons could be that skiing in Iceland is not for the faint hearted, and there is also the ever present possibility of avalanches. The facilities are also not of your premier standard either. But all that said Iceland is well worth looking at.

The image most people have of Iceland is vast plains of white wilderness and people walking around who look like Vikings. Yes, the Norsemen did settle here 1000 years ago, but modern Iceland enjoys one of the best standards of living in the world, and the Icelandic people are amongst the warmest and friendliest you could meet, and speak English to a high standard.

What Is The Atmosphere Like?

Chilled out and mellow, taking a break in Iceland will have you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated in no time. It is colder here than most other European ski resorts due to its proximity to the Arctic, but the warmth of the people more than make up for the freezing conditions.

Who Will Enjoy It?

Those who like roughing it will have a whale of a time. This is in terms of the terrain and the severity of some of the slopes. There are some smaller resorts however that do cater for beginners and children and one in particular, Tungudular/Seljalandsdalur has a lift specially designated for children.

How Many Resorts Are There?

Altogether there are 10 ski areas in Iceland, ranging in size and facilities. The big four are Bláfjöll, Siglufjörður, Hildarfjall and Dalvik. Bláfjöll is the biggest by a long way, and is only 30 minute's drive from Reykjavik. It boasts 11 lifts in 3 different areas and all the major slopes are fully lit at night for those who like a bit of night time skiing. The Tindaöxl skiing area in Ólafsfjörður is perfect for beginners, but also has slopes for the more experienced skier.

Staying In Iceland

No, you will not be staying in igloos if you go to Iceland for a skiing holiday, you will be staying in warm and comfortable lodgings and hotels. These come with a choice of food options that will satisfy even the hungriest of skiers. These accommodations are very close to the slopes so you never have far to walk to or from your lodgings.

So check out what Iceland has to offer particularly if you are tired of the rather samey resorts across Europe. Our guides will tell you all you need to know about the slopes, getting there, transfers and of course, the apres ski.