Heli-skiing in Iceland
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Heli-skiing in Iceland
HELI-SKIING IN ICELAND
Put simply—endless vertical. Heli-ski descents on Iceland’s Arctic maritime snowpack average 915 vertical meters. The land of the midnight sun provides extended daylight hours so you can make summit-to-sea runs even after dinner.
ICELAND
Tackling untracked heli-ski descents on Iceland’s Arctic maritime snowpack is for both the hard charger and the smooth cruiser. Huge couloirs and vast valleys scream for first tracks. And the midnight sun allows for late-night sea-to-summit runs.
Vital stats
• Average run vertical – 2.5k ft – 3.5k ft
• Average flight time per day – 1 hour
• Mixed snow conditions – powder/corn
• High point – 4,583 ft
• Highly-trained heli-ski guides including IFMGA and AMGA certified guides
• Complimentary use of Wagner Custom Skis designed for heli-skiing in Iceland
• All avalanche safety equipment is included
Tackling untracked heli-ski descents on Iceland’s Arctic maritime snowpack is for both the hard charger and the smooth cruiser. Sea-to-summit has never looked this good. Heli-skiing on the Troll Peninsula is known for its beautiful rolling descents and steep couloirs taking you all the way to the ocean. This land of the midnight sun offers true adventurers extended daylight hours with more opportunity to rack up the vertical.
HELI-SKIING
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
WHAT IS THE TERRAIN LIKE IN ICELAND?
HOW ARE THE SNOW CONDITIONS?
With over 1,500 square miles of terrain to ski, we have a wide variety of terrain – think wide open bowls, steep couloirs, long runs from mountain peaks to the ocean shore.
Iceland has a maritime snowpack meaning that the
snow conditions are very stable. You can expect
a variety of conditions – sometimes spring-like
conditions including smooth, buttery slopes and corn snow; other times fresh powder.
DO YOU NEED TO BE AN EXPERT SKIER TO
HELI SKI IN ICELAND?
The vast terrain in Iceland means we have the
flexibility to choose runs that are appropriate for
your skill level. We recommend that guests be strong intermediate skiers to best enjoy the experience; for you experts out there, don’t worry, there are plenty of challenging slopes for you to rip down.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HELI SKI IN
ICELAND?
Our season runs between March 15 – May 31. During this time we offer 4 and 6-day trips.
HOW MUCH FLIGHT TIME CAN WE EXPECT?
We include one hour of flight time per day which
equates to 8-10 runs; each run averages 2,500 – 3,500 feet of vertical.
Epic summit-to-sea ski runs on Arctic maritime snowpack
DAY 1
Ride the sweeping valleys surrounding the lodge. Terrain has warm-up runs on all aspects, allowing you to discover Icelandic helicopter skiing and get a full sense of what to expect in the coming days. Head back to the lodge for a recovery massage in our expansive spa.
DAY 2
The ocean views that run to the north are screen-saver worthy. Spend the day zig-zagging through fjords and valleys with constant views of the cobalt-blue North Atlantic Ocean. Back at the lodge, experience sensory deprivation in our i-Sopod flotation tanks.
DAY 3
Head south. Today you dive deep into the heart of the Troll Peninsula. The mountains here are slightly taller and sprinkled with pocket glaciers that keep the snow cold and fresh. You won’t see any signs of civilization, just untouched runs, and you might even snag some first descents.
DAY 4
Perfect your end game in style. Ski big, bold runs and narrow technical chutes en route to the airport. Finish on the tarmac, where you switch from helicopter to fixed wing and depart the Troll Peninsula.
WHAT WILL YOUR TRIP LOOK LIKE?
Runs average 915 vertical feet. Huge couloirs and vast valleys scream for first tracks, and with Iceland’s unique weather and long days, you can ski through dinner. Massages back at the lodge are a must, as you’ll want to push your ski legs to max output. No-fly weather doesn’t mean it’s a down day. Our guides can take you cat skiing or hot-spring hopping.
A letter from your guide
“Heli-skiing in Iceland is an unforgettable experience. Long descents over the North Atlantic Ocean are punctuated by never ending sunsets. Limitless terrain ignites new exploration in even the most seasoned of skiers. Long daylight hours allow us to choose the best time of day to ski given the weather and snow conditions. Early season and stormy periods equal powder skiing in a maritime climate, while long sunny days transition the snow into perfect corn skiing. Skiing, however, is just part of the Icelandic adventure. Sea kayaking in the fjords, riding the famed Icelandic horses, whale watching, puffin chasing, surfing, and exploring the unique volcanic terrain of the world’s youngest land mass are also on tap. And the fact that hot springs are around nearly every corner make it a bucket-list destination”.
Lodge Details
It doesn’t get more off-the-grid than the Fljót Valley on the mountainous Troll Peninsula in northern Iceland. This remote area sees some of the highest average snowfall on the planet, making it a dream spot for skiers. Located on a converted sheep farm, the lodge blends into the natural landscape with its black timber cladding and living roof, and the floor-to-ceiling windows around the property that embrace the surrounding peaks. With two helipads on property, guests have instant access to rolling descents and steep couloirs that take you all the way to the ocean.
Iceland’s maritime snowpack provides stable conditions ranging from smooth, buttery slopes and corn snow to fresh powder, and the region’s midnight sun makes it possible to carve tracks at 10pm. Unlike many heli operations, there are no down days here. If conditions don’t cooperate for flight, our guides can take guests cat skiing or on-piste. Don’t worry about sore muscles. The lodge’s geothermal-heated outdoor pool, Isopod flotation tanks, and talented massage therapists relieve any ski fatigue so you’ll never have to miss a ski day.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the surrounding peaks, while throughout the home, you’ll find natural touches, like driftwood from the nearby sea and stone from the Fljótaá River. The library features Icelandic books, and local art adorns the living areas. The spa is a standout, with a gray stone hot tub, sauna, steam room, and two Isopod flotation tanks. Guests can alternate between our Viking sauna and the cold plunge, or soak under the Northern Lights in our open-air geothermal pool.
EAT & DRINK
The basic Icelandic diet hasn’t changed much since the Viking days. Arctic char, north Atlantic salmon, lamb, and skyr are still staples, but our chef, Iceland’s 2018 chef of the year, Garðar Garðarsson, prepares them with modern techniques and a dash of international flavor. Neighboring farmers and fishermen make regular deliveries, so menus are always source-to-table. Expect blueberry-topped pancakes, langoustine soup, and pasture-raised lamb, as well as craft beers from local brewers and wines from the extensive cellar.
WELLNESS AMENITIES
Iceland’s remarkably fresh air and pure water set the standard for a truly sublime wellness experience. Along with a fully outfitted spa area, which covers nearly 10,000 square feet and features innovative therapies like Isopod flotation tanks, the lodge features an equipped gym, yoga studio, and a geothermally heated indoor and outdoor pool and hot tub.
DETAILS
- Thirteen en-suite bedrooms including:
- Five king suites with en suite bathrooms
- Four king suites with en suite bathrooms, queen sleeping lofts and balconies
- Two queen suites with en suite bathrooms
- One king suite with an en suite bathroom, lofted lounge and private balcony
- One bunkroom with four double beds and a double en suite bathroom
- Geothermal heated indoor/outdoor pool with swim-up bar
- Sauna and steam room
- Indoor and outdoor hot tubs
- Media room
- Premium spa facility featuring two Isopod flotation tanks and three treatment rooms
- Two helipads
- Billiards, foosball and ping pong table
- Custom-made band loft
- Bar and lounge
- Gym and yoga room
- Cold plunge
About Northern Iceland
Iceland’s unique geologic history has created an environment that is truly stunning. Mountains rise up front the sea along fjords on the Troll Peninsula. The island is full of geothermal vents below the surface which form numerous hot springs throughout the country. The lodge’s proximity to the Arctic Circle allows for views of the Northern Lights from October to April, and long days mean more time to ski and explore.
Spring Activities
Heli skiing
Resort skiing
Backcountry skiing
Snowmobiling
Cross country skiing
Fat biking
Hiking
Snowshoeing
Horseback riding
Whale watching
Kayaking (lake, river or sea)
Hot spring tours
Surfing
Whitewater rafting
Dog sledding
Air tours
Lodge activities: Archery, laser tag and sport clay shooting
HELI-SKIING MARCH 11, 2023 – JUNE 9, 2023
SEMI-PRIVATE
Single occupancy rates start from $3,636* per room, per day. Double occupancy rates start from $6,295* per room, per day
BUYOUT
Starting at $50,455* per night for private lodge buyout based on 12 skiers
INCLUSIONS:
Guide service offering customised adventure itineraries, semiprivate guided heli-skiing, all gear necessary for activities, pre-arrival planning with an Experience Manager, chef prepared breakfast, lunch, après and dinner, organic fresh food minibar, house alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, scheduled round trip airport transfer to Akureyri.
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