Backcountry Skiing
These trips are all about backcountry skiing or snowshoeing in the beautiful Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the West Fjords of NW Iceland. We will ski between the remote fjords, anchoring in a different spot every night. Many of the mountains and ridges have never been skied before so don't expect to wait in a line-up before cruising down the mountain of your choice! There are many different slopes and we will plan our routes to fit people of all abilities and interests. Most people use AT (randonnée) or Telemark skis but snowboards, cross-country skis or snowshoes can be used as well. We usually spend about 6-8 hours in the mountains each day but those who want shorter days, can just ski down to the boat when they choose. This is prime time for skiing but we still carry a few kayaks on the yacht and people are quite welcome to take a break from skiing and do some kayaking as well.
All the ski trips except 2010070 have same itinerary with us starting from Isafjordur on Monday and arriving back on Saturday. Trip no 2010030 gives people a chance to experience the second night of the Music Festival "Aldrei For Eg Sudur". This is a fantastic festival of local and international talents. Check out reviews of last festivals here. For trip 2010040 it's a great idea to arrive early and join us for the festivities.
There will be oportunities to ski on the local ski hill where there are three lifts but there are also great areas for backcountry skiing only a stonethrow from the town.
At the end of trip 2010070 there is an option to participate in the Fossavatn Ski Marathon. In 2010 this is scheduled for May 1st. This cross country race was established in 1935 and is one of the longest running sport events in Iceland and by far the biggest ski race in the country. There are options for 7, 10, 20 and 50 km classic style tracks. We can arrange few pairs for those interested to do the race for fun.
Trip itinerary
Day 1 - Monday
Departure from Isafjordur at 19:00. 2 hours sailing to Hesteyri in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Relaxing at anchor and maybe do some exploration on the Zodiac and take a look at the old whaling station that once was the driving force in this now abandoned settlement. Also optional to do a short ski run since it's still bright in the evening.
Day 2 - Tuesday
We'll begin the day with safety briefing, avalanche search and what to do in case of emergency. Then we start skiing the mountains around Hesteyri. Going up to the cols, we can get a view across the mountains to the northern coves of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. We'll then move Aurora to the head of the fjord before serving delicious dinner. Here we usually have an opportunity to pick fresh Mussels from the beach for appetizer.
Day 3 - Wednesday
Ski from Hesteyrarfjordur to Veidileysufjordur (e. Fjord with no fish!). The climb up Hesteyrarfjordur is very easy and the ski slopes on the other side offer many possibilities. We may end the day by skiing the steepest slope of the trip, 45°-50° steep. Of course it's optional. You can head down to the yacht if you prefer! Dinner at anchor in Veidileysufjordur.
Day 4 - Thursday
Ski to Lonafjordur (e. Lagoon Fjord). We begin the day by climbing up to one of the cols to take a look at the bays on the North side. Then we ski down to the first valley in Lonafjordur and climb up at least two more mountains before meeting captain Siggi onboard Aurora. Later in the spring we may catch some Arctic Char for dinner.
Day 5 - Friday
Ski to Hrafnfjordur (e. Raven Fjord). We do the highest climb of the trip this day, up to 1200 metres of climbing before skiing down to Hrafnfjordur. The mountain cirque in the bottom of the fjord is very beautiful and the anchorage is a perfect spot to spend the night.
Day 6 - Saturday
Short skiing in the morning before sailing back to Isafjordur with arrival around 16:00 in the afternoon. You can catch the last flight from Isafjordur the same day but we suggest staying at least one night in Isafjordur, relax and get to know this old and beautiful town.
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| Trip no | Dates | Days | Seats | Price | |
| 2010020 | Mar. 22 - Mar. 27, 2010 | 6 | 0 | 1390 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2010030 | Mar. 28 - Apr. 02, 2010 | 6 | 10 | 1520 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2010040 | Apr. 05 - Apr. 10, 2010 | 6 | 10 | 1520 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2010050 | Apr. 12 - Apr. 17, 2010 | 6 | 10 | 1520 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2010060 | Apr. 19 - Apr. 24, 2010 | 6 | 10 | 1520 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2010070 | Apr. 25 - Apr. 30, 2010 | 6 | 0 | 1520 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2010090 | May. 03 - May. 08, 2010 | 6 | 0 | 1520 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2010110 | May. 10 - May. 15, 2010 | 6 | 0 | 1520 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2010120 | May. 17 - May. 22, 2010 | 6 | 0 | 1520 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2010130 | May. 24 - May. 29, 2010 | 6 | 0 | 1520 EUR | BOOK! |
Included:
- All food onboard and during day activities
- Accommodation onboard
- Use of sailing clothing (Gore-Tex jacket and pants), safety harness and life jacket
- Guiding
Not included:
- Travel to and from Ísafjörður, Iceland unless specifically mentioned in itinerary.
- Food the first day until boarding the yacht in Ísafjörður
- Personal medical insurance
- Personal equipment as pr recommended equipment list.
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Terms and conditions
The Borea Adventures trips/voyages are of an adventurous nature and to relatively remote places in Iceland, Greenland and other places. Borea Adventures makes best effort to stick to the planned itinerary but participants must appreciate and acknowledge that the trip/voyage requires considerable flexibility. The company and captain of the vessel reserve the right to adjust the itinerary without notice for reasons beyond their control such as weather, ice-conditions or other unpredictable or unforeseeable circumstances. Once departed on the voyage the captain will have final say on all decisions affecting safety etc and this must be accepted by all participants.
Download full version of "terms and conditions" here.