Sailboat Skiing
These trips are true Arctic Expeditions to the beautiful Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the West Fjords of Iceland - only a few miles from the Arctic Circle. We focus on backcountry skiing 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.
The Expedition yacht AURORA is our movable backcountry hut and awaits us every day with gourmet meals and warm and comfortable bunks.
All the ski trips start on Monday and end on Saturday except 2013020 and 2013070 where we start from Isafjordur on Sunday and arrive back on Friday. Trip no 2013020 gives people a chance to experience the Easter Ski Festival in Isafjordur with the "Aldrei For Eg Sudur" music festival. This is a fantastic festival of local and international talents. Check out reviews of the festival here. For trip 2013030 it's a great idea to arrive early and join us for the festivities.
Watch the Warren Miller´s Iceland footage from a trip with us in 2008.
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 2013070 there is an option to participate in the Fossavatn Ski Marathon. In 2013 this is scheduled for May 4th. 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 of skis for those interested to do the race for fun.
Trip itinerary
Day 1
Departure
from Isafjordur at 19:00. 2-4 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
We'll begin
the day with safety briefing, avalanche search and what to do in case of
emergency. Then 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 3
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 Aurora again.
Day 4
Here we
normally spend an extra day at the beautiful Rangali anchorage. Here are
endless opportunities for skiing. From steep couloirs to rolling hills. One
route will take us to the Snokur mountain with a good view of the coastal
mountains on the east side of Hornstrandir. Often there is an opportunity to
pick mussels for après ski!
Day 5
Today we
skin up from the Sopandi inlet and over to Hrafnfjordur (e. Raven Fjord). The
mountain cirque at the head of the fjord is very beautiful and the anchorage is
a perfect spot to spend the night.
Day 6
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.
View slideshow
| Trip no | Dates | Days | Price | |
| 2013010 | Mar. 18 - Mar. 23, 2013 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2013020 Full | Mar. 24 - Mar. 29, 2013 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2013030 Full | Apr. 01 - Apr. 06, 2013 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2013040 Full | Apr. 08 - Apr. 13, 2013 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2013050 Full | Apr. 15 - Apr. 20, 2013 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2013060 Full | Apr. 22 - Apr. 27, 2013 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2013070 | Apr. 28 - May. 03, 2013 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2013080 Full | May. 06 - May. 11, 2013 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2013090 Full | May. 13 - May. 18, 2013 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2013100 | May. 20 - May. 25, 2013 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2013110 Full | May. 27 - Jun. 01, 2013 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2014010 | Mar. 17 - Mar. 22, 2014 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2014020 | Mar. 24 - Mar. 29, 2014 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2014030 | Mar. 31 - Apr. 05, 2014 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2014040 | Apr. 07 - Apr. 12, 2014 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2014050 | Apr. 13 - Apr. 18, 2014 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2014060 | Apr. 21 - Apr. 26, 2014 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2014070 | Apr. 27 - May. 02, 2014 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2014080 | May. 05 - May. 10, 2014 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2014090 | May. 12 - May. 17, 2014 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2014100 | May. 19 - May. 24, 2014 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
| 2014110 | May. 26 - May. 31, 2014 | 6 | 1590 EUR | BOOK! |
Included:
- All food onboard and during day activities, except alcohol
- 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.