In recent years Iceland has experienced an explosion in the number of tourists visiting the country. The vast majority of these venture north in the short summer season from May to September when the sun barely sets and the mild temperatures provide a modicum of climatic comfort. Many, however, come for the unique sights, events and activities that only a winter trip can afford. And to help you make the most of your chilly trek to the near arctic, Atlantica has put together a comprehensive guide to arctic adventure and urban events.

Published in the No. 1 2010 January-February issue of Atlantica. By John Boyce, photos by Páll Stefánsson.

WINTER ACTIVITIES

Mountain skiing

It is a common reaction of the first time visitor to register surprise that Iceland is neither as cold nor as snowy as they had imagined. Indeed in recent years, rising temperatures have meant that snow has, in fact, been in rather short supply. Nevertheless, Iceland still offers high quality mountain skiing until March at a number of locations. Bláfjöll is Iceland’s largest and most popular skiing resort, a mere 30 kilometers from the capital and ideal for the short stay tourist. Bláfjöll provides a large number of well groomed pistes that cater for both learners and the more experienced skier, with the larger pistes also illuminated at night. If you have more time on your hands, then Hlídarfjall, seven kilometers from the northern town of Akureyri, is a must. This is Iceland’s premier ski resort with twelve immaculate pistes ranging from beginner to upper intermediate. For the more adventurous, or indeed cash strapped, there is also the option of off-piste mountain skiing. The almost complete absence of trees on the Icelandic landscape makes for relatively obstacle free natural slopes.

Snowboarding

For enthusiasts of winter sports, the rise of snowboarding in the last twenty years has been a phenomenon. Cheaper in terms of equipment required and less demanding in technique than skiing, snowboarding is extremely popular with Icelanders, particularly the under 30s. There are a total of twelve resorts in Iceland from which to choose. As with mountain skiing, the most popular locations are again Bláfjöll and Hlídarfjall. For the complete novice, help is at hand at both resorts with private and group snowboarding lessons, as well as on-the-spot equipment hire. Further afield for the more adventurous and experienced is Iceland’s and indeed Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. The glacier is a favorite with dedicated native snowboarders, encompassing as it does Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur. Rising to 2,113 meters, the peak affords spectacular views of the Icelandic lunar landscape. It takes about six hours of steady hiking to reach the summit of Hvannadalshnjúkur, but those less inclined to such strenuous activity can make their way by four wheel drive to Jöklasel, situated right at the base of the glacier.

This article was published in the No. 1 2010 January-February issue of Atlantica, a sister publication of Iceland Review. Click here to read the rest of the article.