High passes of the Elves - 5 day ski mountaineering trip | BMG are Icelandic mountainguides specializing in ski touring, heli skiing and ice climbing in Iceland

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High passes of the Elves - 5 day ski mountaineering trip

Partaker

The glacial plateau that dominates the interior of the Troll Peninsula is a unique zone in Iceland's diverse nature, and reminds one of such areas in Greenland and Antarctica but on a much smaller scale. This is a cold and barren place, but full of rugged beauty and wonderful opportunities to ski Nunataks and experience an adventure of a lifetime. We base out of one of Iceland's only high alpine huts for a couple of days and than regain the comforts of Klængshóll Lodge. More

Length of trip: 5 days

Price: Prices for 2010 coming soon

One of very few places in Iceland not accessible by our immense super trucks and there for rarely visited, the glacial plateau of Tungnahryggsjökull is a ski touring paradise. We will spend a couple of nights in the comfortable and cozy hut that sits at 1200m above the glaciers allowing us the chance to explore the never before skied peaks of the area. Our adventure continues and takes us down through one of the side valleys of Skíðadalur for one of the areas epic descents before gaining the comforts of Klængshóll Lodge. Our last day of skiing above the Lodge will surely leave you wanting more Troll Peninsula skiing and do not worry, there is a life times worth of first descents to be had.

What makes this trip so amazing?

The incredible raw scenery and nature of the Tungnahryggsjökull glacial plateau
Staying in one of Iceland's only true alpine huts and having it all to yourself
The chance to ski first descents and travel routes never traveled before
The safety and security of traveling with Iceland's only certified guides
Personal service and coaching, focusing on making you a better skier and mountaineer
Spending a night at Klængshóll Lodge an authentic Icelandic sheep farm turned Lodge

Included in price

2 nights accommodation in a hut and 2 nights at Klængshóll Lodge
All food from dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 5
The services of a mountain guide
Pick up and transfers to and from Akureyri on day 1 and day 5

Not included in Price

Equipment rentals
Alcoholic beverages
Personal accident insurance
Personal expenses
Gratuities

A typical day-to-day program

Day 1

Pick up in Akureyri the capital of northern Iceland in the late afternoon followed by a 45 min transfer to Klængshóll Lodge for a meet and greet. Welcome dinner is served and we go over the plan and equipment for our adventure.

Day 2

At the trail head we shoulder our loads and start our climb. For the first couple of km we follow a narrow glacier carved alpine valley and might have to shoulder our skis for a bit whilst gaining elevation. Ones we have the skis on our feet we quickly gain elevation and reach the great pass of Hólamannaskarð. From there we reach our little hut after crossing the high glacial plateau, drop our bags and go for a quick ski in the vicinity of the hut. The night is spent feasting and planning for the next days exploration.

Day 3

With a light day pack we explore the wonders of Tungnahryggsjökull glacial plateau. First descents and naming runs is the days agenda. The hardest thing about today is having to decide which runs to do. Another cozy night at our private Alpine hut.

Day 4

We descend down to Skíðadalur valley or as it would aptly translate to in English, Ski Valley. We will pass by one of the valley bottom glaciers that guard the entrance in to this ski touring gem. After a long day we gain the comforts of our Lodge with a welcoming hot shower and a succulent meal awaiting.

Day 5

Often called Iceland's best ski run Mt Hestur rises right above the lodge giving us 1250m vertical of ski touring bliss right down to the front porch. After another great day of skiing we say our good byes and arrive in Akureyri in the late afternoon where we can catch a flight to Reykjavik or simply continue our visit of northern Iceland.

Equipment list for ski touring The High passes of the Elves

- Wind and waterproof shell jacket (Gore Tex or equivalent)

- Wind and waterproof pants (Gore Tex or equivalent)

- Base layer (wool or synthetic)

- Ski pants

- Jacket (Soft shell, fleece)

- light down or fiber jacket

- Hat

- Gloves (2 pairs)

- Ski socks

- Backpack 45-60 liters

- Thermos or water bottle

- Sunglasses

- Ski goggles

- Sun and lip cream

- Ski touring skis, telemark or split board

- Skins and ski crampons

- Ski poles

- Avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel

- Small first aid kit with personal medications, blister kit, tooth brush etc

- Camera
- Small headlamp for the hut
- A thin sleeping bag liner (There are warm wool blankets at the hut)

Please have your ski boots in carry on baggage during your flights to Iceland. If your skis get temporarily lost we can provide rental gear. Bergmenn Mountain Guides offer some equipment for rent, please contact us for information and availability.