Using beautifully restored two-masted oak schooners we explore the peaks, valleys and fjords of the Hidden Land, the mountainous and deserted peninsula between Eyjafjörður fjord and Skjálfandi bay in the east. With no roads or way of access in the winter and spring seasons, the sea remains the only way to visit this amazing playground, with peaks rising over 1200m and snowfall of epic proportions. What can be more exciting than mixing world class ski touring and sailing the two masted oak beasts ?
|
Duration of trip: 5 days
Dates 2012: April 22 - 26 and April 30 - May 4th
|
Price: € 1.490.- per person
|
|
|
On this unique adventure we combine the strengths of two leading
Icelandic adventure tourism companies, Bergmenn Mountain Guides and
North Sailing from Húsvík, resulting in an adventure like no other. Each day we make landfall in small bays and coves along the north shore of this spectacular mountain range, skiing fresh tracks accompanied only by our ever changing shadow as the never setting midnight sun makes its round in the sky. At night we enjoy good times and great food on board our floating hotel, anchored in a secluded bay or at the small pier on Flatey island, ones a thriving fishing village but now a deserted paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers alike. If conditions allow, we cross the Arctic Circle as we set sail for the island of Grímsey, Iceland's most northerly settlement where we visit the small fishing village and explore its amazing coastline. Ski to the sea is a unique adventure for those seeking new horizons, exploration and an adventure of a lifetime.
What makes this trip so very special?
- Sailing and living aboard the beautifully restored oak schooners of North Sailing
- Exploring terrain that no one has ever skied before, in the company of Iceland's only certified mountain guides
- Visiting the islands of Flatey and Grímsey, both unique places in their own way
- Sailing above the Arctic Circle
- Visiting the Hidden Land, an area steeped in rich history and spectacular nature
- Combining world class ski touring with sailing, whale watching, fishing and good times with friends
- Skiing all the way down to the ocean
Included in price
- Transportation Akureyri - Húsavík - Akureyri
- All food from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 5
- Accommodation on board the Schooners Haukur or Hildur
- The services of a mountain guide for the duration of the trip
- Use of emergency equipment and communications
- Rental of glacier travel gear, ropes, harness, crampons
Not included in price
- Transportation to and from Akureyri before and after trip
- Equipment rental
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal accident insurance
- Gratuities
A typical day-to-day program for the Ski to the Sea adventure
Day 1
Pick up in Akureyri the capital of northern Iceland in the early morning, followed by a 1 hour transfer to Húsavík where we join up with the captain and crew of our Schooner. A safety briefing by the captain is followed by a short sail across Skjálfandi bay to our first skiing objective. After an exciting climb and some great turns, we return to our floating Hotel and set sail for the island of Flatey where we anchor for the night.
Day 2 - 3
Exploration and adventure is the name of the game as we methodically make our way around the northern tip of the Hidden Land, skiing the big lines and having a grand old time. The possibilities for exhilarating descents for skiers of all abilities are endless in this glacier carved mountain paradise. Each morning we make landfall in different coves where the ruins of deserted farms and fishing outposts can bee seen dotting the landscape. It is amazing to imagine that only a hundred years ago the entire region was a bustling, thriving farming and fishing community and that all that remains are a few crumbling walls and the outlines of hand dug ditches and farmers fields.
Day 4
After another big day of skiing we have the option of setting sail to the island of Grímsey where the opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle awaits. Invisible lines in the ground aside, Grímsey is a unique cultural outpost and Iceland's most northerly settlement. With bird life and nature like no other place we also get to sample the local fish and dip our weary feet into Iceland's most northerly swimming pool.
Day 5
A morning of exploration in Grímsey is followed by a crash course in sailing and ropemanship by our boatsman and captain. Ones the crew is all aboard we heave sails and set course back to Iceland...
On the way we learn as we go, how to sail a two masted schooner, and if the wind is favorable we will experience the great thrill of skimming silently over the Arctic Ocean powered only by the wind in our sails. Arriving in Húsavík in the Afternoon we catch our transport back to Akureyri in time for a last flight to Reykjavík or simply a relaxing evening in town.
Equipment list for the Ski to the Sea adventure
- 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 30-40 liters (With ski attachments)
- Thermos or water bottle (1-2 liters)
- Sunglasses
- Ski goggles
- Sun and lip cream
- Ski touring skis, telemark or split board
- Skins and ski crampons (ski crampons are not optional)
- Ski poles
- Avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel
- Bathing suit for the Arctic Ocean....
- Small first aid kit with personal medications, blister kit etc
- Camera
Please have your ski boots in carry on baggage during your flights to Iceland. If your skis get temporarily lost we can provide excellent rental gear. If you choose not to bring your own equipment please contact us for information and availability of our rental gear.
