Glacier Fjords - Sailboat ski touring adventure | BMG are Icelandic mountainguides specializing in ski touring, heli skiing and ice climbing in Iceland

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Glacier Fjords - Sailboat ski touring adventure

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The combination of a 60ft yacht, superb ski touring terrain and the breath taking beauty of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is the recipe for this unique ski adventure. Based out of our floating mountain hut Aurora we explore the remote Cape Horn region of NW Iceland. We ski from one fjord to another whilst our floating home sails around to meet us. Here there are no roads and no people, only the arctic fox and seals that curiously eye these bizarre creatures that slide around on the snow. More

Duration of trip: 6 days

Price: € 1.520.-

Our adventure starts in the fishing port of Isafjordur in the NW of Iceland where we meet up with the owners and crew of Aurora. Rúnar and Búbbi are their names and they are true pioneers who enjoy nothing more than sharing their experience and love of the mountains and fjords with you. Jökull Bergmann the owner of Bergmenn Mountain Guides teamed up with them in 2006 to make the first sail boat ski touring trip happen and since than this unique product has gained great popularity. This is truly a different experience. First descents and exploration is the name of the game in between feasting on fresh seafood and local produce prepared by our gourmet captain Mr. Búbbi.

What makes this trip so very special?

The unique combo of sailing and skiing
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve with breath taking views, birdlife, seals and Arctic Foxes
Great food from the surrounding environment, fresh fish and mussels hand picked as we go
No other people around and most certainly no tracks on the slopes
The service of dedicated professionals, experts on the terrain, history and nature
Learn the ropes on a 60ft sailboat as we go

Included in price

All food onboard and during the days
Accommodation onboard
The service of two crewmembers
The service of a mountain guide
Use of sailing clothing and safety gear
Transportation to and from Isafjordur airport

Not included in price

Travel to and from Isafjordur
Food on the first day until boarding
Personal medical insurance
Alcohol and personal expenses
Gratuities

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM THIS TRIP

A typical day-to-day program

Day 1

We arrive in Isafjordur in the afternoon where we board our home for the week Aurora. We set sail around 19:00 PM and head to our first anchorage at the abandoned whaling station and village of Hesteyri. We will have time in the evening for a stroll around the beach and checking out the old station that now stands empty, a sign of times past. For those keen there might even be the time for a short midnight ski run.

Day 2

We go over avalanche rescue procedures and do a bit of practice with our beacons to prepare us for the week. On this first big ski day we traverse over to Veiðileysufjörður - The fjord where no fish gets caught. Passing through the high cols and over the peaks we catch a glimpse of the north side of the Cape Horn peninsula where no one except the Arctic Fox roams at this time of year. Anchorage in Veiðileysufjörður.

Day 3

The ski over to Lónafjörður - Lagoon fjord is excellent with numerous options for descents into the steep protected fjord. Right above the anchorage looms a great slope and for those that are still craving more turns after dinner, there is always the possibility for the Midnight run.

Day 4

We spend the whole day exploring and skiing the slopes of Lónafjörður where dozens of virgin slopes and couloirs await. Another option for those looking for some quiet time is to take one of the kayaks for a spin or doing some Seal watching.

Day 5

Skiing over to Hrafnfjörður - Raven fjord takes us to the highest peak of our trip. The complex terrain offers great terrain for those who know where they are going. The shoreline of Hrafnfjörður is one of the best in Iceland for Mussel picking, guess what's for dinner.

Day 6

Depending on conditions we go for a short ski in the morning and than set sail back to Isafjordur. The journey across the bay of Ísafjarðardjúp gives us ample time to contemplate and enjoy the last hours of this unique adventure. Arriving in Isafjordur in the late afternoon the options are to catch a flight back to Reykjavik or enjoying the evening in town.

Equipment list for the Glacier Fjords

- 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 30-45 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

- Ski boots

- Avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel

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

- Camera

- Duffel bag for belongings

- Sleeping bag

- Hiking boots for onshore

- Sandals or deck shoes

- A good book or a game and a couple of bottles of your preferred medication...

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.