The combination of a fully equipped 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 Byr 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. The sailboat has been outfitted to ensure comfortable accommodation and spacious communal areas for guests. Onboard amenities include central heating, hot and cold water, 2 bathrooms, a shower and electricity for charging devices.
Our adventure starts in the fishing port of Ísafjörður in the NW of Iceland where we meet up with our crew and Captain Siggi. Jökull Bergmann the owner of Bergmenn Mountain Guides teamed up with him in 2006 to make the first ever sail boat ski touring trip happen in this region, 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 and his crew.
Dates & Prices
5 day
program
2,500 EUR
GLF-01 | Feb 23-28 |
GLF-02 | March 8-13 |
GLF-03 | April 26-May 1 |
GLF-04 | May 3-7 |
Included
- 6 Days / 5 nights aboard vessel
- All food on board the boat from the first to last day
- Accommodation on board (bunk style)
- The service of two crew members
- The service a professional mountain guide
- Guided land and water excursions
- Use of Stand-up Paddleboards (SUP)
- Use of wet-weather sailing clothes
- Use of sailing clothing and safety gear
- Transportation to and from Ísafjörður airport
Not included
- Transportation between Reykjavik and Ísafjörður before and after the program
- Equipment Rental
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Personal Accident and Medical Insurance
- Food on the first day until boarding
- Gratuities
Itinerary
Please note that this is a suggested itinerary and will vary depending on weather, conditions and the group.
DAY 1
Arrive in Ísafjörður around noon where we board our floating home for the week . We set sail around 14:00 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(during May)
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 Ísafjörður. The journey across the bay of Ísafjarðardjúp gives us ample time to contemplate and enjoy the last hours of this unique adventure. Arriving in Ísafjörður in the late afternoon the options are to catch a flight back to Reykjavik or enjoying the evening in town.
Packing List
CLOTHING
- Wind and waterproof shell jacket (Gore Tex or equivalent)
- Wind and waterproof pants (Gore Tex or equivalent)
- Soft Shell (or fleece) jacket and pants (optional)
- Base layer (wool or synthetic)
- Light down or fiber jacket
- Hat
- Gloves and/or mittens (2 pairs)
- Ski socks (wool or synthetic, avoid cotton)
- Casual clothes to wear ashore or on the boat
- Boat shoes or slippers with rubber soles for below decks
- Swim suit and towel
MISC.
- Sleeping Bag +5c
- Headlamp
- Sun and lip cream
- Sunglasses
- Small first aid kit with personal medications, sea-sickness tablets, blister kit etc
- Repair Kit - Bring any spare parts specific to your bindings. The guides will carry a full repair kit so keep yours light.
- Camera (optional)
SKIING & RIDING GEAR
- Boots - Alpine touring, plastic telemark or comfortable snowboard boots
- Ski touring skis, telemark or split board (we recommend skis with a waist width in the 95 to 120 range. We are unable to accommodate snowshoes as a mode of uphill transportation.
- Skins and ski crampons (Ski crampons are not optional)*
- Ski poles (adjustable recommended, snowboarders should have 3-section poles that fit nicely on your pack)
- Ski Straps - used for holding your skis together on your pack or your shoulder.
- Avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe (240 cm or longer)
- Backpack 30L liters (with ski/board attachments)
- Thermos or water bottle (1-2 liters)
- Ski Goggles
- Helmet (optional)
Please use a soft duffel for the trip, no hard suitcases. 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.