Ski touring areas

Kjölur

The route through Kjölur is particularly suitable for those who are not used to ski trips that last more than a day: you can walk between huts, and the highest elevation reached is 700m (2275 ft). This is a beautiful route that is free from steep inclines and thus popular. In the middle of the route is a natural hot spring in Hveravellir. The best time of year to ski this route is between February and April. It is approximately 130km (81 mi) long and usually done in 5-7 days.

The route lies between Blönduvirkjun in the north and Gullfoss in the south. It doesn’t matter at which end you start, but northerly winds are somewhat more common and so most people choose to walk from north to south. It is sometimes necessary to drive along the route before reaching the snowline, especially towards the end of the season. Icelandic Mountain Guides, Ferðafélag Íslands and Útivist offer guided ski trips over Kjölur.

Langjökull

Langjökull used to be very popular among cross country skiers before snowmobile and jeep trips became as popular as they are today. Nevertheless, the glacier is fairly approachable and in most places there are few crevasses, making it ideal for those who have little experience with glaciers. There are many different routes you can take up onto and over the glacier, and you should ask about crevasses shortly before your trip. The best people to contact are Icelandic Adventure (http://www.adventure.is/). It’s fun to use both the snowmobiles and skis during a trip on Langjökull, although skiers should avoid being too close to the track used by the snowmobiles and the jeeps to appreciate and enjoy the peace and quiet. The best time of year to travel on Langjökull is from April to June.

Sigalda – Landmannalaugar – Þórsmörk

The Sigalda-Landmannalaugar-Þórsmörk route is one of the most fun and varied popular ski treks available. You walk between huts and never reach a very high altitude. On the other hand, you have to cross many small streams and rivers that may or may not be frozen. Along the route there are hot springs and steam vents, and in Landmannalaugar there is a famous, natural hot pool ideal for warming up. The best time to do this trek is between February and April. The route is about 70km (43 mi) long and is often done in about 4 days.

Walk from Sigalda to Landamannalaugar, then to Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn and on to Emstrur. If there’s too little snow, the last section of the walk down into Þórsmörk can be difficult, and similarly from Þórsmörk to the main road. Instead of walking to Þórsmörk people often go to Fljótshlíð from Emstrur. Icelandic Mountain Guides, Ferðafélag Íslands and Útivist have all offered guided skiing trips here.