Alpine Ski Touring

Alpine Ski Touring in Landmannalaugar

Ski touring in the third largest geothermal area in the world. A once in a lifetime experience.

Tour code: IMG56

Alpine Ski Touring in Landmannalaugar
Price from: 329.000  ISK

Experience Ski Touring in the Magical Icelandic Highlands

This adventure shows how Iceland can rival continental Scandinavia when it comes to Alpine skiing. The Icelandic Highlands are Europe’s last true wilderness, and they offer striking contrasts amidst an incredibly diverse volcanic landscape. As your professional and knowledgeable skiing guide leads you through the terrain, you’ll witness craters, lava fields, snow filled gorges and canyons where thick steam bursts out of the Earth. Travelling through these magnificent surroundings in the summer is already an amazing experience, but winter allows for a unique adventure. The Highlands are blanketed in snow and feature skiing opportunities open to only a few. During this time of the year, the region is calm and serene. The natural wonders create striking contrasts and set the scene for an unforgettable experience. After a fun day of skiing, you can enjoy a dip in a natural hot spring under the evening sky. If the conditions are right, you might see the Northern Lights.

Tour Overview

  • Pickup

    Included

  • Group size

    4 - 12 participants (second guide for groups 9 - 12)

  • Language

    English

  • Accommodation

    Mountain hut sleeping bag accommodation in dormitories

  • Skiing per day

    3 - 6 hrs

  • Maximum accumulated ascent

    600 m (2000 ft)

  • Difficulty

    Moderate

    Difficulty

    Accessible to all those in good health, who are doing some sport regularly, and who are used to all-terrain walks. 4-6 hours walk per day, without much carrying.

  • Availability

    Feb - Mar

  • Duration

    5 days

  • 18

    Minimum age:

    18 yrs

Book this tour

Customer Reviews

Tour Highlights

Included

  • Experienced and qualified guide
  • Mountain hut sleeping bag accommodation in dormitories
  • Transport in a mountain highland truck
  • Breakfast (4), Lunch (5), Dinner (4)

Not Included

  • Sleeping bag
  • Skiing equipment
  • Accommodation in Reykjavík

Optional Extras

  • Sleeping bag
  • Accommodation in Reykjavík before and after the tour

Tour Map and Itinerary

Click map for detailed itinerary

Alpine Ski Touring in Landmannalaugar

MAP & ITINERARY

Day 1

Reykjavík - Landmannalaugar

Early pick up from the accommodation at 7:30. Leaving Reykjavík we head east on the road towards Hellisheiði. After passing the village of Selfoss, we push north-west into Iceland’s interior, in the direction of the Atlantic rift. This road, the only road to the mountains that is cleared of snow, brings us to Landmannalaugar where our vehicle drops us off. After getting our luggage into the hut we put on our skis. Our path takes us to a nearby mountain Reykjakollur. On our way, we will explore beautiful hot springs in the foothills of the mountain. When back at the hut the geothermal hot pool awaits us just a few dozen meters from the hut.  
Driving: 4 hrs
Skiing: 3 hrs
Ascent/Descent: 200 - 300 m (656 - 984 ft)

Day 2

Brennisteinsalda and Bláhnúkur

We start our day by touring through the stunning Laugahraun lava field. We then ascent through a concentration of steam vents on the hills of Brennisteinsalda and to the summit. From there we ski down to Brennisteinsöldukvísl from where we ascent up the hills of Bláhnúkur for a wonderful view over Landmannalaugar and Laugahraun.  After skiing down to Brandsgil we head back to the hut for a hot bath in the pool.
Skiing: 5 - 6 hrs
Ascent/Descent: 600 m (1970 ft)

Day 3

Suðurnámur

On our skis we head out through the lava fields and towards Vondugil, before ascending a crater up to the summit of the mountain Suðurnámur. When the weather is good we can see the vastness of the open spaces extending from Vatnajökull to the east to Hofsjökull in the west of the vast rift. From there, there is an option to ski down the north side and ascent again before we descend towards Landmannalaugar.
Skiing: 5 - 6 hrs
Ascent/Descent: 300 - 600 m (984 - 1970 ft)

Day 4

Háalda and/or Breiðalda

After touring through the Laugahraun lava and towards Vondugil we will explore the canyons and hot springs of Vondugil. We then ascent Breiðalda and/or Háalda from the canyon. From there we descent to Vondugil again before heading back to Landmannalaugar and its hot springs.
Skiing: 5 - 6hrs
Ascent/Descent: 600 m (1970 ft)

Day 5

Landmannalaugar - Reykjavík

Today we head out for a short tour to Reykjakollur, Bláhnjúkur or Suðurnámur before we get picked up around noon. We leave the Landmannalaugar hut and head north past Frostastaðavatn and the lava fields of Dómadalur and towards Sigalda. We return to Reykjavík where we arrive in the late afternoon.
Driving: 4 hrs
Skiing: 3 hrs

Please note

  • The day to day activities are subject to change according to weather and snow condition and will not necessary be in the described order. Final decision on which routes will be skied each day is in the hands of the guide, and is based on snow conditions, avalanche danger etc. All times are approximate.

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
Click to activate the map

Practical Information

  • Will we be able to shower on the tour?

Unfortunately there is no hot water for the showers in the winter time but feel free to bathe in the warm natural pool a few 100 meters from the hut.

 

  • How are the toilet facilities?

During winter we use the outhouse. If the temperatures are not too low the flushing toilets might be available.  

 

  • Will the huts have running water?

There will be running cold water in the hut. You will need to heat water to get hot water.

 

  • Does the mountain hut have dormitory rooms/private rooms?

The mountain hut has no private rooms, all rooms are dormitories.

 

  • Do I need to bring my own cooking equipment?

No, the hut has a fully equipped kitchen.

 

  • Can I charge my phone/camera in the hotels/huts?

We recommend bringing a power bank to charge your electronic devices as there is no electricity in the hut. If the warden is there he/she is sometimes able to charge for a small fee ISK 500.

 

Sleeping bags can be rented from Icelandic Mountain Guides at some extra cost.
  • I am a vegetarian/vegan/gluten intolerant, will there be a food option for me, what is it?

Special dietary supplement, such as vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, gluten free or other supplements, can be ordered at some extra cost. The supplement will include meals that meet the requirements of your diet.

  • The date I want to book is not available, can I still request to book?

If a date is not available it either fully booked or not offered on that date. You are welcome to contact us for a private tour if you cannot join on an available date. Please email [email protected] to request a private tour.

For your own wellbeing and safety, we strongly suggest following the advice of our equipment list, especially that cotton clothing is not appropriate for any strenuous outdoor activity. Modern outdoor clothing is by far more comfortable and will greatly improve your experience. 

  • Touring skis (AT – Telemark – Split-board)
  • Ski boots
  • Skins, cut for the skis, in good working conditions.
  • Ski-crampons
  • Ski poles
  • Avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel
  • Small first AID kit including a blister kit
  • Ski socks
  • Warm underwear / wool or synthetics
  • Pants, e.g soft-shell
  • Light fleece jacket
  • A soft-shell jacket or other windproof and breathable layer.
  • Waterproof jacket and pants.
  • Light puffy jacket (e.g. down or Primaloft).
  • Ski-goggles.
  • Sunglasses
  • Warm hat.
  • Water bottle/thermos (1 – 2 liters total).
  • Gloves – two pairs thin and thick
  • Sun block, lip balm, etc.
  • Back-pack with straps for skis (30 – 40 liters) / (1800 - 2500 cu in)
  • Ski helmet (optional)
  • Ski strap
  • Favorite sweets / energy bars (optional)
  • Harness
  • Crampons
  • Ice-axe
  • Comfortable clothes for indoor use and non-skiing activities.
  • Toiletries
  • Any medication
  • Sleeping bag – (Only for IMG55)
  • Headlamp - (Only for IMG55)
  • Bathing gear (most tours in Iceland)
  • Aperitif or likewise (optional)