Northern Lights and Skiing Adventure

Downhill Skiing Adventure in Northern Iceland

Iceland’s ski resorts are mainly found in the wild, northerly region of the country, home to the city of Akureyri. From here enjoy winter adventures and downhill skiing with the backdrop of glaciers and, with luck, the Northern Lights. This self drive trip can be tailored to encompass your choice of adventures, from husky sledding and snowmobiling to horseback riding and geothermal spas, all of which will complement your days on the slopes.

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Image credit: Hörður Finnbogason

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

Day 1:

Arrival to Akureyri airport where you'll collect your rental car. Drive to downtown Akureyri in under 20 minutes, where you'll spend four nights in the comfortable Hotel Kea.

Explore Iceland's northerly city before heading to the wonderful Forest Lagoon nestled next to Eyjafjörður. There are very few forests in Iceland which makes this spot so unique since it is surrounded by birch and pine trees. Enjoy a soak in the warming lagoon pools which reach temperatures of up to 40°C (104F) whilst you enjoy a beverage at the swim-up bar. In the evening, relax in one of Akureyri's restaurants and recharge before the downhill skiing adventures ahead.

Day 2:

After a hearty Icelandic breakfast, it's time to hit the slopes at Iceland's most popular ski resort, Hlíðarfjall - a 15 minute drive from Akureyri. Here you can rent skis and check in your ski passes before exploring the 26 marked pistes, ranging from family friendly nursery slopes to challenging black runs. There's a vertical drop of 455 meters (1492 ft) and floodlits for the shorter days during winter. After dark, don't forget to look out for appearances of the magical Northern Lights to add color and glow to your adventure!

Day 3:

Today you can return to the downhill ski slopes, or perhaps upgrade your adventure and adrenaline levels with a heli ski tour or snowmobile adventure. For those wanting to diversify their skiing experience, then cross country skiing on the many trails could be a perfect way to spend the day.

Day 4:

Today's adventure will take place at local family owned husky farm, where you'll meet a pack of excitable yet adorable husky dogs.Explore the woodland trails with a team of husky dogs either as a driver or passenger depending on your preference. After the experience, you'll get to know more about life with the husky dogs and meet the entire team, and sometimes their puppies too!

Today we also suggest that you visit some of the sites of Northern Iceland's so-called 'Diamond Circle' which includes Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, as well as Lake Mývatn, a mystical landscape shaped by centuries of volcanic eruption. There is also a ski resort at Mývatn should you wish to explore a second resort.

Day 5:

After breakfast, drive to the airport where you'll return your rental car and board your flight. If you'd like to extend your stay in Northern Iceland, our team will design an itinerary to cover more downhill skiing adventures and winter experiences by day and night.

As of winter 2023, there is a direct flight connection from London Gatwick to Akureyri twice weekly with EasyJet. We can match the schedules to your itinerary for a convenient connection to Arctic Iceland.

BUDGET

From £1200 per person based on two sharing including car rental, four nights bed and breakfast accommodation, ski passes, husky sledding adventure and Forest Lagoon Spa entry. Flights are not included.

This roughly converts to: 1,380 EUR | 1,572 USD

Remember that each trip we craft is unique, and you'll receive a personalised trip proposal based on your travel dates and preferences, and in the currency of your choice (GBP, USD, or EUR).

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Additional Info

This trip has flexible daily departures

Between Dec and Apr

Many of trips can be tailored to your requirements and departure dates. Please get in touch with us for a tailored quotation and details of availability for your preferred travel dates. All trips and departures are subject to availability.

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