Trip Description

Picture waking up aboard a 60-foot sailboat in an inlet surrounded by seemingly endless peaks and fjords, spending the day exploring on skis or by kayak, and wrapping it up with a gourmet meal of fresh, local seafood and produced prepared by your captain and his crew. Imagine logging first descents through wide-open bowls, steep couloirs and traverses from one fjord to another. See yourself living aboard a beautifully restored oak schooner and sailing under the midnight sun, visiting areas steeped in rich history and vibrant culture, fishing, whale watching and sharing the adventure with good friends new and old.

Our certified guides invite you to join them on this adventure of a lifetime. The trip begins in the Westfjords, in NW Iceland, at a fishing port named Isafjordur. From here, you will board the yacht and set sail for Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, home to some of Iceland’s most spectacular scenery. Over the course of six days, you will ski and paddle throughout the region, returning each night to your floating home away from home, where après snacks and a cold drink await. For adventure seekers and travel enthusiasts, this trip is a dream come true.

Details

LOCATION: Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Westfjords of Iceland

DURATION: 6 days/ 5 nights

SEASON: April 2024, enquire about specific dates

DIFFICULTY: Intermediate skiers, beginners backcountry skiers

PRICE: €4400

 

Itinerary

Note: below is a likely itinerary, but weather and snow-conditions are evaluated before leaving Isafjordur Harbour on Day 1 and details are subject to change.

DAY 1: Avalanche training in Isafjordur in the afternoon. Depart in the evening, with 2-4 hours of
sailing to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.

DAY 2: Ski from Hesteyrarfjordur to Veidileysufjordur

DAY 3:  Ski to Lonafjordur (Lagoon Fjord)

DAY 4: Spend the day skiing around the Rangali Anchorage. Lots of ski options in this area

DAY 5: Skin up from the Sopandi Inlet and over to Hrafnfjordur (Raven Fjord)

DAY 6: Morning ski before sailing back to Isafjordur with an estimated arrival of 16:00 in the afternoon. You can catch the last flight from Isafjordur that night, though it is suggested staying at least one night in Isafjordur to relax and get to know this beautiful and historic town.

What makes this trip special?

  • Unique combination of sailing and skiing

  • Breathtaking views

  • Arctic wildlife

  • Fresh fish and mussels, hand picked as we go

  • Solitude

  • Hands-on sailing experience

What's Included

  • Transportation to and from Isafjordur airport

  • 6 days (5 nights) on a sailboat

  • All meals for the duration of the trip

  • Guided backcountry skiing by certified ACMG guide and local Icelandic guide with 1:4 ratio

  • Sailing instruction

  • Use of stand-up paddle boards (SUP) and sea kayaks

  • Use of wet weather sailing clothing

What's Not Included

  • Transportation between Reykjavik and Isafjordur before and after trip

  • Personal ski gear (ski touring boots, skis or split-board, skins)

  • Personal avalanche safety equipment (probe, shovel and transceiver)

  • Travel and personal accident insurance

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Gratuities

Ski Abilities

This trip is designed for people with some ski experience. You should be comfortable skiing blue (intermediate) and black (advanced) ski runs in ski resort areas and have a good level of fitness. No backcountry ski experience is needed.

Iceland Ski & Sail Gallery