North Iceland offers ski experiences for people of all ages and disciplines. Those keen on the backcountry and heli-skiing will find unique slopes with surroundings that are hard to find anywhere else. Skiing from a mountain top down to the shore in a remote fjord is a thrilling experience. Add the midnight sun to the mix during the spring season, and you’ll get an experience that leaves you with memories that won’t be so easily forgotten.
You’ll find a broad range of flood-lit ski areas for those seeking groomed slopes and lifts. Hlíðarfjall in Akureyri is the biggest and the most popular ski destination among Icelanders, the world's unofficial ski jump record was broken there in 2024. In the small fishing towns of Dalvík, Siglufjörður, and Sauðárkrókur, you’ll find well-equipped ski areas. There you can also get ski lessons. Ólafsfjörður, Húsavík, and by Lake Mývatn are smaller ski areas. All of the ski areas offer excellent cross-country tracks.
The season can extend from December to May. Early in the season, the floodlights come in handy as there are only a few hours of sunlight. Later in the winter, the weather is a bit calmer and the skies are more often blue. It’s ideal to travel between those destinations and try out the different features of each one. Ski equipment is available for rent in most areas. Add other activities to your itinerary, like whale watching, northern light tours, snowmobiling, dog sledding, or soaking in a bath. A ski trip to North Iceland combined with activities such as these is sure to be unique.
