Skiing in Iceland – best resorts     

Iceland is known for its hot springs, windswept volcanic coastlines, rugged landscape, and – of course – the northern lights dancing across the sky. But if you’re making the trip, why not get some skiing in? Okay, there aren’t hundreds of resorts to choose from. Still, you’ll discover plenty of charm and more than enough snow to dig your edges into.

Plus, when going somewhere new, it’s only fitting you have fresh ski clothing, right? MONTEC has the best gear for inside and outside the boundary ropes. So check out our range and grab yourself the perfect ski jacket or ski bib for your next snowy adventure.

Top ski resorts

Ísafjörður

The first resort on our list is Isafjördur, a small but snowy resort that truly embraces the country’s rugged, remote feel. It’s 225 miles north of Reykjavík, and you can reach it via a connecting plane or driving. You’ll ski off the high coastal hills towards the fjord below and feast your eyes on the most amazing scenery you’ve ever seen. 

The best run to hit for this is the aptly named Fjord Run, which winds peacefully down to the water. Expect ridiculously epic views of the town and sea. Accommodation-wise, we recommend the titular Hotel Ísafjörður, a cozy, central hotel with easy access to the slopes and town. When you finish a day of riding, try the local seafood. Tjöruhúsið is our top choice, renowned for the quality of its food and warm post-ride atmosphere.

Hlíðarfjall Akureyri

The country’s largest, snowiest, and highest ski resort is next. With 24 trails serviced by seven lifts – and over 10 feet/three meters of the good stuff every year – Hlíðarfjall should definitely be on your Iceland hit list. It’s about 240 miles northeast of the capital, and you can either take a connecting plane or drive here. Either way, you’ll be heavily rewarded.

The highest lift tops out at over 3,280 feet/1,000 meters. There, your eyes will boggle at the sweeping views of the fjord to the north, the valley to the south, and the town of Akureyri lying below. For mixed-ability groups, Hlíðarfjall is a fantastic choice with its excellent variety of terrain and accessible off-piste. The town is also pretty vibrant, with a few impressive food and post-ride drink options. In terms of accommodation, we recommend staying at Hotel Kea. Then, check out R5 Micro Bar, known for its local craft beers and laid-back vibe.

Bláfjöll

Let’s get a little closer to the airport, shall we? Bláfjöll is only 30 minutes and 18 miles south of the capital, making it the island’s most accessible ski resort. This means it’s perfect for a day trip if you’re staying in Reykjavík. There are 15 trails and a solid snow record to go with it. The resort also has night skiing with floodlit slopes to rip after dark – a real treat on those shorter winter days!

The ‘Main Run’ is a wide-open slope for cruisey laps. Time it right (go in March), and ski into the evening with a chance of catching the northern lights. There’s nothing like skiing beneath them! In terms of accommodation, we love Hotel Borg for a little dose of luxury. When it comes to traditional cuisine, hit Íslenski Barinn, a popular restaurant with a great local menu. Want drinks in the capital? You can’t beat the famous Skúli Craft Bar, serving many local and imported microbrews. It’s a dreamy way to cap off a long day on the slopes (hopefully under the aurora boreali).

Oddsskarð

Oddsskarð is one of the smallest and most remote resorts on this list. However, it appeals to the more hardcore crowd thanks to its challenging terrain and pretty epic off-piste and touring opportunities. There are over 400 miles to cross to get there, as it’s on the easternmost arm of the island. You can find it nestled above the town of Reyðarfjörður, with amazing views from top to bottom. Though the official measurement is just eight feet/2.4 meters of snowfall a year, the steep valley sides do a fantastic job of catching hold of it. So, you’ll find plenty of deep stashes to slash on the way down.

The resort sits in a sheltered bowl. However, it’s easy to cross the road and tour over 2,380 feet/1,000 meters to the top of the neighboring plateau. Inbounds, North Face trail heads skier’s right off the peak and provides access to some of the best descents on the mountain. For accommodation, book Hotel Eskifjörður, a family-run spot. And for food? Aim for Randulf’s Sea House, serving scrumptious local seafood and the town’s top Icelandic cuisine.

Skarðsdalur – Siglufjörður

If you’re in the mood for another lengthy transfer from Reykjavík, Skarðsdalur – Siglufjörður is your resort! And don’t worry, we can’t say the name either. You’ll need to fly and drive – or hire a car and drive 240 miles to get here. Once you do, you’ll be treated to a powder paradise with steep descents and epic views down the valley. Located in the far north, this is definitely one of the most exposed resorts on this list. However, it also has some of the best touring around, with endless mountains to conquer.

Despite the remoteness of this resort, the nearby town of Siglufjörður is home to the Siglo Hotel, a bright and modern 4-star stop. It’s the perfect place to hang your hat (or helmet) after a long day of routing. Then, dip into the charming Segull 67 for a local beer and a super cozy setting. After that, it’s time to hit TORGIÐ, a family-run restaurant specializing in pizzas and burgers. We must say, they’re pretty darn delicious…

Stafdalur

Nestled in the Eastfjords – a whopping 400 miles from the capital – you’ll find Stafdalur. It’s another ‘small but mighty’ resort with insane touring options. This hidden gem is the ideal spot to get away from it all. The Eastfjords are known for their quietude and remoteness, so if that’s what you’re chasing, there are few better places on earth – let alone the island. 

Tour south from the resort to the ridge beyond the road, then head east before skiing back down to Seydisfjordur. The port town of Seydisfjordur is slightly busier than other options as it’s a cruise destination. However, it has awesome hotels, bars, and restaurants. Although we’re far from Japan, check out Norð Austur for surprisingly good sushi! Regarding accommodation, look at the super laid-back HI Hostel, which has incredible views of the water. And, lastly, don’t leave without visiting the mighty Gufu waterfall. It’s just up the valley off the side of the road. You can’t miss it.

Dalvík

The last resort on our list is the quaint and cozy Dalvik. This one’s only a quick hop from Reykjavík. And, like many resorts on this list, it combines mountains and sea with breathtaking views in all directions. But it’s not just skiing that’s on offer here. Why not go for a winter horse ride to see the valley? Or head down the coast to the Beer Spa. Yep, beer spa: bathtubs full of beer. Why not, right? Want something more outdoorsy? Take a whale-watching tour from town.

For unique lodging, stay around the headland at the Brimnes Bungalows/Cabins. Fancy a bite and a coffee to warm the bones? Aim for Gísli, Eiríkur, Helgi Kaffihús Bakkabrædra, a local café with super friendly vibes.

FAQs

What’s the best time to ski in Iceland?

Being in the northern hemisphere, Iceland’s winter season follows other ski resorts in the US, Canada, and Europe. However, because of Iceland’s latitude, days are very short during December and January – much like ski resorts in northern Finland and Sweden. Because of that, some of Iceland’s resorts provide night skiing and floodlit slopes. But, for the best of the snow and the light, we recommend going in February, March, and even early April.

Is there good ski touring in Iceland?

Iceland is an incredible place to ski tour! The Troll Peninsula is the top spot to secure a few miles under your skis. There’s vast backcountry terrain to explore, with unreal views and peaks up to 5,000 feet/1,524 meters in height. The landscape is gorgeous, too, with sweeping valleys and coastal views.

Wrapping up

Well, that’s it! Whether you’ve just heard about Iceland for skiing or you’ve been on the fence for a while, hopefully, this guide has stoked your volcanic interest to flame! We’re already sizing up our next trip. What about you?

Know something we don’t? Or think we skipped helpful information? Let us know at crew@montecwear.com.

Related reading

• How to wax skis
• Ski clothes women
• Best ski resorts in Germany
• Ski jackets women / Ski pants women
• Best ski resorts in Europe