
Describing Iceland as a tourist location is one of the hardest tasks one writer can deal with. The reason is simple – describing the thrill and the feeling a person gets during some of the trips through this Nordic country located in the North Atlantic can’t be done by simply using words.
It is not just mystic, but it is also dramatic, unbelievably photogenic with some of the most breathtaking sightseeing places you’ll ever encounter… And you may even run into a reindeer!
1. Bláfjöll Ski Resort
Also known as the Blue Mountains, Bláfjöll, located about 33 kilometers from the city of Reykjavik, is considered to be one of the most popular resorts for skiing in Iceland mostly because of the ease of access. It doesn’t take more than half an hour to reach Reykjavik, and as soon as the temperature falls, this place becomes the center of all happenings.
What Makes It Different
- Rich nightlife
- Great for beginners
- Amazing scenery
- Ease of access
2. Dalvík Ski Resort
Next in line with the best ski resorts in Iceland is the Dalvík ski resort. Located a bit more than half an hour away from Akureyri, this small but meaningful resort is called “second home” by many ski and snowboard professionals from Iceland. It has only two lifts and about 5 kilometers of ski tracks, but you’ll get the chance to feel what it’s like to be a skier in Iceland. What makes this resort even more special is the fact that it is still unique and offers you the chance to meet the Icelandic culture as it is while you admire the view from some of the tracks that groomed many former World Cup and Winter Olympics competitors.
What Makes It Different
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Dynamic off-piste trails
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Often visited by professionals
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Direct insight into the culture of Iceland
3. Ísafjörður Ski Resort
What Makes It Different
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Located near the sea
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Perfect backcountry trails
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Steep slopes for skiing experts
4. Oddsskarð Ski Resort
Some call it “Fjord Alps”, others regard it as a real eastern Iceland ski jewel, but one thing is certain – Oddsskard should be on the top of your “to visit” list when it comes to Iceland. It is located between the villages of Eskifjörður and Norðfjörður, so you’ll be able to feel the real Icelandic culture and enjoy their local cuisine. It is small, with a single ski lodge of a capacity of 40 people in sleeping bags, so you’ll most likely have to try to find accommodation in some of those two villages, but once you step on one of the runs or start your cross-country skiing adventure, you’ll be glad you’ve decided to check this ski resort out. And if you’re lucky enough, you may encounter an Icelandic fox or some other domestic wild animal along the way.
What Makes It Different
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Known as Iceland ski jewel
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Best cross-country location in Iceland
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Lots of wild animals
5. Hlíðarfjall (Hlidarfjall) Ski Resort
What Makes It Different
- Largest resort in Iceland
- High-quality snow
- Home to many ski and snowboard competitions
6. Siglufjörður Ski Resort
Many recent generations grew up reading Harry Potter books or watching movie adaptations, so you’re most likely familiar with trolls and elves. By visiting Siglufjordur, you’ll get the chance to see for yourself the place where trolls and elves used to live. Located in Trollaskagi, or Troll Peninsula, Siglufrordur is mostly famous for backcountry ski trails and off-piste skiing. Some people love to call this area a natural phenomenon thanks to the fact that it is surrounded by volcanoes, rocks, fjords, waterfalls…
What Makes It Different
- Unique off-piste experience among rocks, volcanoes, fjords…
- Surrounded by waterfalls
7. Lake Myvatn
Although not a ski resort, Lake Myvatn is one of the most attractive locations in Iceland. It is located near Akureyri which means it is easily accessible from Dalvik or Hlidarfjall and has many different snow and ice activities offered. What makes it even more attractive is the fact that a part of Game of Thrones was filmed on Lake Myvatn, so as you hit the trails during your cross-skiing adventure or feel the wind in your hair while on the dog sled you can say that you’ve been following the footsteps of Jon Snow.
What Makes It Different
- Famous for dog sledding
- Great for cross-skiing
8. Ski Resort Húsavík
Probably the best place for skiing beginners, Husavik is also quite popular among snowboarders and it is regarded as one of the best places for snowboarding in Iceland. There are many interesting and challenging trails for snowboarders which makes it a favorite, while it also has something interesting to offer for freestyle skiers.
What Makes It Different
- Suitable for beginners
- Cross-country skiing over lava fields
9. Ski Resort Skálafell
Same as Blafjoll, Skalafell is located about half an hour away from the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik. At the age of about 1,8 million years, this ski resort lays on the remains of the inactive Sarladur volcano and it is connected to Esja mountain. There are many different slopes on 7 kilometers of groomed ski runs that are available from February to April.
What Makes It Different
- Astonishing terrains
- Beautiful view
- Great for novice skiers
10. Stafdalur Ski Resort
When they talk about Stafdalur ski resort, located near the village of Seyðisfjörður, many skiers love to use the term “excellent”. This resort has 5 kilometers of groomed trails, but it doesn’t stop there – you can check out many different off-piste trails, try backcountry or cross-country skiing, snowmobiles, or any other ski-related activity you can think off. And last, but not least, Stafdalur is regarded as one of the most popular locations for snowboarding in Iceland.
What Makes It Different
- The best overall skiing in Iceland resort
- Great snowboarding in Iceland location
- Chance to try any ski-related activity you can think of
Globo Surf Overview
Skiing is fun in general, but skiing in Iceland and snowboarding in Iceland, thanks to its mysterious, dramatic, and unique nature, will make the whole experience one-of-a-kind. With this article, you’ll know what to expect – now all you have to do is pack your bags and hit the nearest airport – season is just around the corner!
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Source
- Ski resorts Iceland, skiresort.info