The Icelandic ski season is surprisingly short considering the country’s name. Although Iceland has not managed to produce the same number of top skiers as our neighbouring countries in the North, there is a proud skiing tradition in Iceland. Icelandic ski resorts usually open around January/ February, depending on weather and road conditions. Most resorts offer ski rentals and instructors. Here is a list of the most promising prospects for a ski vacation in Iceland.
Bláfjöll
Bláfjöll is the largest skiing area in Iceland with 15 lifts. 3.5-10 km cross-country trails are made, weather permitting, and a 5-km section is lit. Bláfjöll is a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik. Tel.: 561 8400, www.skidasvaedi.is
Skálafell
Skálafell is a rather large resort in the vicinity of Reykjavík. 5 lifts, 6 trails, and a 10 km cross-country ski track. Tel.: 896 1318, 530 3000, www.skidasvaedi.is
Akureyri
One of the most popular resorts in Iceland, a 5-minute drive from Akureyri. The mountain has four lifts, 9 trails and 5 km of lit cross-country trails. Suitable both for beginners and intermediately experienced skiiers. Tel.: 460 1000, www.hlidarfjall.is
Ísafjorður
One of the more exciting resorts in Iceland is in Tungudal and Seljalandsdal above the town of Ísafjörður. The mountain offers three cross-country ski circles totalling 11 km, and 1860 meters of combined lifts. Well suited for snowboarding. Tel.: 456 3793, www.isafjordur.is/ski
Dalvík
Böggvisstaðafjall in Dalvík is a large ski resort in the north, about a half-hour drive from Akureyri. 2 km of cross-country paths and two lifts with a combined length of 1,200 metres. Tel.: 466 1010, www.skidalvik.is
Oddskarð
Between Eskifjörður and Norðfjörður in eastern Iceland is Oddskarð, one of the highest mountains in Iceland. Three ski lifts and over 1800 meters of combined lit trails make this a great stop for downhill skiing. http://www.ski.is/svaedi.asp?skiid=12
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