On a sunny Friday afternoon in May, the Grapevine staff parked in front of a small hut by the roots of the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier, located on the tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Our excursion guide of the day awaited us and lent out helmets, suits and gloves before leading us to the snowmobiles on which we were about to speed up the 1,446 metre high snow covered volcano.
The glacier is one of the country’s most recognized landmarks, not only due to its spectacular natural beauty but also for possessing some sorts of mystical powers and energy sources. The truth of these kinds of speculations was not about to be disputed during our trip, especially after spotting the snowmobiles lined in a row and just waiting for some action. In a heartbeat we turned into a bunch of small children, acting just as eager as if we were waiting to open the presents hiding under the Christmas tree.
After learning how to control the vehicle, the eagerly anticipant group followed the guide from the parking lot. I had brought my snowboard so I had to choose between getting my own snowmobile or share one as a passenger on the way to the top. Without hesitation I chose the latter alternative, and while desperately trying to hold the board with one hand and clenching the driver with the other we raced to the mountain peak. I really didn’t need to steer the vehicle to experience the extreme rush that could easily become addictive.
But the best part was yet to come. I cannot remember when I last witnessed a more inviting vision than the untouched powder snow I discovered when we reached the top. For me, riding down the glacier’s slopes where no snowcats have pressed the snow down, no fellow skiers were in my way, and no lift queues nor marked trails led the incredibly scenic way down, was like nothing else and is definitely a must try for all the adrenaline enthusiasts out there. Unfortunately, you might have to wait until next season.
Tour provided by Snjófell Tel.: 435 6783, www.snjofell.is