Peaks of Siglufjörður Ski Tour
World-Renowned Backcountry Skiing in North Iceland
Deservedly, the Troll peninsula, or Tröllaskagi, in North Iceland has become world-renowned for its backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. The region’s uniqueness is attributed to the long runs it offers from mountain tops to the ocean. The cherry on top is that you will find good snowpack lasting well into spring.
Your days will be spent touring the mountains of the area. The skiing possibilities here are endless, and every day new summits, valleys and open slopes will be explored on your ski touring adventure. You can expect moderate difficulty each day, with at least 800 m (2630ft) skinning ascents on most days. Additional ski touring possibilities for those who like more skiing are possible.
After a fun-filled day of skiing, each night you will unwind at the Sigló, a new and comfortable traditional style hotel situated right at the fisherman’s marina in the town of Siglufjörður. The hotel’s fabulous restaurant, outdoor hot tub and surrounding landscape, make it the perfect place to rest and possibly spot the amazing Northern Lights. For more information see the Lodging tab.
Don’t miss out on some of the best ski touring in Iceland!
The tour starts & finishes in the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik & you can see the full tour program via the Itinerary tab.
Snow, Weather & Terrain
The Troll Peninsula (Tröllaskagi in Icelandic) is a remarkable location of mountains, valleys & fjords between Skagafjörður and Eyjafjorður in northern Iceland. Its peaks reach up to 1200m, with the Kerling, the highest peak, reaching 1528m. The area is punctuated with deep valleys left behind by long-gone glaciers; now cut by rivers. It covers an area of 150 km² and holds 150 small glaciers.
Being in the far north, near-Arctic latitudes mean that the springtime sun is not strong, allowing the deep snow pack to stay fresh & cold. So there’s no need for an early start, the snow will stay good the whole day, even on the south facing aspects. A relaxed pace ensures your group has a good breakfast and will get out by 9:30am ish (depending on weather and conditions).
For most people that come ski touring in Tröllaskagi, the novelty is skiing down to the sea. The majority of the mountains start just above sea level and rise to around 1000m: no single climb will be a big day out, allowing more runs per day. Those wanting more will usually do 'link ups '- dropping a few hundred meters off the first summit and skinning up to the next one. The terrain is perfect for as much or little as the group members want, with plenty of features mid-way where a run can end and a skinning track begin.
Ski Ability & Equipment
The Peaks of Siglufjörður ski tour is classed as 'challenging' & is only suitable for fit, strong intermediate or better skiers with previous ski-touring experience. Ski days range from 3- 7hr duration, with maximum accumulated ascent of 800m-1200m/day depending on the fitness, skills & wishes of the group. Additional vertical is possible for experienced guests. All guests are required to bring their own ski or snowboard touring equipment (including skins & avalanche safety equipment) & know how to use it.
Small Groups
The Peaks of Siglufjörður ski tour is restricted to a minimum of 4 & maximum of 12 guests per group. Guests must be aged 18yr or older. Two guides accompany tours of 9 - 12 guests.