Ski to the Sea NSE-3

Ski to the Sea On this unique adventure we combine the strengths of two leading Icelandic adventure tourism companies, Bergmenn Mountain Guides and North Sailing from Húsavík. Using a beautifully restored two-masted schooner we explore the peaks, valleys and fjords of the Hidden Land, the mountainous and deserted peninsula between Eyjafjörður fjord an Skjálfandi bay.

With no roads or way of access in the winter and spring seasons, the sea remains the only way to visit this amazing playground with peaks rising over 1000 meters and snowfall of epic proportions. Each day we make land fall in small bays and coves along the north shore of this spectacular mountain range, skiing fresh tracks accompanied only by our ever changing shadow as the never setting arctic sun, makes its round in the sky. At night we enjoy good times and great food on board our floating hotel, anchored in a secluded bay, or at the small pier on Flatey island, once a thriving fishing village but now a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers alike. We cross the Arctic Circle as we set sail for the island of Grímsey, Iceland’s most northerly settlement where we visit the small fishing village and explore its coastline. Ski to the Sea is a unique adventure for those seeking new horizons, exploration and adventure of a lifetime.

See photos from this tour from Bergmenn Mountain Guides

What makes this trip so very special?

Sailing and living aboard the beautifully restored oak schooners of North Sailing
Exploring terrain that no one has ever skied before in the company of Iceland’s only certified ski guides
Visiting the islands of Flatey and Grímsey, both unique places in their own way
Sailing above the Arctic circle
Visiting the Hidden land, an area rich in history and spectacular nature only accessible by boat
Combining world class ski touring with sailing, whale watching, fishing and good times with friends

A typical day-to-day program for the Ski to the Sea adventure

Day 1

Pick up in Akureyri the capital of northern Iceland in the early morning, followed by a 1 hour transfer to Húsavík where we join up with the captain and crew of our Schooner. A safety briefing by the captain is followed by a short sail across Skjálfandi bay to our first skiing objective. After an exciting climb and some great turns, we return to our floating Hotel and set sail for the island of Flatey where we anchor for the night.

Day 2 - 3

Exploration and adventure is the name of the game as we methodically make our way around the northern tip of the Hidden Land, skiing the big lines and having a grand old time. The possibilities for exhilarating descents for skiers of all abilities are endless in this glacier carved mountain paradise. Each morning we make landfall in different coves where the ruins of deserted farms and fishing outposts can bee seen dotting the landscape. It is amazing to imagine that only a hundred years ago the entire region was a bustling, thriving farming and fishing community and that all that remains are a few crumbling walls and the outlines of hand dug ditches and farmers fields.

Day 4

After another big day of skiing we have the option of setting sail to the island of Grímsey where the opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle awaits. Invisible lines in the ground aside, Grímsey is a unique cultural outpost and Iceland's most northerly settlement. With bird life and nature like no other place we also get to sample the local fish and dip our weary feet into Iceland's most northerly swimming pool.

Day 5

A morning of exploration in Grímsey is followed by a crash course in sailing and ropemanship by our boatsman and captain. Ones the crew is all aboard we heave sails and set course back to Iceland...

On the way we learn as we go, how to sail a two masted schooner, and if the wind is favorable we will experience the great thrill of skimming silently over the Arctic Ocean powered only by the wind in our sails. Arriving in Húsavík in the Afternoon we catch our transport back to Akureyri in time for a last flight to Reykjavík or simply a relaxing evening in town.