Winter Adventures in Iceland: Your Guide to Snow, Slopes, and Sleds

When winter blankets Iceland, adventure awaits. Whether you’re looking for high-speed thrills, off-the-beaten-path exploration, or a peaceful glide through snowy landscapes, Iceland’s winter sports scene has something for everyone. The season runs from November through April, with the best snow typically found in the north. 

Skiing and snowboarding: Iceland's Best Slopes 

Bláfjöll (Reykjavík) – Quick Slopes Near the Capital

Just 30 minutes from Reykjavík, Bláfjöll is Iceland’s largest ski area, with 14 lifts and a new quad chairlift, Drottning, which opened in 2022. Ski rentals and a bus shuttle with three stops in the capital area make it a convenient day (or night skiing) trip.  

Hlíðarfjall (Akureyri) – Iceland’s Premier Ski Destination

The groomed slopes of Hlíðarfjall, overlooking Akureyri, offer some of Iceland’s best skiing and snowboarding conditions. Thanks to heavy snowfall, the season here often lasts until late April. The longest run is 2.3 km and is accessible via the Fjarkinn chairlift.

Nearby Akureyri are three local ski areas worth trying: Siglufjörður Ski Area by Siglufjörður, Tindastóll by Sauðárkrókur, and Björgvinsstaðafjall by Dalvík. Note that ski lifts close down in strong winds, so it is always best to check ahead.

Cross-country skiing: Local tracks and off-beat routes 

Both Hlíðarfjall and Bláfjöll have excellent cross-country tracks, equipped with flood lighting until 10 PM each day. Public parks and forests are other popular places for ready-made tracks. To name a few - for each region - are Kjarnaskógur in Akureyri, Heiðmörk in Reykjavík, Tungudalur in Ísafjörður, and Oddsskarð by Eskifjörður.

Guided tours make off-track cross-country possible, often allowing exclusive access to hiking routes popular over the summer. For instance, a five-day tour explores Landmannalaugar with day tours from its hiking hut. Another tour led by Icelandic Mountain Guides travels the legendary Sprengisandur highland, crossing from south to north. 

Snowshoeing tours are another alternative. They are less expensive and do not require a group cross-country skiing experience. Tours are available in Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon.

Off-piste skiing: Snowcats, helicopters, and sailboats

The best opportunities for off-piste mountain skiing (or backcountry skiing) are by Eyjafjörður in the north, Ísafjarðardjúp in the west, and Fjarðabyggð in the east. 

Mountains Múlakolla (by Siglufjörður) and Kaldbakur (by Grenivík) are popular for off-piste skiing in northern Iceland and, thus, the entire country. The north leads the way, servicing this growing niche in winter tourism. Tour operators offer rides up on snowcats, and in winter, much of Iceland’s helicopter fleet is based in the area for heli-skiing. Most high-end action is based on the Troll Peninsula, in and around Siglufjörður. 

Sailboat tours are available in the Westfjords. The vessel is essentially used as a mountain hut, moving from one fjord to the next in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.

Glacial mountain skiing is usually done in springtime, April—May, when daytime temperatures on the glaciers are below zero. These tours are mainly hiking trips, using the skies to descend.

Snowmobiling and dog sledding: Endless desolation by Lake Mývatn

Snowmobiling is possible year-round on top of glaciers, but travelers can explore areas otherwise inaccessible to motorized vehicles over winter.

Lake Mývatn, the settlement closest to the highland region, offers tours from November to May, with rides on snowmobiles and dog sleds pulled by 28 Siberian Huskies. In March each year, the community of Mývatn hosts the family-friendly Winter Festival. 

Most glacial tours take place in southwest Langjökull. The second-largest glacier in Iceland has spectacular snowmobile routes, with mountains peeking out of the ice cap and snow-topped hills sure to get the adrenaline flowing. But most impressive is the endless desolation drivers experience when crossing at high speeds without landmarks. Winter is a magical time.