Skiing in Iceland: Where to Go, What to Expect & Why It’s Magical

The Main Ski Resorts in Iceland

Reykjavík Region

Bláfjöll – “The Blue Mountains”

Iceland’s largest ski area and the capital region’s favourite winter playground. Just 25–35 minutes from Reykjavík.

Why go:

• 16 lifts, varied terrain, night skiing
• Great for families & intermediates
• Easy to combine with a Reykjavík city break

Skálafell – Reykjavík’s Smaller, Quieter Local Hill

Located under Mount Esja, Skálafell is relaxed, local and ideal for beginners.

Why go:

• Low-key and uncrowded
• Perfect for learners and mixed-ability groups

North Iceland: The Country’s Skiing Heartland

North Iceland has the most reliable snow and the most varied ski terrain in the country. This is where Icelanders go when they want real skiing.

Hlíðarfjall – Akureyri’s Flagship Resort

The best all-round ski resort in Iceland: modern lifts, good snowmaking, long pistes, and jaw-dropping views over Eyjafjörður.

Why go:

• Best piste skiing in Iceland
• Great for intermediates & advanced skiers
• A proper ski-town vibe in Akureyri

Siglufjörður – Skiing in a Fairytale Fjord

A small downhill area plus enormous backcountry potential, all set in a narrow fjord with colourful houses and steep peaks.

Why go:

• Iconic “ski-to-the-sea” backcountry
• One of Iceland’s main heli-skiing hubs

Dalvík – A Gateway to Touring Paradise

Dalvík doesn’t have a large lift-served resort — instead it offers a beloved local ski hill (Böggvisstaðafjall) combined with some of the best ski touring terrain in the country.

Why go:

• Authentic local skiing
• Excellent for ski touring & off-piste
• Close to whale watching and vibrant local culture

Tindastóll – Sauðárkrókur’s Local Treasure

Located above the town of Sauðárkrókur, Tindastóll offers well-kept slopes, friendly staff, and views stretching over Skagafjörður.

Why go:

• Great family atmosphere
• Ideal for beginners and intermediates
• Fantastic scenery of North Iceland’s farming valleys and fjords

East Iceland: Remote, Quiet & Wild

Oddsskarð – One of Iceland’s Most Dramatic Ski Areas

Perched high in the mountains between Eskifjörður and Neskaupstaður, Oddsskarð (Oddsskard) is a legendary East Iceland ski area, known for deep snow, moody mountain weather and thrilling terrain.

Why go:

• Steep, scenic slopes
• A favourite among East Iceland locals
• Feels wild, remote, and adventurous

Note: The region is working on updates to lift operations — but when it’s open, it’s spectacular.

Westfjords: For the True Adventurer

Ísafjörður – The Capital of the Westfjords

Ísafjörður’s Tungudalur ski area is small, friendly, and surrounded by towering Westfjord mountains — but the real magic lies in the backcountry.

Why go:

• Quiet slopes suitable for families
• Exceptional ski touring
• Access to the legendary Arctic ski routes of the Westfjords

Backcountry & Heli-Skiing in Iceland

Tröllaskagi Peninsula

The mecca for Icelandic ski touring — steep couloirs, big bowls, and the famous “ski to the sea” descent. Dalvík, Ólafsfjörður, and Siglufjörður are the main hubs.

Heli-skiing

Mostly based in the Troll Peninsula, with operations around Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður. Expect:

• 1,000–1,500 m vertical drops
• Ocean views from the summit
• Spring skiing from March–May

Practicalities

Season

Late December through April; best conditions Feb–April.

Lift Pass Prices

Generally very affordable compared to mainland Europe — adults per day approx 7500ISK/€50/$60 and children 2000ISK/ €14/ $15 (depending on ski resort).

Gear & Rentals

All major ski areas offer equipment rentals (skis, snowboards, helmets, clothing).

Other Winter Activities

• Northern Lights
• Geothermal spas
• Whale watching (especially in North Iceland)
• Snowmobiling
• Glacier tours
• Reykjavík culture & dining

Which Ski Area in Iceland Is Right for You?

• Families & beginners: Skálafell, Tindastóll, Tungudalur (Ísafjörður)
• Intermediate/advanced skiers: Hlíðarfjall, Bláfjöll
• Adventurers: Oddsskarð, Dalvík, Siglufjörður, Tröllaskagi touring
• City break + skiing: Reykjavík + Bláfjöll
• Remote, wild Iceland: East Iceland & the Westfjords