What should you expect while heli skiing Iceland?
Although you may pair the arctic and the regions just below it with heavy snow, the truth is that most arctic regions receive a small amount of snow which then persists for months in cold temperatures. Iceland heli skiing is different since the island geography means heavy precipitation moves in from the North Atlantic, falls on the mountains that form spectacular fjords around the coast, and then persists through winter, spring, and well into the summer months.
On top of the heavy maritime snow, Iceland’s ski season includes the midnight sun which gives skiers more daylight for skiing and time to be flexible around conditions. As the Iceland heli skiing season progresses, deep snow turns into corn snow that is just as forgiving and fun but doesn’t wear you down like powder does. Spring snow is perfect for taking on the steep chutes, bowls, and slopes you’ll find in Iceland, some of which go from a summit all the way down to the shore. There may even be a late season storm that gives you an unexpected powder day while you’re heli skiing Iceland.
Of course, North Atlantic and Arctic weather are unpredictable. If you don't like the weather in Iceland, just wait fifteen minutes - it will change! There’s a reasonable chance that storms and other weather events, such as dense fog will shut down helicopter flights during your heli ski trip.
Don’t worry though, in Iceland, there was always plenty to do on the Troll Peninsula before skiers and then helicopters showed up in 2008.
Our Entertaining Down Day:
When we skied there, our guides created a terrific, full, down day of activity.
It began with a tour of a fifth generation, family owned, commercial cod fishing operation! Cod fishing is a HUGE industry in Iceland with large net exports. The factory is located in Hauganes, just South of Dalvik. The Ektafiskur cod fishing company is managed by Elvar Reykjalin. He and his son (who's wife was pregnant, furthering the genealogy!) have a good "schtick" & banter which includes a lot of comedy, some sort of home brewed alcohol (shots!) and live demonstrations – someone on your group will get “heckled!” When Elvar asks the group if you like sushi, don't be the one who says, "Yes!" (You'll come face-to-face with a cod eye!)
The tour was really fun because the family is truly engaging and has been doing this forever. Everyone gets a certificate, becoming party of the Rotten Shark Club!
We then ate lunch at a nice restaurant and proceeded to our early afternoon activity. In 2022, a new geothermal spa had just opened that week (on the East side of the Sound, across from Akureyri.) The back story for this operation was fascinating, because the fresh water source was discovered while drilling the tunnel for the new highway. They channeled the water source to build the new spa which of course is appointed with two bars! So we spent the afternoon floating around the infinity pools, tap beers in hand, swapping classic stories, as heli skiers do!
Geothermal spas are a big attraction in Iceland, beginning with the Blue Lagoon. They come in a variety of different sizes, locations and "vibes." The one we visited was more of a locals spot, extremely modern, well-appointed and super mellow - not touristy. I wish I could find a website – ugg!
Most of the tourism occurs in the South of Iceland. We enjoyed a classic Southern Iceland tourist itinerary after our ski trip.
We left the spa, went back across to Akureyri, and the evening began as we were ushered into an "odd looking door." Inside, we discovered a movie theater, and we were amongst the fist viewers internationally to take in Top Gun: Maverick! It was a welcome surprise, regardless of personal opinions about Tom Cruise!
Community Pools for sports training and pleasure are also a very significant part of Icelandic culture. Bring your suit and a pair of swim goggles are not a bad addition!
