Travel: Skiing and Sailing Iceland’s West Fjords

April 18th, 2014 • BY Molly Baker

Ski season may be winding down stateside but it’s in mid-swing in Iceland, which boasts pristine lines and sweeping views, much of which is accessible via boat. Here, pro skier and Tiny House dweller Molly Baker (who we profiled here) tells us how to do (and ski/board) Iceland right.

There’s traveling to ski and then there’s traveling to ski in Iceland. Never have I been to a more magical snow globe of friendly locals, fresh fish, quaint towns, geothermal hot springs, and the opportunity to ski right down to the ocean. Iceland is a place of ski dreams lived and snow happiness found.

After browsing the hipster thrift shops in Reykjavik, the country’s capital, make your way into the West Fjords. Isafjördur, located in the West Fjords, is a small town of about 3,000 people and is the perfect base camp for Icelandic ski escapades.

Get There: On trans-Atlantic flights from the U.S. or Canada to Europe, book through Iceland Air and get a free stopover in Iceland for up to seven nights. If you only have time for travel to Iceland, flights are shorter and cheaper than you may expect from North America. Iceland Air flies direct from cities such as Denver, Seattle, and Edmonton for as little as $600 U.S to Reykjavik. From the capital city you can rent a car or fly directly into Isafjördur, the ski capital of the West Fjords.

Sail Away: Although not necessary, skiing from a sailboat in Iceland pushes the entire experience into another realm of awesomeness. Six days and five nights of kayaking, paddle boarding, and skiing from fjord to fjord—plus delicious meals of fresh, local fish and lamb cooked by the legendary Captain Sigurður Jónsson—how could you pass that up? Aurora Arktika delivers first-class ski adventure with a little Icelandic culture on the side.

 

Rest your Head: The Gamla Guesthouse in Isafjördur is central, affordable, cute, and clean. April is the slow season for Iceland tourism, but the best time for skiing, so reservations should be available if you plan a trip in the spring. Accommodations include sparse Wi-Fi, cozy rooms, and a shared kitchen space.

Ski: Everywhere! Just look out your window and you’ll see lines. Conditions in Iceland can be variable, but at best you’ll be skiing warm, spring corn snow down to the water. Backcountry touring equipment is a must in Iceland. A few ski areas are sprinkled around the country (usually open from about 4-7 p.m. when everyone gets off work), but the best skiing is just right out the front door anywhere in Isafjördur. Another option is to rent bikes and ride to the base of the couloirs you can see from town.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: Husid, conveniently located next door to the Gamla Guesthouse is Isafjördur’s hub of good food, hip atmosphere, and live music. Try the “Soup of the House,” a yummy fish stew, or the “Fish of the Day” and limit yourself to a few $10 beers.

 

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