LANDMANNALAUGAR IN WINTER

Unless you are planning to ski in Iceland, you don’t strictly need a ski jacket when visiting. In winter, your priority should be to stay warm, and thermal layers and a warm jacket will be helpful for that.

In summer, Iceland can still be quite cool by other countries’ standards, but standard outdoor gear—including a warm and waterproof jacket—will be enough.

Skiing in Iceland is not like skiing anywhere else. Imagine infinite wild, white landscapes, with the chance to see the northern lights. Picture pristine snows and breathtaking descents. Expect the thrill of an adventure that you’ll find in few other places in Europe.

In fact, to ski in Iceland is a completely different experience than to ski in the Alps, for example. You won’t find enormous resorts, crowds of tourists, and long lifts.

Rather, ski resorts in Iceland tend to be smaller, while the real action happens off-piste. For a true Icelandic ski experience, join a skiing tour, to explore the highlands and mountains in a way few others do. You’ll see a wild world that’ll stay with you forever.

The two most popular ski resorts close to Reykjavík are Bláfjöll and Skálafell. Both are just 25 minutes out of the city. Bláfjöll is the larger of the two resorts, with 14 lifts compared to Skálafell’s four.

You can also join ski tours from Reykjavík too. For example, on a summit tour of Iceland’s biggest peaks, you’ll ski the most rewarding mountains across five days.

There are a total of 13 ski resorts in Iceland, spread out across the country. For example, there are a couple a short distance from Reykjavík, but the majority are in the north of Iceland, around the city of Akureyri.

Iceland’s ski resorts tend to be smaller than you might be used to if you’ve skied in the Alps, though. Instead, most locals and visitors to the country prefer cross-country skiing. You’ll journey across Iceland’s remote landscapes on skis, and enjoy untouched powder on your descents.

If you’re planning to ski in a resort in Iceland, dress how you would dress at any other ski resort you’ve been to. For example, a ski jacket and trousers are a must, plus thermal layers, hat, gloves, scarf, and ski socks.

On the other hand, if you're cross-country skiing in Iceland, you’ll need some different gear. For example, as you’ll be moving up hills as well as down, you may get a little warmer. In this case, breathable trousers and layers that you can take off are preferable. Of course, though, don’t forget your warm, waterproof jacket just in case it snows!