Arctic Heliskiing – Troll Peninsula

The experienced crew of Bergmenn Mountain Guides leading Arctic Heliskiing is the only provider of a heliski and boarding operation in Iceland. On the Troll Peninsula in the west of Akureyri 4000 square kilometers of pristine Icelandic table mountains wait with numerous breathtaking descents from 1500 meter high arctic ranges. Exciting geological structures with steep chutes, wide valleys formed by glaciers and the impressive coast line of the Atlantic ocean are awaiting skiers and boarders with widely differing skill sets. Simple to extremely demanding runs in easy to sometimes difficult snow conditions, you get it all. The northerly location an inch below the polar circle allows for skiing and boarding well into the early weeks of June and thereby opens up the possibility to ski up to late in the evening when the slowly setting deep red sun hits the white slopes with awe inspiring intensity. You never will forget the scenery, particularly after the passing of a front with fresh powder – a worldclass experience!

The lodge, based on an ancient sheep farm, has been refurbished and renovated to serve the guests as common meeting quarters without having lost its original charm. Overnight facilities are small islandic wooden vacation chalets, with typical straight forward and practical design. The operation of the whole setting is uniquely personal and family like, a result of the well-known islandic hosting tradition. The excellent kitchen uses mainly local produce and idea rich recipies, thereby creating fantastic variety and surprises.

During unfavorable weather conditions hot springs, impressive lava landscapes, waterfalls and unique icelandic cultural sites offer ample excursion opportunities. Or maybe you just want to relax in the lodge owned sauna and jacuzzi, or enjoy a fabulous massage.

The favorable location between Europe and North America reduces unproductive travel time and jet lag problems when compared to other heliski destinations.

 

 

Terrain

The largest part of the licensed heliski area is situated on the Troll Peninsula in Iceland’s north, close to the arctic circle. The operation covers more than 4000 square kilometers with tousands of slopes and peaks, many of them never skied before. The highest elevation is 1550 meters above sae level and hundreds of descents lead from 1200m high plateaus straight down to the wild ocean shore.

The ever changing terrain offers steepest couloirs but also wide open flat glacier runs. Experts as well as moderate skiers and boarders will find their challenges and pleasures. Due to sometimes unpredictable and demanding snow conditions, good skiing and boarding technique is advantageous. For boarders and skiers the are ample opportunities to get airtime if they wish.

Skiers and boarders liking spring snow conditions can enjoy their hobby until mid June. So close to the arctic circle, late evening descents in the low standing reddish midnight sun is a unique experience you will never forget, in particular after a recently passed front with light snowfall!

 

 

Accommodation

The Klaengshòll Lodge

The Klaengshòll Lodge - or Raven Hill Lodge in English – is situated in a side valley of the Troll Peninsula south of Dalvik. The former historic sheep farm goes back to the age of the Vikings and has been redecorated. It serves as cozy place for joint meals and drinks or to relax and contains a few single rooms with a shared bathroom. The nights are spent in several typically icelandic built double twin houses with a charming and light interior. The two units per house both have a layout for 2 (-3) persons and their individual bathroom with shower. Furnishings are functional and in simple Scandinavian Style. The builders have used local materials as far as possible.

Klaengshòll Lodge has also a small spa in a separate building, containing a massage room, sauna and showers as well as an outdoor jacuzzi with a wonderful view on the surrounding mountains and valley. After an intense ski or boarding day the spa comes very handy, with or without a beer in the jacuzzi.

All meals are served in the dining room which has an open connection straight into the kitchen. The chef Sonja Eygolardottir has a legendary reputation: her focus is on local, organic produce including fresh vegetables grown and sold in the region. Vegetarians and meat/fish consumers both enjoy the healty food of the fabulous kitchen crew . The bar consits of several locally brewed beers, a selection of fine wines as well as some typical local and international hard drinks.

 

 

Heli & safety

Arctic Heliskiing uses the well known and heliski proven A-Star helicopters of Iceland Helicopters. They are designed for four guests, a guide and the pilot. The helis are excellently maintained and the pilots have served for years in the arctic climate zone. Icy temperatures, unfavorable visibility as well as otherwise unpleasant conditions in case of rapid weather changes is and has been their daily bread. Focus on safety and experience in risk judgement and respective action accordingly are high.

The guides sre certified mountain guides and all have several years of heli guiding experience, bei t locally made or abroad with other operators in Canada or Alaska. Back-up and emergency procedures are well organized.

Getting there

For Europeans the best routing to Iceland is a morning flight via Oslo, Copenhagen or London. Reykhjavik’s International Airport is in Kevlavik, an approx. 40 minute drive from the city center. For the flight to Akureyri in the north of Iceland you transfer from the international to the city airport. After an afternoon flight of around an hour you are picked up by Arctic Heliskiing and driven by van to the lodge in a 50 minute ride.

Accordingly, your journey is doable in less than a day with a time difference of 2-3 hours depending on your departure location and date.

Alternatively, you van rent a car in Kevlavik and get to the lodge in a 6-hour drive by yourself (in good weather conditions). A stay in Reykjavik for a night and sufficient time to visit the town and some worthwhile sightseeing under way is recommended.

An overnight stay on your way back home in Reykjavik or Keflavik is with most flight arrangements a necessity.

Program

If you arrive by plane, Arctic Heliskiing will wait for you at the airport of Akureyri. After a 45-50 minute transfer by van to the Klaengshòll Lodge the rest of the crew will expect and greet you. Following the luggage transfer to your room a safety instruction for skiing/boarding in arctic territory, rescue and evacuation procedures and helicopter safety is given. After dinner your skiing/boarding equipment is made ready for use. Whoever has some energy left will get some nice outlook on the following days from the guides, night cap provided.

Whoever flies in from Canada or the States in the early morning, can expect some same day afternoon skiing.

Days 2-6 (or 2-4): Skiing or boarding in known and/or so far uncharted terrain. You are invited to join first descents in uncomparable virgin territory.

Should unfavorable weather conditions prevail, you are free to visit natural hot springs, volcanoes, waterfalls or one of the unique historical cultural sites, small fishing villages or Akureyri, the second largest town in Iceland. Or, if you prefer, you can hike on glaciers guided), do a 4x4 trip, visit a geothermic bath on Troll Peninsula or simply relax in the sauna, the massage room or the library in Klaengshòll Lodge.

On the last day you will pack your things in the morning an then go for a last skiing or boarding day into the wild. Your senses will be engulfed by seducing slopes and exciting descents for a last time. – Your final lunch will be in the field. After your last descent you will be flown back to the lodge where the van awaits you for the transfer to Akureyri airport and late afternoon flight to Reykjavik.

 

 

Packages & prices

Dates

See 'Prices'

 

Options

  • 6 (or 4) days skiing/boarding // 6 (or 4) nights
  • Private arrangements, details on request

Included

  • 6 (4) flight hours per group
  • Transports from/to Akureyri airport
  • Transports during skiing/boarding days
  • Transponder
  • Skis and Poles
  • Day backpack with ABS, probe and shovel
  • Guides and safety trainings
  • 6 (4) nights in Cabin/Lodge based on double occupancy
  • Breakfast, Lunch Package and Dinner daily
  • Beer and Soft drinks
  • Joint excursions on down days

Not included

  • Boards and helmet
  • Additional Flight hours
  • Tips for pilots and guides
  • Alcoholic beverages (other than beer)
  • Flight and other travel related costs
  • Insurances
  • Local souvenirs

Prices

 

 

«Clientoriented, adventurous Skiing and Boarding in unexplored terrain»


Season :

Mid February - End of June


6 Days starting from EUR 13'300

4 Days starting from EUR 8'990



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