Top 7 ski resorts in Iceland

Have you ever seen the dreamiest segment in a ski film (Face of Winter *cough*) and noticed it’s in Iceland? This unique place is hard to beat, with its stunningly beautiful fjords, pinch-me-this-can’t-be-real auroras, endless miles of white canvas backcountry, and bucket-list-worthy volcanic verticals. Plus, where else can you ride from the summit to the water’s edge? 

But which ski area should you aim for within Iceland’s landscape? Don’t turn to Google. We’re here with our definitive guide to Iceland ski resorts. So, let’s dive into the land of fire and ice, shall we? Oh, and don’t forget to wrap up warm – it gets cold out there. Good thing our fresh collection is here to deliver thermal performance and plenty of style. Check out our brand-new lines below. 

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Top skiing destinations

Bláfjöll

Why not combine a city trip with carving ‘n’ cruising by heading to Bláfjöll, only a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital? There’s a bus service that shuttles between them, too. Once there, you’ll discover something for everyone — from nine miles/15 kilometers of trails to a terrain park, off-piste runs, and tons of side-country terrain to explore. Plus, you can claim those freshies with little to no competition. 

Planning to be in Iceland when the days are shorter (typically December and January)? Bláfjöll has floodlit slopes for you to shred when the sun sets. And, who knows — you might even get lucky and rip under the Northern Lights. Okay, so the facilities are quite basic at Bláfjöll. You’ll find a day lodge, public toilets, and a rental shop, but that’s pretty much it. Reykjavik is only a quick trip away, though. The capital has plenty of accommodation — and super fun spots for a post-ride beverage. We love the famous Skúli Craft Bar. Order a local or imported craft beer and toast to riding under the aurora borealis (hopefully!). 

Top tip: Don’t forget the opening times! Yep, Bláfjöll switches things up. During the weekend, it’s open from 10 am to 5 pm. However, during the week, you can only catch your first lift from around 2 pm (or 5 pm in the south area). Don’t worry, though – lifts keep spinning into the night for you to experience that stunning arctic glow. 

Hlidarfjall

Want somewhere Ullr, the Norse god of snow, has blessed? Head for Hlidarfjall in the north, just five minutes outside Akureyri (the country's second-largest city). High-quality snow is the dish of the day at Iceland’s highest, largest ski resort – alongside spectacular scenery. Hlidarfjall serves up stunning views of the Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords. It’s so beautiful you’ll rub your eyes to check it’s real. Back on the mountain, there are only seven lifts (three are tows). However, they sure deliver. The expert-only top section takes you to 2,300 feet/700 meters for gnarly, hella-fun runs. 

Hlidarfjall has 26 runs in total to cruise and charge. It also offers easy access to the country's vast backcountry. And when you’re done for the day? Aim for Akureyri, which has tons of bars, restaurants, and accommodation options. Akureyri is mega fun for après. Check out R5 Micro Bar for cocktails and Götubarinn for beer. 

Top tip: Switch things up! There are tons of awesome things to see and do near Akureyri (apart from shredding, of course!). Head to the spectacular Dettifoss Waterfall (a two-hour drive from Akureyri), bathe at Mývatn Nature Baths (an hour’s drive), or hop on a boat to explore the nearby islands of Grimsey and Hrisey.

Dalvik

Dalvik might be a small fishing town, but its reputation as the unofficial home of Iceland’s shred scene precedes it. For starters, you only need to look at the pros who have come out of this town to know it means business. Yep, athletes such as Halldór Helgason have charged Dalvik’s rugged terrain and waist-deep pow before claiming their X Games Golds. 

Experienced riders will find their groove here thanks to the miles of pow chutes, droppable cliffs, and creative lines available. Dalvik also connects with the legendary Tröll Peninsula to make off-piste the name of the game. Don’t want to stray too far from the marked runs? Don’t worry – Dalvik often opens a backcountry slope next to the resort and nine marked runs for beginners and intermediates. After riding, gorge on the world’s best fish soup in Gisli, Eirikur, Helgi, Kaffihus Bakkabrædra (a little cafe). Then, it’s time for après-ski with a difference. Soak in a hot tub brimming with beer while sipping a pint in the Beer Spa. It’s one for the memory books. 

Top tip: Ride straight to the sea! Yep, Dalvik is awesome for skinning up (or jumping in a heli) and ripping descents between 2,625-3,937 feet/800-1,200 meters straight to the lapping waves. Dreamy stuff. 

Isafjördur

Heading to the spectacular Westfjords? Zero in on Isafjördur. This resort might be small  – with only three chairs and three miles/five kilometers of trails available (50% marked for beginners). However, the scenery is mighty, thanks to its location between two mind-blowingly beautiful valleys. That means you’ll have staggering views of the Westfjords from almost every angle. Prepare to max out your phone’s memory with pics, especially if you take the aptly titled Fjord Run, winding down to the water. 

Epic off-piste is a recurring theme throughout the country’s ski resorts. And Isafjördur is no different. It connects to the Seljalandsdalur valley, with six-mile/10-kilometer backcountry blasts on tap. Have you been hoping for cross-country skiing? Good thing Isafjördur offers one of Iceland’s best XC areas (Seljalandsdalur). Each year, Isafjördur’s cross-country tracks host the Fossavatnsgangan: Iceland’s oldest ski race. Isafjördur is also home to the Ski Week Festival in April, which includes music festivals and family events. 

Top tip: Indulge in fresh seafood at Tjöruhúsið, an eight-minute drive from the downhill ski area. This small, homely restaurant is right on the water with family-style tables and buffet-style serving, full of delicious fish and local delicacies. Stop off at Dokkan Brugghús before dinner, an awesome brewhouse. We highly recommend the flight of local beers.

Oddsskarð

Oddsskarð Pass is surrounded by mountains in the Eastfjords. This is a small, remote resort. However, once there, you’ll discover four miles/seven kilometers of uncrowded trails designed for all levels of rider, including waddling little ones skiing for the first time. Cross-country skiing more your thing? There are miles of that, too. On the slopes, take the tow lift to 840 meters/2,756 feet above sea level. The view of Reyðarfjörður – Iceland’s longest fjord – is mega breathtaking. 

Okay, Oddsskarð is fairly basic, with a single ski lodge for accommodation. That makes it special, though, as 40 people pile in with their sleeping bags. Trust us – you make friends fast here! There’s also a cafeteria. But, if a sleeping bag isn’t your vibe, don’t worry – the villages of Eskifjörður and Norðfjörður are on either side of the resort with plenty of accommodation options. We love Eskifjörður’s Mjóeyri Cottages, right on the water. You can’t beat Beituskúrinn in Norðfjörður for a bite to eat, either – the views are nearly more delicious than the food!

Top tip: With the family? Book an Oddsskarð trip around Easter! The resort holds a family festival with cute, wholesome events, including a ‘Sunday best’ ski day and egg hunt. 

Stafdalur

We head to Fjardarheidi now, a five-mile/eight-kilometer drive from Seydisfjordur in the Eastfjords. There, you’ll find Stafdalur Ski Station, a cute, compact ski area with plenty of varied runs, a three-mile/five-kilometer-long Nordic ski track, and snowmobiling if you fancy. Stafdalur is perfect for beginners, thanks to its mellow tow-lift run. Lift Number One offers a 2,953-foot/900-meter run if you’re after something longer, though.

For accommodation, staying in Seydisfjordur is your best bet. There’s also plenty to do after skiing (Stafdalur is only open for around three hours of daylight mid-winter). Check out modern Icelandic art at the Skaftfell Art Center or swat up on maritime history at the Technical Museum of East Iceland. Still craving a nature fix? Swap snow for waterfalls with a visit to the incredible Gufu waterfall (a five-minute drive from the ski station) or the Budareyrarfoss waterfall (an 11-minute drive).

Top tip: Hire a snowmobile! You can ride into the insanely beautiful Eastfjords and the Dyrfjöll mountains. 

Tindastóll

Always wished you could rip a ski resort shaped like a halfpipe? Say hello to Tindastóll. This chilled-out resort is in a two-mile/three-kilometer-long natural canyon with pretty much near-vertical sides. So, you can use it as your own ramp to catch air and stomp tricks. With that in mind, experienced riders are most likely to get a thrill in Tindastóll. However, Tindastóll also has trails suitable for little ones and beginners. You’ll find a special zone reserved for snowboarders, too. 

Tindastóll is super close to Sauðárkrókur, a cozy town full of locals and welcoming vibes. You have to go to Sauðá to refuel after riding. This locals’ spot serves up insane food, from smoked puffin to duck pizza and local grilled cheese. Are you drooling yet? 

Top tip: Book a room in Hotel Tindastóll, Iceland’s oldest hotel! Hotel It’s in Sauðárkrókur, only a 15-minute drive from Tindastóll. Expect cozy vibes and delicious food in Jarlstofa, the hotel’s epic restaurant.

Wrapping up 

How can you not be enthralled by mystical Iceland? It’s magic personified! We can’t wait for treeless runs alongside stunning fjords throughout Iceland’s hidden gems. And hopefully under those epic Northern Lights. Who’s with us?

Know something about Iceland we don’t? Or do you think we missed some essential info? Let us know at crew@dopesnow.com. 

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