Skiing? In Iceland? You bet. The nation positioned off the coast of Greenland is, admittedly, best known for its fjords and volcanic terrain. However, despite not boasting the towering peaks of the Alps or the Rockies, Iceland is home to a vibrant snow sports community that revolves around a small collection of ski areas.
Bear in mind that the ski scene in Iceland is different from popular destinations like France and Utah. But to the right visitor who might be tired of the "destination" resort trappings, that's a pro, not a con. If you've ever wished you could travel back in time before the advent of multi-passes and high-speed eight-person lifts, Iceland could be a good place to do so.
Here are five Icelandic ski areas worth checking out.
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1. Hlíðarfjall
Located in northern Iceland near one of the country's largest cities, Akureyri, Hlíðarfjall sports a number of ski resort trappings, including night skiing, a terrain park (with jumps, rails, and boxes), and snowmaking. The mountain has been an Icelandic snow sports mainstay for several decades running, with a mixture of surface lift and chairlift infrastructure. In the summers, Hlíðarfjall typically opens between July and September for scenic lift rides, bike park access, and hiking with views of Akureyri.
2. Bláfjöll
Iceland's largest ski resort, Bláfjöll, is situated just outside Reykjavík, the capital of the island nation, which makes it more easily accessible for tourists than other further-flung options. Much like other Icelandic ski resorts, Bláfjöll features short runs and is a solid mountain for learners or those who don't need steep, prolonged trails.
Fourteen lifts, most of which are surface lifts, can whisk 12,000 skiers and snowboarders uphill at Bláfjöll every hour. Peering west from the ski resort on the right day, skiers can catch glimpses of the ocean, a panorama you won't find in the Alps.
3. Dalvík
Also in the Akureyri area is Dalvík, a humble, cozy mountain known for fewer crowds. In operation for 50 years, the ski area is managed by a club with help from the local town council. They work hard to keep Dalvík's two lifts, nine runs, and 820 feet of vertical terrain open for visitors.
When conditions allow, the mountain operates a cross-country track alongside its downhill offerings, which feature a mixture of groomed runs and off-piste trails. Thanks in part to its snowmaking systems, it averages 110 operating days in the winter.
4. Oddskarð
On a mountain pass stands Oddskarð, which boasts stunning views of the surrounding peaks, the town of Reyðarfjörður, and the East Fjords. The ski area's surface lifts reach above 2,500 feet, making for solid vertical ski descents through the unique Icelandic landscape. One lower-elevation lift is dedicated to serving beginner terrain.
For fans of backcountry skiing, Oddskarð is also the location of the annual Austurland Freeride Festival, a free, yearly gathering founded by mountain guides, pros, and enthusiasts alike. The festival's 2025 rendition saw guided ski tours and après parties.
5. Ísafjörður
Ísafjörður has two ski area offerings, one for alpine skiers and one for cross-country skiers. Respectively, they're known as Tunguldalur and Seljalandsdalur. The latter is the venue for Fossavatnsgangan, an international cross-country race.
The slopes in both areas feature lights, facilitating night skiing. Ísafjörður itself, considered to be the honorary capital of Iceland's Westfjords, is a small but lively town that got its start as a trading post in the 16th century and now hosts events like the "Aldrei fór ég suður" music festival.
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