Skiing off Hvannadalshnúkur

    This is an challenging trip but the rewards are breathtaking views, and an amazing ski ride from the top. We start from the main road in altitude of 100 meters, and when snow is good this means we can ski off the peak in 2119 meters down to the car in 100 meters. 2000 meters vertical, about 11 km distance each way.

Einar Sigurðsson on his way to Hvannadalshnúkur in the spring 2007.

    We also offer mountain guide service for one or two clients to the highest peak without skis. We can climb a demanding alpine route we call the Ridge Route, or we can go easier routes. The price is 45.000 ISK for one client, but 30.000 ISK for two clients.

    Please note. Now in late March 2008 we have fully booked the spring/summer in mountaineering trips. Check out www.mountainguide.is for glacier hikes etc. here in southeast Iceland this summer. We are always able to take more people to Ingólfshöfði and we will also be able to do some Kayak trips this summer. We can book mountaineering trips again after 10/10.

Equipment list for Hvannadalshnúkur

You have to bring:

About Ski Mountaineering Equipment:

    If you don't bring your own ski mountaineering equipment you can rent it from us. Rent for boots/skis/skins/poles is 3500 ISK. It is possible to use telemark skis or snow boards also. We don't have any snow boards but if you bring your own you better have an snow board that you can split in two and put climbing skins, or have snow shoes with you. We also rent snow shoes for 1500 ISK.

About Climbing Harness:

    We normally don't walk in a rope on this trip when we are on the skis, but we might have to rope up, in case of no visibility, or icy conditions etc. We rent climbing harness with a carabiner for 1000 ISK.

About Crampons and Ice axe:

    When conditions are good we climb all the way to the peak on the skis. But if the slope is icy we leave the skis below the peak, and climb the last part in a rope, using crampons and have an ice axe in hand. We rent out crampons (ice axe included) for 1500 ISK.

Clothing requirements:

    It is essential for your own comfort and safety that you have suitable clothing. Cotton is a poor insulator when wet, therefore you should not wear cotton garments next to the skin, and especially not jeans.
BODY layering system for temperature control, e.g. thermal top + fleece or woollen mid layer+ fleece/down/wool jacket + wind and waterproof jacket.
LEGS hiking trousers or thermal leggings + wind and waterproof outer layer.
FEET hiking socks or woollen socks. I recommend the use of thin liner socks to prevent blisters. No cotton socks!
HANDS gloves + wind/waterproof mittens.
HEAD woollen/fleece hat + jacket hood.
FACE ski mask or balaclava or scarf. Ski googles are good.

About rucksack:

    Must be big enough to carry ice axe, crampons, food, drink and most of your outer layers of clothing when you are too hot! In some conditions we might need to carry the skis on the rucksack. (Arrange the contents so that you can use the rucksack as a seat in the snow, and put everything that must not get wet in plastic bags).

Food and drink:

Important to have enough to drink! I take 2 liters f.ex.
Not too much food! Snacking is more important than a big picnic. Example; 2 sandwiches + several breakfast bars + mix of dried fruits, nuts and chocolate.

   
If you need outdoor equipment for this trip I recommend that you stop in Fjallakofinn at Reykjavíkurvegur 64 in Hafnarfjörður. (You drive through Hafnarfjörður on your way from Keflavík airport to Reykjavík). This small shop has eqipment from Marmot, Black Diamond, Scarpa and Smartwool f.ex. so you should be able to find anything you need for our trips. They also rent out ski mountaineering equipment.

Phone: +354 8940894    Email: info@hofsnes.com    Mail: Hofsnes, 785 Oraefi, Iceland

Last edited 31.07.2008