This trip is a true Arctic Expedition to the beautiful Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the West Fjords of Iceland—only a few miles from the Arctic Circle. We will focus on backcountry skiing between remote fjords, anchoring in a different harbour each night. Many of the mountains and ridges have never been skied before, giving our girls opportunities for first descents!
We will spend 6-8 hours in the mountains each day, for those who prefer shorter days, girls can simply ski down to the anchored boat when they so choose with their guides.
The expedition yacht Aurora is our movable ‘backcountry hut’ and awaits us at the end of every day with gourmet meals by Siggi (our boat Captain), warm and comfortable bunks, and fun!
Attendance to our Montana Backcountry Ski Camp for Girls is a pre-requisite to attending this Iceland Ski & Sail Camp. Please email keely@keelyscamp.com with questions.
Backcountry Blizzard Zero G Skis/Marker King Pin binding and Skins are included and will be transported by Keely & Lindsey.
*Backcountry boots are not included and need to be compatible with Marker King Ping bindings.
WEATHER
Iceland is a land of very mixed weather. As they say, if you don’t like the weather, wait for ten minutes! Usually the spring brings higher pressure and settled weather, but be prepared for everything from dead calm and sunny days to blowing blizzards.
Itinerary
Below is the most likely itinerary, but we will take into account weather and snow-conditions and always look for the best possible option.
Day 1
Depart from Ísafjörður at 14:00, with 2-4 hours of sailing to Hesteyri in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. We will relax at anchor and maybe explore on the Zodiac and take a look at the old whaling station that once was the driving force in this now abandoned settlement. Since it will still bright in the evening during the latter part of the season, we will then have an option to do a short ski run.
Day 2
We’ll begin the day with a safety briefing, avalanche search exercise, and an explanation of what to do in case of emergency. We will then ski from Hesteyrarfjörður to Veiðileysufjörður. The climb up Hesteyrarfjörður is easy and the ski slopes on the other side offer many possibilities. We may end the day by skiing the steepest slope of the trip, 45°-50° in steepness (of course this is optional—you can head down to the boat if you prefer!). Dinner will be at anchor in Veiðileysufjörður.
Day 3
Today we will ski to Lónafjörður (Lagoon fjord). We begin the day by climbing up to one of the cols to take a look at the bays on the north side. We then ski down to the first valley in Lónafjörður and climb at least two more mountains before meeting Aurora again in the afternoon.
Day 4
Here, we normally spend an extra day at the beautiful Rangali anchorage. Here are endless opportunities for skiing. From steep couloirs to rolling hills. One route will take us to the Snókur mountain with a good view of the coastal mountains on the east side of Hornstrandir. Often there is an opportunity to pick mussels for an après ski snack!
Day 5
Today we skin up from the Sópandi inlet and over to Hrafnfjörður (Raven Fjord). The mountain cirque at the head of the fjord is very beautiful and the anchorage is a perfect spot to spend the night.
Day 6
We will have a morning ski session before sailing back to Ísafjörður, with arrival around 16:00 in the afternoon. You can catch the last flight from Ísafjörður that night, though we suggest staying at least one night in Ísafjörður to relax and get to know this old and beautiful town.
This information has been taken directly from: http://www.aurora-arktika.com/sailboat-skiing/
Ski. Climb. Kayak. Move Mountains.
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SPONSORS
Keely’s Camp is comprised of an all-star female staff of Olympians, World Cup Skiers, and Guides who coach, mentor, and empower girls in skiing and outdoor sports. Keely’s Camp Coaches are proud to give girls what they didn’t have growing up – FEMALE COACHES!