Akureyri in Iceland not only attracts tourists from all over the world with its charming Arctic scenery and rich cultural history, but is also a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Every winter, this small town in northern Iceland welcomes waves of adventure sports enthusiasts such as skiing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding. The snow-capped mountains and vast ice fields here provide tourists with an ideal winter sports venue.
The ski resorts around Akureyri have ski slopes of various difficulties, and both beginners and experienced ski experts can find a suitable project for themselves. The ski resorts here are well-equipped, with everything from skiing lessons to snowmobile adventures. For tourists who like to challenge their limits, Akureyri is also an ideal destination for dog sledding and glacier hiking.
Whether it is a family trip or a tourist looking for adventure, Akureyri can meet your various needs for winter sports.
Ⅰ. Ski resorts in Akureyri
1. Akureyri Ski Resort
Hotel Overview and Facilities
Akureyri Ski Resort, located on a hillside about 10 kilometers east of the center of Akureyri, is one of the largest ski resorts in northern Iceland. The ski facilities here are suitable for skiers of all skill levels, from beginners to professional skiers. There are 14 ski slopes in the ski resort, including snow parks, jumping areas and ski-only trails to meet the needs of different skiers.
Location and Transportation
Akureyri Ski Resort is about 15 minutes’ drive from the center of Akureyri. Visitors can choose to rent a car, take a taxi in Akureyri or take the shuttle service provided by the ski resort. The public bus in the city also provides regular shuttle services to the ski resort, making it convenient for tourists to travel back and forth.
Opening hours and recommended time to visit
The winter ski season in Akureyri Ski Resort usually lasts from the end of November to the beginning of April of the following year. The specific opening hours vary depending on weather conditions. The best time to ski is from December to February each year, when the snow is the thickest and the ski slopes are in the best condition. Visitors can choose to come during this period to enjoy the fun of the ice and snow world according to their own schedule.
Cost
The ski ticket price at the ski resort varies depending on the time and duration of skiing. The price of a single-day ski ticket is about 3,000 to 4,000 Icelandic kronor (ISK), and if you choose to rent ski equipment, the additional cost will increase. The cost of a ski instructor is about 7,000 to 9,000 Icelandic kronor (ISK) per hour. For those who want to enjoy a longer skiing trip, the ski resort also offers multi-day tickets and season passes at more favorable prices.
Booking Platforms
Tickets and ski equipment rentals for Akureyri Ski Resort can be booked through major travel platforms, such as Booking.com, Hotels.com and GetYourGuide. Through these platforms, visitors can view real-time availability information of the ski resort and book in advance to avoid the hassle of queuing on site.
2. Husavik Ski Centre
Hotel Overview and Facilities
Located in the Husavik Mountains, about 50 kilometers north of Akureyri, Husavik Ski Centre is a relatively small but well-equipped ski resort. There are several ski slopes suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers, and the ski facilities are very suitable for family tourists. The ski center also provides ski lessons and other winter activities such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing.
Location and Transportation
Husavik Ski Centre is about a 50-minute drive from Akureyri and can be reached by renting a car. You can also choose local ski tours and charter services to reach the ski center comfortably and conveniently.
Opening hours and recommended visit times
The Heveta Ski Center is usually open from mid-December to early March each year. The best time to visit is January and February, when the ski slopes are best covered with snow. For family tourists, early March in spring is also a good choice, because the ski slopes are more relaxed and less crowded.
Cost
The price of a single-day ski ticket at Heveta Ski Center is about 2,500 to 3,500 Icelandic kronor (ISK). The cost of ski equipment rental starts at about 1,500 Icelandic kronor (ISK). The cost of coaching lessons and snowmobile activities depends on the duration and number of participants, and is generally 5,000 to 7,000 Icelandic kronor (ISK) per hour.
Booking platform
Ski tickets and other activities at Heveta Ski Center can be booked through platforms such as Viator and TripAdvisor. These platforms offer a wide range of ski packages and special offers, and tourists can choose the right project according to their needs.
Ⅱ. Snowmobile adventure activities
1. Snowmobile adventure
Activity Overview and Facilities
The snowfields around Akureyri provide unique conditions for snowmobile adventures. Whether it is high-speed riding in the snow-covered wilderness or deep into the heart of glaciers and volcanoes, snowmobiles provide tourists with an extremely exciting and challenging experience. Local travel agencies and ski resorts offer a variety of snowmobile packages, and tourists can choose different routes and durations for adventure.
Location and Transportation
Snowmobile activities are usually carried out in the Hvita Mountains and Skarfjörður Volcano around Akureyri. These locations are about 30 to 60 minutes drive from the city of Akureyri. Tourists can rent a car, use the pick-up service provided by local travel agencies, or join a snowmobile adventure group.
Opening hours and recommended time to play
Snowmobile activities are usually open from December to April each year. The best time to play is from January to February in winter, when the ice and snow are the most solid and the weather conditions are more suitable.
Cost
The cost of a snowmobile safari varies depending on the duration and activities. A single 2-hour snowmobile experience costs around 10,000 to 15,000 ISK. Longer safari activities cost more, usually 20,000 to 30,000 ISK.
Booking Platforms
Snowmobile activities can be booked through platforms such as GetYourGuide and Viator. These platforms offer a variety of adventure routes and packages, and visitors can choose the right activity based on their personal interests and schedule.
2. Dog Sledding Experience
Activity Overview and Facilities
Dog sledding is a challenging and fascinating winter sport activity. Visitors will have the opportunity to travel through the snow of Akureyri with well-trained sled dogs and experience the natural beauty of northern Iceland. Dog sledding activities are usually led by professional guides. Visitors can not only enjoy the fun of sliding, but also learn about the history of dog sledding and the culture of Icelandic dog breeds.
Location and Transportation
Dog sledding activities are usually held outside the city of Akureyri, such as the Hvita Mountains and the snowfields around Akureyri. Visitors can choose to rent a car or join a dog sledding tour through a local tour company.
Opening hours and recommended travel times
Dog sledding activities are usually carried out from December to April each year. January and February are the best time to experience it, because there is abundant snow and the weather is suitable at this time, which can provide the best experience.
Cost
Dog sledding activities usually cost 6,000 to 10,000 Icelandic kronor (ISK) per person, and the price varies depending on the duration of the activity and the route. Visitors can choose an experience of 1 hour or more, and the cost will increase accordingly.
Booking platform
Dog sledding activities can be booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. There are multiple activity providers on the platform, and visitors can choose the appropriate itinerary and duration according to their needs.
3. Glacier Hike
Overview and Facilities
Glacier hikes are a great way to experience the wonders of glaciers in and around Akureyri. Led by a professional guide, visitors will cross the surface of a glacier, learn about the formation and characteristics of glaciers, and experience the unique charm of the ice and snow world. Glacier hikes are suitable for visitors who like challenges, especially those who want to learn about Iceland’s natural geology.
Location and Transportation
Glacier hikes are usually carried out in glacier areas outside Akureyri. Visitors need to go on group trips organized by travel agencies to the major glaciers in the Hvita Mountains and northern Iceland.
Opening Hours and Recommended Visiting Times
Glacier hikes can be carried out all year round, but the best time to experience them is from December to February each year, when the snow thickness and stability of the glaciers are the best.
Cost
The cost of a glacier hike is about 20,000 to 25,000 Icelandic Krona (ISK) per person, and the specific price varies depending on the duration of the activity and the number of participants.
Booking Platforms
Glacier hiking activities can be booked through platforms such as GetYourGuide and Viator, which offer multiple activity options, allowing tourists to choose a suitable itinerary according to their interests.
As the winter sports center in northern Iceland, Akureyri offers tourists a rich selection of winter activities, whether it is skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, or glacier hiking adventures. Through booking platforms such as GetYourGuide, Viator, Booking.com, etc., tourists can easily choose the activities and ski facilities that suit them and enjoy a winter trip with close contact with ice and snow.
