Skiing in North Iceland: a guide to the ski areas

Seven ski areas across the region offer opportunities to spend time on the snow while getting to know the towns and landscapes around them. Whether you’re travelling with family, finding your feet on skis or bringing years of experience, there are several places to explore.

Driving distances and approximate travel times from Akureyri Airport to four of North Iceland’s ski areas.

Where to ski in North Iceland?

• Hlíðarfjall – Akureyri

Overlooking Akureyri and Eyjafjörður, Hlíðarfjall combines a mountain setting with the convenience of staying close to town. Varied slopes, cross-country trails and a snow park offer different ways to enjoy the snow, while floodlit runs help make the most of the shorter winter days. Staying in Akureyri also means you can combine time on the mountain with the town’s cafés, restaurants, geothermal pools and cultural attractions. It’s an easy way to make skiing part of a wider winter holiday.

• Dalvík Ski Area

On the mountainside above Dalvík, the local ski area has a variety of runs suitable for different members of the family. Floodlighting extends skiing into the darker hours, and ski equipment is available to rent. When conditions allow, a cross-country track is also prepared beside the area. Pair a day on the slopes with time in Dalvík, where a visit to the swimming pool or a stop at the local café makes a welcome addition to a winter outing.

• Skarðsdalur - Siglufjörður

Set in the mountains above Siglufjörður, Skarðsdalur offers lift-served slopes, floodlighting and a ski lodge for breaks between runs. A visit here is also an opportunity to spend time in Iceland’s northernmost town on the mainland. After a day on the mountain, head back into Siglufjörður for a walk by the harbour, a meal or a relaxing visit to the local swimming pool.

• Tindastóll - Sauðárkrókur

Tindastóll is the ski area near Sauðárkrókur in Skagafjörður, offering a setting well suited to a family day on the snow. Alongside the downhill slopes, cross-country tracks give visitors another way to enjoy the winter landscape. Ski rental and refreshments are available at the service centre, making it a useful option for visitors who haven’t brought their own equipment. Make time to explore Sauðárkrókur and the surrounding region during your stay, too.

More places to ski in North Iceland 

Beyond the four ski areas highlighted on the map, you’ll also find smaller ski areas at Tindaöxl in Ólafsfjörður, at Skálamelur in Húsavík and in the Krafla area by Mývatn. Each offers another way to enjoy the snow and get to know the region’s winter sports scene.

In Ólafsfjörður, Tindaöxl sits among the mountains of the Tröllaskagi peninsula, with opportunities for both downhill and cross-country skiing when conditions allow. In Húsavík, the slopes at Skálamelur are close to town and particularly suited to children and beginners. The ski area by Mývatn adds a different setting, where a day on the snow can be combined with exploring the region’s volcanic landscapes and relaxing in geothermal waters.

Opening hours and available facilities vary between these smaller areas, so check the latest updates before visiting, especially if you need equipment rental or are travelling with a group.

Before you head to the slopes

Opening dates and daily operations depend on snow and weather conditions, and the ski areas do not necessarily open at the same time. Check the individual area’s latest updates before travelling, including lift operations, slope conditions and opening hours.

If you need equipment rental or lessons, confirm availability in advance. For journeys between destinations, check the weather forecast at vedur.is, road conditions at umferdin.is and travelhttps://www.northiceland.is/en/experiences/ski alerts at SafeTravel.

Explore North Iceland’s ski areas and find links to each area here.

Make more of your ski trip

A skiing holiday in North Iceland leaves room for plenty beyond the slopes. Spend an afternoon in a local swimming pool, unwind in geothermal baths, explore the nearby towns and enjoy local food. A slow morning in a café or a visit to a museum can fit just as naturally into your trip as another day on the mountain.

For more winter experiences, consider a guided snowshoe walk, a snowmobiling tour or whale watching, depending on availability and conditions. On clear evenings, you might even catch the northern lights, a memorable way to round off a day outdoors.

You can focus on one ski area or include more than one during your stay, keeping plans flexible around the weather and leaving time to discover what’s along the way.

Skiing in North Iceland: Frequently Asked Questions