Ski-touring or split-boarding up to Hvannadalshnúkur is the most enjoyable way to climb the highest peak in Iceland.

Ski-touring up to the summit takes a lot less time and effort than walking up and it is a lot more fun on the way back down!

Hvannadalshnjúkur is the highest part of Öræfajökull which is Iceland’s largest active volcano. Öræfajökull is 2110 metres high and rises straight up and out of the ocean on the southern coast of Iceland. An impressive sight from every angle, Öræfajökull is also home to the longest ski runs in Iceland.

The summit day begins by starting early in the morning (the exact time depends on the date) and we usually have to walk from the carpark up to the snow with our skis strapped to our backpack. Once we reach the snow we can begin touring up the volcano toward the summit. Öræfajökull is largely covered in thick glacial ice which has crevasses in places that are covered with snow. To protect us from unexpectedly falling into a hidden crevasse we all connect together via rope and harness when we reach the glacier. Then we continue touring toward the summit enjoying the view as we ascend. We usually like to aim to reach the summit at around noon and begin our descent after having a scenic lunch on the top. The standard ski descent route is not technical so people with a reasonable ski ability will be able to enjoy this excursion. The final summit step steepens and can often be icy so depending on conditions we may opt to walk the final slope to the very top.

The most difficult part of the tour is the sheer amount of touring. We need to gain 2000 metres over a distance of 10km to reach the summit. It is not steep, it is just a big distance. We usually like to allow 7 hours to reach the top.

This is a ski mountaineering excursion and we provide you with crampons, harness, helmet and rope.

You need to bring your own ski touring gear. A full gear list can be provided upon request.

Split-boarders are most certainly welcome.

This tour is very dependent on weather and glacier conditions. If the weather is not favourable on the scheduled day of your trip we will try our best to move the trip to a different day, bookings dependent. If we cannot, a full refund will be issued.

Glacier safety equipment, Crampons and harness