Iceland Heliskiing — The Complete Guide
The Terrain
Why choose us
Why Icelandearns the season.
Six reasons every guest writes home about — the terrain, the people, the safety standards, and the way the operation measures every week in vertical feet, never flight time.
Exclusive terrain
No lift queues.No crowds. Ever.
Private Icelandic mountain terrain — steep couloirs to wide open faces, with fresh lines and no one else on them.
Family-owned,locally rooted.
Operated by two Icelandic families, founded by lifelong friends and respected mountain guides. A decade-plus of shared guiding and a deep connection to the land and community.
You pay for skiing,not flight time.
The only operator in Iceland measuring weeks in vertical feet — the gold standard. Transparent, fair, with the flexibility to add more vertical when conditions allow.
Trained, briefed,equipped.
Every season opens with rigorous guide training in avalanche safety, rescue, and risk assessment. Every day starts with a safety meeting. Every guest is briefed before skiing.
Connection,culture, memory.
Guests come for more than the descents. They come for the wilderness, the people, and the shared stories — the kind that last well past the season.
Right by the sea,at Siglufjörður.
The northernmost town on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. Hotel Sigló sits on the waterfront, ringed by mountains in every direction.
The Fleet
Helicopters builtfor the Arctic.
Modern aircraft chosen for performance in Arctic mountain conditions. A trusted flight partner with the highest maintenance standards in the industry. Pilots who fly the Tröll Peninsula daily.
AS350 B3, Airbus H125.
Modern aircraft chosen for performance in Arctic mountain conditions — smooth, safe and reliable in challenging environments.
SENNAIR, exceptional standards.
A trusted flight partner known for fleet quality and the highest maintenance standards in the industry.
Multilingual, Arctic-trained.
Highly experienced pilots familiar with the Gold Coast and Tröll Peninsula. Whether your first heli-drop or your fiftieth — expert hands from liftoff to landing.
The Pack List
Pack smart,ski hard.
A short, opinionated list of what to bring. K2 freeride skis, Marker bindings and avalanche gear are included on the mountain — these four categories cover everything else.
Waterproof, windproof, layered.
- Waterproof or water-resistant outerwear, suitable for layering
- Windproof vest or jacket for lunch breaks and weather
- Compact down jacket for added warmth when needed
Synthetic base, fleece, gloves.
- Synthetic base layers — tops and bottoms
- Light fleece jacket for layering
- Two pairs of ski gloves or mittens
- Ski / snowboard socks
Boots, helmet, goggles.
- Well-fitted ski or snowboard boots
- Helmet
- Ski goggles
- Sunglasses for sunny days and glacier glare
Swimsuit, bottle, SPF.
- Swimsuit — for hot tubs and saunas
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
The K2 Ski Barn
Gear up for glory,across the street from the hotel.
The K2 Ski Barn sits across the street from Sigló Hotel — the heart of operations, home to the guides' office and the place every guest gears up before heading into the mountains.
Expert guides personally fit each guest with the right skis or snowboard for the day's conditions. K2 has been a partner from the very beginning, supplying a brand-new fleet of skis and snowboards every season — so the gear in your hands is current-year, not last winter's leftovers. Inside the Barn, a wide range of skis and boards covers every style and ability; ski poles are included and helmets are available on request.
Every package also includes the full BCA (Backcountry Access) avalanche kit — transceiver, probe, shovel, and airbag. BCA, like K2, has been a trusted partner since day one. Bring your boots and your helmet preference; the rest is here.
Every guest gets
Skis, poles, helmets,and the BCA safety kit.
A brand-new K2 fleet each season, fitted by hand on arrival to your skill level and the day's snow.
Adjustable touring poles included for every guest. Certified helmets available on request, sized to fit.
Float airbag pack, Tracker S transceiver, B1 EXT shovel and Stealth 240 probe — checked and ready each morning.
Ski or snowboard boots, jacket, ski pants, base layers and gloves. Everything else is provided.
The Fleet
Sixteen K2 models,matched to your day.
Skis and snowboards stocked at the Barn, with multiple sizes per model. Guides match the model to the snow you'll be on, not the rack you're standing next to.
Mindbender 116C Men
The Mindbender 116C is a powder ski built for those epic days everyone dreams of. Outfitted with a generous 116 mm waist, it floats through powder and powers through chop. K2's patented Spectral Braid technology keeps it both energetic and composed, and its Powder Rocker profile maximizes float in soft snow.
Mindbender 108Ti Men
A planted freeride weapon, often featured atop Freeride World Tour podiums. A mid-fat waist, long turn radius and All-Terrain Rocker profile create a stable, unflinching ride. Vertical sidewalls improve power transfer edge-to-edge, while Titanal Y-Beam construction keeps things damp at speed — one of the most versatile widths in the family.
Mindbender 99Ti Men
The jack of all freeride trades — a quick turn radius paired with the effortless float of a 99 mm waist. Titanal Y-Beam construction and an All-Terrain Rocker profile give it the most well-rounded skill set in the collection. A gradual tip rise adds versatility; a low tail keeps control in variable snow.
Pinnacle 105Ti Men
Designed to attack critical lines, with a mid-fat width that's perfect in nearly every condition. Titanal and K2's tri-axially braided fiberglass deliver stiffness and torsional rigidity, and early-rise tips produce predictable, effortless turn initiation. From mixed-bag snow to knee-deep pow, the one ski you'll never leave at home.
Alchemist Unisex
The North Star of K2's snowboard offering and marquee of the Landscape Collection — a hard-charging, directional freeride board for advanced-to-expert riders. The SpaceGlass tip insert reduces weight and chatter while increasing edge pressure, and the patented Spectral Braid tunes tip-to-tail stiffness independently from torsion.
Passport Unisex
The key to accessing uncharted terrain — an inspiring addition to the Landscape Collection. Built for intermediate-to-expert riders and shaped unisex, it's directional in every way yet stays switch and fakie friendly. A slightly-wider waist with 8 mm of taper ensures easy turning and float in deep snow.
Mindbender 106C Women
Every skier needs one set-up that can handle it all and rip despite varying forecasts. The women's-specific 106C pairs a mid-fat waist with a lightweight Aspen Micro Block core — the perfect combination of float and fun. Spectral Braid technology keeps it stable despite the lighter build. The ultimate one-ski quiver.
Mindbender 99Ti Women
A women's-specific all-mountain freeride ski for those who demand complete versatility and stability day-in and day-out. Titanal Y-Beam construction offers a damp, stable ride when speeds are high and conditions get choppy, and at a versatile width it still keeps its big-mountain power.
Mindbender 96C Women
An all-mountain ski equally comfortable on hard pack, bumps, or the occasional powder day. Uni-Directional Flax helps it track confidently in variable terrain, and its composure keeps you confident through chop and chunder. A more approachable construction and waist than the 99Ti W — stable and dynamic from first chair to last.
Mindbender 90C Women
A women's-specific ski for intermediate-to-advanced skiers wanting a lightweight ride that's comfortable beyond the groomers, at a more approachable waist. Spectral Braid technology and Torsional Control Design keep it maneuverable and energetic without sacrificing stability — light on the feet, with a confident, playful carve.
Mindbender 116C Men
A powder ski built for those epic days everyone dreams of. K2's Spectral Braid technology — a variable-angle fiber reinforcement for precision-tuned torsion and flex — makes it both energetic and composed. The Powder Rocker profile maximizes float in soft snow, and it's a surprisingly sturdy ski that takes on the burliest lines.
Mindbender 108Ti Unisex
A planted freeride weapon, often featured atop Freeride World Tour podiums, delivering versatility at any speed and in any conditions. A mid-fat waist, long turn radius and All-Terrain Rocker profile create a stable, unflinching ride, while Titanal Y-Beam construction keeps things damp and stable when speeds get high.
Mindbender 106C Men
Redefines all-mountain performance in a weight-conscious, playful package. K2's Spectral Braid Technology keeps you planted and engaged in every turn, and Uni-Directional Flax improves tracking in variable terrain. At a more approachable waist, the 106C is nimble, dynamic and supportive — the ultimate one-ski quiver.
Mindbender 99Ti Men
The jack of all freeride trades — a quick turn radius with the effortless float of a 99 mm waist. Titanal Y-Beam construction and an All-Terrain Rocker profile give it the most well-rounded skill set in the collection, with the hard charge you'd expect from a narrower ski, yet it stays maneuverable underfoot.
Mindbender 89Ti Men
An all-mountain freeride ski with a carving pedigree. Classic construction gets a powerful twist from Titanal Y-Beam technology, providing precise, predictable, smooth turn initiation. The perfect dynamic companion for when you're in the mood to rip but soft snow isn't on the menu.
Mindbender 116C Women
At the widest waist in the Mindbender Collection, the 116C is a versatile powder crusher — taking on the burliest lines while staying maneuverable and playful in powder. A resilient Aspen Micro Block Core and Powder Rocker profile maximize float on long days, and Spectral Braid technology keeps it stable underfoot. A secret weapon for any steep and deep descent.
A Week in Iceland
Three chapters,one rhythm.
Every package follows the same arc: arrive into Sigló on day one, ski the days between, fly home. Below, what each chapter looks like.
The arrival.
Akureyri to Sigló.
Heliskiing.
Breakfast to fireside dinner.
The departure.
Sigló to Akureyri.
Day one
The arrival,Sigló by sunset.
Day one of every package is the arrival day. Drivers welcome you at Akureyri Airport and bring you to Sigló Hotel, where you meet the hospitality manager. If you drive to Siglufjörður yourself, the team meets you at the hotel.
Ski fitting is done on the day of arrival. If you get in late, fitting is done the following morning before the first take-off.
Before dinner, you meet the full crew — guides, pilots, hospitality. They walk you through everything you need to know for the heliskiing days that follow. The safety and avalanche briefings are conducted on the first day of skiing, before the first take-off.
Days two to six
A typicalheliskiing day.
From breakfast to dinner around the fireplace, here is how the days between unfold. Times are a guide; weather and the guides decide the day.
Breakfast.
A hearty breakfast at the hotel to fuel up for the day.
Pickup & briefing.
A three-minute drive to the Clubhouse, where your skis or snowboard wait. Guides review the day's plan — terrain, weather, who skis with whom.
Wheels up.
Helicopters lift off for a full day of skiing.
Lunch with a view.
Fresh-cut sandwiches and Icelandic dessert wine, served on the mountain.
Après on the deck.
Return to the Clubhouse for fresh food and drinks — or the hot tubs, the bar, kayaking, or the local brewery before dinner.
Dinner by the fire.
A three-course dinner at the hotel. Locally sourced — cod, salmon, lamb and more. After dinner, drinks around the fireplace.
Sample itinerary · times and schedule vary with weather.
The last morning
The departure,until next year.
After the final ski day, return to the hotel for one last hot tub or sauna, a farewell drink, and a goodbye to the guides and the people you've skied with all week.
As a token of the partnership, guests who pre-book during their stay receive a special discounted rate on their next visit.
Guests are transported back to Akureyri Airport. For those who prefer, helicopter transfers to Akureyri can be arranged on request.
Frequently Asked
Got questions,we have answers.
A dozen of the questions guests ask most often before they book. If yours isn't here, send a message — we reply personally within twelve hours.
How are the groups organised?
Classic: 4 guests + 1 guide, 2–3 groups per helicopter. Private: helicopter exclusively to your group. Semi-Private: 2 groups per helicopter, more flexibility and premium access.
How much skiing per day?
Typical day 15,000–25,000 vertical feet, around 7–14 runs depending on conditions. Record: 29 runs and 64,000 vertical feet in a single day. You can purchase additional vertical when the snow allows.
Do I need to be an expert skier?
Not at all. The terrain ranges from gentle, rolling lines for confident intermediates to steeper lines for advanced and expert riders. Strong intermediates and even beginners are welcome — fitness and a willingness for adventure are the only essentials.
What snow conditions can I expect?
The season runs March to early June. Powder and light backcountry snow early; Iceland's famous spring corn snow later, often skied under the midnight sun.
How do you handle avalanche safety?
IFMGA-certified guides assess the snowpack and make informed decisions every day. Every guest is equipped with top-of-the-line BCA avalanche safety gear — transceiver, shovel, probe, airbag — and receives a full safety briefing before skiing.
What helicopters do you use?
Modern, well-maintained AS-350 B3 (Airbus H125). Pilots are provided by SENNAIR — highly experienced, Arctic-trained, focused on safety, comfort and the experience.
Can minors participate?
Yes, under-18s are welcome with parental approval. A signed waiver from a parent or guardian is required, confirming the minor is fit to participate and agrees to the operator's terms.
Can I bring my own gear?
Yes — though K2 freeride skis or snowboards and full avalanche gear are included. We recommend bringing your own ski / snowboard boots and helmet for the best fit and comfort.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Comprehensive cover is recommended. Global Rescue is a reliable provider — trip cancellation, gear loss and medical emergencies.
Can I see the Northern Lights?
Yes. Best viewing window is early March through mid-April. On clear nights, the lights often appear above the mountains and fjords — visible right from the hot tub at Hotel Sigló.
Why vertical feet, not flight time?
Transparency and fairness. You get a guaranteed amount of skiing, and decisions made for safety or weather don't reduce what you've already paid for. Vertical feet are easy to track via modern GPS apps.
When is the best time to go heliskiing in Iceland?
The best time to go heliskiing in Iceland is March to early June. Early season (March–April) delivers powder and light backcountry snow with Northern Lights at night, while late season (May–June) brings Iceland's famous spring corn snow, often skied under the midnight sun. Each window is a distinctly different experience.
Is heliskiing in Iceland safe?
Heliskiing is a backcountry activity whose risks are actively managed by professionals. IFMGA-certified guides assess the snowpack and make decisions every day, every guest carries full BCA avalanche safety equipment with a briefing, and the helicopters are flown by experienced, Arctic-trained SENNAIR pilots. As with all mountain sports, some inherent risk remains.
How fit do I need to be to go heliskiing?
You need moderate, everyday fitness — not elite athleticism. If you can comfortably ski or ride off-piste for a full day, you are ready. The helicopter does the climbing, so it is often less tiring than a resort day, though deep snow rewards good general condition.
What should I pack for a heliskiing trip in Iceland?
Bring your own ski or snowboard boots, a helmet, warm layers, gloves, sunglasses and high-SPF sun cream. Skis or a snowboard, avalanche safety gear and outerwear can be provided, so most guests travel light and pack only personal fit items.
Where is the best heliskiing in Iceland?
The Tröllaskagi (Troll) Peninsula in North Iceland is the country's premier heliskiing region. Its Arctic peaks rise straight from the sea, giving rare sea-to-summit descents with ocean views, and the terrain around Siglufjörður suits everyone from strong intermediates to experts.
Can you ski under the midnight sun in Iceland?
Yes. From May into June the sun barely sets in North Iceland, so late-season guests can ski and fly late into the evening in full daylight — one of the very few places on earth where heliskiing under the midnight sun is possible.
How much does a heliskiing trip in Iceland cost?
Iceland heliskiing is priced by guaranteed vertical feet rather than flight time, so you only pay for the skiing you actually get, with the option to buy more vertical when conditions allow. A package covers IFMGA-certified guiding, the helicopter, K2 freeride gear, avalanche safety equipment and accommodation at Sigló Hotel. Share your dates and group size via the contact page for a tailored quote.
What is included in a heliskiing package?
Each package includes IFMGA-certified mountain guiding, helicopter access flown by experienced SENNAIR pilots, K2 freeride skis or a snowboard, a full set of BCA avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe, airbag), and stays at the four-star Sigló Hotel on the Siglufjörður harbour with its restaurants and geothermal hot tubs. Bring your own boots and helmet for the best fit.
How do I get to the heliskiing base in North Iceland?
Fly into Keflavík (Reykjavík) or directly to Akureyri, then travel to Siglufjörður on the Tröllaskagi (Troll) Peninsula — roughly one hour from Akureyri. The Travel Here page details every route and transfer option, and we help arrange the final leg to Sigló Hotel.
What happens if the weather stops us flying?
Because trips are sold by guaranteed vertical feet, weather or safety decisions never reduce what you have paid for — any unused vertical stays yours. Guides adapt the plan each day, and there is ski touring and time to enjoy Siglufjörður when the helicopter is grounded.
Where do I stay during the trip?
You stay at the four-star Sigló Hotel, set on the restored herring harbour of Siglufjörður. It offers waterfront dining at the Sunna restaurant, geothermal hot tubs on the marina, and Northern Lights views right from the water's edge.
Can non-skiing partners or friends join the trip?
Yes. Siglufjörður offers spa time, harbour dining, museums and whale-watching, and Sigló Hotel welcomes non-skiing guests — so partners and friends can share the trip without heliskiing every day.
How do I book?
Send a message via the contact page, or speak directly with us. From the first message to the helicopter — every detail handled by one relationship.