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The following pictures where
taken on a ski trip between Sigalda and Landmannalaugar in Mars 2001, and
2005 as well as
Hauneyjar - Veidivotn in Mars 2002.
This is a very interesting backcountry skiing area which takes around 6
hours to ski each leg. When you arrive at Landmannalaugar, you have the opportunity to
bathe in the warm water or hike around the hot springs in the area.
The Landmannalaugar area lies 600 meters above sea level and comprises
the largest geothermal field in Iceland outside the Grimsvotn
caldera in Vatnajokull.
Veidivotn count well
over 30 trout fishing lakes in the south
highland in Iceland. The water area is about 5 Km
wide and 20 Km in length, from north east to southwest.
This is one very popular place in summer for trout fishing. But the
winter time is no less interesting although you cant fish.
The
Blue Mountain skiing area
near Reykjavik.
The skiing facilities
have been in use since 1968. Ever since, it has been the favourite
place for skiers in the Capital area. It is constantly being added to
and improved, and a Skiing Centre was opened in 1982. There are lifts,
cross-country paths and a lodge.
Esjufjoll.
Esjufjoll is a nearly completely
ice-covered volcano in the southeastern part of the massive Vatnajokull
icefield. It provides another standard entry point for traverses of
Vatnajokull, with easy access up the broad glacial tongue of
Breidamerkurjokull, which nearly reaches the coastal highway. This is
very interesting area for back country skiing, but great care should be
taken whilst in this area due to crevasses. It is highly recommended to
do this trip with a guide or someone that knows the area.
Ólafsfjordur village.
In the vicinity of
Olafsfjordur are
some excellent backcountry areas. For spring skiing a recommended day
tour would be to ski from Olafsfjordur to Hedinsfjordur and back to
Olafsfjordur. Also possible pending on weather and snow conditions would
be to ski from Olafsfjordur south of Hedinsfjordur and follow the
mountain ridge to the town of Siglufjordur. To do these trips on skis
would require full equipments such as skins, ice ax and crampons. This
route called
"Botnaleid " is also highly recommended in the summer.
As a place to stay in Olafsfjordur I can recommend
Brimnes Hotel
and Cabins, a friendly place with a very nice staff.
The Mountain Ok elevation 1200
meters.
To ski Mountain Ok is a lot of fun. To get there you drive the
Kaldidalur route ( The Cold Valley ) which
lies between the Mountain Ok and The Long Glacier and its highest
elevation is 727 m.
Usually it is passable for most types of vehicles three to five months
of the year.
Equipment list for
backcountry skiing in Iceland.
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What a beautiful day.
The Hut in Veidivotn
Between Sigalda and Veidivotn
Coffee break
Skiing towards Veidivotn
Sylvia our guide on the right with a friend.
Towards Veidivotn
A lovely day
A mountain and a sky.
Sigalda to Landmannalaugar
How about some sun
Hot bath at Landmannalaugar.
Skiing towards Esjufjoll in Vatnajokull glacier.
Skiing towards Esjufjoll in Vatnajokull glacier.
Skiing towards Esjufjoll in Vatnajokull glacier.
Skiing towards Esjufjoll in Vatnajokull glacier.
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