We have tried our best to provide answers to our most frequently asked questions from guests. Of course if you do not find the answer you are looking for below please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to provide you with further information.
General Questions
What will happen if I’m injured?
Bergmenn Mountain guides have been trained to respond to injuries in the field and are Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified by Wilderness Medical Associates International. Your guides are always equipped with a basic medical kit and radio in the event of emergencies. Please make sure that you have the necessary travel and medical insurance to cover you in the event that something does happen .Guests are expected to sign a Medical Release Form prior to heading out in the field for any of our activities.
Can you make custom trips for groups?
We are happy to organize a custom program for your group. Please send us an email via our Contact form or give us a call at +354.858.3000 to start planning your adventure!
Can you help with travel planning before or after a trip?
We can offer some assistance with your travel plans or point you in the right direction of a travel agency in Iceland. The following page has a lot of information and ideas for pre and post program planning in Iceland. For trips outside of Iceland we are happy to assist as well, just let us know.
How many skiers are there in a group?
Our group minimum is 3 skiers. If you are one or two skiers that would like to join a trip then please do not hesitate to stay in touch and we will let you know what trips are available. Our guest to guide ratio is 8:1. If you are considering bringing a bigger group than 8 persons then we can add a second guide.
How does heli assisted touring work?
Heli assisted touring allows you to get a lift with the helicopter in the morning into the field for an extra run and the the possibility of doing super cool traverses that you could not otherwise do. With this option you can access some amazing terrain within 20 minutes of flying. There are 4 guests on the first load and then up to 5 guests on each load after that. Please keep in mind that this option is highly time dependent as it has to be coordinated with our heli ski groups on 4 and 6 day programs. We generally drop the ski touring groups in the morning before operations with the heli groups start.
A lift with the helicopter is based on 3,000 EUR/hour of flight time and would typically include 1 drop in the morning. We would simply add the flight minutes used by the group and charge at the end like a taxi. The amount would then be divided by the number of skiers and added on top of the cost for the ski touring portion of the trip. Please note that the entire ski touring group has to agree if this option is chosen, since there is only one ski guide for each group.
Can I have the option of heli skiing during my ski touring trip?
Please let your guide know if you are interested in a day of heliskiing or heliboarding during your program and he/she can check on availability for you. We are not able guarantee single day heli packages in advance as our heli programs are sold as 2, 4 and 6 day packages. We do offer heli assisted touring to our touring groups on our Troll Peninsula programs. This can be arranged during your program with us so please discuss with your guide.
How do I book a trip?
- Familiarize yourself with our programs by reading through this website.
- Pick a trip and preferred dates and send us a request by email (or call +354.858.3000) to confirm availability.
- Be sure to familiarize yourself with our Terms & Conditions.
- Payment: A 25% deposit is due upon booking to confirm your trip.
- Once you have confirmed we will send you a program information package with logistical details.
- Purchase Travel Insurance.
- Final payment is due 30 days prior to the start of your trip.
- View our Getting Here page for advice on planning your flight.
- Review Equipment List.
- Send us details for your domestic arrival information so that we can arrange your pickup.
- Fill out our online contact form and let us know if you have any food allergies or special dietary restrictions.
- Start training and getting excited for your ski touring adventure!Can non skiers join?
If we have availability at the lodge then non-skiing/boarding guests are more than welcome to join their skiing/riding partner or friend on the program. For our Troll Peninsual programs in north Iceland there are plenty of interesting activities around, but simply relaxing at the lodge or in one of the regions geothermal baths will usually do just fine. Advise us at the time of booking if a non-skier would like to join the group and we will do our best to accommodate him/her.
Is the skiing and snowboarding as good as everyone says it is?
Yes it is, but what makes the whole trip worth while is great riding mixed with a great cultural adventure and visiting Iceland, the magical land of fire and ice.
Is there cell phone coverage in the area?
3G and 4G mobile broadband is widely available in densely populated areas. That being said cell phone coverage in certain areas of Iceland can be spotty with reception on the top of peaks but little or no signals in some of the valleys. Please check with your local carrier to find out what additional roaming fees/ charges you might incur while traveling in Iceland.
Karlsá lodge, Klængshóll, and the Siglo hotel on the Troll Peninsula and Mjóeyri in the Eastfjords are equipped with high speed internet and free Wi-Fi for guests and there is also cell phone coverage. The Haute Route of the Trolls, Kviar lodge and Glacier Fjords programs do not have WiFi at the accommodation.
Can snowboarders join your programs?
Of course! We do not discriminate against our single board friends as long as you bring your own split board. Although our guides use skis for guiding they have years of experience guiding snowboarders and are very conscious in choosing the appropriate terrain when necessary (so no long flat runouts!). Please be aware that we do not carry split boards in our rental fleet guests must bring their own splitboards.
Why choose Bergmenn Mountain Guides
There are several reasons for choosing Bergmenn Mountain Guides. Please visit our WHY BERGMENN page for further information
- Adventure of a lifetime
- Chance to ski from the peak right down to the Ocean (*on our Iceland, Svalbard and Antarctica trips)
- Iceland's only certified Mountain Guides with over 20 years of experience operating ski trips on the Troll Peninsula and around the world
- Unique cultural experience
- Awesome food and company
Getting to Iceland
How do I get to Ísafjörður?
Once you arrive in Iceland you can chose to fly or drive to Isafjordur in the Westfjords of Iceland where our the Glacier Fjords and Kviar hut programs begin. Icelandair offers between 1-2 flights daily to Isafjordur (flights are around 40 minutes in duration). Flights depart from Reykjavik Domestic Airport which is approximately 45 minutes from the Keflavik International Airport. You can take the Fly-Bus between the airports and most of the time you can continue same day. Please visit our Getting Here page for further details.
You can also rent a car and drive to Isafjordur. The drive is approximately 440-500 km depending on which route you take.The drive will normally take you 5-6 hours.
How do I get to Egilsstaðir?
Once you arrive in Iceland you can chose to fly or drive to Egilstaðir in the east of Iceland where our the Land of Dragons program begins. AirIcelandConnect offers 2 flights daily to Egilstaðir (flights are around 1 hour in duration). Flights depart from Reykjavik Domestic Airport which is approximately 45 minutes from the Keflavik International Airport. You can also drive to Egilstaðir which takes approximately 8 hours. Please visit our Getting Here page for further details.
How do I get to Akureyri?
Once you arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) in the south a 45 minute mini bus or taxi ride will bring you to the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík. The domestic airport in Reykjavík is in the centre of the town and most buses from the International airport will drop you off there. The flight with Icelandair from Reykjavík to Akureyri takes 35 minutes and there are a number of departures throughout the day. We recommend a late afternoon departure around 17:00 or 18:00. We have limited staff to do airport transfers so if you arrive to Akureyri earlier in the day we will not be able to pick you up until the evening. You can also charter your own flight with Eagle Air Iceland or Norlandair straight from Keflavík International airport to Akureyri.
PLEASE NOTE: You need to allow yourself a minimum of 2.5 hours from the time your international flight lands in Keflavík until the departure of the domestic Icelandair flight in Reykjavík due to the fact that it can take some time to get through customs and collect your baggage. You need to be at the Reykjavík domestic airport at least 30 minutes prior to your departure. The domestic airport is very small and easy to navigate.
Where is the Troll Peninsula
The Troll Peninsula is located in the North of Iceland. The Peninsula extends north into the Arctic Ocean northwest of the town of Akureyri. The peninsula lies between the fjords of Skagafjörður and Eyjafjörður.
How do I get to Iceland?
There are direct flights from over 20 cities in Western Europe, the USA and Canada to Iceland. It takes about 2-3 hours to fly from Europe and about 5-6 hours from the East Coast of North America. Icelandair is the one main carrier, which services destinations on both sides of the Atlantic. All these flights arrive at Keflavík International Airport in the south part of the country. For a good flights search engine try Dohop as they have all the flights that arrive and depart from Iceland. Once you arrive in Iceland you can chose to fly or drive up to Akureyri in the north of Iceland where our programs begin. Domestic flights to Akureyri are available from the Reykjavík Domestic Airport which is located in downtown Reykjavik (approximately 45 minutes from Keflavik International Airport) . Private jets and charters can land at Akureyri airport AEY in the North, only 45 minutes away from our Lodge. Please visit our Getting Here page for further details.
Equipment
Do you have splitboards available or can I use snowshoes?
We do not have splitboards available for rent and they are very difficult to rent in Iceland. You must bring your own splitboard. It is not possible to use snowshoes in place of a snowboards unless you are on a private program and talk with us at the time of booking.
What are ski crampons and why do we need them?
Ski crampons work in conjunction with your skins to save you energy providing efficient skinning in firm snow situations. Ski crampons are lightweight and easy to carry and a great tool to add to your backcountry kit if you do not already own them. Most backcountry ski bindings offer integrated ski crampon systems. We require ski crampons for our Iceland programs. Please contact us if you are not able to find this piece of equipment for you trip. We do not have any available for rent, however we may be able to help you find an online retailer.
Do I bring my own skis or do you rent out equipment?
For our Troll Peninsula north Iceland programs we do have a limited supply of rental equipment. This includes touring skis with skins, poles and avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe). We do have a small selection of ski boots at the lodge intended for emergency use only. We ask all guests to bring their own ski boots as it is much more comfortable to use your own. We also recommend that guests put their boots in a carry-on bag to ensure there are no problems.
As for type of ski best suited for our conditions a mid fat to fat ski, and not too soft, would be the ideal. If you take your skis to the shop for a tune up before your trip make sure to ask for a warm temp wax. We do have a ski shop for repairs and hot waxing at the lodge in case of repairs or someone not advancing downhill due to wax (or no wax) problems.
For our Eastfjords and Westfjords Iceland programs and our International programs rental equipment can be arranged if done so well in advance.
Ability
I have never tried ski touring, do you have a trip for me?
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How much experience do I need to have?
It depends on a few things such as your group and program, but every skier needs to be a fit intermediate skier and be able to ski under control in off-piste terrain. Keep in mind that ski touring does require a certain basic level of physical fitness to minimize risk and be enjoyable. We recommend that you have the basic core strength to ski in a variety of conditions. The best training you can do for ski touring is ski touring. It is best not to go into any extended trip without finding the time to get in a few days of ski touring in advance to make sure that your feet are conditioned to your boots and that you are comfortable with using the equipment. We strongly recommend guests to bring their own ski touring equipment, especially their own boots.
We recommend that you are able to do the following:
- Ski fall line in most snow conditions (powder to wind affected snow).
- Make parallel or stem-christie turns on 35° groomed or firm snow.
- Side-slip on firm slopes up to 35°.
- Kick turns facing in or facing out on 30° slopes.
- Skate on level terrain
- Ski black diamond runs at ski areas efficiently and in most snow conditions.
- Climb at least 1000 meters per day.The amount of skiing done in a day is up to you and your fitness level but as an average I would say that we get around 1000-1800m of climbing and descent in a day with our typical moderate to strong guests.
*If you are concerned about being joined with other skiers of different abilities then we recommend joining a Private program.
Lodging
What is the food like?
The meals provided are typical of Iceland. Breakfast includes a large variety of options from muesli and yogurt, to freshly baked bread, hard boiled eggs, and smoked salmon. Lunch packs include sandwiches, tea, coffee and plenty of yummy snacks to keep you fueled for skiing and snowboarding. For the dinner the focus is on local products such as organic lamb and fresh fish, with great emphasis on using what nature provides in the region.
Is single accommodation available?
Our programs are based on double occupancy. For guests traveling alone we do our best to accommodate you in a single room if there is space at the lodge. For the Siglo program it is possible to pay a supplement for a single room at the time of booking.
Can you accommodate skiers with special dietary needs?
Please advise us by making note of any special needs or allergies on your booking form when reserving your trip. If we know in advance we can prepare and accommodate you no matter what your dietary needs are. The only food not readily available in Iceland is Kosher food.
Terrain & Conditions
Why does the ski touring season not start until February?
In Iceland we do not have solid snow in September-November, and in December and January the lack of daylight does not allow us to ski for more than 3 hours each day, which is the reason for the late start of our ski touring season. We offer ski touring programs from mid February, when we have daylight that lasts from 8 in the morning until 5 in the evening.
When is the best time to ski?
It depends on what you are wanting most from the trip and whether you are seeking amazing spring corn and long days or Northern lights with a deep snowpack and possible powder.
The season for ski touring in Iceland can be split into two periods with late February and March where we have winter conditions and April and May being the transition period from winter to spring. March to mid April is the time where we generally are at the high point for the snowpack. Then we typically have cold snow and powder conditions, Northern Lights and cool temperatures. The area starts to experience true spring conditions and the morning warm up of the surface snow as late April and May come around. Then we have the change to do some awesome corn snow skiing and still a good chance at getting some fresh snow that stays cold on the Northern aspects for days. The days are getting longer as well so in May your ski days can be much longer.
Note: Mid April to early May is the high season for ski touring on the Troll Peninsula and programs during this time get booked well in advance.
What is the weather like?
April and May tend to be stable in terms of wind and precipitation on the Troll Peninsula with long spells of calm, but there are also storms that can last for a day or two. Bad weather happens and you must be aware of the fact that you are up in the high Arctic in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. This is all a part of your adventure ski touring experience.
Our position in the middle of the Atlantic also means that bad weather never lasts for long with fast moving low-pressure areas striking and then leaving as fast as they arrived. Temperatures in April and May are mild, usually around -10 to 0 degrees Celcius up in the mountains but can rise up to +10 degrees on a good day but drop to -10 on a cold day.
One huge advantage of our northerly position is the continuous daylight, meaning that as we move closer to summer we can have bad weather until the afternoon but still get out in the evening since the sun is not setting until around midnight.
All that said there is another Icelandic saying that goes like this "If you do not like the weather in Iceland, just wait 5 minutes"What are snow conditions like?
The snow pack is predominantly coastal and in the springtime we are skiing powder in March and April and excellent corn snow in May and June with the occasional powder. What really makes the snow good is the small temperature difference between night and day which makes for perfect corn snow, never too deep and never too hard.
This also means we have for the most parts very stable snow in terms of avalanche danger so we can ski steeper and more exposed lines than you would normally do.What is the terrain like?
The Troll Peninsula is every skier's dreamland with about 90% of the mountains skiable, meaning there are not many cliff faces or flat spots. The mountains are the perfect mix of steep to very steep couloirs and faces to wide open low angled glacier runs.
What really sets the Troll Peninsula apart from any other ski destination is the fact that you can ski up to 1300m runs all the way down to the ocean.
There are plenty of slopes for skiers of all abilities from very extreme terrain suitable for the pro riders to nice and friendly areas for those ski touring for their first time. The mountains of the Trolls are up to 1500m or 5000ft high but you can in many cases ski that entire vertical all the way down to the ocean. The average ski run is around 900m or 3000ft in vertical drop.
Due to our northerly position there is no tree skiing in Iceland, in fact the local joke is that if you get lost in an Icelandic forest, you just have to stand up. So if you are scared of big nasty tree wells Iceland will feel pretty safe. For the best idea of what the terrain is like, please check out our video gallery.
Guides
Do the guides speak English
All of our guides and staff speak english and we have a few guides who speak French and German.
Are the guides Icelandic
We have both local Icelandic guides as well as guides from Canada and Europe who have worked with us for many seasons and are very familiar with Iceland and the culture.
Are the guides experienced ski guides?
Professionalism and good service is what Bergmenn Mountain Guides are all about. We are Iceland's only certified mountain guides and therefore uphold standards that are well beyond any other operation in the country. Each one of our guides has undergone a strict training and exam process specializing them in risk assessment in the mountain environment. All BMG guides hold a current WFR certificate as well. It is our view that this is crucial, given the fact that mountain related activities are far from being risk free. Please refer to our Safety page for find further information on guides certifications.