Winter decided to reassert itself this Easter – happy spring heliskiing!

In Icelandic, we use the word „páskahret“ for the cold snap that often invites itself around Easter. This year, it arrived with a bang, with heavy snowfall and gale winds disrupting plans for Easter skiing.

Backcountry skiing was mainly out of the question, and our local ski resort in Skarðsdalur was more closed than open. The storm made it almost impossible to travel, so getting from  place to place was challenging.

Locals did however rejoice on Good Friday, as the weather allowed the Fljótamót, a local cross-country skiing competion to proceed in beautiful conditions. It was a happy event, with the snowfall starting up just as the last competitors finished their 20k.

Visitors to at Sóti had fun snowshoeing and snowmobiling between blizzards, in between enforced relaxing and gazing out at the storm as the wind blew and shook the few trees visible from under the snow drifts. Our swimming pool, Barðslaug, provided a spot of activity for all guests in the Fljótin region and was packed when open, with guests arriving on 4×4 mountain trucks, snowmobiles and even skis. It was a blast.

The slopes beckon after the Easter gales

Now the sun is shining and the mountain slopes on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula are pristinely white. This bodes well for the upcoming spring heliskiing, but we are also reminded of the importance of staying safe in winter conditions. We have avalanche warnings and skiers are encouraged to be careful. This brings to mind the importance of making use of the expertise of our local ski guides. Sóti Summits emphasizes safety in all its trips and we count our blessings to be working with a group of experienced, Icelandic mountain guides.

Heliskiing the safe way with Sóti Summits

As we recall our previous blog about winter mountain safety, we would like to reiterate the following guidelines:

– Benefit from the services of professionals: choose mountain and heli-ski tours with experienced guides

– Always carry the necessary safety equipment: make sure you have it on when you set off on a trip

– Increase your knowledge: take advantage of courses and tutorials on teaching and behavior in the mountains in winter

– Head the weather forecast: search for the latest weather and weather information

– Communicate: travel with a partner and talk to other skiers

Welcome to the mountains with us this spring!

We still have openings for our spring heliskiing season – don’t miss the opportunity to ski from peaks to coastline in the magnificent landscape of the Troll Peninsula. Coupled with a stay at Sóti Lodge, we can promise a memorable adventure.

Book now and join us in 2024 – 2025 dates will be up soon!