Adventurer of the Week: Ruth Goes Ski Touring

Ruth, a traveller form Germany, came ski touring with us in the north of iceland and did some of ther own exploring. Here, she tells us why it was the best ski tour she has ever had.

What motivated you to visit Iceland?

Why did I choose Iceland? Why not!? I had come to Iceland already in the summer, so I was interested to experience Iceland in the winter time. I wanted to see that, and it was a good idea to combine it with another trip; I also love ski touring, and then I had the idea to go to Iceland.

How long was your stay? Did you travel solo or with a group?

I came for 2 weeks, and 9 days were spent ski touring. I was on my own at first, and then there was a group of 10 for the ski touring. We met in Akureyri and went from there.

Which tour did you take and why did you choose it?

I did the Mountains and Fjords of the North ski tour. We came up from Reykjavík to Akureyri, and we were based in a summer house in Dalvík and we did day trips from there.

How did you choose ski touring instead of regular alpine skiing?

This is what I love to do at home. I love it because you are there, you are really in the wilderness. I Iove to hike up with the skis, to do the ascent with the skis as well and not go up with machines, with a lift.

What is one thing you will always remember about your tour?

I will always remember the silence, and the real feel of nature when you are at altitude, in the mountains. In the alps, you are out in the wilderness, you are out in the winter landscape but it is not the wilderness like it is there, in Iceland. You are really experiencing this real remoteness: that was really impressive. And the wind, it was really strong!

What is something that you learned about Iceland that surprised you?

I think there was nothing really to surprise me, but I realised that it was really worth to it come to Iceland at every time of year: for the people, for the landscape, for the food, for a lot of things.

One thing that surprised me is that Iceland is a small island, but there are so many places without any infrastructure, without people, it's very different from Europe.

If you had more time in Iceland, what else would you like to see and do?

Next time, I would like to see the highlands in the center of the country, and do some trekking. I would also like to go to the Westfjords. In winter, I would really be interested in going on a hut-to-hut on cross-country skis and I know that Icelandic Mountain Guides does a journey like that!

What tips do you have for people who want to visit Iceland?

Take more time for Iceland! Not only a week or two. I think that many people think, oh, you know, it's not a big island and one or two weeks should e be enough, but I would recommend at least two weeks maybe three weeks!

What adventure are you off to next? What is your next dream adventure?

Next, I'm off to Mexico, next week in fact, as a your guide. We will hike the volcanoes, explore the highlands of Mexico all around Mexico City for just over two weeks.

In March 2017, I plan to go to Georgia for a ski trip which will be great!

Ruth's multi-day Northen ski tour is only one of the many features that make for an unforgettable experience. Book your tour and join us for an excursion that is guaranteed to make memories that last a lifetime.

Have you been on a tour with us in Iceland and would like to be featured as an “Adventurer of the Week”? Feel free to email us at info@mountainguides.is.