Hlidarfjall Ski Resort

Hlidarfjall is Iceland's premier ski resort and the only one that could reasonably be called a proper ski area by European standards. Perched on the slopes above Akureyri, the capital of north Iceland, it rises from 500 metres at the base to 1,014 metres at the summit of Fjallkonan — the highest point reachable by ski lift anywhere in Iceland. On a clear day, the views over Eyjafjordur fjord and the surrounding mountains are reason enough to ride the chairlift up.

The Mountain

The resort offers 24 marked runs spanning 14.9 kilometres of groomed pistes. The terrain splits roughly into 40% easy slopes (6 km), 47% intermediate (7 km), and 13% difficult (1.9 km), giving a vertical drop of 514 metres. This makes it manageable for beginners and families while still offering enough variety to keep experienced skiers interested for a full day.

Eight lifts serve the mountain, all manufactured by Doppelmayr. The two main quad chairlifts — Fjarkinn and Fjallkonan — carry skiers to the upper slopes. Six surface lifts, including a T-bar, three J-bars, a rope tow, and a magic carpet for beginners, cover the lower areas. The magic carpet is free to use, making it easy for first-timers to get started without committing to a full day pass.

Evening Skiing and Snow Conditions

Northern Iceland's latitude means short winter days, and Hlidarfjall has adapted accordingly. All main slopes are floodlit for evening skiing, and the cross-country trails stay illuminated until ten o'clock at night. During the darkest weeks of December and January, the floodlights effectively double the available skiing time.

Snow quality benefits from the northern location and relatively high elevation. The resort installed snowmaking equipment in 2006 to supplement natural snowfall, which helps keep the season running from early December through early May — one of the longest ski seasons in Iceland.

Rental and Ski School

The on-site rental operation, Fjallakofinn, stocks equipment for over 300 guests. Full ski and snowboard packages include boots, poles, and a helmet at no extra charge. Ski suits are also available, useful for travellers who did not pack for winter sports.

The ski school caters to all levels. Children's group lessons introduce young skiers to the basics, while private instruction is available for adults wanting to improve technique or learn snowboarding. Adaptive skiing programmes ensure the mountain is accessible to skiers with disabilities.

Getting There

Akureyri is a 45-minute flight from Reykjavik or roughly five hours by car along Route 1. From Akureyri town centre, the drive to the resort takes about ten minutes. For visitors already exploring north Iceland — Husavik, Myvatn, or the Trollaskagi peninsula — Hlidarfjall makes a natural addition to the itinerary, particularly if the weather cooperates.