Skiing in Iceland: Resorts, Season, Lift Prices

You can ski in Iceland, but only at small, snow-dependent areas: Bláfjöll, 30 minutes from Reykjavik, has 14 lifts, and Hlíðarfjall above Akureyri has 7 lifts and 23 slopes and the longest season. At Bláfjöll a day pass costs 6,150 ISK for adults (November 2026), opening hours depend on weather and snow, and skis can be rented on site but not booked ahead. This page contains partner links: if you book, we earn a commission at no cost to you.

Area	Where	Lifts	Season and notes
Bláfjöll	About 30 minutes from Reykjavik	14 lifts in 2 areas, including 2 chairlifts	Opens when snow allows; daily buses from Reykjavik while open
Hlíðarfjall	Akureyri, North Iceland	7 lifts and 23 alpine slopes (the operator's figures)	Roughly late November to early May, often to late April

Lift counts and prices from the operators' pages in November 2026; confirm opening before you travel.

Bláfjöll, near Reykjavik

Bláfjöll is the biggest ski area in Iceland. In the operator's schedule, weekday hours are 14:00 to 21:00 (the South Area 17:00 to 20:00) and weekends 10:00 to 17:00, always depending on weather and snow. Lift passes for adults aged 18 to 66 are 6,150 ISK for a day, 3,950 ISK for 2 hours, 4,650 ISK for 3 hours and 15,650 ISK for 3 days. Children aged 6 to 17 pay 1,370 ISK for a day, and children aged 0 to 5 are free. A beginners' lift ticket is 1,770 ISK. Daily rental of skis, boots and poles is 7,250 ISK for adults and 6,450 ISK for children, a snowboard with boots the same, and helmets are free. There is no advance booking for rental. A bus from Reykjavik runs while the area is open: weekday departures are from about 15:30 to 16:30 with a return from Bláfjöll at 21:05, and at weekends from about 12:10 with a return at 17:05; the return ticket is 2,000 ISK. To check whether the lifts are running, use the status page and webcam of the ski area or call 530-3000. Skálafell, the other area near Reykjavik, was closed for the 2024/25 season, so do not plan around it.

Hlíðarfjall, near Akureyri

Hlíðarfjall is the main downhill area in the north, with snow cannons for an early opening and floodlights for night skiing on the shortest days. Lifts close in strong winds, so check ahead. In summer the lower chairlift, Fjarkinn, runs for hiking and the bike park, from about 4 July to 5 September depending on weather. Akureyri is a town with hotels, restaurants and swimming; see Akureyri and where to stay in Akureyri. The flight from Reykjavik is the quick way north; by road, see Reykjavik to Akureyri.

Cross-country skiing

Bláfjöll has cross-country trails of 1, 2.5, 5, 6.5 and 12 km, with a day pass of 1,700 ISK and cross-country ski rental at 6,500 ISK a day. The tracks at Hlíðarfjall and Bláfjöll are floodlit until 10 pm.

Daylight and weather

Winter daylight is short: only about 4 to 5 hours in Reykjavik in December, so ski days are brief. Weather is the main risk: wind closes lifts, and the area can be shut for days without snow. Check Iceland in winter and Iceland in February for conditions.

Other snow activities

If the lifts are shut, the snowmobile tour on Langjökull and dog sledding do not depend on resort lifts. For ice caves, see ice cave tours.

Mistakes to avoid

Booking a flight for a ski week without checking snow: Bláfjöll opens only when conditions allow.
Counting on rental booking: Bláfjöll takes no advance reservations.
Forgetting the return bus time: the last return leaves Bláfjöll at 21:05 on weekdays and 17:05 at weekends.
Skiing in strong wind: the lifts close.

FAQ

Can you ski in Iceland?

Yes, at Bláfjöll near Reykjavik and Hlíðarfjall near Akureyri, among others.

When is the ski season?

Hlíðarfjall runs roughly from late November to early May. Bláfjöll opens when there is enough snow.

How much is a lift pass?

At Bláfjöll, 6,150 ISK for adults for a day in November 2026.

Can I rent skis?

Yes, at Bláfjöll for 7,250 ISK a day for adults; there is no advance booking.

The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.