Women’s Iceland Backcountry Ski Trip

A land of fire and ice, where towering peaks tumble into the Arctic Ocean and endless daylight stretches the possibilities—welcome to Iceland’s Troll Peninsula. This is a backcountry skier’s dreamscape, and we’re inviting a small group of women to explore its vast, untouched terrain together.

With expert guides leading the way, we’ll chase spring’s best snow, weaving through alpine bowls, big faces, and steep couloirs. Each day, we’ll earn our turns in a remote, rugged paradise before retreating to our private oceanfront home—our sanctuary for rest, reflection, and rejuvenation. Think geothermal soaks under the northern sky, nourishing meals, and a space to connect with like-minded adventurers.

This isn’t just a ski trip. It’s a journey—into the mountains, into ourselves, and into the heart of one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Why Join?

• Ski from summit to sea with endless daylight and stable spring conditions

• Explore untouched terrain in a remote, wild landscape

• Build strength, confidence, and camaraderie with an incredible group of women

• Soak, savor, and recharge in geothermal hot springs after long days in the mountains

• We might even catch the northern lights!

Day 1:

• From Reykjavik, connect on a short flight to Akureyri, our gateway to the Troll Peninsula.

• We will coordinate flights and pick the group up from the airport together.

• Get settled in, stretch out, and soak in the geothermal tubs.

• Group welcome dinner: trip overview, gear check, and tour planning.

Day 2 - 7:

Each day, we’ll embark on a different backcountry ski objective, tailoring routes to conditions and group goals. Expect:

• Big mountain alpine terrain – Wide-open bowls, steep couloirs, and long descents (2,500–3,000 ft vertical).

• Ocean-meets-mountain scenery – Ski from ridgelines with breathtaking fjord views.

• Remote access – We’ll use 4x4 vans to reach untouched zones.

• 20+ hours of daylight – Flexible timing to ski when conditions are prime.

• Après & recovery – Return to our cozy lodge for well-earned soaks, chef-prepared dinners, and downtime with the crew.

• Optional rest days exploring town, markets, or enjoying the beautiful views and tubs from the lodge.

Day 8

• Final breakfast by the sea.

• Transfer to Akureyri for flights home.

Cost of trip covers:

• 7 nights lodging in a private hi-end home with easy access to the goods, right on the ocean.

• Multiple geothermal tubs to soak those tired muscles.

• Homemade Breakfasts and Dinners - locally sourced.

• Ski guiding: Two Ski Guides

• 4x4 van for remote access/rendezvous points.

• Transfers to/from Akureyri airport (easy flights from Reykjavik)

Not Included:

• Flights

• Lunch/snack items

• Add ons: Heli Skiing, Sailing.

This trip is designed to be accessible to differing ability levels and energy levels, with many options. You need to bring your own touring equipment. Prior avalanche education is not required. Being a “good skier” is not required. Wherever you are in your skiing journey, we are here to help you grow and have a good time.

Skiing is not a requirement! If you would like to come with a loved one and spend the week by the water, watching the northern lights, soaking in the tubs, ect, feel free.

No prior avalanche education is required.

Upon booking this trip, you will be charged a 50% deposit. You will not be charged the remaining 50% until 90 days before the course.

Within one week of booking, you will receive an email from our staff with a pre-trip packet. This will include more specific information, instructions, packing list, ect.

This trip will be guided by Victoria Garvin. We will also have a guest guide, Al Mandell. Al has been guiding in Iceland for the past 20 years, and is a local expert. We do not typically allow any male guides on women+ trips, but Al is the one exception we are making. He is graciously passing this trip down the Upward Transitions and will be around to make sure we are well taken care of.

Information about Victoria Garvin can be found under the Guides tab.

Al Mandell: Hailing from Maine, Al has been skiing his entire life and is now nearing retirement. He has been a long time promoter of women’s programs, doing work for several women’s companies such as Backcountry Babes. Al has seen the industry change for the better over his lifetime career, and aims to help diversify our industry. He is an Avalanche Educator, Ski instructor, and AMGA assistant Ski Guide.

For International Trips

We do recommend getting trip insurance. We have specific recommendations for this in the pre-trip packet. This way if an emergency comes up, your trip will be covered.

From our end, the 50% trip deposit is non-refundable after purchase. Cancellations made at least 90 days prior to the start of the trip will not be charged the remaining 50%. Cancellations made within 90 days of the trip are fully non-refundable.

As a small company, we are severely impacted by the trip cancellations that happen throughout the season, which is why we must maintain a strict no-exception policy.