Ski & Sail 2026
Backcountry ski from fjord to fjord in Iceland’s greatest wilderness, the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Abandoned since 1950 and cut off from roads, this raw and untamed landscape can only be reached by sea. Each night, regroup aboard the sturdy expedition ship Lola of Skagen, where her crew provides warm meals and shelter in a new anchorage. In Hornstrandir, skiing means tracing wild coastlines under the northern lights, crossing paths with arctic foxes and seals—while living aboard a vessel built in the spirit of the early polar explorers: practical, rugged, and made for northern waters.
Included
• Transfers from/to Ísafjörður airport
• 5 nights accommodation aboard Lola of Skagen
• All bedding: pillow, sheets, and duvet included
• Sailing instruction
• All meals
• Services of expert crew
• The use of SUP boards
Dates: March 23 - 28 / March 30 - April 4 / April 6 - 11 / April 12 - 17
- Individual spots 4.000 EUR per person, including a local ski guide.
- Charter the whole boat for 8 to 12 people, depending on comfort level. Local ski guide not included. 24.000 EUR.
About the yacht
Lola of Skagen is an 18m wooden vessel that serves as a warm winter refuge surrounded by water. With heating in every cabin, she offers comfort even in the wildest weather. Built in Denmark in 1919, she spent 55 years as a fishing boat before being converted to a passenger charter vessel in 1975. Ever since, she has been sailing without pause, carrying stories of both work and adventure.
Sturdy and spacious, Lola is built for the sea and outfitted for adventure. She is a joy to sail the traditional way—every hand is needed on deck, as there isn’t a single winch onboard. Step aboard and you’re immediately transported to another era. The ship is extremely well kept and the wood gives it a natural warm feel.
Accommodation is simple yet cozy. Guests are housed in two cabins, each with four bunks (8 total). Every bunk has its own curtain for privacy, as well as a shelf for clothes and personal items. Shared facilities include a bathroom with toilet, sink, and shower, with hot water always available. Each cabin has charging outlets, and the ship features a full galley (kitchen) and a large saloon that comfortably seats 12. Naturally, Lola complies with all international safety standards.
The vessel operates best with 8 guests and 4 crew: captain, chef, stewardess, and ski guide (12 people total). While her maximum legal and logistical capacity is 16, we recommend 8 for the most comfortable experience. If you’d like to bring a larger group, please contact us to discuss accommodations.
More photos and deck plan here.
Hosts
Jay and Natasha
Jay and Natasha, the current guardians of Lola, spent a decade sailing around the world before settling in the Mecca of offshore professional sailboat racing in France. When time allows, they love to step away from their main work to share their home at sea with others.
Iceland holds a special place in their story. They once spent nine months here aboard their previous vessel, and it was in Ísafjörður that their fourth and youngest child was born. Their deep affection for this country keeps drawing them back. These ski voyages through Hornstrandir have been growing in their hearts and minds for years—and with Lola of Skagen, they now have the ship to bring them to life.
Haukur
A native of the Westfjords, Haukur has over 20 years of experience organizing and leading adventure trips in Iceland. Few have skied the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve as often as he has, and he knows its terrain, history, and culture like the back of his hand. An anthropologist and photographer, Haukur also provides production services to film crews and occasionally guides. He lives in Ísafjörður with his wife and two sons.
This expedition is operated in collaboration with the Fjord Hub. Get in touch with one of us via our socials, or to Tyler at the Fjord Hub to enquire.