Crossing an Ice cap is a true adventure. Some adventurers believe that crossing one of the Icelandic ones is a good start to prepare for polar expeditions; they could not be more wrong. Ice cap crossings in Iceland are an adventure on their own! (but they will get you ready as well)
The glacial landscapes of Iceland have a special character.
Visually, they are different from crossing the big white landscapes of the polar region. In the distance, nunataks always are in sight, unlike on other polar expanses.
Weatherwise, some polar explorers still find Iceland to be a special challenge. The weather changes regularly which brings its own set of tests.
Physically, even though the expeditions are shorter here, you will find every type of snow conditions and summit an ice cap pulling all you need in a sled while camping out in winter conditions. The full winter experience!
Be sure to be challenged by an icecap crossing! The learning curve in these guided expeditions is steady and will gear you up for further adventure whil providing you with one to remember!
Langjökull Ice Cap Crossing
Day 1: Gear check and Glacier approach
Preparation is an integral part of any expedition. Once out there you must be self-reliant. So, we invite you to join in into the packing of the sleds. We make sure that all is accounted for in our facilities.
Once all is checked, we load sleds and skis onto the modified vehicles which will take us closer to the ice cap. We unload and wave goodbye to the convoy. Take a deep breath for this is a step up in the adventure as we clip our sleds to our belts and start skiing towards the ice.
We only ski for a few hours before methodically setting a cosy camp for the night. Maybe we can unzip the tent to admire the stars or the Northern lights from our cosy warm winter nest.
Days 2 to 6: Ski onwards
Life becomes so simple on the ice. The monotony of days is so soothing for the mind. We wake up, melt snow for breakfast, pack up the camp, ski onwards, set up the camp, melt snow for dinner and once settled in the sleeping bag we can reminisce about the day, maybe jot down the thoughts that came to us as we moved.
The day after, we repeat.
There is a great solace and joy in this routine. One of the great experiences that one can and should feel in their life.
The sense of accomplishment, the simple gestures that become second nature after a while, the help and support from your expedition members will create a lasting memory and change in one´s life.
The views are not bad too (trust the pictures).
Day 7: Walk out
The last day sees a change in the adventure. Skiers must mentally get ready to go back into civilisation after this reset period. Pack up one last time, a little slower to enjoy these familiar movements.
Then we ski off the glacier and, hopefully, all the way to the pickup point by a hot spring we can bathe in while waiting for our vehicles. The best bus stop in the world!
Generally, the ride back is a silent one when all reminisce and bask in the peace and quiet joy of having truly achieved something special.
