Iceland Awaits: Closing Out the Season at the Fossavatn

Next week brings the final Worldloppet event of the season: Iceland’s Fossavatn, located in the Westfjords region in the far northwest of this island nation – almost exactly at the Arctic Circle’s 66 degrees of latitude. As skiers prepare for this year’s event, we’re looking forward to sharing Iceland’s trails and geology with guests again soon.

Although Iceland may not immediately come to mind as a ski destination, the Fossavatn was first held in 1935 and has been held annually every year since 1955 – with no cancellations due to low snow. The race joined the Worldloppet circuit in 2014 and holds the distinction of being the last event on the annual calendar. Not so much because it is the newest event on the list, but because the area consistently sees snowfall well into the end of April. Conditions for this year’s race are as good as they’ve ever been, buoyed by abundant late-winter storms that have blanketed the trails above the Ísafjörður Fjord.

If you’re not ready to hang up your skis after the traditional ski season is over, skiing in Iceland should be on your list. Enjoy skiing on either the 25 or 50 km race courses – eligible for Silver and Gold Worldloppet stamps, respectively – alongside hundreds other skiers on Iceland’s challenging, yet beautiful, glacially carved terrain. The juxtaposition of top-notch cross country skiing – in April, no less – with the Atlantic Ocean on the horizon is a sight you have to see to believe.

The community of Ísafjörður, where the Fossvatn takes place, is special among Lumi trips for its remote location and how dedicated community members are to their hometown event. Fannie from Washington reminisced in 2025 after the event, “The town was so welcoming, friendly and had the best post-race cake buffet, seafood banquet, and singalong. It really made me feel like I was a part of the community.” The post-season cake party is a highlight that almost eclipses the race itself, as local residents bake several dozen unique cakes that are shared with all in attendance. This is one party that should not be missed. It’s a delicious treat and the perfect way to celebrate the end of another successful Worldloppet season. 

Given its seaside location, it’s no surprise that seafood plays prominently in Iceland’s culinary scene more than any other Lumi trip. Guests appreciate the opportunity to indulge in seafood throughout the trip, in particular at a no-nonsense historic fish house in the heart of Ísafjörður: Tjöruhúsið. What the restaurant lacks in marketing and showmanship they more than make up for with their fresh seafood, pulled in daily by local fishermen and prepared to perfection in a memorable space that feels like it's on the edge of the world. It’s an opportunity we look forward to each season and a fun change of pace from dishes with more Scandinavian and Alpine influences found in continental Europe. 

Prior to reaching Ísafjörður, Lumi guests are treated to a multi-day sightseeing tour of Iceland’s remote interior. This is truly a trip with two parts, even more so than Lumi’s sight-skiing trips in Norway, Slovenia, and Italy & Austria. Beyond the island’s rugged coastline, spectacular waterfalls, geothermal pools and volcanic craters, there’s always the chance to see the northern lights dancing overhead due to Iceland’s dark night skies and northerly latitude. “There are many more non-ski activities on this trip compared to other Lumi trips,” says Lumi regular Leslie T. “This is unique to the country and ski location. It was a wonderful experience to learn about Iceland this way!” 

Interested in the opportunity to explore the city of Reykjavik, participate in a Worldloppet event and ski the trails on Iceland’s volcanic landscapes? Lumi is taking bookings for our 2027 Iceland Fossavatn trip (April 12 - 19). Space is limited and spots are already filling up quickly. With the ability to fly directly into Reykjavik from many North American cities, this may be our most accessible trip.

Sarah G. summarizes her 2025 experience perfectly: “Iceland is a magical place and everyone should visit at some point. Great food, amazing scenery, deep history, gorgeous fjords and waterfalls, hearty residents, soothing thermal springs – I loved it all and experienced it without stress since Lumi took care of everything.” We’ll cheers to that.

Reach out to reservations@lumiexperiences.com today to receive a detailed trip itinerary or to book your spot. All bookings made before April 30 will receive a $200/person early booking discount as our thanks. We look forward to hearing from you and skiing with you in Iceland next winter!

See you on the trails,

Garrott Kuzzy

garrott@lumiexperiences.com

Founder, Lumi Experiences