Something Is Happening at the Edge of the Arctic
Everything is lining up for an epic spring on the Troll Peninsula. Here’s why you should heli-ski Iceland this season, and what’s new at one of our favorite operations.
Alchemy Journal · 17 October 2026
A New Chapter in the North.
Who doesn’t love something new? In remote northern Iceland, it doesn’t happen often. Time moves slowly on the Troll Peninsula… many of the fishing villages have looked much the same for decades, so when something new arrives, everyone notices.
This year, when you come through the tunnels into our favourite Icelandic town, the first thing you’ll see is the old airport, transformed into a new heli-ski headquarters. All black against a stark white landscape, it will be hard to miss. It brings a whole new perspective to this historic fishing village, and promises to be the best spot to get your boots on, sip a coffee while you wait for your heli, then swap stories over a cold beer after a long day of skiing.
The headquarters may be new, but the operation isn’t. Since 2013, this Viking crew has been sharing this corner of northern Iceland with skiers and riders from all over the world. Through years of hard work, they built a well-known brand, a strong guide team and a loyal following.
This year, you can feel the buzz. Same mountains, same promise of those famous Icelandic descents, but with a new home base to bookend all the fun.
Summit to Sea.
There are very few places on earth where you can stand on a summit, look out over the Arctic Ocean, and ski all the way down to it. Wide-open faces, couloirs and long, flowing lines run toward the shoreline.
Some runs end so close to the water you can hear the waves. If there happens to be swell, you might even spot surfers riding long right-handers as you load back into the heli. For those that love to surf and aren’t afraid of cold water, ask your guides! Some of the guide staff know the local waves well, and can point you in the right direction.
Not every line comes into shape every year. But each season, a few of the all-time descents do. Sometimes it’s powder, sometimes it’s corn. Either way, you want to be here when it happens.
Scientists expect 2026 and 2027 to be excellent years for the aurora.
The sun runs on a roughly eleven-year cycle. In October 2024, NASA and NOAA announced it had reached solar maximum, and some of the strongest northern lights tend to arrive in the years just after that peak.
Scientists expect 2026 and 2027 to be excellent years for the aurora, before activity begins its slow fade toward the end of the decade.
Early in the season, the nights are still dark. Step outside with the crew on a clear night and watch the sky come alive over the fjord.
No one can promise the aurora. But the odds may not be this good again for a decade.
When to Come.
The season runs from roughly March through June, and every week brings something different.
- March
- Colder snow, a chance at powder and the darkest skies for the aurora.
- April & May
- Long days, some of the best spring corn you’ll ever ski, and those unforgettable spring powder days we wait for and celebrate every year.
- June
- The midnight sun means you can ski in daylight until your legs beg for mercy.
Iceland is easier to reach than ever.
- A few hours away
Iceland is a short flight from much of Europe and the east coast of North America.
- Direct to the north
New seasonal direct flights connect the UK and parts of Europe straight to Akureyri, the gateway to the north. No connection in Reykjavík.
- On snow the next morning
Land in Akureyri, drive north along the fjords, and you can be skiing the next day.
- Coming from further afield?
Fly into Keflavík, then take a short domestic flight or a scenic drive north. We’ll help you find the best route for your dates.
Plan It With Alchemy.
When you plan with us, you text directly with your own ski guide.
- Your inside line
The weather, the snowpack, safety, what gear to bring and what to leave at home, food and where to stay.
- The right weeks
We’ll point you to the weeks that suit how you ski or ride, and fill you in on everything that’s new this season.
- The extras
The add-ons worth building into your trip, from the people who know this corner of Iceland best.
- Snowboarder?
Snowboard Nømads is our snowboard-only crew: trips built around riders, with a professional snowboard guide leading the way.
Tell us how you like to ski, when you can travel and what you’re dreaming of. We’ll take care of the rest.
Independent advice. Insider knowledge. No additional booking cost.