Reykjavík Grapevine - 18.05.2007, Side 23

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On a sunny Friday afternoon in May, the Grape-
vine staff parked in front of a small hut by
the roots of the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier,
located on the tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Our excursion guide of the day awaited us and
lent out helmets, suits and gloves before lead-
ing us to the snowmobiles on which we were
about to speed up the 1,446 metre high snow
covered volcano.
The glacier is one of the country’s most rec-
ognized landmarks, not only due to its spectacu-
lar natural beauty but also for possessing some
sorts of mystical powers and energy sources.
The truth of these kinds of speculations was not
about to be disputed during our trip, especially
after spotting the snowmobiles lined in a row
and just waiting for some action. In a heartbeat
we turned into a bunch of small children, acting
just as eager as if we were waiting to open the
presents hiding under the Christmas tree.
After learning how to control the vehicle,
the eagerly anticipant group followed the guide
from the parking lot. I had brought my snow-
board so I had to choose between getting my
own snowmobile or share one as a passenger on
the way to the top. Without hesitation I chose
the latter alternative, and while desperately
trying to hold the board with one hand and
clenching the driver with the other we raced to
the mountain peak. I really didn’t need to steer
the vehicle to experience the extreme rush that
could easily become addictive.
But the best part was yet to come. I cannot
remember when I last witnessed a more invit-
ing vision than the untouched powder snow
I discovered when we reached the top. For
me, riding down the glacier’s slopes where no
snowcats have pressed the snow down, no fel-
low skiers were in my way, and no lift queues
nor marked trails led the incredibly scenic way
down, was like nothing else and is definitely a
must try for all the adrenaline enthusiasts out
there. Unfortunately, you might have to wait
until next season.
Tour provided by Snjófell
Tel.: 435 6783, www.snjofell.is
A Thrill Like
No Other
Text by Steinunn Jakobsdóttir
Photo by Skari
“My favourite spot in Reykjavík
is Laugavegur. That is where all
my favourite stores, cafés and
restaurants are located; and
the clubs and bars as well. That
is where I most like to be.”
Svala Björgvinsdóttir runs the store POP on
Laugavegur 28 and is a singer for the myspace.
com megaband Steed Lord.