Sail and Ski Iceland 21st - 28th April 2019
A note from the founders Joro Experiences was created in 2017 with a very clear mission; to create extraordinary experiences around the globe for the High Net Worth market. Since launching we have built trips on every continent and have uncovered exceptional adventures along the way that are being pioneered by some of the last true explorers. Many of these adventures are not suited to our target market but they are entirely suited to our ethos. They are run by passionate individuals, in true wilderness areas and require an adventurous spirit and a desire to push the boundaries to enjoy fully. In order to take advantage of these experiences, we have created Joro Adventure Club. An invitation-only club that promises its members remarkable journeys into the lesser explored regions of the world. We are delighted to be launching the club with an adventure both of us have been desperate to go on for some time. Sail and Ski Iceland promises to be an exciting and busy trip that weather willing will allow us to explore deep into the Western Fjords and enjoy Iceland's best backcountry skiing. We look forward to seeing you on board. Best Wishes Duncan and Henry 2
Introduction Iceland s Western Fjords region is one of the country s most remote areas and offers endless outdoor pursuits in its mountains, sheltered fjords and bays. Our favourite area in the West Fjords is the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, with its rich history and unspoilt landscapes. The area is virtually inaccessible. There are no roads in the nature reserve the only way to venture there is by boat. Due to its remote location, on the edge of the Arctic Circle, it is very possible to stay there for days without meeting a single soul. The expedition yacht, the Arktika, will provide us with exclusive access to this breath-taking place and will allow us to literally pick our ski lines depending on the whims and desires of the group. By sailing into the reserve, sleeping at bay, and exploring the inlets that pique your curiosity, you will be blessed to experience the essence of remote Iceland and the opportunity to ski world-class terrain. 3
Trip Profile This trip is a true Arctic Expedition. We will focus on backcountry skiing between the remote fjords, anchoring in a different anchorage each night. Many of the mountains and ridges have never been skied before and our guides are always looking for nice first descents. This is not a sailing trip. We will of course cruise under sail whenever conditions allow but Arktika primarily serves as our movable backcountry hut, the best option to access interesting and exciting destinations and enjoy great activities on land and at sea. At the end of the day she will await us with gourmet meals, warm and comfortable bunks, and friendly conversation. 4
The fjords are deep and dramatic with an abundance of silence and unexplored landscapes for the curious and adventurous explorer
Day 1 Day 2 All club members must arrive at Ísafjörður the evening before. The morning will be spent checking equipment before our departure from Ísafjörður at 12:00. After 2-4 hours of sailing to Hesteyri we will relax at anchor and explore on the Zodiac - taking a look at the old whaling station that once was the driving force in this now abandoned settlement. Since it will still be bright in the evening, we will then have an option to do a short ski run. We'll begin the day with a safety briefing, avalanche search exercises and an explanation of what to do in case of emergency. We will then ski from Hesteyrarfjörður to Veiðileysufjörður. The climb up is easy and the ski slopes on the other side offer many possibilities. We may end the day by skiing the steepest slope of the trip (of course this is optional you can head down to the boat if you prefer). Dinner will be at anchor in Veiðileysufjörður. 6
Day 3 Day 4 Veiðileysufjörður has many great skiing options. Steep coulouirs and ridges or gentle, easy runs. Here is also an option to ski to Lónafjörður (lagoon fjord). The ski down to the first valley in Lónafjörður is one of our favourites and the view of Rangali bay is spectacular. Again there are options to do some extra laps before joining our movable hut in the evening. We may decide to spend two nights at one of our anchorages and often Lónafjörður will be chosen. Here is fantastic terrain with many good options for ski runs. The lone Einbúi mountain is tempting with it s numerous exciting coulouirs. This is also a great place to forage for mussels and sea-weed to add to our dinners. 7
Day 5 On our last full day we may skin up from the Sópandi inlet and over to Hrafnfjörður (Raven Fjord). The mountain cirque at the head of the fjord is very beautiful and the anchorage is a perfect spot to spend the night. Day 6 We will have a morning ski session before sailing back to Ísafjörður, with arrival around 16:00 in the afternoon. We will spend the night in Ísafjörður with a celebratory dinner. Flights back home departing the next morning. 8
Our Mobile Ski Hut The boat is a Dutch built ketch-rigged oceangoing sailing yacht that is fully equipped and certified to sail around the world with up to 10 guests. The hull shape is directly derived from the famous Colin Archer which is also known for good sailing characteristics. Her comfortable deckhouse makes sailing in northern waters very pleasant. With private crew quarters, four guest cabins (two four-person and two two-person), a spacious saloon and a galley there is more than enough space on board. The boat has good central heating, hot and cold water, two heads (toilets) and one shower. There is 220V electricity to charge batteries and other electronic devices The boat is equipped according to strict Icelandic regulations in regards to emergency equipment. 9
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Paddle board under the Northern Lights
Wildlife in Iceland Weather The wildlife is surprisingly rich in the Hornstrandir reserve. There are over 50 birds that breed in the Westfjords, two species of seals are very common and 12 species of whales can be spotted off the coast of North Iceland. Few land mammals can be found in Iceland but the beautiful Arctic Fox can easily be spotted in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve where it is protected. No, we can not promise blue sky and bottomless powder snow! As they say in Iceland, if you don t like the weather, wait for ten minutes! Usually the spring (April-May) brings higher pressure and settled weather and snow conditions will usually be nice spring-corn towards the end of the season. But be prepared for everything from dead calm and sunny days to blowing blizzards or horizontal rain! 12
Cost Per Person Includes - all food, drink, activities & accommodation on Arktika and two nights accommodation in Isafjördur. Yacht Charter - Arktika (5 nights, 6 days) 2,300.00 Isafjördur Accomodation (2 nights, based on twin rooms) 150.00 Avalanche Kit Hire (Required by all) 90.00 Total 2,540.00 Optional Ski Hire (Skis, Poles, Boots, Skins)** 210.00 Excluding - Any commercial flights, tips, food and drink in Isafjördur and anything not mentioned as included. *Please note that the accommodation on the yacht is shared. The accommodation in Isafjördur is based on twin rooms - if you would like a single please let us know and we can arrange this for you. **Ski Hire is optional for those that need it - please let us know what equipment you will be bringing and we will provide a custom quotation. 13
Payment Schedule 1. A 25% non refundable deposit to secure your place is required by 1st April 2018. 2. A further 25% is due by the 21st October 2018. 3. Final payment due by the 21st January 2019. Please Note: - The trip departure is contingent on 9 spaces on the yacht being filled. If the trip does not go ahead due to lack of numbers we will issue a full refund. - If you cancel at any point prior to departure we will only refund your payments once someone has agreed to take your place. This is not guaranteed. - On payment you will be bound by our booking terms and conditions which will be sent to you in a separate document. 14
henry@joroexperiences.com joroexperiences.com 15 Joro Experiences Ltd. 2018. Company no. 11021642. Registered in England and Wales