Get out of your comfort zone of this extreme glacier challenge where you will ski trek across Langjökull glacier ice cap for 5 days. Based in the highlands of Iceland starting at Husafell, you will ski trek towards Baldjökull, the most northern point of the glacier, which rises 1450m above sea level. As well as the spectacular glacier scenery, you will be rewarded with views of Þursaborg mountain range. Nights will be spent camping on the ice making this a life changing experience you won't forget.
9 days | Iceland | Extreme
Are you an Individual, Corporate or Charity interested in having your own private group departure?
If yes, please email info@charitychallenge.com and one of our team will be in touch to help with your enquiry.
What to expect
What you will do
Ways to pay
All you need to know
This page provides you with a variety of information about the challenge that you might find useful.
The Iceland Glacier Trek is graded as “extreme”. This challenge is suitable for participants who want to push themselves physically and mentally. You should not undertake this challenge without significant training.
You can tell your supporters that on your Icelandic Lava Trek you will be:
The Iceland Glacier Trek is graded as “extreme”. This challenge is suitable for participants who want to push themselves physically and mentally. You should not undertake this challenge without significant training.
You can tell your supporters that on your Icelandic Lava Trek you will be:
Previous skiing experience would be highly advantageous, but not strictly neccesary. If you have never skiied before, it is advised to try skiing beforehand as there won't be much time to learn from scratch on the challenge.
Previous skiing experience would be highly advantageous, but not strictly neccesary. If you have never skiied before, it is advised to try skiing beforehand as there won't be much time to learn from scratch on the challenge.
Its very difficult to give a typical day as it will be heavily dependent on the weather and conditions, but a rough guide, you will wake up early, collect snow, melt snow, boil water and make breakfast and warm up. You will then organise yourself and get your kit sorted for the day. The less you need to do once you have started skiing the better so preparation is key. You will fill your water bottles and flasks and get your snack food ready. Then the task of breaking down camp begins. Once the tents are down and packed on to your sledges, you will need to start walking/skiing/sledge hauling, to keep warm and progress further north! You will stop every hour or so to have some water and snack. You’ll check on each other and then continue for another hour. This will continue for around 8-9 hours but could be more if required. Your leader will dictate the speed and distance to be covered. On some days this could be smooth going on others you could spend hours just trying to negotiate an open lead. When your leader advises you will stop and pitch tents, and start the evening routine. Collecting snow, melting snow, boiling water and making your freeze dried dinner. Keeping warm and dry is key. After a good night’s rest, the whole process begins again.
Its very difficult to give a typical day as it will be heavily dependent on the weather and conditions, but a rough guide, you will wake up early, collect snow, melt snow, boil water and make breakfast and warm up. You will then organise yourself and get your kit sorted for the day. The less you need to do once you have started skiing the better so preparation is key. You will fill your water bottles and flasks and get your snack food ready. Then the task of breaking down camp begins. Once the tents are down and packed on to your sledges, you will need to start walking/skiing/sledge hauling, to keep warm and progress further north! You will stop every hour or so to have some water and snack. You’ll check on each other and then continue for another hour. This will continue for around 8-9 hours but could be more if required. Your leader will dictate the speed and distance to be covered. On some days this could be smooth going on others you could spend hours just trying to negotiate an open lead. When your leader advises you will stop and pitch tents, and start the evening routine. Collecting snow, melting snow, boiling water and making your freeze dried dinner. Keeping warm and dry is key. After a good night’s rest, the whole process begins again.
If you would like to get a feel for our challenges ahead of your departure, why not consider booking on a 1 or 2 day UK Challenge?
We have a variety of challenges, covering all levels of difficulty, taking place in stunning National Parks across the UK that are led by highly qualified and experienced expedition and mountain leaders. These challenges will give you the perfect opportunity to monitor fitness levels, test out your kit, meet people in the great outdoors, share fundraising stories and gain valuable advice and support for the challenge ahead. We encourage participants to make use of our highly knowledgeable leaders and ask them any questions you may have about clothing and equipment, expedition health and wellbeing, trekking skills, walking techniques and teamwork!
We are offering all participants 50% off the registration fee when you book on one of the UK challenges listed via the link below. Just use the code TRAINING when booking. T&C’s – you must have an active booking on a challenge to avail of this offer. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Find out more here
If you would like to get a feel for our challenges ahead of your departure, why not consider booking on a 1 or 2 day UK Challenge?
We have a variety of challenges, covering all levels of difficulty, taking place in stunning National Parks across the UK that are led by highly qualified and experienced expedition and mountain leaders. These challenges will give you the perfect opportunity to monitor fitness levels, test out your kit, meet people in the great outdoors, share fundraising stories and gain valuable advice and support for the challenge ahead. We encourage participants to make use of our highly knowledgeable leaders and ask them any questions you may have about clothing and equipment, expedition health and wellbeing, trekking skills, walking techniques and teamwork!
We are offering all participants 50% off the registration fee when you book on one of the UK challenges listed via the link below. Just use the code TRAINING when booking. T&C’s – you must have an active booking on a challenge to avail of this offer. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Find out more here
Training and a high level of fitness are definitely required. A full Fitness Training programme is included within the challenge cost and more will be explained during the training weekend. You will be skiing and sledge hauling for around 8 hours a day and still have lots of physical work to do in setting up and breaking down the camp. We will provide a training guide but essentially you should improve your cardio vascular ability and practice pulling a tyre with a harness to simulate the actions and work the muscles that you will be using on the challenge. You do not need to be an expert skier but some confidence on skis will of course help! In your account area you will find more comprehensive Fitness Training Notes.
Training and a high level of fitness are definitely required. A full Fitness Training programme is included within the challenge cost and more will be explained during the training weekend. You will be skiing and sledge hauling for around 8 hours a day and still have lots of physical work to do in setting up and breaking down the camp. We will provide a training guide but essentially you should improve your cardio vascular ability and practice pulling a tyre with a harness to simulate the actions and work the muscles that you will be using on the challenge. You do not need to be an expert skier but some confidence on skis will of course help! In your account area you will find more comprehensive Fitness Training Notes.
The event is not run as a race and there will be a discrepancy in people’s speed on the ice and capabilities in camp. This is allowed for. In the unlikely event that rescue from the ice is required, this will be carried out by satellite phone call.
The event is not run as a race and there will be a discrepancy in people’s speed on the ice and capabilities in camp. This is allowed for. In the unlikely event that rescue from the ice is required, this will be carried out by satellite phone call.
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up Challenge Safe, one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. Challenge Safe formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is absolutely paramount!
In terms of your Iceland Glacier Trek, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up Challenge Safe, one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. Challenge Safe formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is absolutely paramount!
In terms of your Iceland Glacier Trek, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
Most of the accommodation you are in will have limited Wi-Fi which you will be able to use, but please do not rely upon this. You are unlikely to have any phone signal once you leave reykjavik.
We will have a satellite phone with us for emergencies and the guides and leaders will all have radios. While at camp, each tent will have there own short range walky talky so contact can always be made in case of bad weather.
Most of the accommodation you are in will have limited Wi-Fi which you will be able to use, but please do not rely upon this. You are unlikely to have any phone signal once you leave reykjavik.
We will have a satellite phone with us for emergencies and the guides and leaders will all have radios. While at camp, each tent will have there own short range walky talky so contact can always be made in case of bad weather.
On the main challenge there are no facilities and you should pack a ‘pee bottle’ for the tent at night and take plenty of toilet paper and anti-bacterial hand gel (NB: wet wipes freeze).
Each camp will have a set-aside toilet area where a hole will be dug.
On the main challenge there are no facilities and you should pack a ‘pee bottle’ for the tent at night and take plenty of toilet paper and anti-bacterial hand gel (NB: wet wipes freeze).
Each camp will have a set-aside toilet area where a hole will be dug.
Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, we will provide a comprehensive kit list and can also help you to buy the gear through some outdoor retailers with whom we have negotiated some discounts. With significant cold weather, keeping warm and dry is paramount. We will advise you and support you to ensure you are properly kitted out. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here.
Ski gear will be provided in Iceland.
Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, we will provide a comprehensive kit list and can also help you to buy the gear through some outdoor retailers with whom we have negotiated some discounts. With significant cold weather, keeping warm and dry is paramount. We will advise you and support you to ensure you are properly kitted out. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here.
Ski gear will be provided in Iceland.
The food will be basic but very filling and nutritious. Breakfast will consist of porridge, cereal and tea/coffee. Lunch will be a ‘make your own’ packed lunch of sandwiches and crackers. If the weather allows, there may be boiled soup too. Dinner will be soup followed by meat/fish and pasta/rice, and a dessert. Coffee, tea and soup will be supplied throughout and plenty of drinking water will be available to keep you hydrated. You might want to bring some extra snacks, such as tracker bars, nutrigrains, dried fruits etc. There is nowhere to buy food or alcohol at any point during the trek, so please come prepared if you would like anything over and above the food provided! Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.
The food will be basic but very filling and nutritious. Breakfast will consist of porridge, cereal and tea/coffee. Lunch will be a ‘make your own’ packed lunch of sandwiches and crackers. If the weather allows, there may be boiled soup too. Dinner will be soup followed by meat/fish and pasta/rice, and a dessert. Coffee, tea and soup will be supplied throughout and plenty of drinking water will be available to keep you hydrated. You might want to bring some extra snacks, such as tracker bars, nutrigrains, dried fruits etc. There is nowhere to buy food or alcohol at any point during the trek, so please come prepared if you would like anything over and above the food provided! Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.
During the challenge, your accommodation will be in two-man tents and on the last night in hostel or guesthouse accommodation (twin rooms).
During the challenge, your accommodation will be in two-man tents and on the last night in hostel or guesthouse accommodation (twin rooms).
As no formal clothes are needed, luggage should be kept to the absolute minimum – details on what to pack are provided in your Kit List. Your rucksack or holdall (suitcases are not appropriate) must not exceed 15kgs in weight. During the challenge, your bags will be dragged by you using pulks that are provided in-country.
Whilst we will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces, rings and even watches. Your passport and money should be kept on you at all times.
As no formal clothes are needed, luggage should be kept to the absolute minimum – details on what to pack are provided in your Kit List. Your rucksack or holdall (suitcases are not appropriate) must not exceed 15kgs in weight. During the challenge, your bags will be dragged by you using pulks that are provided in-country.
Whilst we will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces, rings and even watches. Your passport and money should be kept on you at all times.
Your days and nights will be spent on the glacier, apart from the first and last nights in Reykjavik.
Your days and nights will be spent on the glacier, apart from the first and last nights in Reykjavik.
You will be spending all day and night on the ice cap in freezing temperatures and you will need proper technical equipment in order to complete this challenge.
Temperatures can get as low as -15 celcius during the night and during the day can average between 0 and -8 celcius.
You will be spending all day and night on the ice cap in freezing temperatures and you will need proper technical equipment in order to complete this challenge.
Temperatures can get as low as -15 celcius during the night and during the day can average between 0 and -8 celcius.
We employ a number of first aid qualified challenge leaders, all of whom speak English to varying degrees. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.
We employ a number of first aid qualified challenge leaders, all of whom speak English to varying degrees. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.
Each group is intended to be a minimum of 8 people in order to run and a maximum of approximately 10 people due to the wilderness environment in which the challenge takes place. We can run this trip with groups of 6-7 people, but there will be a small group supplement of £75.
This is payable by your charity if you book under the minimum sponsorship or flexi options, and by yourself if you are a self-funder. If a small group supplement is necessary, we will notify you 12 weeks before departure.
Each group is intended to be a minimum of 8 people in order to run and a maximum of approximately 10 people due to the wilderness environment in which the challenge takes place. We can run this trip with groups of 6-7 people, but there will be a small group supplement of £75.
This is payable by your charity if you book under the minimum sponsorship or flexi options, and by yourself if you are a self-funder. If a small group supplement is necessary, we will notify you 12 weeks before departure.
It is a condition of booking that you have a suitable travel insurance policy whilst participating on the challenge. We have a special policy which covers among other things, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, cancellation and curtailment of the challenge, and more specifically for the adventurous activities undertaken on this challenge. If you have your own travel insurance policy, you must ensure that it provides at least the same level of cover as our recommended policy, including protecting the charity in the event of your cancellation 56 days or less prior to departure. If you choose not to purchase our recommended policy when you book we will send you a disclaimer which you should complete and return.
For more general travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page.
It is a condition of booking that you have a suitable travel insurance policy whilst participating on the challenge. We have a special policy which covers among other things, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, cancellation and curtailment of the challenge, and more specifically for the adventurous activities undertaken on this challenge. If you have your own travel insurance policy, you must ensure that it provides at least the same level of cover as our recommended policy, including protecting the charity in the event of your cancellation 56 days or less prior to departure. If you choose not to purchase our recommended policy when you book we will send you a disclaimer which you should complete and return.
For more general travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page.
You will be flying from London Heathrow Airport to Keflavik with Iceland Air. The flight will take approx 3 hours. Your flight tickets will be issued to you on the day of departure at London Heathrow Airport. If you choose to book your own flights you must confirm with the Charity Challenge office before paying otherwise you may be liable for your included group flights (please contact flights@charitychallenge.com for further assistance).
You will be flying from London Heathrow Airport to Keflavik with Iceland Air. The flight will take approx 3 hours. Your flight tickets will be issued to you on the day of departure at London Heathrow Airport. If you choose to book your own flights you must confirm with the Charity Challenge office before paying otherwise you may be liable for your included group flights (please contact flights@charitychallenge.com for further assistance).
For up to date vaccination information please visit the NHS Government website ‘Fit for Travel’ at: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx. Although the Charity Challenge team are travel professionals, they are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your GP or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements
For up to date vaccination information please visit the NHS Government website ‘Fit for Travel’ at: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx. Although the Charity Challenge team are travel professionals, they are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your GP or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements
UK Citizens do not require a visa to visit Iceland. You will however need your passport and it must be valid for at least six months from the end of your challenge. You may also be asked for proof of return in the form of your flight ticket.
UK Citizens do not require a visa to visit Iceland. You will however need your passport and it must be valid for at least six months from the end of your challenge. You may also be asked for proof of return in the form of your flight ticket.
Currency: Icelandic Krona. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com.
Credit cards: Most major Credit Cards are widely accepted in Iceland, although Mastercard and Visa are most common. American Express cards are not widely accepted. You will not be able to use your cards at all during the trek until you arrive at Reykjavik, so ensure that you have enough cash available.
Spending money: You will not need to carry a large amount of money during this trip. We recommend that you change your pounds into Krona in England before you go, and that you carry a sufficient amount of cash with you during the trek, as the banks/exchange offices may also be closed by the time you return to Reykjavik.
Tips: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. You should only tip if you feel that you have received good service. We recommend approx. GBP£5 / 3000 Krona per participant per trekking day and this should be given to the challenge leader at the end of the challenge who will distribute it amongst the local support team.
Currency: Icelandic Krona. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com.
Credit cards: Most major Credit Cards are widely accepted in Iceland, although Mastercard and Visa are most common. American Express cards are not widely accepted. You will not be able to use your cards at all during the trek until you arrive at Reykjavik, so ensure that you have enough cash available.
Spending money: You will not need to carry a large amount of money during this trip. We recommend that you change your pounds into Krona in England before you go, and that you carry a sufficient amount of cash with you during the trek, as the banks/exchange offices may also be closed by the time you return to Reykjavik.
Tips: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. You should only tip if you feel that you have received good service. We recommend approx. GBP£5 / 3000 Krona per participant per trekking day and this should be given to the challenge leader at the end of the challenge who will distribute it amongst the local support team.
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We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 6546. Many of the flight-inclusive challenges on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. This ATOL protection only covers challenges that include flights booked by Charity Challenge and that originate in the UK. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate
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