Agreement signed to prepare cross-country ski trails at Austurheiðar and Rauðavatn

Ásta Briem, executive director of Icebike Adventures, Magne Kvam, cross-country trail designer, and Skúli Helgason, chair of Reykjavík's Culture and Sports Council, signed the agreement at Rauðavatn today. Helga Björnsdóttir
Ásta Briem, executive director of Icebike Adventures, Magne Kvam, cross-country trail designer, and Skúli Helgason, chair of Reykjavík's Culture and Sports Council, posed for a photo after signing the ski trail agreement at Rauðavatn. Posing with cross-country skis surrounded by vegetation.

An agreement was signed today with Icebike Adventures for funding to prepare cross-country skiing trails at Austurheiðar and Rauðavatn.

The two-year agreement was approved by the City Executive Council today and signed at Rauðavatn. Skúli Helgason, chair of Reykjavík's Culture and Sports Council, signed on behalf of Reykjavík City, while Ásta Briem, executive director, signed for Icebike Adventures.

The agreement ensures a continued strong partnership with Icebike Adventures, the company behind Sporið, to prepare cross-country skiing trails in these areas when weather and conditions permit. The initiative aims to improve public health for residents through increased physical activity and outdoor recreation, aligning with the city's Public Health Policy and sports strategy.

Aerial view of a cross-country skiing trail in the Reykjavík area.

Trails for beginners and advanced skiers

Magne Kvam, the trail designer, says these areas are a true paradise for outdoor recreation. At Hólmsheiði, the forest provides excellent shelter that increases usability and enhances the experience. Sporið's goal is to create opportunities for a wide range of people to enjoy cross-country skiing, and the trails are designed to accommodate both beginners and experienced skiers. A key priority is creating family-friendly, accessible, and enjoyable outdoor recreation areas, and skiers can expect exciting new features in the coming winter.

Information about where and when cross-country skiing trails are prepared is available on Sporið's Facebook page and Reykjavík City's information page about cross-country skiing trails in the capital area.

Cross-country skiing trail from a skier's perspective. The tips of the skis are visible, with the trail stretching ahead.