Frequently asked questions

Snowmobile tours

Our snowmobile tours take place in Langjökull glacier. We have 3 different base camps we use depending on the amount of snow and ice.

Our main base camp is in Geldingafell and you need a modified 4×4 car to get there from Gullfoss.

Langjökull glacier is the second largest glacier in Europe with an area of more than 900km2. It is located on the west part of the Highlands of Iceland and its deepest point is around 580m.

Here you can find instructions on how to operate a snowmobile as downloadable PDF’s.

Our guides will also instruct you verbally and visually before the tour begins. Please follow their instructions.

Snowmobile instructions in English

Snowmobile instructions in French

Snowmobile instructions in Spanish

Snowmobile instructions in German

Snowmobile instructions in Chinese

Depending on the season of the year it is better to come prepared. We provide an overallglovesshoe covers, a buff and a helmet as shown in the picture below.

Mountaineers Equipment Provided

If you come in winter we seriously recommend a good layering system to wear under the overall and warm and waterproof boots.

 

You are not going to need a backpack during the tour and it’s really uncomfortable to drive with it so we recommend you leave it in the bus or car that took you to the base camp.

 

When you get to the base camp we only have restrooms and electricity. We don’t have water or any kind of food and drink service.

 

We strongly recommend taking with you a snack and something to drink during or after the tour.

Our regular snowmobile tours last 1 hour. We divide this period in 20-25 minutes driving, a 10ish minute stop and another 20-25 minutes driving back to the base camp.

Sometimes it is hard to calculate the exact time and the guide is the one deciding when and where the stop is going to take place.

If you want a longer tourmore stops or even a multi day snowmobiling tour, contact us in [email protected] and we can personalize your experience as much as you desire.

In winter the whole area is covered by snow and the guide determines the best way to go.

Our guides decide the route to take depending on the snow and weather conditionsthe speed of the group, and the safety of the area.

Although, most of the time we make it to the glacier, it is not guaranteed to get there and it depends on the group skills and weather conditions. In winter the whole glacier is covered by snow and there’s no difference in foggy conditions between the glacier and it surroundings. Sometimes, it’s not worth it to get there because of the visibility and it is better to drive to another area with nicer and more enjoyable views.

In the Summer there’s no snow on the glacier and we use a road scraper to fill with ice and snow the crevasses and create a safe area to go snowmobiling through ice roads.

What an adventure!

The speed of the tour depends on the skills of the group and the snow and weather conditions.

We will always try to adapt our speed to the group and the guide is the one deciding how fast you go.

There’s no experience required in most of our tours so if you are an experienced rider or in search of a huge adrenaline rush we recommend you to check out our Glacier rush or contact us to arrange a private tour.

We try to keep small groups to offer a personalized experience. The number of snowmobiles per tour depends on the number of bookings. We always try our best to split the groups into smaller ones but this is not guaranteed and it depends on a lot of factors.

If you prefer to have a private experiencecontact us and we can arrange a private guide for you.

The number of guides depends on the amount of snowmobiles and weather conditions. On average we try to have one guide per 8 snowmobiles. This number can increase in foggy conditions or decrease in really good visibility.

Safety is our main priority and we don’t spare resources. All our snowmobiles have a GPS tracker and our guides take good care of no one getting apart from the group.

In order to drive a snowmobile it is compulsory to have a valid driver’s license. Our snowmobiles fit two people and our tours have a stop in the middle where you can change driver and passenger if you wish.

However, if you prefer to drive on your own, we have a single ride option per driver at an extra cost that you can book when you are making the reservation.

Yes.

We offer personalized options and multi-day tours are one of them. Drop us a line and we can organize everything for you.

Yes. We can personalize every kind of tour making it private. We can offer from single private tours, to longer tours or even multi day snowmobile tours.

We can customize the tour however you want and we also offer this option for special projects like music videosmagazinesads recording, etc.

Contact us and we will arrange and prepare everything for you.

Yes.

We use the snow in winter to snowmobile on the glacier and its surroundings. 

In summer, when the snow melts, we create safe ice roads on the glacier to snowmobile through.

An unforgettable experience!

The age limit for snowmobile tours is 6 years old.

The age limit to operate a snowmobile is 18 years old, and a fully valid driver’s license is needed as well.

Children and those who don’t hold a driver’s license are welcome to ride as passengers.

It doesn’t require experience to be on most of our snowmobiling tours.

Our guides will teach you everything you need to know to operate a snowmobile safely before going on the tour.

You only need a good and adventurous mood and a valid driver’s license.

All of our tours are categorized into certain difficulty levels depending on how demanding they are. We have three categories that are easy, moderate and challenging.

If you are an experienced rider and want to do something more challenging we recommend you to go on a private tour or to try our Glacier Rush tour.

Snowmobiling entails a risk itself. You are operating a fuel engine moving vehicle and, as if you were driving a car, it is impossible to assure no risk.

Our guides will teach you everything you need to know in order to keep you safe during the tour and will drive you through safe areas.

We use the latest and most advanced technology to know where the crevasses are and avoid them. All our guides are experienced, know the area and use extremely precise GPS devices that allow them to drive you safe.

In winter most of the crevasses are filled and covered by snow and it’s safe to drive on the glacier

During the summer we create our own ice roads on the glacier, filling the crevasses and assuring a safe area.

We encourage everybody to drive their own snowmobile. However, if you don’t have the license or feel more comfortable driving with a guide you can request to be on the back of a guide at an extra cost.

Contact us to prepare everything.

We have a cabin to provide you with all the equipment you need and restrooms.

There’s no cafe or any place where you can buy something to eat or drink so we strongly recommend taking a snack and some water with you.

You can check all our facilities here.

Yes you can!

However, the snowmobilis don’t have a designed area to place the backpacks and it can get a little bit uncomfortable.

We will recommend you to leave it in the vehicle you used to get up to the base camp.

You are allowed to take these things on the tour but we are only going to make a 10 minutes stop where you are going to be able to use them. 

We don’t recommend taking these items with you and we are not responsible in any case of any loss or damage to them during the tour.

If you want to take special photos or videos we would advise you to book a private tour. You can contact us  asking for the kind of experience you are searching for and we will arrange it for you.

Yes.

Reservations are required for guaranteed spots on all tours. Reservations help us determine the number of guides we need to ensure that our groups remain manageable and enjoyable, and they allow us to notify you of changes to the tour due to weather or anything that could disturb the tours.

Total maximum weight of the passengers on the snowmobiles is about 230kg/500lbs.

Super truck tours & transfers

A modified truck is a truck that has been prepared for the Highlands conditions.

When we are driving in the Highlands we will only find off road tracks or snow we have to go through. Our vehicles are designed to work in all kinds of situations and modified with bigger tyresair suspensionfull traction, and studs among other things.

Sometimes the ride gets bumpy but safety is our main priority and we will take you to your destination, just sit down, relax, and enjoy the moods of mountaineers.

We count on 6 modified trucks plus other smaller modified vehicles.

You can check all our fleet and facilities here.

You will meet the driver at the upper parking lot, right outside Gullfoss Cafe. Your driver will be wearing clothes with our logo on it and he will also be holding a sign that says Mountaineers of Iceland.

Meeting point

We will meet at the information centre/gas station in Husafell.

Our trucks have all the comfort needed to enjoy a tour in the Highlands. However, we recommend taking with you the following things:

  • Comfortable and waterproof shoes or boots. Especially if you are snowmobiling or getting out of the truck later.
  • Warm clothes. This is Iceland and you never know what to expect. It is always better to bring extra clothes with you.
  • Snacks and something to drink. Once you get into the truck you are not going to find anywhere to buy some refreshment drinks or food so make sure you have it with you. All our schedules are estimated and we are going to be driving off road and in the snow so you never know what could happen.

We are driving in the Highlands and you never know what to expect. The estimated time is around 1 hour. However, it always depends on the weather and road conditions. In bad road conditions with loads of snow, it can take us a little bit more to drive you up there. On the other hand in really good conditions it can only take us around 40 minutes.

We are driving off road and through snow. Sometimes we need to stop and deinflate the tires or go slower. Safety is our main priority so just relax, and enjoy the ride.

We follow a F-road to get to the base camp. It can be a little bit bumpy sometimes and during the winter everything is covered by snow.

Our drivers are experienced and know the area so maybe sometimes it is better to just get out of the tracks and go through virgin snow all the way up to the base camp.

This is Iceland and everything turns into an adventure even before starting.

The best time to get to the meeting point is 15 minutes before departure. If you get on time, we can check you in and stick to the schedule.

If you get late or in a rush you will probably delay the tour for everybody and we consider that as a disrespectful act against the other customers.

Please be punctual and enjoy your time with us.

Our trucks are designed and modified to face all the weather and natural impediments in Iceland. However, going on a moving vehicle always entails a risk.

Our drivers have been doing this for a long time and know the vehicles and the area as no one else

We use advanced radio and GPS systems when driving on the highlands and your safety is our main priority. We will never take an unnecessary risk.

Acco

The minimum age is 6 years old to go on the tours.

We don’t recommend people with back injuries or pregnant women to come on the tours because it can get a little bit bumpy.

rdion Content

Yes. All our trucks have seatbelts and it’s compulsory to use them.

You will be driving through snowy and bumpy areas and seatbelts are more important than ever.

Yes.

Reservations are required for guaranteed spots on all tours. Reservations help us determine the number of guides we need to ensure that our groups remain manageable and enjoyable, and they allow us to notify you of changes to the tour due to weather or anything that could disturb the tours.

If the tour departure is delayed by approx. 30 minutes you can cancel the tour for a full refund. We can also find another tour time and/or date if that suits better.

If the tour duration is extended by two hours or more you’re eligible for a 25% refund.

If the tour duration is extended by three hours or more you’re eligible for a 50% refund.

These issues are not handled by our staff on site, please contact the office at +354-580-9900 or e-mail us at [email protected]

Golden Circle Tours

The Golden Circle is a 300km long tourist route that loops from Reykjavik into the center of Iceland and then back. It covers Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir hot spring area and Gullfoss waterfall.

Golden Circle tours are one day tours that can get really long, Especially if you go snowmobiling.

We recommend you to wear warm clothes, warm and waterproof boots or shoes, a raincoat and gloves.

You will get a chance to buy food and drinks in most of the stops on our way but it is recommended to have some snacks and water with you during the whole day.

Every time we stop there’s going to be a toilet close to us. However, sometimes we will be driving for around 1,5 hours, so make sure you use the restroom, if needed, before leaving for the next stop.

Our pick up starts 30 minutes before departure. We try to do it as fast as we can so you don’t have to wait for us. It is impossible to know the exact minute that our driver will show up.

Be ready and don’t miss your spot!

It takes us around 30 minutes to pick up everybody. We never know if you are going to be the first pick up location or the last.

We call for your patience and if there’s any kind of problem or delay we will let you know.

Booking issues cancellations and refunds

Yes.

Reservations are required for guaranteed spots on all tours. Reservations help us determine the number of guides we need to ensure that our groups remain manageable and enjoyable, and they allow us to notify you of changes to the tour due to weather or anything that could disturb the tours.

Yes. The only way to guarantee your booking is paying it in advance.

In any other situation we cannot guarantee you a place in our tours.

No.

We only accept bookings paid in advance.

If cash is your only possibility, you can reach us and we will evaluate the situation.

No. We have in our system the data you gave us and the electronic voucher or any kind of document you used to make your booking will be enough for our guides to certify that you are the right person.

Let’s save paper and enjoy technology!

Sometimes we need some extra information, the tour gets canceled or we suffer some kind of delay or other problems. When any of this happens we need a way to reach you as soon as possible to let you know.

Transparency and communication are some of our most important values and we want you to know what’s happening at any time so there’s no uncertainty in your mind.

To cancel your booking you have to contact the reseller you used to make it (Viator, Tourdesk, etc.).

If you made the booking straight with ussend us a message.

If we are the ones canceling the tour we will be probably reaching you personally.

In case this doesn’t happen, send us a message and we will explain to you how to proceed.

Any cancellation made within less than 24 hours prior to departure will be fully charged.

If you booked through our website we will contact you straight to give you the refund.

If you booked through a hotel or a reseller (viator, getyourguide, tourdesk, etc.) you have to get in touch with them and they will process your refund request.

Your booking is confirmed after you pay and you get your confirmation email to the email address you used to make the reserve.

You will get all your booking information in the voucher that comes with the confirmation email.

Sometimes it takes it a little while to send the email.

Other times your email service automatically moves our emails to the Spam box, check that out.

If you are sure you have made the reserve and you don’t receive the confirmation email after several minutes contact us.

If the tour departure is delayed by approx. 30 minutes you can cancel the tour for a full refund. We can also find another tour time and/or date if that suits better.

If the tour duration is extended by two hours or more you’re eligible for a 25% refund.

If the tour duration is extended by three hours or more you’re eligible for a 50% refund.

These issues are not handled by our staff on site, please contact the office at +354-580-9900 or e-mail us at [email protected]

Other important questions

Yes.

We offer personalized options and multi-day tours are one of them. Drop us a line and we can organize everything for you.

We have a cabin to provide you with all the equipment you need and restrooms.

There’s no cafe or any place where you can buy something to eat or drink so we strongly recommend taking a snack and some water with you.

You can check all our facilities here.

The situation is changing continuously. Our best advice is to check the government webpage to see the latest information.

We recommend that you purchase extensive travel insurance when traveling in Iceland.

The snowmobiles of Mountaineers are insured with TM under a compulsory Motor Third Party Liability Insurance according to the Icelandic Motor Insurance Act no. 30/2019. The insurance does not include Driver´s Accident Insurance.

All cars and trucks also hold a compulsory Motor Third Party Liability Insurance.

Mountaineers of Iceland do not hold an insurance policy that covers property damage and no compensation is given in cases of damaged or lost properties.

To our U.S. (American) visitors we can direct you to TravelSafe for insurance. You can contact them and inquire about travel insurance. We cannot recommend any policies as we’re not a licensed insurance seller.

All our tours are guided in English. However, if you prefer, we can set up a different tour in a different language. You can contact us here and we will try our best to make it happen.

It is important to understand that in Iceland you can experience all four seasons in less than one day. It is vital to wear comfortable and appropriate clothing to be able to enjoy the excursions to the fullest.

We have our own weather station in our base camp and we monitor the weather at all times. Even though Iceland is unpredictable

If you’re driving a rental car then please view the Icelandic Met Office’s website before driving to the meeting point. During the winter months you need to allow for an extra 30 minutes to an hour if road conditions are not good.

Even with the best of the forecasts you should never give anything for granted.

Dress with comfortable clothes and waterproof boots or shoes. Have with you enough warm clothes and always take a raincoat.

We provide you with the following gear on the glacier for the snowmobile tours: Overalls, gloves, shoe covers and helmets.

Yes. We offer every kind of experience for private groups and companies.

We are also experts helping in movie projectsads filming and any kind of production.

We can organize personalized snowmobile tours of any duration. Even multi-day tours. Also combos of different activities and banquetsglacier buffets or any kind of idea that can come to your mind.

Drop us a line and explain to us what you are thinking about. We will make it happen.

private tour is a personalized experience that you model with us to your taste.

That’s why we need you to contact us and we can customize it to fit your needs.

  1. This is an adventure tour to Iceland’s second largest glacier. Keep your eyes open, look out the window, breathe in the glacial air and enjoy every moment to the fullest.
  2. Icelandic weather can be unpredictable. We keep track of the forecast but the weather can change abruptly and force us to react to it. We will be 1000m above sea-level. Please keep in mind that weather conditions can be different from those in lower altitudes.
  3. This is a super truck tour. The roads are trails, sometimes we will let air out of the tires to be able to “float” in the snow. If all goes well this is a terrific way to travel. Unfortunately, we do get stuck sometimes. It may take us some time to get unstuck but we do have other cars and guides that are never far off to help us.
  4. Daylight is limited during the darkest time of year. If everything goes as planned on our tour you will be able to see GullfossÞingvellir, and Geysir in the daylight.
  5. Dress warmly! You will be provided with gear for the snowmobile tour: snowmobile suit, helmet, hat, gloves, and shoes. We still recommend that you wear your warmest clothes, especially during winter.
  6. These are the Icelandic highlands, close to the country’s second-largest glacier. Up there nature can be unkind, but it can also be an amazing experience. On a good day we will see the glacier ablaze and the highlands to the south! We can also see various volcanoes along with Hvítárvatn which is the source of Gullfoss.
  7. In bad weather the experience is different. You might not get the best views of the surroundings but you will experience the power of Icelandic nature in a thrilling way.
  8. We have extensive experience in operating adventure tours and we follow the strictest safety standards. We kindly ask all of our guests to comply with the guidelines provided by our staff.
  9. Above all, be prepared to experience the nature of Iceland!
  10. We reserve the right to change travelling plans due to weather conditions.

Your personal items are your responsibility. You are allowed to take your stuff with you on the tours although it is not recommended to take a backpack on the snowmobile because it’s really uncomfortable.

It is your responsibility to take care of your personal items. If something gets lost or forgotten we will try our best to recover it and get it back to you.

Even so, make sure to always keep in sight your things and check you have everything before leaving any of our cars and/or facilities.

The road to Gullfoss is a well maintained pavement road. However in winter it tends to get full of snow and ice and sometimes it is closed.

Even if it’s Summer, always check the road conditions on the official road authority’s website. If you’re still not sure if you can drive please call us +354-580-9900 or send us an e-mail to [email protected].

It is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol before or during our snowmobile tours. 

You are allowed to drink a sensitive amount of alcohol in the stops during our day tours.

In case you are drunk before or during the activity you will not be allowed to participate in it.

It is forbidden to smoke inside of the bus, while driving a snowmobile or inside of any of our facilities.

You are allowed to smoke during the stops and free time but please always remember to take your cigarette ends with you or throw them in an appropriate container.

Nature is not our trash can!

Tips are not mandatory in Iceland and there’s not a tip culture in the country.

However, if you think your guide did a great job, you can always thank them with a tip. They will appreciate it.

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