Iceland winter hiking expedition

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

85% of Iceland’s primary energy needs are met with indigenous renewable resources, meaning Iceland is at the forefront of sustainable energy production.

Almost all electricity in Iceland is produced using renewable energy sources, with 73% of electricity provided by hydropower plants and 26.8% from geothermal energy, accounting for over 99% of total electricity consumption in Iceland.

This is just one of the many reasons we are so passionate with encouraging adventure tourism to Iceland given their level of care and diligence in helping the planet with such impressive renewable energy usage.

As part of our 'Making it More Meaningful Sustainable Travel Policy' we aim to record and reduce our operational carbon emissions for this trip. Our Iceland Winter Hiking Expedition has the following features embedded to help with our carbon reduction:
• The itinerary includes 4 days of human powered transport, ie. snowshoeing
• We use local services. We engage locally owned and operated businesses, thereby supporting local people and avoiding the use of long, carbon-intensive supply chains.
• We use local transport where safe, reliable and feasible, and when this is not feasible, we use private, locally owned transport suitable for the group size to reduce fuel usage per traveler.
• We stay in locally owned and simpler styles of accommodation, and eat at locally owned eateries where the food has been locally sourced wherever possible, therefore reducing food mile emissions. The majority of the trip is in an overnight self-catered mountain hut of which we purchase localy food items in Iceland prior to heading out on the trail.
• We do offer vegetarian options on this trip as well.

ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE

Impressively, Iceland has been described as a world leader in addressing pollution control and natural resource management challenges. Almost one hundred sites, with a total area of 2,000,000 ha (including glaciers and marine areas) are protected in Iceland under the Nature Conservation Act. We care deeply about traveling in a way to minimise and mitigate our negative impacts on Iceland’s natural environment and by being an active positive contributor to the local communities and natural heritage that we’re so fortunate to visit.

Some of the positive features embedded in our Iceland Winter Hiking Expedition are:

• Issue all our travelers with a free Water-to-Go bottle to eliminate our single use plastic footprint in such a pristine wilderness environment
• Minimise plastic waste wherever possible
• Operate with a 'pack in, pack out' ethos with this expedition. By minimising waste generation and practising responsible waste management.
• Operate a ‘leave no trace’ ethos – take only memories, leave only footprints.
• We believe wildlife should be wild, and nature should be natural and have such created our Animal Protection Policy.
• Our Local Guides are expert nature guides. They are expertly trained and experienced in every field of this winter expedition.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

We are inherently a responsible travel operator. Small group sizes allow us to visit a destination and local communities, not invade, and to be welcomed back time and time again. We pride ourselves on this commitment.

Small groups only. We focus on small groups with low guide ratio as we value the personal relationships highly. You’ll not only witness extraordinary landscapes on this expedition, but also forge long-lasting friendships and gain a profound understanding of the culture and people of the destinations you explore.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

We aligns closely with Iceland's legislation on inclusivity and diversity in tourism, ensuring that all aspects of its operations reflect the principles of equality and non-discrimination. As a company deeply committed to creating meaningful and inclusive travel experiences, we proactively integrates the principles outlined in Icelandic laws into our policies and practices.

In the heart of Iceland's winter wilderness, our expedition is guided by local crew who are qualified Guides and who embody the spirit of the land. Selected for their deep-rooted connection to Iceland's culture and terrain, these qualified guides are more than navigators; they're storytellers, sharing the rich tapestry of Icelandic history and natural wonders.

Our local guides are at the center of this trip and come from the local area ie. our main Guide is from Reykjavik. We believe that local guides are the key to unlocking the true essence of a destination. The deep-rooted understanding of the terrain, culture, history and hidden gems allow us to curate unforgettable journeys that go beyond the ordinary. When you embark on this trip, you won’t just be shown around — you’ll be guided by experienced locals who are passionate about sharing their rich knowledge and love for their homeland. 100% of our local guides are from Iceland.

Rest assured, our commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism extends to our partnership with local communities. By engaging local guides, we provide economic opportunities that support the welfare of the regions we visit, ensuring a positive impact on both the environment and the people who call Iceland home. Embrace the transformative power of connecting with locals on your adventure.

Our Iceland Winter Hiking Expedition is more than just a trip. It’s the basis where two groups of people become one and human interaction is at its most powerful. When we hike, the entire group – you as a participant, the energetic & passionate local guides - are one team. Together we trek the landscapes of some of the most incredible landscapes and geologic wonders, making a powerful difference to each other’s experience.

To you as a traveler – you receive the support, care, insight into local life & culture and professional guidance of your local crew.

And to the local crew – they have the opportunity of training & employment, career progression, above minimum wage payment, human interaction and developing language skills.

Together we learn and appreciate each other’s backgrounds, culture, traditions and way of life.

Our Iceland Winter Hiking Expedition is an LGBTQ+ friendly journey, embodying inclusivity, safety, and a celebration of diversity at its core. With a commitment to creating welcoming spaces, the adventure ensures that every traveler, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels respected and valued. Safety, both physical and emotional for all our travelers, is prioritised in our pre-travel 'Essential Info' document outlining our 'Trip Rules' and guidelines for 'Traveling in a group', alongside fostering connections among our travelers.

The people of Iceland have an open and accepting attitude to LGBTQIA+ communities, and Iceland is considered one of the world’s most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries. Since 2006, same-sex couples have had equal access to adoption and IVF, and in 2010 the Icelandic Parliament made a unanimous decision to define marriage as between two individuals, with the Church of Iceland following suit and allowing same-sex marriages in 2015.