Hitting the slopes - Skálafell & Blue Mountains (1:2)

WORK/PROJECT:

SEEDS and our volunteers will be working again with the City of Reykjavík in the two main Skiing areas in the capital region of Iceland, in Skálafell and Bláfjöll.

During the first week we will be working in Skálafell, where the ski slopes are turned into a Bike park during summertime. Here mountain bike fans can nourish their passion. The main tasks in Skálafell will be renovation and maintenance work on the bike trails, mainly raking and scraping them up. Some paint job awaits the SEEDS volunteers as well and general cleaning of the area.

The second week will be spent in the area of Bláfjöll (The Blue Mountains). There we will be maintaining the ski slopes and prepare them for the next ski season. The city and few sports associations run lodges there and they might also need some renovation job, such as painting and/or cleaning.

ACCOMMODATION:

SEEDS volunteers will stay in fully equipped houses; in a sleeping bag accommodation sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Volunteers will receive food and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities.

Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION:

During the first week, while working in Skálafell, the SEEDS volunteers will be quartered in the outskirts of Reykjavík, in approximately 30 km distance from the projects location and we will be transported every day to the working sites.

Reykjavík is often called “the nightlife capital of the north”. But there is more to Reykjavík than pubs and clubs. Reykjavík also gathers the most interesting of Icelandic culture. It is an incubator of new ideas and styles which often indicates new global trends.

It is an International city with a lively Cosmopolitan cultural scene. In the area closer than 100 Km from Reykjavík, there are several spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline and the well-known geothermal Blue Lagoon spa to visit.

The latter week of the project will take place in the Blue Mountain Range area.  The Bláfjöll volcanic mountain range is located about 30 minutes drive from Reykjavík. The highest mountain reaches 600m and therefore since 1968 the region became a very popular skiing area among Icelanders and the favourite for skiers in the Capital area.

The district demonstrates some of the best natural country sides in Iceland. Outdoor activities taking place in the area include hiking, mountain biking and alpine and cross country skiing.

Iceland is chilly, even in summer. Expect nights to dip down to 10 Celsius and days to warm up to the mid-high teens Celsius and warmer. In mountains, weather can change quickly and drastically.

Participants need to be prepared for a wide range of weather.

LANGUAGE:

English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.

TERMINAL:

Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ).

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS:

Participation fee EUR 180 (Euros).

Volunteers have to bring good working shoes and clothes, even though it is summer, it might still be cold and hats and gloves might be necessary.

In Bláfjöll, volunteers will be given an extraordinary opportunity to explore a hidden world beneath ours in an amazing trip to the underworld! Beneath the lava field in the area the volcanic eruptions have left behind caves with magical rock formations. Exploring the dark and hidden lava tubes is a great addition to your volunteer adventure and a perfect way to see how Iceland was created.

Tours and excursions will be arranged for SEEDS volunteers at discount fares.

Age: 18+