Hitting the slopes - Skálafell (1:2)

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will once again be working with the City of Reykjavík in one of the main Skiing areas in the capital region of Iceland.

We will be working in Skálafell, where the ski slopes are turned into a Bike park during summertime and mountain bike enthusiasts can nourish their passion. The main tasks will include 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 camp starts a week after summer solstice, when the sun never fully sets at this latitude and the nights are as bright as the days. The bright nights are magical with almost 24 hours of sunlight and staying awake enjoying the beautiful surroundings is a unique experience.

ACCOMMODATION:  SEEDS volunteers will stay in a house in the outskirts of Reykjavík, where the sparkling city confronts nature. The facilities are basic and volunteers might for instance have to show patience when showering since the water pressure in the area is low at certain hours of the day and there are more houses using the same water supplies; at certain points of the day the water flow may stop but start again after a while.

Volunteers will be sleeping in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag.  Volunteers will receive food supplies and be partly in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. During week days lunch will be served at the working site. Do not forget some traditional food from your country for an international evening.

LOCATION: The house in the outskirts of Reykjavík where SEEDS volunteers will be quartered during the project, is in approximately 30 km distance from the location of the working site and we will be transported there every day.

There are 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.

Reykjavík, Europe's most northern capital is a friendly, vibrant city that manages to combine the intimacy of a small-town atmosphere with all the qualities of a modern, trendy city. Here you can leisurely stroll around the lovely little streets of the town centre with its many renovated old houses and there's no hustle and bustle, no noisy traffic to contend with.

The visitor to Reykjavik is simply spoiled when it comes to things to do. There is the National Gallery and a range of other small avant-garde galleries for the art lover. The newly reopened National Museum provides an exciting insight into Iceland's history and heritage, as does the Arbaer Folk Museum.

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 200,- (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.

Our hosting partner will organise free time activities in the area and tours and excursions will be arranged for SEEDS volunteers at discount fares as well.

Age: 18+