Cover Image: Brandon Eckroth
The cliché honeymoon destinations of Bora Bora and Maldives are fine for people who like to sit on the beach drinking mai tais, but what about us skiers? Well, do we have the place for you!
If you’re looking for the ultimate honeymoon ski destination, Deplar Farm on the Troll Peninsula of Iceland is it. The Farm not only offers heli-skiing and outdoor adventure but also serves up spa and wellness on par with the most luxurious locations around the world. This works out great for skiers and riders whose spouses love skiing but are a bit apprehensive about spending their once in a lifetime trip in a heli-ski lodge.
How is the skiing?
Unreal. Summit to sea descents that offer a mix of steep chutes and wide-open terrain that runs for miles. One misconception about heli-skiing is that you need to be a pro to “jump out of a helicopter”. First off, you never “jump out” of a helicopter when heli-skiing. Second, a helicopter can drop you just about anywhere on a mountainside the guides see fit. This means you can customize your day and locations around what the group wants to do. I have been on trips with low intermediates who spend the day skiing mile after mile of low angle powder surrounded by untouched wilderness.
I’ve also been to heli-skiing operations that have a set agenda regardless of conditions and weather. Skiing at these heli-ski operations has the feel of being on a programmed ride instead of what we all prefer, exploratory heli-skiing.
Deplar creates unique ski itineraries based on conditions, weather, and the group’s ability to provide a custom-tailored day out in the mountains. And what mountains they are. The Trollaskagi Peninsula on Iceland gives you a ski experience that truly feels remote and magical.
If you would like to work in some cross-county skiing or a ski tour, the guides at Deplar can arrange that as well. They even have a backcountry outpost called Ghost Farm that makes a perfect ski tour destination.
Pool Après and Dining
When you have finished your day in the backcountry, you can take a dip in the indoor/outdoor pool equipped with a swim-up bar serving up the finest cocktails from my man Danny, a world-renowned mixologist. Following Aprés, get ready for your James Beard caliber Icelandic dinner.
Spa
The spa at Deplar is world-renowned. It has a Scandinavian zen vibe that is unique to Deplar. The spa boasts a meditation room, two saunas, a steam room, as well as a yoga room, all with tranquil views of the stunning Icelandic countryside.
The indoor/outdoor pool at Deplar might just be the coolest pool in Iceland. The outdoor portion of the pool was designed to include areas where you can lay back and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
The spa at Deplar Farm is also equipped with two I-Sopod sensory deprivation float tanks. The I-Sopod floatation tank is a sleek and stylish spaceship designed to transport the user to a new and all-encompassing world of absolute calm and tranquillity. We gave them a spin and let’s just say they lived up to the hype.
Why Deplar Farm Over Other Heli-Skiing Operations?
Over the years we’ve been fortunate enough to ski from heliski lodges located around the world. Most are very nice with rustic charm. They have hot tubs and a full bar. What Deplar Farm has is on a whole other level.
The experience at Deplar is transcendental. From the I-Sopod sensory deprivation tanks to the ice-machines that were imported from Japan that make ice in a vacuum so that your drink does not get watered down, Deplar is operating on a level that even the top hotels in the world struggle to keep up with. Don’t be surprised if a fellow guest during your stay is an A-list celebrity or billionaire jet-setter. The place really is that nice.
Added to this, Deplar Farm is all-inclusive. And that’s not just eyewash. Bottomless glasses of Macallan 12, access to all the adventure equipment, meals prepared by some of the top chefs in Iceland, pre-arrival planning with an Eleven Experience Manager – it really is all included.
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