SEEDS 035. Hitting the Slopes - Blue Mountains - Bláfjöll
SEEDS 035. Hitting the Slopes - Blue Mountains - Bláfjöll
SEEDS 035. Hitting the Slopes - Blue Mountains - Bláfjöll
14.06 - 24.06
CONS / ENVI / RENO
8 Volunteers
Age: 18+
PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will support the Reykjavík Municipality in the main outdoor skiing recreational areas of the capital region, at Bláfjöll (Blue Mountains). The main tasks focus on maintenance and preparation of the area for the summer and the next ski season. This includes maintaining slopes and trails by raking and scraping, general cleaning of the mountain areas, and collecting trash, debris, and natural waste.
The municipality and several sports associations run lodges and mountain huts there and they may also need some renovation jobs, such as painting and/or cleaning. In addition, volunteers may assist with the maintenance of a local Bike Park and surrounding outdoor areas, including cleaning slopes and green areas, mowing grass, repairing and improving walking and biking paths
The work is hands-on, physically demanding, and carried out outdoors, often on uneven terrain. Volunteers should be motivated to work in raw and isolated mountain landscapes and be prepared for changing Icelandic weather. No previous experience is required; instructions and tools are provided. Flexibility, good physical condition, and a positive team spirit are essential, as tasks and schedules may change due to weather.
Volunteers will gain practical experience in outdoor and environmental maintenance, contribute to community recreational areas, work in an international team, and spend time in nature while supporting local projects.
A typical working day starts in the morning after breakfast. Work usually lasts 7–8 hours per day, including breaks. Lunch is taken together, either outdoors or at the accommodation. After work and during weekends, volunteers have free time to relax, explore the area, for social activities, cultural exchange, games, or group time.
The camp takes place around the summer solstice, when the sun barely sets and nights are almost as bright as the days. Volunteers will have the opportunity to experience the midnight sun, making it unique and memorable.
ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will stay in one of the lodges in the mountains and sleep in a shared dormitory. Please bring your own sleeping bag. facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen, dining and living room, bathroom, shower and a washing machine.
Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural evening. Please be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country.
LOCATION: The skiing areas of Bláfjöll are about 40 minutes drive from the city. The location is remote and isolated, even though it is still close to the city. The Blue Mountain range is situated near the ring road and stretches from the capital area to the south-western lowlands, the highest mountain reaching 600 m.
The area has great slopes for downhill skiing and snowboarding as well as tracks for cross-country skiing. The areas are excellent for recreation, not only for alpine and cross country skiing, but for other outdoor activities as well such as hiking and mountain biking. Nature lovers are certain to find something to their liking, but it is important to be careful crossing the rugged lava fields because of the numerous caves underneath.
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 300 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival. The fee includes the transport from Reykjavík to the campsite and back (on the first and last day of the camp).
Meeting and departure time to the camp will be 16:00 (4:00 pm) on June 14. The meeting point is at SEEDS’ office in Reykjavík. After the camp we will return to Reykjavík in the afternoon of June 24.
Volunteers shall be prepared for physical outdoors work and should bring good working shoes and clothes. In the mountains, the weather can change quickly and drastically. Even if it is summer, the weather can be cold or rainy. We recommend bringing good walking shoes/boots, warm and/or waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) as most of the tasks and activities take place outside.
Free-time activities in the surroundings are mostly hiking and trekking. Some excursions (Golden Circle, South Shore, Hot River Hike) can be arranged at discount fares for SEEDS participants during the weekend.