Snow vehicle group 🚜❄️

The HSSR snow vehicle team specialises in the use of snow vehicles in search and rescue operations, especially on glaciers and in challenging winter conditions. The snow vehicle is one of the most powerful vehicles in the team and plays an important role when it comes to transporting people and equipment through snowy areas where other vehicles have difficulty.

The group performs simple maintenance on the snow vehicle and ensures that it is in good condition for operations. The group's training is not extensive, but it mostly consists of trips with the team or in trainings that require the power of the snow vehicle, for example, making artificial avalanches for avalanche rescue trainings.

In addition to rescue operations, the snow vehicle and its drivers are also used for commercial work, such as glacier measurements or assistance to energy companies in the country. Income from such work goes directly to maintenance costs and future replacement of the snow vehicle.

The snow vehicle group leaders oversee the renewal of the snow vehicle, but since such vehicles usually last a very long time and are extremely expensive to purchase, there is rarely a need to replace the equipment.

The snow vehicle group ensures that the team is always ready to tackle challenging tasks on glaciers and in deep snow, where reliable transportation is key to successful rescue operations. ❄️🔧

Group leaders

  • Hlynur Skagfjörð Pálsson

    Member since : 2009

  • Karl Eiríksson

    Member since : 2001

Group equipment

Kassbohrer PistenBully 400

Reykur Kaldi

Fastanúmer: VEZ72
Árgerð: 2022
Ökuréttindi: C
Sætisfjöldi: 10
Litur: Red
Orkugjafi: Colored Diesel
Fjarskipti: Tetra, VHF, GSM, Wireless internet (4G/5G), Satellite phone, Satellite network

46" MAN TGS

Reykur 8

Fastanúmer: AJN47
Árgerð: 2024
Ökuréttindi: C
Sætisfjöldi: 2
Litur: Orange
Orkugjafi: Colored Diesel
Fjarskipti: Tetra, VHF, GSM, Wireless internet (4G/5G)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the snow vehicle group do in HSSR?

The snow vehicle group specializes in the use of snow vehicles in search and rescue, most often on glaciers and in mountainous terrain. The members of the group are responsible for driving the snow vehicle on rescue missions, organizing training exercises, and performing light maintenance on it.

Do I need a special driving license to be in the snow vehicle group?

No, but to drive a snow vehicle, the person must have a driver's license, receive special training, and have experience driving it in different conditions.

What kind of training does the snow vehicle group have?

The group practices driving in different snow and weather conditions, using snow vehicle equipment, avalanche rescue, and other specialized tasks where a snow vehicle can be used.

What maintenance does the group perform?

Members of the snow vehicle group take care of light maintenance on the snow vehicle, but more extensive maintenance is done by professionals.

Is the snow vehicle group called out separately or does it go on rescue missions with other groups?

The snow vehicle group is called out when a snow vehicle is needed for rescue missions, most often in collaboration with a mountain group or search groups when snowy areas, glaciers or mountains require a specialized vehicle.

Is the snowmobile only used in rescue missions?

No, the snow vehicle is also rented out for projects such as glacier measurements or to assist energy companies. This outsourced work generates income that is used to operate and maintain the snow vehicle.

What does a snow vehicle group leader do?

The group leader manages the condition of the snow vehicle, organizes training sessions, and ensures that group members are well-trained in driving and responding to unexpected situations.