Greenland Ski & Sail Tour
Overview
The west coast of Greenland offers most of what any skier can dream of, and it all comes in size XL! Whatever you are used to, get ready for something more because this is next level...
Skiing the mountains of West Greenland is an experience like no other. In a stunning arctic environment, you will ski straight from the boat, from the ocean to the peaks ... and back! Thanks to the long spring days you will be able to summit peaks over 1,700m above sea level, do several runs a day from one fjord to the other, or simply chill on the SkyDancer's deck in the sweet Arctic light.
Make a Booking Enquiry ->
Terrain
In Greenland the skiing is mostly undertaken on glaciers. They are all over the landmass: from the huge inland glaciers that the group will sometimes contemplate from a peak; to the glaciers carving their way to the ocean on the slopes of the fjords. These glaciers are often moderately steep and overlooked by steeper couloirs, a great combination to fulfill all skiers’ wishes.
The region to be explored is from Maniitsoq in the south to Sisimiut in the north, and is one of the best suited for ski touring, with multiple fjords giving easy boat access to the skiing. No long flat walks before hitting the slopes, ascents start close to the shore.
Depending on the group and the conditions, we'll be able to go for summits from 1,000 to 1,800m above sea level, and we'll ski mellow summits, huge bowls or couloirs.
Climate & Snow
There is no Gulf Stream in Greenland, and with the ocean cooling the temperatures you can expect a longer ski season than at the same latitude in Europe.
At 65 degrees north latitude, the winters are long, and you will ski cold snow until late May.
In early June, when the Norwegian coast is already getting warm, the temperatures in West Greenland are still oscillating around 0°C, and it becomes possible to ski both powder and corn!
Daylight
During the expedition, you will be between 65° and 67° North, so almost precisely on the Arctic Circle. In late April the days will already be very long, with a few hours of twilight that will shrink day after day until mid-June when the midnight sun comes.
The period from late April to mid-June is great for ski touring with the long days giving many opportunities to make the best out of the weather and snow. The challenge is to adjust to a whole new rhythm. And that is a good thing! No need for "alpine starts" at 5am ... but you might be out skiing late in the evenings.
Meeting Point & Transfers
The tour meeting point is the airport at Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) in western Greenland. Flights to Kangerlussuaq are best via Copenhagen in Denmark. The tour includes transfers from the airport in Greenland to the boat, and all transport during the tour including all shore landings. If you arrive or depart a day before or after the tour, hotel accommodation is your responsibility. Try the Hotel Kangerlussuaq if looking for pre or post tour lodgings.
for detailed information on the program, see the Itinerary tab.
Accommodation & Meals
Enjoy the hospitality, food & drink on the 73ft schooner 'SkyDancer' for 7-nights. For detailed information about the boat, see the Lodging tab.
Guides, Group Size & Safety
An IFMGA certified mountain guide (and qualified ski instructor) will the tour for the entire duration. Finding the best snow and terrain is their job, and your safety their main focus.
The size of groups is limited to a maximum of 6 skiers/splitboarders per guide.
Avalanche safety gear is mandatory for all participants. All guests are required to ski/board with an ABS backpack (or equivalent). Modern transceivers (beacons), probes and shovels plus ABS backpacks are available for rent if you do not own them. In order to ensure everyone is able to use it, a quick but efficient safety briefing will be conducted prior to skiing. Included is a practice beeper search and the opportunity ask any questions you might have regarding the snow conditions of the day and the runs the group will ski.
Technical & Personal Requirements
Ski Ability & Fitness
Participants next to be of a strong intermediate to expert ability. Previous ski-touring experience, including skinning ascents and descents in variable off-piste snow conditions, is required. Good physical condition is a benefit in order to fully enjoy each day.
