GREENLAND ICE CAP CROSSING
May or September
Ice Cap, Greenland
The team
max 5 per guide
Number of participants
BLACK LABEL
‘Expedition Major’
Heavy, extreme expedition
A MYTHICAL EXPERIENCE OF UNPRECEDENTED PROPORTIONS
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Ingredients:
Heavy expedition, Teamwork, Self-reliance, Unique, Responsibility
Crossing the Greenland Ice Sheet is a wonderful expedition. 600 kilometers of snow and ice. If you join the expedition in May, you will start on the west coast in Kangerlussuaq. A village dominated by the International Airport present. On the East Coast, you will be picked up by helicopter near the fishing village of Isertoq.
In September, we will start east in Tasiilaq. By boat we go to the ice cap and start our trek west.
You will make this crossing under the guidance of an experienced IPGA or WGA guide. (IPGA=International Polar Guide Accosiation.) The preparation for this trek is handled by expedition leader Henk-Jan Geel, among others. He has crossed Greenland several times. Prior to the expedition, you go over things with him in detail.
Together with a (possibly international) team, you begin the crossing. Arctic Adventure cooperates with Polar Experience in Belgium and Expedition Unlimited in France in this regard. By working together, we can reach enough participants to guarantee the start of the expedition.
Depending on weather conditions, the expedition lasts 27-34 days. At Kangerlussuaq or Tasiilaq, we test all material and equipment again. Near Isertoq, on the east coast of Greenland, we will be picked up by helicopter after an expedition of approximately 600 kilometers.
On the west side, we will be picked up from the ice cap at point 660 with a four-wheel drive.
Besides the physical exertion, this extraordinary human adventure requires real team spirit and group cohesion. At this time of year (In May and in September) temperatures can drop to -30° C. Winds can be strong preventing progression and requiring patience. Spending a day in the tent is a regular occurrence.
In short, this is an extraordinary adventure that few people have attempted and even fewer have succeeded in….
Thinking about joining this expedition? Then sign up for the Greenland Expedition info day. On this day we will explain to you all about the Greenland crossing and what is involved.
A Once in a lifetime expedition.
- 30-day winter expedition
- Crossing the ice cap with pulkas
- Full board (meals & lodging)
- Completely self-sufficient
- Preparation with Henk-Jan Geel
- Use of group materials
- IPGA guide with local knowledge
- Small (international) team
Expedition highlights
- Conduct an unsupported mythical and rare expedition
- You will be accompanied by an experienced IPGA or WGA guide
- Special preparation day
- An immersion in a wild and untamed natural environment, ideal for contemplation and reflection
- Not only a physical challenge, but above all a fantastic personal adventure
- Departure possible from 2 participants up to a maximum of 5 participants per guide
- Manhauling (Sled pulling) your own sled that weighs over 70 pounds
GO ON AN ADVENTURE WITH HENK-JAN
Polar guide & expedition leader
IPGA Pool Guide with over 20 years of experience. Including tours in Scandinavia. Crossing the Gulf of Bothnia and 3x the Greenland Ice Sheet.
Greenland expedition: the ultimate adventure challenge
Our expedition to Greenland begins in May from the west, due to better weather conditions. If we started from the east, there would be more restrictions. In September, however, we will start the expedition on the east coast of Greenland.
It is important not to wait too long before starting, as this can affect team morale. In the fall, however, it is better to depart from the east. Ultimately, nature dictates what the best time is.
First stop: Kangerlussuaq or Tasiilaq
We will fly to Kangerlussuaq and stay here for two nights to test equipment and procedures. From there, we will travel approximately 30 kilometers by jeep on an unpaved road, depending on the conditions.
In the autumn, the expedition starts in Tasiilaq and we start with a boat trip to the ice cap.
Then we spend four or five days on the glacier, which is an important part of the expedition. The glacier is full of crevasses and our sleds will be heavy; at first they weigh almost 80 kg. We follow the glacier and carry about 30 days’ worth of food supplies.
Daily routine on the expedition
During the first part of our expedition, we use Nordic cross country skis with the sled behind us. We walk between 8 and 10 hours every day and camp in a tent every night. This expedition requires great dedication and physical fitness of the participants because of the challenges and length of the trek.
A great human adventure
It is not only a physical challenge, but also a great human adventure that requires real team spirit and group cohesion. The cold weather and strong winds can hinder our progress, so sometimes we have to be patient.
Walking may seem monotonous, but it also provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the isolation on the vast ice sheet. It is an opportunity to take time and meditate, and achieve an accomplishment that few people will ever experience.
Duration of the expedition
The duration of this expedition ranges from 25 to 30 days, depending on the weather. The exact duration is uncertain and depends on the speed of the group’s progress and weather conditions. We set the expedition duration at 30 days because this seems realistic.
Summary
- Departure in May from west Greenland due to better weather conditions
- September starts on the east coast of Greenland
- 30 km on a dirt road by jeep from Kangerlussuaq, followed by 4-5 days of walking on the glacier
- Glacier is full of crevasses and the sleds weigh nearly 80 kg at the beginning of the expedition
- Nordic cross country skis are used to pull the sleds, with 8-10 hours of walking per day and camping in tents at night
- Expedition requires real dedication and great physical fitness, as well as real team spirit and group cohesion
- Opportunity to clear the mind and meditate during isolation on the ice sheet
- Average time for a crossing ranges from 25 to 30 days, depending on weather and group speed
- Expedition time is quite uncertain at this stage, with 30 days as a guideline
Are you considering participating in this expedition? Then sign up for the Greenland Expedition info day. During this day we will give you all the information about the Greenland crossing and what to expect.
Elevation profile Greenland Crossing
Heaviness of the expedition
Our Greenland program is highly valued due to the challenging climatic and environmental conditions. During this expedition, participants carry their own equipment, including sleds that weigh about 80 kg at departure. This requires very good physical and mental fitness. It is not necessary to have special technical skills, but experience in exploring the north and mountain hiking is definitely a plus.
Each participant is responsible for enforcing safety rules, maintaining equipment, setting up camp and preparing meals. Therefore, it is important that everyone is willing to contribute and be a team player. This is the key to success in this type of challenging project.
In preparation for this expedition, we offer an essential preparation weekend. During this weekend we will prepare you for the unique conditions you will encounter during the expedition and teach you all the necessary skills. After the weekend, you will be confident and well prepared to take on the challenge of Greenland.
So, if you are looking for an unforgettable experience and ready for a challenge, our Greenland expedition is for you!
Knowledge of winter expeditions and participation in a Red Label trip (or equivalent) is mandatory. If you want to participate in a kite crossing, a kite introduction training course has been specially developed for that purpose. It takes place in Sweden or Norway.
Basic information about Greenland
- Greenland is the largest island in the world, located between the Arctic Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean
- It is an autonomous region within the Kingdom of Denmark, with a population of about 56,000, most of whom live in the capital Nuuk
- Greenland has an arctic climate with cold winters and short, cool summers
- Greenland’s landscape is spectacular, with dramatic fjords, mountains and glaciers, as well as the vast ice sheet that covers about 80% of the country
- Popular activities for tourists include ice climbing, dog sledding, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, whale watching, fishing, hiking and camping
- There are also many cultural attractions to visit, including museums, historical sites and local communities where visitors can learn about the traditional lifestyle of the Inuit people
- The best time to visit Greenland is in summer, when the weather is milder and the days are long, with the sun shining almost 24 hours a day in some parts of the country
- To visit Greenland, travelers need a valid passport and possibly a visa, depending on their nationality. Travelers should also consider the limited availability of accommodation, transportation and other tourist facilities in some parts of the country.
- The official languages are Greenlandic (Inuit dialect) and Danish. English is spoken in the most touristy zones.
- The currency is the Danish krone (DKK). An adapter is not required (220V).
Climate and temperature
At this time of year, temperatures can range from +10° C to -40° C. In terms of climate, we can expect just about anything from the best conditions to storms, not to mention snow flurries and sleet. There are periods when wind is favorable for kite skiing and then periods of dead calm. Daylight is practically continuous at this time of year, with 4 hours of twilight.
Time difference
Three hours behind. When it is three o’clock in Holland, it is 12 o’clock in Greenland.
Formalities
Health formalities
No vaccination is required. It is highly recommended to be up-to-date in the classical vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis.
We also recommend that you look at the country specifications on the website of Nederlandwereldwijd.nl
Your guide has a small first aid pharmacy, which he manages himself. Each participant must carry regular medications to limit the use of the collective pharmacy. A list of medications to bring into your personal pharmacy is specified with the packing list.
Visas, etc.
No visa required for European Union and Swiss citizens. Contact your local consulate or embassy for other nationalities. Need a passport valid 6 months from your return date. These procedures may change and we thank you as you check the eligibility requirements with the consular authorities. Each traveler is responsible for complying with these formalities.
Read the entire regulations on travel to Greenland here
Participants in this trip
The trip can continue at 2 participants and is full at 5 participants.
Who Joins our Adventures?
Participants in our trips often sign up alone.
It happens that couples sign up.
The age of most participants is between 30 and 50 years.
There are certainly exceptions. The youngest participant was 23 and the oldest 66.
The male-female ratio is 50/50. The more challenging treks attract slightly more men. 60/40. But often the distribution is nicely balanced.
Travel dates
Exact travel dates by arrangement. Count on 5 weeks out and home.
Departure
Annually around April 30-May 30 Aug. 15-Sept. 15
Return
Approximately 30 days after start of expedition
Traveling 2025
- 2 people: € 21,900
- 3 people: € 17,500
- 4 people: € 15,500
- 5+ persons: €13,900
Please contact us to discuss the details of this price.
Prices are indicated “as of” and are subject to change based on the number of registered participants.
Please note that the dates and prices are given as a reference and may be changed if economic conditions warrant it.
Currently, the insurance premium for a Greenland expedition is the most variable factor. The price of the expedition may be increased in response to this insurance.
Annual price increase is approximately 3-5%.
Participants
Maximum of 5 per guide
This Excludes:
- Transportation to the closest commercial airport in Greenland
- Cancellation insurance
- Drinks personal expenses
- Personal equipment (see tab in-exclusive)
We Provide
- Experienced expedition guide (IPGA or WGA)
- Route and waypoints
- Group expedition equipment (cookware/tent)
- Personal equipment such as skis, mats, expedition sleeping bag, down jacket and sled.
- Apply for expedition permit with the Greenlandic government
- Applications for radio license, weapons license and SAR insurance
- Deposit of DKK 200,000 (about EUR 25,000) in offset account
- Mandatory expedition communication package (InReach, satellite phone, PBR)
- Transport of 50 kg personal luggage to Greenland with freight transport
- Transportation to the glacier (point 660) from Kangerlussuaq West-East crossing
- Transportation by boat to the ice cap from Tasiilaq at east-west crossing
- Pickup from ice cap by boat or helicopter at West-East crossing
- Pickup at point 660 with 4 wheel drive at east-west crossing
- Weapon rental and ammunition
- Fuel for the entire expedition
- Medical expedition kit
- Doctors on telephone standby
- Daily weather forecasts from the back office
- Website updates via basecamp for those left behind
- Expedition planning, requests, guidance and communication
- Eating during the expedition
- 2 Days hotel including food before and after the expedition
- Extra backup expedition equipment for the group, ropes, tent repairs, ski repairs, sled, etc.
You Provide
- International flights to and from Greenland
- Personal expedition equipment (some equipment also available for loan through Arctic Adventure)
- General travel insurance with expedition coverage
- Cancellation insurance if desired
- Excess baggage charges on personal equipment (if applicable)
- Costs related to early departure from the expedition
- Costs resulting from delays, disruptions or variations due to weather or ice conditions
- Any helicopter flights required for non-medical purposes (payable on a pro-rata per person basis)
- Other costs not specified at inclusions
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