Greenland Ski & Sail

What Makes This Trip Special?

The perfect combination and playground for boating and skiing.

Possibilities to be bagging first descents in some remote untouched Arctic wilderness.

Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding the pristine arctic waters.

Taking in nature’s majestic beauty from onboard our comfortable vessel.

For those adventurous at heart, ready to explore Greenland by boat and skis.

Itinerary

Day 1

Upon arrival to the town of Maniitsoq, we will board and settle in to the ship M/V Kisaq, meet the crew and partake in a safety briefing before setting off into the Eternity fjord. If time allows we will go for an evening ski to stretch our legs.

Day 2-6

We will spend 6 full days exploring the terrain north of Maniitsoq, into the Eternity Fjord and beyond Kangaamiut Village. Each day will find us seeking out different objectives and with our vessle, we have endless of opportunities to move and anchor our boat at desired ski location, and with the use of a zodiac taking us to shore. And the possibility to traverse the mountains, with our boat meeting us on the other side.

DAY 7

We will spend the day skiing at a close location to Maniitsoq, and in the late afternoon we will transfer back to town and spend the night onboard the ship in the Maniitsoq harbour.

day 8

Disembark the M/V Kisaq, say goodbye to the crew and transit to the airport for departures.

The Place

Greenland is the third largest Island in the world, situated between the Arctic ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. It is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. Maniitsoq is along the west coast of Greenland, and is a small town of about 2500 people. The mountains in the region are rugged, with lots of glaciated terrain ranging from simple to complex ski routes.

The Skiing

We’ll be skiing on the West coast of Greenland north of Maniitsoq and into the Eternity fjord; the second largest fjord system in the world, known for its breathtaking mountains and it’s also an interesting ski touring and ski mountaineering destination. The only way to reach these ski locations are by boat. The ski possibilities offers a variety of terrain from steep couloirs, glaciated runs, traverses across islands, and skiing to the shoreline of the ocean. Summits range from 1000-1600m above sea level.

The spring is the best time of year for skiing in Greenland. The days are long, weather is mild, and the snowpack is generally well settled. The terrain is amazing, and well suited to all skiers abilities. The conditions can be highly variable and we can be skiing powder, corn snow and everything in between but with a variety of different aspects and terrain to use we can almost always find some great skiing. And with a 1:5 guide to guest ration, and two guides onboard, there are plenty of options for the groups to split and do different tours each day.

At the end of each glorious day we’ll return to the relative comforts of our floating home, where we will enjoy a warm or cold beverage, a hot shower, and a comfortable bed. The West Greenlandic crew will make us feel like family, as they regale us with tales of this magical land.

Ski touring is the primary Activity onboard, however we will also have several sea kayaks and a Stand Up Paddle Board. After returning from a day of skiing it is really nice to go for a paddle on the calm fiord surrounded by towering peaks. For those interested in fishing there’s fishing gear onboard and the crew are always happy help you land an Arctic Cod.

Ski Abilities

Fitness and ski ability should be advanced with prior ski touring experience. Touring days will be of moderate duration. Terrain is moderately steep and glaciated with mixed conditions. Ski mountaineering objectives are possible under the right conditions. Most essential is an adventurous spirit with a keen desire to explore the mountains of Greenland!

The Ship

Our home for the week is the M/V Kisaq, a 27-meter ice-strengthened ship. Built in 1967, she was originally used to transport people between remote communities in southern Greenland. In her more recent history, she has been retrofitted to accommodate 10 passengers for winter and summer tours throughout West Greenland.

The ship offers central heating, hot and cold water, two heads (toilets), two showers, and 220V electricity capable of charging batteries and other electronic devices.

There are five comfortable guest cabins each with two single beds, closet, sink, and personal shelves in each room.

With three lounge/eating areas, and lots of deck space there is lots of room to hang out with the group, or find your own space to enjoy the place.

Getting to Maniitsoq, West Greenland

There are two route options to ge to Maniitsoq. The first is to fly from Copenhagen, Denmark to Kangerlussuak, Greenland, then from Kangerlussuak to Maniitsoq. The second option is to fly to Reykjavik, Iceland, then to Nuuk, Greenland and then to Maniitsoq.

Greenland Ski & Sail Gallery