Cross-country skiing in Greenland: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Sprawling over 2,166,086 square kilometers (836,330 square miles), Greenland is the largest island in the world. The vast majority of this sparsely populated and glaciated island is covered in a series of massive glaciers, which makes it perfect for all kinds of cross-country skiing expeditions.

While few people opt to cross the interior of the continent, due to massive crevasses and a lack of viable support options, it is still possible for hardy explorers. However, most cross-country skiers will opt to head to the eastern or western coastline.

Among the most popular options is to head to the Ammassalik region of Greenland and spend a week or two cross country skiing up through various Inuit villages. This region of southeast Greenland is quite remote and promises large stretches of uninterrupted countryside and plenty of great cross-country skiing terrain.

Stunning scenery

Visiting Greenland can feel a bit surreal due to its completely unique landscape. A massive ice sheets cover the center of the country and is only interrupted by gorgeous mountain peaks and steep fjords that lead down to the shimmering sea. Heading out on a pair of cross-country skis is a great way to see as much of the pristine landscape as possible.

Get off the beaten path

By the time April comes around, the snow is beginning to melt in most Northern Hemisphere ski touring destinations and avid enthusiasts begin to circulate toward the same places. Greenland is large and mostly uninhabited, making it a unique alternative for cross-country skiers looking to get in just one more incredible trip. Enjoy the solitude and turn the cell phone off for awhile.

Wondrous wildlife

One of the many perks of going cross-country in Greenland is the chance to see some of its native wildlife, including muskoxen, ermine and arctic wolves (on Ellesmere Island) as well as reindeer, polar bears (from a distance with binoculars), snowy owls, white-tailed eagles and arctic foxes. Along the coastline, it is also possible to see various types of seals. Heading out with a local guide will give you the best shot at seeing some of these exciting species.

During April, average daily temperatures in Greenland range from -3 ºC to -10 ºC (26 ºF to 14ºC) and often feel colder due to windchill. April is also the driest time of year in Greenland.

Most cross-country skiing trips to Greenland will begin with a flight into Reykjavik Airport (RKV), in Iceland, or Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ). Most guides will opt to meet you atoen of these airports and arrange transport to the start of the trip.

Greenlandic, Danish, English

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April