Greenland South to North Kite Skiing Expedition
Follow one of the certified guides from the Polar Experience team on this unique Kite Skiing Expedition!
Group
33 Days
May, Jun
High
Advanced
Highlights
- Enjoy kite skiing in the fabulous Greenland landscape.
- Live an extreme and long winter expedition with an expert guide.
- Immerse yourself in a natural wild environment, ideal for contemplation.
Description
Greenland is an autonomous country that belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark. Set between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, it is the world’s largest island. Three-quarters of its territory is covered by the only permanent ice sheet outside Antarctica.
On this 1-month kite skiing expedition, we will cross Greenland from South to North. After meeting in Kangerlussuaq Airport we will check our equipment and a helicopter will drop us at the starting point of the expedition. We will traverse about 1500km, from Kangerlussuaq to Qaanaaq. Furthermore, we will go deep into a wild environment, ideal for contemplation and reflection.
The wind will be our guide throughout the expedition, and we shall take advantage of all kite skiing opportunities. On days without wind or in stormy conditions, we will make no headway at all. However, in good conditions, we can ski from 150 to 300 km a day. An average of 70 km per day seems fairly realistic!
Naturally, you should be at least a seasoned kite skier, with a superb fitness level. Beyond the physical effort, this extraordinary adventure calls for genuine team spirit, resilience, and perseverance. Temperatures can drop to -20 or -30°C, and winds can be strong, calling for patience. And keep in mind that our trip can take more days, according to the weather conditions.
If you are up for this unforgettable kite skiing trip in Greenland, please contact me. This is an extraordinary expedition that few people have attempted and succeeded in!
We can also practice kite skiing in Norway: check out my 6-day trip in Hardangervidda.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Itinerary
Day 1 to 2: Arrival at Kangerlussuaq – Preparation days
Arrival at Kangerlussuaq Airport. We will spend two days setting up our equipment.
Accommodation and Meals: homestay.
Day 3: Starting the expedition
Departure early morning by helicopter that will drop us on the ice cap.
We set up our first camp.
Accommodation and Meals: tent
Day 4 to 32: Kite skiing around Greenland
Kite skiing expedition.
This trip can take more days, according to wind and weather conditions.
Accommodation and Meals: tent.
Day 33: End of the trip
From the small village of Siorapaluk, we will take an Inuit boat to Qaanaaq airport.
Details
More info
This is an Expeditions Unlimited exclusive program.
Gear needed
Bags and storage: A large solid travel bag or backpack of 60 to 70 liters. This luggage must be waterproof (possibly use a slipcover). A small backpack of about 35 liters for your personal belongings. It will also serve you as hand luggage and cabin during flight.
Clothes: A waterproof jacket like Gore-Tex® A pair of waterproof over-trousers like Gore-Tex® A thick fleece jacket A Sweatshirt or thinner micro-fleece jacket A pair of fleece pants Four long sleeve thermal t-shirts Two pairs of thermal tights Two pairs of thin thermal socks Three pairs of warm socks A thermal balaclava A fleece balaclava A fleece neck scarf Three pairs of thermal gloves Three pairs of fleece gloves A pair of thick wool mittens A pair of fur-lined mittens A pair of over-gloves
Personal equipment & shoes: A pair of “Baffin” Polar Boots - Shackleton (possible to borrow for 250 euros) A pair of polarized sunglasses for the glacier A pair of waterproof tent booties for inside the tent A pair of waterproof shoes for outside the tent A pair of regular walking shoes for priori and after the expedition
Small and miscellaneous equipment: Isothermal water bottle of 1,5 L A pocket knife Three lighters Headlamp like Petzl® + spare batteries A pair of polarized sunglasses for the glacier Sunscreen (high index) + lip balm Four to five waterproof bags of different sizes to compartmentalize your belongings in your bag, which is handy
Washing: Travel case for personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.) A small bath towel which dries quickly Two toilet paper rolls Biodegradable wipes and paper handkerchiefs like Kleenex® A sewing kit with needles, son, buttons, safety pins, etc.
Personal medical supplies: Pain, fever: Ibuprofen Antibiotics: Pristinamycin (Pyostacine® 500 mg) (2 boxes per 1 treatment 8d), Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (Augmentin®) 1g nalgesics: Paracetamol 500mg Corticosteroids: Solupred 20mg Antidiarrhoeals: Smecta (prepare a dozen bags), Intetrix (treatment of amoebiasis), Imodium Antiemetic, gastric dressings: Volagène®, Phosphalugel®/Ulcar®, Domperidone, prinperan Antihistamines (for bites, skin rashes...): Zyrtec®, Clarytine®, Phenergan®, Polaramine® Antiseptics: Betadine, Biseptine Ointments: Niflugel®, Voltarene® (Anti-inflammatory), Arnigel (bruises) Sunscreen Biafine Powder Antimycotics (feet): Econazole, powder and ointment Eye Drops: Antibiotics, Anti-Irritation Set of adhesive bandages and some sterile gauze pads “Double skin” dressings for bulbs Elastic adhesive tape (like Elastoplast)
Meeting point
FAQs
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Polar Experience
5.0
(1)
Master Polar Guide
Polar Experience is a Polar guiding agency designed and created by Dixie Dansercoer and managed by Julie Brown.
Dixie Dansercoer (12 July 1962 – 7 June 2021) was a Belgian polar explorer with thirty years of experience in polar travel and expeditions. He went to the poles on 34 occasions, for personal or guided expeditions, photo and film productions, and lectures aboard polar cruises.
He received the title of ‘Master Guide’ in the newly established IPGA platform (International Polar Guides Association) and he's one of only four people to have crossed the complete Arctic Ocean and the Antarctic continent.
In 2012, together with Sam Deltour, Dixie broke the world record for the longest non-motorized expedition to the South Pole. On skis, and assisted by a kite, they traveled at least 5013km.
He was the only polar guide who could provide expedition material for twelve expedition members, in the Arctic (Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen) the Antarctic (Wolfs Fang, Queen Maud Land), and also in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.
Today, the Dixie Dansercoer Team is led by Eric and Julie and his amazing and well-prepared team of guides, whom he trained himself. Please get in touch with them if you are interested in the different tours they are guiding. They will be happy to introduce you to the wonderful world of Polar Travel.
Languages
German | French | English | Dutch
Certificates
IPGA
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