Also see our 2010 East Greenland Nunatak Expedition!
For true adventurers who love the Arctic this is THE classic expedition. Though a part of the Arctic, the interior of Greenland more closely resembes the interior of Antarctica with unbroken snow as far as the eye can see. Long days, unpredicatble weather and altitude combine to make this expediton a serious challenge, but the scenery and spirit of Greenland make it all worth while. More...
| Expedition Dates |
2011 Tentative dates: May 12-June 7, 2011
2012 Tentative dates: May 14-June 8, 2012
| Expedition Pricing |
2011 Price: $22,500 (Includes 5-day Polar Shakedown Training & 2 nights pre/post expedition lodging, breakfasts & dinners.
2012 Price: TBA
Daily Itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrive in Kangerlussuaq. Transfer to hotel. Evening welcome reception provides time to meet other team members and review itinerary. |
| Day 2: | A day in Kangerlussuaq to review expedition procedures and equipment, and to take care of last minute details. |
| Day 3: | Depart Kangerlussuaq for the Greenland ice cap by skidoo or charter air. We'll be meeting our dog teams and mushers on the ice at a pre-determined "dog camp" located on the icecap just beyond the crevasse zone approximately 30-40 kn from Kangerlussuaq. |
| Day: 4-25 | After meeting up with our dog teams, we'll embark on the great crossing. For the next 16-19 days we'll dogsled & ski across the Greenland icecap. This incredible expanse is unlike anyother place on Earth, except perhaps for the interior of Antarctica. Our days will be long and potentially very challenging. Our nights provide respite from the elements and a great time to replenish our bodies and spirits with great food, camraderie, and well-deserved rest. As we near the east coast of Greenland we'll make the descent to the coast on ski and by foot, arriving at the town of Isertoq, then transfer by boat or helicopter to Kulusuk. A very welcome night at a local hotel (with hot shower, ahhh!) and a celabratory dinner will provide a fitting finale to this wonderful adventure. |
| Day 26: | After an optional breakfast, we'll transport you to the airport for your flight home. |
This itinerary is highly dependent on a number of factors and is subject
to change. Contact us for a more detailed itnerary!
Qualifications
This adventure is for people who are in good shape, and who are eager
to push themselves physically and mentally. Prior cross country skiing
experience is preferred. You will need to have very good cardiovascular
endurance and the ability to ski several hours at a time, with only short
pauses, day after day. This expedition demands that you stay well-fed
and hydrated. You need to be proactive about keeping yourself healthy
and free of injury. An evacuation from this expedition is very costly
and logistically difficult. You do not have to be a world class athlete
to participate in and enjoy this expedition, but every ounce of training
and preparation will help to make the journey more enjoyable and safer.
Please contact us with further questions!
Equipment
Upon registration, you will receive a comprehensive gear guide including
an instructional DVD that explains the importance of each item as
well as gear recommendations from our past participants.
- 1 pair skis and ski poles (supplied by PolarExplorers)
- 1 pair backcountry ski boots compatible with NNN BC bindings (must be NNN BC compatible!) - IMPORTANT
- Sleeping bag rated to at least -20° Celsius (bring your own or rent this item from PolarExplorers)
- Bivy sack (bring your own or rent this item from PolarExplorers)
- 2 sleeping pads (bring your own or rent this item from PolarExplorers)
- 1 windproof / waterproof anorak with hood (must be breathable!)
- 1 pr. wind pants (must be breathable!)
- 1 insulated parka with hood
- 1 warm fleece jacket and pants
- 2 sets synthetic or wool underwear, medium weight top and bottom- 2nd set optional
- 1 overmitt system (need to fit over working gloves)
- 2 pair synthetic or wool working gloves
- 2 hats: 1 lightweight balaclava, 1 ski type
- 2 neck gaiters
- 3 pair socks and sock liners
- 1 face mask
- Sun glasses and/ or mountain ski glasses
- 2 pr. anti-fog goggles
- 1 sturdy small backpack with waist belt and sternum strap
- 2 Thermos bottles or insulated water bottles
- 1 set eating utensils with bowl
- Pocket knife / multi-tool
- Personal toiletries
- 1 pee bottle (small plastic bottle)
- Face cream, lip protection
- 4 carabiners
What's Included:
- PolarExplorers expertise in planning and preparation (call us anytime!)
- PolarExplorers guides (world-class polar guides having guided a combined 40+ polar expeditions & adventures)
- 5-day Polar Shakedown Training (THE best polar training available!)
- PolarExplorer's "Polar Prep" DVD covering personal clothing & equipment and tips for training.
- Daily online expedition blogs for friends and family back home
- Pick up at Kangerlussuaq airport and transfer to hotel, drop off at Kulusuk airport from hotel.
- Welcome reception on first night of expedition
- All charter air transportation during expedition as outlined in itinerary
- Up to two nights lodging in hotels (with dinners and breakfasts)
- Skis, poles, sleds (quality gear that's tried and true in the polar environment)
- Tents & all group camping gear
- Expedition patch
- All food while on the ice
- Official Greenland Crossing certificate upon completion
- Communication and safety gear
- Baggage allowance up to 77lbs (35 kg)
What's Not Included:
- Airfare to/from Greenland
- Personal clothing and accessories
- Full medical, baggage, trip cancellation, evacuation, & search and rescue insurance (required)
- Extended stay fees associated with weather delays
- Alcoholic beverages
- Taxes and gratuity
- Travel to Polar Shakedown location
Full Expedition Description
For true adventurers who love the Arctic this is THE classic expedition.
Though a part of the Arctic, the interior of Greenland more closely resembes
the interior of Antarctica with unbroken snow as far as the eye can see.
Long days, unpredicatble weather and altitude combine to make this expediton
a serious challenge, but the scenery and spirit of Greenland make it all
worth while. We'll start the expedition in Kangerlussuaq on the west coast
of Greenland and make our way to Isertoq on the east coast via the celebrated
Dye II station. This is a dogsled-supported ski expedition which means
that most equipment and food will be transported by Inuit dogteams, leaving
skiers with relatively light day packs that carry only emergency supplies
and food and drink for the day. Having dogs as a part of the team adds
a wonderful dynamic to the expedition. The local Greenland mushers who
join us bring a knowlege and understanding of the Greenland icecap that
can't be found outside their culture. On most days the skiers will leave
camp first, and break trail for the dogteams who will follow their path.
The almost 24 hour sunlight means that we can travel any time of day,
and depending on local temperatures we may opt to travel during the night
for firmer snow conditions. At the end of each day we'll gather for camaraderie
and great meals in a communal cooking tent before retiring to our 2-3
person sleeping tents for the night. This classic expedition has long
been considered the third achievement in the Polar trilogy. Join our team
and find out why a crossing of the Greenland icecap is held in the same
high regard as skiing to the North or South Poles.
