GREENLAND SPRING CROSSING
West to East across the icecap, in May
THE CLASSIC CROSSING
The West to East crossing has become the standard route, and for good reasons. Logistically it works: Kangerlussuaq sits close to the ice, so you know when you'll start and aren't left waiting on the weather. Starting in May means you travel with the season, going with the weather and the melt, and (we hope) missing both the worst storms and too much meltwater in the western icefall.
You also reach the East Coast after the Piteraq season has ended, the heavy fall winds that come off the ice. And ending on the east coast, among icefalls, nunataks and icebergs, is the part most people remember longest.
The icefalls, the vast plains, the altitude you don't expect, the changeable conditions, all of it leaves you with experience, a real sense of what teamwork is for, and maybe even a bit of order tidied up inside yourself. Step off the ice and onto land after three to four weeks, and you'll carry it the rest of your life.
Meet-up: May 1st 2027
Price: 16 000 €
Duration: 32 days (approx 28–32 on the ice, plus preparation and travel days)
Team: 1 leader and up to 6 participants
Route: Kangerlussuaq (west) to Isortoq (east)
EXPEDITION SUMMARY
EXPEDITION DETAILS
We gather in Kangerlussuaq on the west coast. The next day and a half is final preparation and packing before we're driven to the edge of the ice. Seeing the icecap for the first time is a thrill, and after the last adjustments we throw ourselves at the mercy of the icefall. Conditions here depend entirely on the winter's snowfall — with little snow, getting onto proper snow for skiing can be a fun struggle.
We're clear of the icefall after some 3–4 days, then onto the rolling ice-dunes that take us higher towards the plateau. After about 9 days we reach the abandoned Early Warning Radar Station, DYE II. Not pretty, but a relic of the Cold War, slowly being buried in the snow.
From there the snowfield opens out, a marvellous, plain stretch that gives a real sense of vastness and calm. At about three-quarters of the distance we pass the highest point on the route, the Summit: a long shoulder running south–north that marks the entry to the eastern side of the icecap. From here the wind should start coming in from behind. These katabatic winds are cold air flowing down from the high ground towards the warmer sea, sometimes gently, sometimes violently. With the wind at our backs and the terrain dropping, the last days are a treat: the distances almost double before the first nunataks show on the horizon. The feeling builds as more mountains appear and, eventually, the ocean, littered with icebergs, comes into view.
On the last leg we need full focus, treading our way safely off the ice and onto the fjord, following the thin ice to the edge. There a boat picks us up and takes us to Isortoq, a small, authentic fishing and hunting village, and a fitting place to start digesting it all.
Heading home, we fly to Tasiilaq, the "capital" of East Greenland, for a good meal and a night, before helicoptering over to Kulusuk and flying home via Iceland or Copenhagen.
ROUTE
Day 1: The Air Greenland flight from Copenhagen takes off around 9am and lands in Kangerlussuaq on the west coast at 09:40, the time zone is 4 hours behind Scandinavia. We use the day for last bits, packing and preparation. Everyone takes part: it's the best way to understand how an expedition works. Sometimes we stay an extra day to get ready, logistically and mentally. When we're set, we have a last big meal in a restaurant :-)
Phase 1
Day 2: We finish packing and change into the expedition clothing that stays on for the next three weeks and more. The clean "civilian" clothes go in the mail, to be sent to the other side. After lunch we drive to Height 660 (Høyde 660) at the foot of the icecap. Depending on the time of day, we either camp and sort the sledges, or do the first kilometres to get the feel of it.
Day 3–4 (approx): Keep an open mind for the first days. The icefall depends entirely on the winter's snow. This area can be almost desert-dry, and a low-snow year means a wild, exposed ice field, picturesque, but crampons, lots of up and down, and a tough struggle to reach the snow and get on skis. With plenty of snow, we ski from the start and cover good distances. Either way, this part is beautiful, and if you're in shape, you'll enjoy it.
Phase 2
Day 5–9: Breaking out of the lower, wildest part of the icefall, the landscape turns to big rolling hills that gain altitude fast. After a day or two we're clear of the icefall and break off easterly, aiming for DYE II. The terrain keeps rising, then slowly flattens into the plateau. Still hard work, the bodies are starting to feel the load.
Day 10 (or 11): In good weather, DYE II shows on the horizon some 25–27 km out, which makes navigation much easier. We camp there and take a well-earned rest day: a look at the Cold War relic, then sleep, eat, drink and go over the gear.
Phase 3
Day 12–18: Leaving DYE II, we move into the flattest part of the journey. These plains are beautiful, and we cover great distances as the bodies respond to the break, though we're still gaining altitude, some 5–600 m short of the highest point. That's the Summit, a long, rounded ridge running south–north up Greenland. As we near it the wind may be undecided, before it finally settles behind us. Then we know we're on the home stretch.
Phase 4
Day 19–24: The first day we might descend only 50 m. But soon the rate picks up, and with the wind pushing from behind the distances grow. A strange feeling sets in, wanting to reach the end, and not wanting it to end.
We watch the horizon, and agree the first to spot land wins a prize, feeling every bit like Columbus, or more like Nansen. The first peak pops up on our right. As we drop into the icefall, more nunataks appear ahead. Zigzagging down, we see mountains, then the ocean, then the icebergs, and finally real land. Pushing hard, we hit the first moraine, stretch the day, and some hours later we're down by the fjord.
Day 25–30: Depending on the hour we get down (if it's late, we camp), we follow the sea-ice out the fjord. Where the ice ends, we wait for an Inuit boat to pick us up, and soon we're in the tiny, authentic hunting and fishing village of Isortoq. We stay in the Service House, visit the store, and put food at the top of the agenda — that, and taking photos.
Heading home
The next day we fly by helicopter to Tasiilaq, the picturesque "capital" of the east coast. Here we (hopefully) collect our clean clothes from the mail, shower, and enjoy big lunches, bigger dinners and long evenings.
The day after, we recommend staying over, just in case, we fly early by helicopter to Kulusuk and the airport. From there, most fly to Iceland and home after a night in Reykjavik; the other option is back across the ice to Kangerlussuaq and home via Copenhagen. Either way, the trip sinks in, and you start wondering where to go next.
The price
The final price of a Greenland crossing is set by the cost of logistics, permits and insurance. As those costs rise, so does the price, with an increase each year. The price for the relevant year is stated at the top of this page.
Signing up & deposit
The first step is signing up: fill out the booking form and apply for a spot on the team. We always like a chat before approving, to be sure the team composition is a good one.
Once you book, we send a Deposit Invoice — paid immediately to secure your place.
When we have all the information we need from you, we send the Final Invoice.
The Final Invoice must be paid in full no later than 90 days before departure (minus the deposit already paid).
What's included
We do all the paperwork and cover the fees — applications, crossing permits, radio and communication, weapons — and carry Search & Rescue insurance in case the whole team needs evacuation.
We supply food, sledges, tents, stoves, fuel, and safety equipment: Iridium satellite phone, emergency beacon, VHF radio, GPS units, maps and waypoints. We're responsible for the medical kit, spares and repair kit — and we'll answer any question you have.
What's not included
You bring your own personal equipment: clothing, skis, boots and poles, sleeping bag, mattress and stuff-sacks, toiletries, thermos, Nalgene bottles, cutlery, skin and face protection, books, camera.
You choose and pay for your own flights, and for board and lodging in the days right before and after the ice, and the training weekend.
You must have your own travel / cancellation / medical evacuation insurance for personal accidents or injuries.
With food allergies or intolerances, you may be asked to help build your own rations so we're sure your food is sufficient, safe and good quality.
Unforeseen delays or a group change of plan can mean extra cost. We recommend changeable return tickets.
All payments and deposits are subject to our travel terms and conditions.