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Greenland Ski & Sail

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Price p/p From price based on 7 nights twin-share lodging in low season as part of a mixed (open) group of 6 to 7 people (2024 rate).
Base/invoice currency is in EURO inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 6,038

BOAT-BASED, GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY SKI TOURING
8 Days | 7 Nights | 6 Ski Days

Location: Europe | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Backcountry
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Price p/p From price based on 7 nights twin-share lodging in low season as part of a mixed (open) group of 6 to 7 people (2024 rate).
Base/invoice currency is in EURO inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 6,038
Be left speechless by the absolute grandeur of Greenland whilst travelling comfortably on the yacht 'Skydancer'. Over 8 days, experience one of the greatest ski adventures in the world; skinning & skiing glaciers & mountains so wild & massive it is hard to grasp. Join a fixed date tour from late April to June ..
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Fixed Date(s)
Days
Price
Availability
Fixed Date(s): May 07 - May 14, 2025
Days: 8
Price: USD 6,038
Availability: Enquire
Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
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Greenland Ski & Sail Tour

Overview

The west coast of Greenland offers most of what any skier can dream of, and it all comes in size XL! Whatever you are used to, get ready for something more because this is next level...

Skiing the mountains of West Greenland is an experience like no other. In a stunning arctic environment, you will ski straight from the boat, from the ocean to the peaks ... and back! Thanks to the long spring days you will be able to summit peaks over 1,700m above sea level, do several runs a day from one fjord to the other, or simply chill on the SkyDancer's deck in the sweet Arctic light.

Make a Booking Enquiry ->

Greenland Ski & Sail Boat-based touring
Greenland Ski & Sail
Greenland Ski & Sail Tour

Terrain

In Greenland the skiing is mostly undertaken on glaciers. They are all over the landmass: from the huge inland glaciers that the group will sometimes contemplate from a peak; to the glaciers carving their way to the ocean on the slopes of the fjords. These glaciers are often moderately steep and overlooked by steeper couloirs, a great combination to fulfill all skiers’ wishes.

The region to be explored is from Maniitsoq in the south to Sisimiut in the north, and is one of the best suited for ski touring, with multiple fjords giving easy boat access to the skiing. No long flat walks before hitting the slopes, ascents start close to the shore.

Depending on the group and the conditions, we'll be able to go for summits from 1,000 to 1,800m above sea level, and we'll ski mellow summits, huge bowls or couloirs.

Climate & Snow

There is no Gulf Stream in Greenland, and with the ocean cooling the temperatures you can expect a longer ski season than at the same latitude in Europe.

At 65 degrees north latitude, the winters are long, and you will ski cold snow until late May.

In early June, when the Norwegian coast is already getting warm, the temperatures in West Greenland are still oscillating around 0°C, and it becomes possible to ski both powder and corn!

Daylight

During the expedition, you will be between 65° and 67° North, so almost precisely on the Arctic Circle. In late April the days will already be very long, with a few hours of twilight that will shrink day after day until mid-June when the midnight sun comes.

The period from late April to mid-June is great for ski touring with the long days giving many opportunities to make the best out of the weather and snow. The challenge is to adjust to a whole new rhythm. And that is a good thing! No need for "alpine starts" at 5am ... but you might be out skiing late in the evenings.

Meeting Point & Transfers

The tour meeting point is the airport at Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) in western Greenland. Flights to Kangerlussuaq are best via Copenhagen in Denmark. The tour includes transfers from the airport in Greenland to the boat, and all transport during the tour including all shore landings. If you arrive or depart a day before or after the tour, hotel accommodation is your responsibility. Try the Hotel Kangerlussuaq if looking for pre or post tour lodgings.

for detailed information on the program, see the Itinerary tab.

Accommodation & Meals

Enjoy the hospitality, food & drink on the 73ft schooner 'SkyDancer' for 7-nights. For detailed information about the boat, see the Lodging tab.

Greenland Ski & Sail Boat-based touring
Greenland Ski & Sail
Greenland Ski & Sail Tour

Guides, Group Size & Safety

An IFMGA certified mountain guide (and qualified ski instructor) will the tour for the entire duration. Finding the best snow and terrain is their job, and your safety their main focus.

The size of groups is limited to a maximum of 6 skiers/splitboarders per guide.

Avalanche safety gear is mandatory for all participants. All guests are required to ski/board with an ABS backpack (or equivalent). Modern transceivers (beacons), probes and shovels plus ABS backpacks are available for rent if you do not own them. In order to ensure everyone is able to use it, a quick but efficient safety briefing will be conducted prior to skiing. Included is a practice beeper search and the opportunity ask any questions you might have regarding the snow conditions of the day and the runs the group will ski.

Technical & Personal Requirements

Ski Ability & Fitness

Participants next to be of a strong intermediate to expert ability. Previous ski-touring experience, including skinning ascents and descents in variable off-piste snow conditions, is required. Good physical condition is a benefit in order to fully enjoy each day.

Itinerary

Greenland ski & Sail

Day 1: Friday, Arrival

Flight to Greenland via Copenhagen (CPH) and Kangerlussuaq (SFJ). Transfer from the airport to get installed onboard the 'SkyDancer' in the afternoon. After a safety briefing from the Captain, the group will start sailing towards the first anchorage.
Meals included: dinner.

Day 2: Saturday, First turns in Greenland

Get used to your new routine for the week : breakfast, gear check, dinghy, ski touring, back to the boat, relax and get ready for dinner.
Meals included: all meals.

Day 3 - 6: Sunday to Wednesday, Ski Days

Skiing in Greenland requires flexibility as the weather, the sea, and snow conditions all need to be considered. Therefore no solid plans are made prior to the trip, ensuring the best possible ski touring conditions are found. Every evening around the map table the group will discuss the next day before sailing to a new location.
Meals included: all meals.

Day 7: Thursday, Last Ski Day

Last ski day in this arctic paradise, and a final dinner on board with your hosts Estella and Nick. Enjoy a moment of celebration for a whole week of ski adventures in the fjords of West Greenland.
Meal included: all meals.

Day 8: Friday, Departure

Depart the boat and transfer to the airport for the flight home.
Meal included: breakfast.

Greenland Ski & Sail Boat-based touring
Greenland Ski & Sail
Greenland Ski & Sail Tour

Please note this itinerary is an example of Greenland Ski & Sail Tour. Understand that the guide may adjust itineraries according to weather & snow conditions as well as participants' abilities & wishes. You are kindly asked to respect such decisions.

Accommodation & Food

Lodgings

Accommodation on the tour (7 nights) will be on the schooner 'SkyDancer'. Before or after the tour, depending on your flight arrival time, accommodation may be required near the airport at Kangerlussuaq. For lodgings pre or post tour, try the Hotel Kangerlussuaq, or ask our tour partner for assistance.

Greenland Ski & Sail Boat-based touring
Greenland Ski & Sail
Greenland Ski & Sail Tour

SkyDancer

SkyDancer is based out of Longyearbyen (Svalbard!). It is a 73ft (22.25m) steel and alloy schooner built in Denmark and completed in 2007. She is fully equipped for sailing in high latitude waters; has all navigation aids and safety equipment, is ice-classed and ready to go anywhere. A schooner sailing rig and a big diesel engine of 280bhp with 5000 litres of diesel gives her an impressive range and ample cruising speed of 8 to 9 knots when under power.

The SkyDancer sleeps up to 10 guests in highly comfortable cabins, 3 double bunk bed cabins and one 4-bunk cabin in the front. There are two guest toilets and one shower. She has 2 large saloons. One deck saloon where you can enjoy the all round view on comfortable couches, and also a nice and warm saloon down below where you would prefer to have your meals together, have a chat, coffee or watch a DVD. Central heating throughout the Ship keeps it warm, dry and comfortable on board. It also provides the boat with unlimited heated water for showers etc. The vessel has plenty of fresh water at all times with a 300 litres/hr watermaker and huge tankage. Large generators ensure plenty of power for your laptop, camera etc…

All bedding (duvets, pillows) and linen (sheets & towels) are provided on board, plus there is a tumble-dryer if required.

Greenland Ski & Sail Boat-based touring
Greenland Ski & Sail
Greenland Ski & Sail Tour

Food

All meals are provided on the tour whilst on the boat from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the final morning. All food is freshly prepared by the crew in the SkyDancer's galley.

Lunches will be had in the mountains or on the glaciers in amongst nature's absolute splendour.

Rates & Inclusions

Rates Information (2024 rates)

Saturday to Saturday - 8 days/7 nights/6 ski-days from €5500

Inclusions
  • ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights lodging aboard the schooner 'Skydancer'
  • MEALS: Full board - all meals whilst on the boat
  • GUIDE: Full-time professional IFMGA mountain guide for duration of tour (max. ratio 1:6)
  • SHORE LANDINGS, OUTINGS & SKI TOURING: As much as weather & group fitness permits
  • ACTIVITIES: Sailing & wildlife watching 24hr/day
  • AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Transfers from Kangerlussuaq airport to/from 'Skydancer'
  • TRAINING: In the use of all safety & rescue equipment, plus use of skins & ascending techniques
Add-ons
  • EXTRA DAYS: Price on request
Not Included
  • FLIGHTS: to Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) Greenland, via Copenhagen - Get best flight deals here
  • INSURANCE: Travel & Rescue Insurance - Get best quality travel insurance for skiing here.
  • SKI TOURING / SPLITBOARDING EQT: All ski & splitboarding gear & avalanche safety gear
  • OTHER: Drinks, gratuities, other personal expenses not stated as inclusions
  • KANGERLUSSUAQ HOTEL: Hotel nights in Greenland if required by your flight schedule

Terms & Conditions

As per agreed terms & conditions with the tour operator, Up Ski & Mountain Guides, including but not limited to the following:

A] Information and Booking

The bookings are always confirmed after an email and/or phone contact.

The booking is effective after the payment of the deposit.

B] Payment

A deposit of 20% of the total price is required for booking. It must be payed, at the latest, three months before the first day of the trip.

The balance (80%) is due, at the latest, one week before the first day of the trip.

All payment are to be made to the bank account information given on the invoice that will be sent to you. Please use the invoice number as a reference for your payment.

C] Cancellation Policy

If UP Ski & Mountain Guides are cancelling the trip, all payment that you’ve made will be integrally returned to you.

If you are cancelling, whatever the reasons are:

  • More than three months before the trip, all payment will be returned to you, minus 5% of administrative fees.
  • Less than three months before the trip, we keep you deposit.

D] Insurances

UP Ski & Mountain Guides professional insurances are, in no case, substitute to your own personal insurances, and you are responsible for purchasing one that covers the search & rescue, medical and repatriation costs for all activities and countries concerned by the trip.

Company Detail

UP Ski & Mountain Guides AB is a company registered in Sweden under the number 556985-2097