East Greenland Ski Tour | Expedition Engineering

East Greenland Ski Tour Expedition – Guided Backcountry Skiing

Destination

Greenland

Duration

8 days

Price

€ 4500

Trip Type

Difficulty

4 / 5

East Greenland Ski Tour Expedition – Guided Backcountry Skiing

Flying into Kulusuk, we will load everything onto a cozy, enclosed boat for a 3 hour ride to the small town of Kuummiiut where we will spend six nights in a basic guesthouse. There is great ski touring all around Kuummiiut and it’s a fantastic way to meet the locals and experience their way of life.

We will spend the majority of the trip skiing as much terrain as we can around Kuummiiut. We will used dog sleds and local boats to access different terrain everyday. With many terrain options and circle routes, we have many choices for each day. Day 7 we will have the opportunity to ski part of the way back to Kulusuk, where we will spend our final night. On the morning of day 8, we will visit the local Greenlandic Museum, go for a walk to a lookout, and transit to the Kulusuk airport for departing flights.

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.

Henry Miller

Highlights

The East Greenland Ski tour trip is for those adventurers at heart who want to power their own way through the mountains and glaciers of this incredible environment. We will use dog sleds and boats to reach objectives each day where we will tour to the top of runs, this trip is a self powered adventure to one of the most incredible ski destinations in the world. We will spend 7 days in a remote Greenlandic Village, touring up Glaciers, boot packing up couloirs and enjoying the fruits of our labours with incredible ski descents with views of tidewater glaciers and rugged mountain peaks. We will return each evening to our cozy Guesthouse and sit on the deck as we watch the alpine glow on the 1500m peaks around us.

A real ski touring adventure in a very remote part of East Greenland
Lots of different terrain choices to suit all levels of ability
Incredible open glacier runs and steep couloir skiing
7 days in a remote Greenlandic village with 1500m peaks and ocean views.

Itinerary

Day 1: Kuummiiut

We start our journey by meeting at the International airport in Keflavik, Iceland, an hour and a half before our flight to Greenland. We will take a noon flight to Kulusuk, Greenland. Upon arrival, we will board a cozy, enclosed boat and make our way to Kuummiiut, a small East Greenlandic Village where we will spend six nights in a basic guesthouse accommodation. After checking in we can go for a short afternoon ski tour or spend some time checking out the town and meeting the locals.

Guesthouse and Dinner

Day 2: Kuummiiut Skiing

Today we will step into our skis just outside our guesthouse, and head into the hills behind the village of Kuummiiut. With lots of options to choose from, we will backcountry ski from sea to summit, with 360 degree views of glaciers and fiords as far as the eye can see!

Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: The village of Kuummiiut

Today we will cross the fiord on skis (ice depending) and ski a beautiful line opposite the village. The upper bowls has lots of ski options, with a short boot pack to the summit, and incredible views looking down on the village of Kuummiiut. Our ski descent is a magical one, as the upper bowl gives way to a great ski slope with a dramatic canyon that parallels our ski run.

Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Tasilaq Fiord

Today we will use dog sleds to access terrain further to the North. A long easy ski tour to access some steeper terrain is a rewarding way to spend the day! With dramatic 1000m granite cliffs rising above us the scenery is nothing short of spectacular.

Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Outer Islands

Today we will use a local boat with one of the renown hunters in the village to access further flung objectives.

Hut, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Outer Islands

Today we will use a local boat with one of the renown hunters in the village to access further flung objectives.

Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Traverse

Today is one of our bigger days, and finds us travelling through a lot of diverse terrain. From steep bowls, to mellow glaciers, to a perfect ski summit. The views from here are spectacular, as we are closer to the open ocean and will be able to see the sea ice as it moves in and out with the tide. Our descent ends in a tide water glacier, where we will get picked up by snowmobile, and head to Kulusuk for our final night in Greenland.

Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Flight out

Greenland Museum visit and walk to lookout. Transit to Airport.

Fly out to Iceland.

Accommodations

We’ll spend six night in a guesthouse in the village of Kuummiiut. The guesthouse is basic but warm and comfortable. There is running water and a hot shower and electricity for charging electronics. There are 3 bedrooms with twin beds. A large living room with dining room table and couches. There is a full kitchen that the guides will prepare the meals. All of the bedrooms and the living area face to the west and have incredible views across the fiord which is surrounded by towering glaciated mountains.

The guesthouse is centrally located providing easy access to the skiing and to the harbour as well as the grocery store.
Kuummiiut provides a glimpse into the Greenlandic way of life. There are sled dogs scattered throughout town and fisherman coming and going. There are a number of great ski tours that can be completed right from town. The rest of our days we will use local dogsleds and boats to access further flung objectives.

Our final night will be spent in Kulusuk, which is the village right close to the airport. We will be staying an another basic guesthouse, very reminiscent of the one in Kuummiut.

Dates & Rates

May 14-21 – 1 spot left
May 21-28,
May 28-June 4

Prices from

€ 4500

What's Included

All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8
Dedicated ski guide: 1 guide per 4 skiers
Boat transfer from Kulusuk to Kummiut
Dog sleds and boats to access terrain around Kuumiut
6 nights in the Kuumiut Guesthouse
1 night in a guesthouse in Kulusuk

Not Included

Flights
Airport transfers
Accommodation in Iceland
Alcoholic beverages
Breakfast and lunch on Day 1
Travel insurance
Ski equipment

Weather

Usually the spring brings higher pressure and settled weather but we could experience anything from dead calm and sunny days to blizzard type weather.

Activities

The skiing conditions are normally very good. If we aren’t skiing powder we’re playing with the aspects and hunting down corn snow. The terrain in the area has a lot of variety with lots of different aspects and features, providing protection from wind.

For those looking to ski steep terrain, there are lots of options. There are plenty of options depending on desires and abilities. From steep faces accessed by bootpacking, to mellow glacier runs with absolutely no exposure.

Trip Map

Pictures & Videos

FAQs

What sort of weather can we expect?

Greenland is a land of very mixed weather. Usually the spring brings higher pressure and settled weather but be prepared from everything from dead calm and sunny days to blizzard conditions and lots of snow. The average temperature is -5C during April but temperatures can get much lower.

Is there communication in the Village?

There is cell reception in the village. We will have a satellite phone, a VHF radio and SPOT device for any and all emergency communication while on our daily objectives.

Can I charge my electronics while at the guesthouse?

There are is power in the guesthouse. The electrical outlets 220Volt, European style.

What is the food like?

Meals are hearty with big portions to look after our high caloric intake needs. Dinners are all big portions and high in protein and carbohydrates. Breakfasts range from eggs to granola, oatmeal and pancakes. Lunches consist of sandwich type meats and cheeses. **Please bring your own snack foods as everyone has very different caloric needs and taste preferences throughout the day. **Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements. It may also be a good idea to bring your own substitutes if you do have specific dietary requirements.

Do I need to be an expert Skier?

Skiers should be of an advanced standard and have completed multiple ski tours to feel comfortable on this trip . You should be able ski tour up about 1200 meters/3600 feet per day and be able to ski down black diamond runs comfortably. You should also have an adventurous spirit and recognize that the weather will influence greatly what we can and can't do.

Is the ski gear and avalanche gear provided?

No, all guests must bring their own ski and avalanche gear. Guests should be familiar with their avalanche equipment and have used their ski equipment before the trip begins.

What is the skiing like in Greenland?

Normally the skiing is very good. The conditions can be highly variable and we can be skiing powder, corn snow and everything in between but with a variety of different aspects and terrain to use we can almost always find some great skiing. There is everything from mellow glacier runs to steep couloir skiing.

Is there a high avalanche risk?

Not normally. Being a coastal snowpack with mild temperatures most instabilities settle out quickly.

What language do they speak in Greenland ?

Danish is the colonial language spoken by many people in Greenland. East Greenlandic is the official language. English is a common language in the “major” centers but in smaller villages English is rare.

What sort of ski's should I bring?

It depends on your personal preferences, but here are a few tips if you are unsure: We recommend a ski that is fun on the way down. Not so light that you sacrifice downhill skiability, but not too heavy for the ascent. A pin binding set up is nice and light for the ascents. Our skis are between 100-110mm wide. Matt, at 180cm tall skis on 185cm Black crow Navis Freeboard. Angela, at 150cm tall skis a 175cm G3 Seekr.

Webinars

Greenland Ski Touring Webinar: Everything You Need to Know

Want to learn why more and more people are going ski touring in Greenland? Check out this free webinar hosted by expert guides! Ever…

Enjoy Our Reviews

         Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Claire H 
 
 
 
  BEST TRIP EVER!!
We did this trip with Angela in May of 2024. First off, Angela was an incredible guide. She's kind, knowledgeable, fun and dialed. Her knowledge of the culture, skiing, navigation of best plan/route is all awesome. Greenland is truly amazing and I highly recommend going with these guys who have such a connection to the place and people. The skiing was also perfect spring corn!!! Don't think about it too much, just GO!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Marcelo F 
 
 
 
  Pristine Greenland
Great trip all around! Views were amazing, pristine location, great guides and tailored service. I highly recommend traveling with Expedition Engineering and this specific trip. There was good skiing, some cultural experience, and adaptability to weather and conditions available to us. They are not your regular tour operators, they deliver something unique and real. Thumbs up to this company, I would go again with them at any time!!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Thomas M 
 
 
 
  Expedition Engineering East Greenland Ski tour
Outstanding backcountry ski trip. Our trip was actually went April 2024. Scenery was amazing, ski terrain had everything from easy to as challenging as you could want, conditions for us were mostly corn with some very firm and some powder, getting a 'taste' of local culture was cool and the guides, Angela and Matt were great. I had the feeling of sharing an adventure with them rather than being taken on an adventure by them. For lots of other reasons too, would strongly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Enrique D 
 
 
 
  Magnificent ski touring experience
We went there May 2023. If you are willing to rough it a bit, there is no better ski touring experience. Every day we would sail to a glacier terminus into the sea, climb up a peak or two, enjoy sublime unspoilt views on the way to the top, then great powder/corn skiing on the way down.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cristina M 
 
 
 
  East Greenland May 2023
I took this trip with my partner and another couple in May of 2023. Although, due to weather the trip had to be modified, we were well taken care of with many contingencies ready. Food was plentiful and accommodations were very comfortable. I would highly recommend Expedition Engineering. Trip of a life time. We are hoping to travel again with them in the future. Maybe some where warm!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Mark N 
 
 
 
  Trip of a Lifetime - Never using another backcountry ski operation beside them!
Short summary: this is the best ski trip I have ever been on. If you love adventures and love to travel you need to come here it is one of the most raw and beautiful places I have been. I went with my father and it was an experience I will never forget. The guides are incredible.Now I will touch on why this trip is so special. Guides: Matt and Angela are the guides. They are also husband and wife. They are some of the sweetest and fun people we have met. Our main guide for the trip was Matt. He was extremely calm safe and fun. Me being 24 years old is always wanting to do extreme and fun things. My mom is very cautious. Matt was nice enough to speak with my mom for an hour walking through all the safety procedures and the risks and how they mitigate them. At no point did I feel unsafe or not in good hands. On these trips you spend many hours with the guides so you want to be comfortable with them. I left seeing Matt as a good friend. Scenery: I like to think I am well traveled and have been many places. In terms of scenery and the rawness of the trip nothing compares. You are in the middle of nowhere and there are not people let alone skiers miles around you. You are by yourself and there is something peaceful about that. It is some of the most beautiful mountains I have seen. I would eat my lunch and look at the mountains and get teary eye because it was so beautiful. My dad and I finished a run and he said this is the most amazing ski run I have ever done (with the biggest smile on his face). We completed a hike to the top of the mountain and did a run all the way to the water. Pictures don’t speak for themselves. You are literally skiing to the ocean.Safety: These are guides they are professionals. They take every precaution necessary. Avalanches are not the biggest dangers. But there are crevasses. We take necessary precautions spacing ourselves out and putting harnesses on. We are not putting ourselves in harms way. You are in the middle of no where so you are not going to go down a dangerous run. There are polar bears. No we never saw one. We do carry a gun in case but the polar bears stay by the ice (where the food is) and we are much higher than that. Food: not my favorite but you’re not there for the food. It’s normal food and at the hotel surprisingly decent. Conclusion: this is one of my favorite trips I have ever been on. The picture from the trip is my Home Screen. I am now begging my dad to do another trip with me with Matt and Angela. My mom would never let me go anywhere she did not do her research on she was very scared for us to do this but was able to get comfortable because of Matt and Angela. Matt and Angela thank you for being such calm and nice people but more importantly for creating a trip I will for always remember and a memory I created with my dad that brought us closer together. I really do get teary thinking about how amazing the trip was. Note: if you can do a private trip. Definitely recommend! Had the ability to use the helicopter to get to amazing areas!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Paul Lambie 
 
 
 
  East Greenland Ski touring.
We did this trip in April, 2023. Although 2023 was a low snow year we were able to ski from the village every day. We had great weather and the skiing was amazing. Different tours each day were accessed by skinning directly from our accommodation or by snowmobile or dogsled. The trip is based out of Kuummiit, a small and remote village in East Greenland. Matt and Angela are great guides; highly recommended! A very unique ski experience.
  
 
  
  Load more