Greenland Icecap Crossing

Overview

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Cross the vast Greenland icecap following the line of the Arctic Circle

Introduction

Join us on this classic trip crossing the great icecap of Greenland from east to west, following the line of the Arctic Circle. Our expedition starts near Isortoq on the east coast crossing over the glacier to Point 660 near Kangerlussuaq on the west coast, with majestic peaks and later summer snow conditions. A crossing of the icecap is one of the finest expeditions you can undertake in Greenland – often described as one of the ‘Big Three’ when it comes to polar expeditions. The trip is demanding and requires that you undertake the necessary physical training and preparations before joining.

This is an expedition to a remote area that often experiences extreme weather, strong winds, and low temperatures. Whilst helicopters and small chartered planes can cover medical emergencies, it should be understood that periods of bad weather may prevent successful extraction from the Icecap for days at a time. The expedition involves strenuous walking/skiing pulling relatively heavy loads for approx. 8-10 hours each day for 26 days.

Start point: Kulusuk
Grade: 6E

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Tailor Made Trips

We can organise this expedition on a ‘tailor-made’ private basis for groups of friends, families, clubs, charities or any other group. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and your preferred dates. We will then send you a quote, with no obligation.

Experience Required

Skiers who join the Greenland Icecap Crossing must have completed a number of shorter ski expeditions on which they have learnt the systems necessary for Polar Travel. You will have previous cross-country skiing experience and previous experience of sled hauling is also mandatory. A high level of endurance, self-motivation and ability to work as part of a team is essential. Our typical route to joining a Greenland Icecap Crossing is to have completed our Polar Expedition Training course, followed by the Hardangervidda Crossing and the Svalbard Crossing.

Leadership

The expedition will be led by highly experienced Polar leaders who have completed the crossing before. There will be one leader for every 6 team members.

Flights

The Jagged Globe package from the UK includes flights to Greenland from London via Reykjavik, Iceland and return via Copenhagen, Denmark to London. Flights must be paid for at the time of booking. The package from the UK also includes a guest house night in both Reykjavik (outbound journey) and Copenhagen (inbound journey).

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the expedition or your suitability for it, please phone +44 (0)114 276 3322 or contact us.

Know Before You Go

Jagged Globe supports the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign. We recommend that you read the FCO Travel Advice for Iceland and Denmark on the FCO Website.

What the price includes

• Economy class airfare from London via Reykjavik to Kulusuk, Greenland (unless ‘Land Only’)
• Economy class airfare from Kangerlussuaq to London, via Copenhagen (unless ‘Land Only’)
• UK airport taxes.
• 1 x guest house night in Reykjavik on a bed and breakfast basis (unless ‘Land Only’)
• 1 x hotel night in Copenhagen on a bed and breakfast basis (unless ‘Land Only’)
• All accommodation in Greenland (guest house or hostel accommodation)
• All helicopter/boat transportation in Greenland
• Highly experienced polar guide (maximum ratio: 1:6 skiers)
• Expedition food
• Vehicle transport from Point 660 to Kangerlussuaq
• Boat transport from Kulusuk to Tasiilaq, and Tasiilaq to the start point on the icecap near Isortoq
• All joint equipment – tents, pulks, burners, fuel, navigation, comms, repair
• Search And Rescue insurance
• All permits
• Jagged Globe kitbag or lightweight fleece

What the price does not include

• Overseas airports taxes not paid in advance through the international airline ticket
• Airport transfers
• Personal equipment
• Lunch and evening meals in Reykjavik and Copenhagen
• Bar bills and laundry
• Excess baggage on all flights
• Other expenses due to weather or safety reasons (delays)
• Visa fees
• Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
• Optional trips and sightseeing tours
• Tips

Tailor Made Trips

We can organise this expedition on a ‘tailor-made’ private basis for groups of friends, families, clubs, charities or any other group. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and your preferred dates. We will then send you a quote, with no obligation.

Insurance

You will need a travel insurance policy that caters for the activities you will undertake on your trip with Jagged Globe. It is a requirement of our booking conditions that you have such a policy. For a list of insurers who specialise in mountaineering, trekking and skiing, please see our Travel Insurance page »

Itinerary

Here is an outline itinerary for this trip. A more detailed day-to-day itinerary is available as a downloadable PDF »

Outline Itinerary

Day 1:	Home country – Iceland.
Day 2:	Iceland – Kulusuk. Transfer to Tasiilaq (east Greenland), and packing.
Day 3:	Boat transfer to start point near Isortoq. Up on the glacier.
Day 4 - 19:	Towards DYE ll.
Day 20:	DYE ll.
Day 21 - 28:	Towards Point 660 on the west coast. Vehicle transfer to Kangerlussuaq.
Day 29:	Kangerlussuaq - Copenhagen.
Day 30:	Copenhagen - home country.

Photos & Videos

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Reports & Reviews

First Expedition: April 2008

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