Greenland Icesheet Traverse

Kangerlussuaq · Greenland

Expedition Grade25 daysNorth America~£15,000 est.

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Overview

Crossing the Greenland ice sheet is the classic apprenticeship for polar expeditions, and a monster in its own right: roughly 560 km on skis from Point 660 above Kangerlussuaq to the east-coast fjords near Isortoq, hauling 60-70 kg pulks for three to four weeks over ice up to three kilometres thick. The first week climbs through the crevassed margin onto the plateau; then comes the long middle — a horizon of nothing, sastrugi hammered to concrete by katabatic winds, temperatures below -30°C, and the strange mental weather of total whiteness. You navigate by compass bearing and GPS because there is nothing else to steer by. Nansen made the first crossing in 1888, travelling west from the east coast, and modern teams keep his logic where they can: technical glacier work done early and the prevailing wind at their backs. Expect to train seriously — months of tyre-dragging — and to join a guided team unless you hold real polar experience: Greenland requires expedition permits, insurance and approved communications for the ice sheet. April and May balance daylight, cold and stable snow. Around £15,000 covers guiding, freight, permits and the boat or helicopter connection on the east coast.