A completely self-sufficient expedition that very few have achieved.
Highlights
- A mythical and rare fully self-supported expedition
- Guided by an experienced Polar guide from Polar Experience
- 100% successful expeditions in our 5 previous crossings from 2017 to 2023
- Immersion in a raw and untamed natural environment, ideal for contemplation and reflection
- Personalized weather forecast services, H24 medical specialist in polar environment
- Garmin InReach and satellite phone included
- A human adventure beyond the physical challenge
- In a small group from 3 to 5 participants
After five successful expeditions in May 2017, May 2018, then two in May 2019 and finally in May 2023, we are off again, accompanied by an experienced polar guide from Dixie Dansercoer's school. With a maximum of 5 participants, we will experience a unique polar adventure along the Arctic Circle. We leave Kangerlussuaq on the west coast of Greenland for Isortoq, a small fishing village on the east coast. All in all, some 550 kilometers on skis in a raw and fascinating wilderness. Team spirit is essential for this extraordinary expedition, which Expeditions Unlimited is the only French-speaking organization to offer.
Overview
Follow Jérôme, Patrick, Thierry and Bernard in our Greenland crossing from West to East in May 2017.
We start from the west of Greenland as flights are mostly possible during any type of weather conditions, which is not the case if we were starting from the east. For a good start, it is always better not to delay the beginning of the expedition.
We land in Kangerlussuaq and start with 30 kilometers of track by truck. We walk on the glacier cap for three or four days to reach the icecap, a key passage of the expedition. The glacier is crevassed and the sleds are still heavy as they weigh close to 80 kg at the start of our expedition. We cross the glacial rills. We leave with nearly 30 days of supplies.
During the first part of our journey, we advance with nordic touring skis and sealskins. We walk between 8 to 10 hours each day. Every evening, we camp under a tent. By its difficulties and its length, this expedition requires real commitment and great physical condition.
But it is first and foremost a great human adventure that requires real team spirit and group cohesion. The cold weather between −20°C and −30°C and the violent winds can prevent our progress. So we must wait and be patient. The key to success of such an expedition is here. Our approach must be broad-minded. Acclimatization to the cold, physical efforts…
Walking may seem monotonous, but one must not forget the fascinating element of the isolation of the vast cap, the necessary concentration. This is an opportunity to take the time and empty our minds, meditate, and accomplish a feat that few people have achieved.
On our last five crossings between 2017 and 2023, the expedition duration was one month. The length of the expedition depends somewhat on the speed of the group's progress, but above all on the weather conditions. We could be stuck in a storm for several days in a tent. A 28-day crossing would seem to be a minimum, apart from ideal weather conditions. We are therefore assuming a 30-day expedition. The use of kite sails in 2017 and 2019 was not very successful: a few days of kiting for a significant material overweight. We are using sails very significantly on the south-north axis (800 km in 11 days in 2023).
Itinerary
Day 0
This is what our future day-by-day might look like. For illustrative purposes only, we have taken the logbook of an expedition, which we have modified with our experience of five crossings between 2017 and 2023, and to which we have added a few contingency days.
DAYS 1 & 2: ARRIVAL IN KANGERLUSSUAQ, PREPARATION DAY
Day 1
We arrive at Kangerlussuaq Airport from Copenhagen. We spend a full day in Kangerlussuaq focusing on final preparations.
DAY 3: START OF THE EXPEDITION FROM KANGERLUSSUAQ
Day 3
Early-morning departure by 4X4: 35 kilometers of often-difficult trail take us to the foot of the glacier. This is already a key part of the crossing. After several hours' walking, a path is finally found, and the pulkas must first cross the frozen river, followed by a tough carrying and hauling session to get the sleds up onto the glacier tongue. The first camp is set up at 500 meters altitude. Its position is 57°08' North and 50°05' West.
DAY 4: CROSSING OUR FIRST GLACIER ON FOOT
Day 4
Wake up at 5 a.m. Departure at 7 a.m. After 2 hours of relatively hard work, our team tackles a delicate area of crevasses. At times we must carry the sleds. It is a tiring day. The original plan was to bypass the glacier by helicopter. And the guide comments "But this idea posed an ethical problem for me. So I slowly put in my mind to cross the glacier walking. After careful consideration, I convinced myself that the challenge was possible. All that remained was to convince my team...". Several scouting journeys will allow us to choose the best route. It is a decisive day for our expedition. 8.5 kilometers are traveled to reach the altitude of about 800 meters.
DAY 5: PASSING THROUGH CREVASSED ZONES
Day 5
The path through crevasses remains acrobatic. Pulkas are heavy. In the distance, the expedition spots the passage for the next few days in the middle of two very cracked areas. Camp around 4:30 p.m. at 1,000 meters of altitude. We travel a little over 12 kilometers today.
DAY 6: FIRST KILOMETERS ON THE ICE CAP
Day 6
The group sleeps late this morning... Departure only at 9:30 a.m.! We cross the last difficult crevasses. At midday, the skis are put on at the beginning of the cap. "Our progression on the starting glacier was much quicker than expected. The team is very efficient in this difficult terrain. It is our great experience of mountaineering that has allowed us to quickly overcome the difficulties...". Distance traveled: 16 kilometers. Camp at an altitude of 1,250 meters. Location: 57°06'36" North and 49°22'19" West. Temperature: −15 °C and moderate southwesterly wind.
DAY 7: WE TAKE THE MEASURE OF THE IMMENSITY
Day 7
Fog and wind. We engage on the ice cap.
DAY 8: COLD DAY
Day 8
Cold in the morning. The camp is set up around 5 p.m.
DAYS 9 TO 12: LOVELY WEATHER
Day 9
Nice days to build up. Superb snow freshly fallen overnight. It sparkles.
DAY 13: TERRIBLE WEATHER
Day 13
Six hours of walking in the storm. Winds at over 40 km/h. Visibility is close to nil. "That day, we only progressed 13 kilometers and thick fog."
DAY 14: ORDINARY DAY IN CLOUDY WEATHER
Day 14
After 20 kilometers of walking, camp is set. Position at the end of day: 67°15'18" North and 45°02’43" West.
DAY 15: STORM IN THE MORNING
Day 15
Despite the storm, we are trying to progress. But the wind is too strong and rises, gusting up to 100 km/h by mid-day. Emergency situation. We must set-up camp in extreme conditions. Our progression will not exceed 5 kilometers.
DAYS 16 TO 18: BACK TO FAIR WEATHER
Day 16
Light winds. We are progressing well even if a certain fatigue is starting to be felt in the team.
DAY 19: FOG AND SLEET
Day 19
Ten hours of walking for 25 kilometers of progression. The weather deteriorates in the evening with fog and sleet.
DAY 20: AT THE SUMMIT OF THE CAP
Day 20
Beautiful weather allowing us to progress on skis over 24 kilometers. We camp at the altitude of 2,560 meters. This is roughly the top of the cap.
DAY 21: NOTHING TO REPORT
Day 21
Weather is still beautiful. Camp position: 66°42'27" North and 42°32'51" West.
DAY 22: POINT OF NO RETURN!
Day 22
For the first time, we can feel a light breeze coming down from the cap. This is the beginning of the famous katabatic winds on which we rely for the descent. At the end: Isortoq fjord, the finish of our crossing. No turning back now!
DAYS 23 TO 26: FINE WEATHER AND GOOD DAILY AVERAGES
Day 23
The excitement of the finish makes us pick up the pace. Twenty kilometers, sometimes 30 kilometers are covered during the day. The team spirit is good although the organisms are starting to get tired. The descent becomes a little more sensitive but there is no question of letting yourself be carried away.
DAY 27: THE COAST IS IN VIEW
Day 27
Thick fog in the early morning. Wind turns to storm. It is frankly all downhill and the group achieves 30 kilometers on foot. A great emotional moment in the evening when we see the first mountains of the Greenland East coast. We camp at 1,050 meters above sea level. Our goal is close.
DAY 28: END OF EXPEDITION AND DEPARTURE BY BOAT OR HELICOPTER
Day 28
It is all downhill to the sea this morning. We go down as far as possible to simplify recovery, whether by helicopter at the edge of the cap or by boat at the seaside a short distance from Isortoq. The choice of means is dictated first by safety and then by the carbon footprint. If our international flight to Reykjavik is scheduled for the same day, it is well worth being dropped off near Kulusuk airport and sleeping in a guesthouse or tent, depending on availability.
DAYS 29 TO 32: FOUR CONTINGENCY DAYS
Day 29
These are the expedition’s contingency days.
DAYS 33 & 34: RETURN FLIGHTS
Day 33
We take a helicopter to the airport or a boat and then take our return flight via Reykjavik.
END OF EXPEDITION
For reasons that cannot be foreseen at this stage, such as unpredictable weather, the physical fitness or lack of fitness of participants or other circumstancess (customs formalities, road conditions, traffic, landslides, force majeure, etc.), your expedition leader may have to adapt the program, if necessary, to ensure the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and the one who guarantees your safety. Activity times are given as an indication and may vary from one participant to another.
The itinerary for all our expedition programs, or the ascent program for our high-mountain expeditions, are given here as a guide only. They are flexible enough to adapt to weather conditions with a few contingency days. In any case, you should follow the recommendations of your guide, who may suggest that you cancel your expedition due to weather, safety or physical conditions.
It is important to remember that this is a truly unsupported expedition, and that anything can happen. Expeditions Unlimited, your expedition leader, your guide or our local teams can in no way be held responsible.
Any costs incurred as a result of a change in the expedition schedule (extra nights' accommodation, extra flights) will be borne by the participants and not by the organizers. "Contingency days" refer to the expedition in the strict sense of the term (base camp/base camp in the mountains, departure point/exit point on a traverse, etc.).
Any early return of the expedition or of certain members only (early success, abandonment, etc.), generating costs for accommodation, meals, changes to air tickets or other activities not provided for in this program, will be charged in full to the participants.
Trip notes
Guiding
Your expedition leader is part of the Polar Experience team (see description above). He is highly experienced in polar environments and group management.
He represents Expeditions Unlimited with the group, our partners and local authorities. He makes the decisions necessary for the smooth running of this training. His authority is absolute and unescapable. You will have to respect his decisions as well as those taken collectively.
And throughout the program, we will rely on other local skills as needed. Finally, we will have H24 access to experimented and personalized weather forecast services and to a doctor specialized in cold and isolated environments.
For unpredictable reasons at this stage, like adverse weather conditions, insufficient physical condition of participants, insufficient competencies of participants related to the intended activities, your guide may decide to adjust the intended program and/or activities. At all times, his decision will be final on all matters likely to affect the safety and well-being of the trip.
Difficulty level
Level rated: difficult
This program is aimed at participants in good physical shape, with a significant sport practice, endurance in particular, holding a strong mental to face difficulties that are unforeseen by nature.
This program is given as difficult given the distances covered, the isolation, the carrying, the climatic and environmental conditions. The carrying is provided by the participants in the pulkas which weigh nearly 70 kg at the start. One of the main difficulties of this expedition are the potentially extreme weather conditions. The temperature at this time of year can reach −40°C with the wind effect.
A very good physical and mental condition is therefore imperative. High technical skills are not required, you must have done Nordic ski touring or, failing that, cross-country skiing. Expedition experience in the Far North in a bivouac for more than a week is a prerequisite. Each participant is responsible for the application of the safety rules, their equipment and its maintenance, the installation of the camp, the preparation of meals. As always in this type of project, the key to success remains the collective and team spirit.
Participation in the preparation course, the date of which will be specified at a later date, is compulsory.
Also, the government of Greenland requires a very detailed file to authorize our expedition. In particular, we will have to provide for each participant an expedition/trek/sports CV, to assess his/her capacity of having a good chance to successfully accomplish this project. Participants under 65 do not require a medical certificate.
Meeting point
Your guide will meet you at the Copenhagen airport hotel.
The international flights to Copenhagen and then to Kangerlussuaq with Air Greenland, as well as the flights between Kulusuk and Reykjavik with Iceland Air and then back to your home airport are not included in this package.
Given the diverse origins of the participants on this trip, international outward and return flights are not included in this package. In most cases, we book flights on your behalf to ensure that the whole group arrives at the destination at the same time. We do not charge any fees for these air bookings. Please do not hesitate to contact us. If you book your own tickets, we will advise you on the ideal flight schedule to enable all participants to arrive within a reduced time frame. At the very least, you need tickets that can be modified.
Accommodations
As indicated in the program, accommodation is in a hotel or guesthouse with two to eight rooms at the start and end of the expedition (included in this package for a maximum of 4 nights), then in two-person tents during expedition. Accommodation is not included in Copenhagen or Reykjavik.
Meals
Meals are not included in Copenhagen or Reykjavik. They are taken at the hotel or at the restaurant, on departure (Kangerlussuaq) as on the arrival of the expedition (Kulusuk) and are included in this package within the limit of 4 days maximum (12 meals). During the expedition, meals are prepared beforehand in the form of freeze-dried rations. They provide us with all the calories we need for the expedition with priority given to a balanced diet, light weight, and simplicity of preparation.
Transfers / Transport
Transfers, from or to the airport, from or to the starting point of the expedition, are provided by vehicle, boat or helicopter according to our constraints on the ground.
Group size
The group is composed of 4 to 5 participants maximum. The number of participants is deliberately limited to allow for greater immersion, to avoid embarrassing our hosts, and to develop freedom and flexibility. However, the maximum number may be exceeded if the last person to register wishes to travel with one or more other people. The services will not be modified, and the conditions of the trip will remain the same.
Equipment
Equipment
Personal equipment is not provided. However, a complete list is provided to allow you to check that you are taking what is necessary.
All logistical equipment is provided, including tents and pulkas, as well as collective equipment such as stoves, white gas, etc.
Your guide is equipped with a satellite phone, Garmin Inreach and emergency equipment, and a geolocation beacon.
Other personal equipment is not supplied. A complete list is provided below.
For reference, we offer technical equipment for rental, for example (please contact us for specific needs):
- Thor Neo Valandre down sleeping bag -30°C: €150 to €200 depending on the rental duration (deposit of €1000, not cashed if paid by cheque)
- Valandre down jacket -30°C: €110 to €140 depending on the rental duration (deposit of €700, not cashed if paid by cheque)
- Valandre down salopettes -30°C: €110 to €140 depending on the rental duration (deposit of €700, not cashed if paid by cheque)
You are provided with a Garmin InReach device, allowing you to communicate with your community at your convenience with unlimited messaging during the expedition, and enabling them to track you live if you wish. We also provide a satellite phone so you can contact the Ifremmont medical hotline if necessary.
For this electronic equipment, which we provide free of charge, we require a deposit of €1500 by credit card/bank transfer (charged and refunded upon return of the equipment in the same condition as provided). Return shipping costs to the agency are at your expense.
Personal equipment is not provided.
An initial packing list is provided below in this document. Once your booking is confirmed, this list will be refined to best prepare you
for your expedition.For reference, we offer technical equipment for rental, for example (please contact us for specific needs) :
• Thor Neo Valandre down sleeping bag -30°C: €150 to €200 depending on the rental duration (deposit of €1000, not cashed if paid by cheque)
• Valandre down jacket -30°C: €110 to €140 depending on the rental duration (deposit of €700, not cashed if paid by cheque)
• Valandre down salopettes -30°C: €110 to €140 depending on the rental duration (deposit of €700, not cashed if paid by cheque)
Our commitments to sustainable development
Our commitment to a better planet has been a reality since the beginning of our story but we always need to do more and better. Please find out more about our charter and our commitments in terms of sustainable development. We have drafted our charter and take action through six themes on which we act as concretely as possible, most often with you: social equity and cultural respect, preservation of water, waste management in expedition, protection of biodiversity, raise public awareness on these subjects and finally, the optimization and recovery of CO2 emissions.
Regarding carbon emissions, most of which are due to air travel, we calculated and communicated in 2018 on the carbon footprint of each of our programs, expressed in tonnes of CO2.
And in 2022, we have set ourselves a carbon reduction target that we believe is unprecedented in the tourism industry, aiming to reduce the total emissions of our activity by 5% per year, taking 2019 as the reference year (3,430 tonnes of CO2). This commitment is in line with the trajectory of the Paris climate agreements of 2015, the current benchmark. By 2030, we aim to not exceed 2,160 tons of CO2. In 2024, all Secret Planet journeys emitted 2,064 tons, well below our maximum limit of 2,940 tons. The ceiling for 2025 is 2,800 tons, and in 2026 it will be further reduced to 2,660 tons. And so on until 2030. To find out more about all of our calculations and our commitments in terms of reducing our carbon emissions.
In addition, since 2019, we have been encouraging you when you book for your journey to contribute with a donation to an independent NGO, among the two we have selected that share the commitments made in our charter. We matched the amount of this donation to this program's carbon footprint. Thus, the journey you are considering generates 3,15 tons of CO2, which corresponds to a 100% donation of €95 for an estimated value today of €30 per tonne of CO2. This donation remains of course optional and you can decide to give between nothing and 100% of this amount. Since 2019, including covid years of 2020 and 2021, we have been able to collect thanks to you nearly €5,500 for these associations.
Please do not hesitate to come back to us with any questions you might have regarding this carbon footprint mechanism, our other sustainable développement commitments or even to share with us your experience through a chat or a mail at contact@secret-planet.com.
Our polar guides
This program is supervised either by our in-house polar guides from Expeditions Unlimited, by the guides of our partner Polar Experience, or in some cases by an expert-guide specifically recruited for your adventure. Some are accredited by the IPGA – International Polar Guides Association, and all have extensive experience acquired in the polar regions: Svalbard, Scandinavia, Greenland, the Arctic and North Pole, Antarctica and South Pole, as well as other ice caps and frozen lakes. Renowned among the very best in their field, they combine technical expertise, pedagogy, and strong interpersonal skills, making your experience all the more unique and valuable.
Our commitments- Respect for the environment: going places and leaving no traces, this is what we implement the best way we can during all our Polar Experience guided trips and expeditions. As expeditions are inherently based on a minimalist’s attitude, we stick to the basics and avoid excesses. Respect for local cultures.
- Safety: our knowledge and know-how has been developed with a major focus on maximum experience and minimal risk for our participants. Preparation and high-quality equipment are obviously two major issues with no compromise. We have as well weather, medical and rescue partners on stand-by 24/7. Your guide has a satellite telephone, an Iridium Go! VHF radio, mountaineering safety equipment, a location beacon, GPS and other equipment necessary for a journey in the best safety conditions.
- Preparation & training: full immersion in physical and mental training, equipment knowledge, First Aid basics, logistical challenges and crisis management. Understanding the environmental, cultural and geographical characteristics of polar environment, learning from pioneering and contemporary expeditions. Preparation calls and expeditions training (theory, practice) over a weekend.
- High quality equipment: constant improvements and customized adjustments for maximum efficiency and performance. Screening of personal clothing and advice on purchase of special polar clothing at partner stores with special discounts.
Departures and pricing
Please find below all dates and prices for this expedition. Prices are quoted "from" and may be adjusted notably according to the number of participants (see trip notes for details). Please note that dates and prices for years beyond 2024, when given, are for guidance only and are subject to change and readjustment to take account of current economic realities.
No date works for me!
I initiate a new datePrice includes
- Accommodation in hotel and board in Kangerlussuaq and Kulusuk within the limit of 4 nights
- Meals in Kangerlussuaq and Kulusuk within the limit of 4 days
- Airport/hotel transfers in Kangerlussuaq and to point of departure of the expedition by minibus
- Helicopter or boat transfer (depending upon technical feasibility) from the ending point of expedition to Kulusuk
- Helicopter or boat transfer from airport to Kulusuk hotel, depending upon practical and technical feasibility
- Very experienced polar guide
- Meals in the form of freeze-dried rations during the expedition
- Tents for two people, stoves and fuel
- Pulkas and harnesses, mattresses and extreme-cold sleeping bags
- One security satellite phone (reserved for the guide)
- Expedition permits
- Experienced and personalized weather forecast services throughout the expedition
- Medical follow-up by Ifremmont during the expedition (see above)
- Preparation meetings face to face and/or remotely
- Expedition live coverage for your community (InReach beacon supply, IridiumGo and subscriptions, LivExplorer service configuration)
- Blog articles to be written by Julie Brown (French translation possible)
Price does not include
- International flights to Kangerlussuaq and return via Kulusuk
- Hotel nights and full board in Copenhagen and Reykjavik
- Consular fees and health tests (Covid) if any
- Excess baggage beyond the allowance of the airlines on international flights (minimum allowance 20 kilos in the hold, 8 kilos in the cabin)
- Expenses related to an expedition schedule shift (additional nights of accommodation beyond 4 nights in Greenland, meals beyond 4 days of full board in Greenland, flights supplements)
- Costs related to an early return of the expedition or of certain members only (early success, abandonment, etc.), generating costs for accommodation, meals, modification of plane tickets or other unforeseen activities in this program
- Expedition insurance (assistance, evacuation and repatriation) specific to this type of expedition in Greenland, from €1,500 to €2,500 per participant
- Participation in the mandatory Greenlandic collective deposit (around €38,000 for the group), amounting to €7,000 per participant, reimbursed in the month following the expedition's return, if it has not been used for a "convenience" evacuation
- Tips for the guide (to be shared between participants according to satisfaction)
- Hotel nights, meals and other personal expenses during face-to-face expedition preparation meetings
- Personal equipment (please see equipment list below)
- Drinks and all personal expenses (personal visits, taxis, souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
- Possible customs taxes on arrival in Greenland
- Travel and expedition insurance (assistance, evacuation and repatriation)
- Any taxes for the importation of satellite phones, professional communication equipment and filming of a commercial nature
Customized expedition
Bring your expedition to life—designed to match your ambition.
Does one of our existing expedition almost align with your objective? We can tailor it precisely: adjust the duration, refine the level of commitment, integrate specific goals (scientific, athletic, audiovisual production), adapt the logistics, or strengthen supervision and safety measures. This approach is built on proven terrain in order to create an expedition fully aligned with your goals.
Is your project unique and unlike anything that we currently offer? We design fully custom expeditions. This is no longer about adapting an existing program, but about building a complete project based on your constraints, your level of engagement, your objectives, and the realities of the field. Remote environments, extreme conditions, complex logistics, or specific projects (exploration, filming, scientific missions, personal challenges): every expedition is designed with precision and uncompromising standards.
For over 15 years, Expeditions Unlimited has been designing and operating expeditions worldwide—across all regions, environments, and activities—for individuals and corporate projects alike. Our field expertise ensures reliable systems, robust logistics, and controlled management of demanding environments.
Because every project is unique, our commitment is clear: to support you in designing and executing a safe, fully realized expedition that truly reflects your ambition.
Learn more about our custom expedition approach.
Tell us about your project
A few details are enough to get started. One of our experts will contact you within 48 hours to better understand your needs and propose a tailored approach.
FAQ
What physical fitness level is genuinely required for this Greenland crossing?
A very high level of physical and mental fitness is essential. Each expedition day involves between 8 and 10 hours of skiing while pulling a pulka, in conditions that can drop to −40 °C. Regular, intensive sports training in the months before departure is expected. Physical fitness is rated "difficult" and is the primary challenge of this programme, far more so than its technical demands.
Do you need to be an experienced skier to take part?
No. The technical skiing level required is accessible: experience in Nordic touring or cross-country skiing is sufficient. The crossing is carried out on an ice cap with no Alpine terrain or technical passages in the mountaineering sense. However, pulling a pulka weighing up to 70 kg at the start of the expedition significantly changes the feel of skiing and requires a few days of adaptation.
What polar expedition experience is required before applying?
A minimum of one week of polar expedition experience is required. The Greenlandic government also requires an expedition CV at registration, providing evidence of a profile suited to the conditions of the crossing. A mandatory preparation stage must also be completed before departure.
What does the mandatory preparation stage involve?
This stage, which must be attended before departure, covers pulka ski technique, extreme cold management and autonomous expedition protocols. The full content and practical details are communicated upon confirmation of participation.
How is the 34-day programme structured?
The first 6 days cover arrival in Kangerlussuaq, equipment preparation and the glacier approach, including the crossing of the first crevassed sections (8 to 16 km per day). Days 7 to 22 form the heart of the crossing on the ice cap (13 to 25 km per day depending on conditions). Days 23 to 28 involve the descent to the east coast and extraction by helicopter or boat. The final 6 days are a built-in weather reserve.
Does the Greenland crossing require altitude acclimatisation?
No. The highest point on the Greenlandic ice cap is approximately 2560 m, an altitude that does not cause acclimatisation problems for participants in good physical condition. The challenge of this programme is not altitude but cumulative effort over a sustained period, extreme cold and the management of isolation over several weeks.
How far do you ski each day, and how does the pace evolve?
The daily distance ranges from 8 to 16 km in the initial crevassed sections, then from 13 to 25 km per day on the ice cap, depending on wind and snow conditions. The total distance is approximately 550 km. Towards the end of the crossing, katabatic winds on the descent to the east coast can significantly increase the pace.
How are storm days managed?
Six weather-reserve days are built into the programme at the end to absorb forced stops. A specialist weather router monitors the expedition continuously and identifies progression windows. During storms, the team camps and resumes as soon as conditions allow.
What makes the crevassed glacier sections particularly demanding?
The approach glacier, crossed during days 4 to 6, includes crevassed zones that require slow, careful progression with pulkas in tow. This is the only genuinely technical section of the route. Once on the ice cap, the terrain opens up and becomes regular. The guide selects the line through this section and manages the team's progression.
What weather conditions should participants prepare for?
Temperatures can drop to −40 °C, with strong winds across the ice cap. Whiteout episodes with zero visibility are common and can pin the team down for one or more days. Conversely, the midnight sun during the crossing period means near-continuous sunlight, which causes eye fatigue and intense UV exposure: rigorous eye and skin protection is essential.
What sets this crossing apart from other major ski traverses?
It is one of the rare polar expeditions offered in full autonomy, without pre-positioned supplies or external field support. The distance (approximately 550 km) and duration (28 effective days of progression) make it one of the most substantial Nordic ski traverses currently open to non-professionals. The programme runs in a small group of 4 to 5 people, which builds strong team cohesion and allows logistics to be adapted to actual field conditions.
Who leads the expedition, and what are the polar guide's qualifications?
The expedition is led by an IPGA-certified (International Polar Guides Association) polar guide, trained in the tradition of the Polar Experience school founded by Dixie Dansercoer. The ratio is one guide per 4 to 5 participants. Medical support is provided by Ifremmont, with a physician specialising in extreme cold pathologies available at all times.
What safety systems are in place during the crossing?
A specialist weather router monitors the expedition continuously. The guide carries a satellite phone and a Garmin InReach. The Ifremmont medical hotline is available 24 hours a day for cold-related and effort-related pathologies in polar environments. In the event of a medical emergency requiring evacuation, extraction is organised by helicopter from the ice cap.
What is included in the price, and what remains at the participant's expense?
The price includes the guide, expedition tents, pulkas and harnesses, stoves and fuel, insulating mats, extreme-cold sleeping bags, the guide's satellite phone, the Garmin InReach, expedition permits and weather routing. Not included: international flights, transit accommodation, insurance (estimated at €1,500 to €2,500), the Greenlandic deposit (€7,000 per person, refunded at the end of the expedition), personal equipment and any customs duties. Rental of certain extreme-cold items (down sleeping bag, jacket, salopettes) is available.
What expeditions does this crossing naturally lead to?
This is a foundational expedition for anyone wishing to take on major polar projects. It is an ideal stepping stone towards an Antarctic crossing, a North Pole expedition or any fully autonomous project in an Arctic environment. For those also drawn to high-altitude mountaineering, it provides a way to test mental endurance over a sustained period, in conditions of cold and isolation comparable to those encountered on major high-altitude expeditions.
Explore all our polar expeditions in Greenland and the high-Arctic
Reach the geographic North Pole ski manhauling
South to North crossing of Greenland by snowkite
Polar expedition on the Arctic Circle Trail
Discover Manhauling
Winter training for polar expeditions in the Monts Jura
Last degree ski manhauling expedition to the South Pole
