Beyond the physical commitment, we are live a human adventure that requires real team spirit.
Highlights
- A rare expedition on a mythical route in Winter
- Expedition accompanied by an experienced polar guide from Polar experience
- Immersion in a raw and wild nature, ideal for contemplation and reflection
- The last stage of preparation for the most extreme polar expeditions
- Weather router and H24 polar specialist doctor
- A human adventure beyond the physical challenge
- In small groups of 4 to 6 participants
Accompanied by one very experienced polar guide from our polar guiding partner Polar Experience, we will partake in a journey from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut, about 150 km along the Arctic Circle Trail. Our expedition should last 9 days depending on weather conditions. After checking our equipment, we start slowly as in any ambitious project. Beyond the physical commitment, we are live a human adventure that requires real team spirit. The cold can be intense in March. A prior experience to ski pulka is strongly recommended except if you are in excellent physical condition.
Overview
We land in Kangerlussuaq and check our equipment down to the last detail. With our sleds weighing 40 kg, we set off for a journey of 160 km, in other words probably some dozen days according to wind conditions.
The Arctic Circle Trail is a breathtaking expanse of Greenland backcountry, with its mountains that grow steeper near the coast and frozen rivers.
A small, simple hut inconspicuously placed every once in awhile gives the only evidence that anyone has crossed these hills before, though most still opt for sleeping in a tent, or even under the open sky, to maintain the feeling of being connected with nature.
The Arctic Circle Trail is a special place on Earth where the fact that things are missing is the selling point. No cars. No buildings. No stresses. And nearly no people. This is because Greenland is a land for pioneers, travellers who explore places that few others dream of.
This trail is for physically healthy people. It is a natural terrain trail. Most people walk from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut.
Discover our March 2020 expedition in the eye for the journalist and film-maker Christopher Shand.
Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT COPENHAGEN
Day 1
We land in Copenhagen where we are welcome by one of our expedition team and we are brought to our hotel.
DAY 2: ARRIVAL IN KANGERLUSSUAQ, GREENLAND
Day 2
Today, we fly from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, an airport which serves as the most reliable and biggest transit air gateway in Greenland. This allows us relative security regarding dependable flights in winter conditions. Upon arrival, we walk 100 meters tothe hotel where we allocate rooms and get settled. In the afternoon, everyone receives his or her personal expedition equipment including a polar sleeping bag, a mattress and all other important items (see equipment list) as well as the necessary tent, kitchen box and other materials needed per duo as we sleep two in one (roomy) tent. We double-check solid functionality of each item in order to prevent any bad surprises once we are out on the trail. Together, we assemble the daily food rations and take into account the higher-than-normal caloric requirements, ease of consumption, and any personal food desiderata.
DAY 3: START OF THE ARCTIC TRAIL
Day 3
After a hearty breakfast, we set off on one of two possible routes, depending on weather conditions and group composition. Either we add a 14 kilometers approach via Kellyville, where the actual Arctic Circle Trail starts, or we accept a ride in a super-jeep with all of the sleds towed in a large trailer. Off we go and just like on any other expedition, we allow ourselves time to adjust to the cadence of sled pulling, manipulation of expedition equipment, and accepting the omnipresent cold. When the first day comes to an end, the cosiness of a warm sleeping bag provides us a comfortable place to celebrate our first accomplishments and thoughtfully plan the day to come.
DAY 4: FROM CAIRN TO CAIRN
Day 4
The route of the Arctic Circle Trail is marked by cairns (small heaps of stones) that can be easily seen from a distance in summer, but winter snow masks their presence and makes route finding a bit more challenging. At times, the tracks by hunters are quite misleading as they go in different directions. Since we have put forth an ambitious plan, we must not dawdle as we aim to cover a distance between 15 to 20 km/day. We wake up in the dark and are ready to progress with the first light of dawn.
DAY 5: THE ARTIC WILDERNESS
Day 5
Steadily, we begin to find a pleasant routine in our gestures and distribution of the different tasks. It takes time to get ready in the morning: enough snow must be melted for our (dehydrated) breakfast and we must rehydrate maximally. In addition to that, the thermos for the day must be filled. Practice will show that all manipulations take much more time than in a normal daily life. We must wear gloves or mittens while manipulating equipment and work incessantly to keep our equipment organized and free from any ice build-up. When the time has come to start breaking up camp, you realize that our morning routine requires some energy. Once outside the tent, though, the overwhelming beauty of the Greenlandic scenery literally takes your breath away and provides a boost of renewed energy to begin progression.
DAY 6: THE ANIMAL KINGDOM OF GREENLAND
Day 6
Regular short climbs of no more than 500 meters provide us with varied terrain where the chances are good to spot reindeer and the occasional musk oxen. They scramble and ramble around the areas where they can use their hooves to find some frozen vegetation but it is incredible to see how these animals seem to survive in such a harsh environment. Lost in the rhythm of shuffling skis forward, the attentive polar traveller will be rewarded for staying alert when seeing the shy polar hare or polar fox, both who seem to melt away into the extensive white frozen canvas.
When fatigue sets in and the group comes to a consensus to call it a day, dinner will be ravished and the sleeping bag will be an immediate lure.
When we are lucky enough to have “night-owls” in the group, they will be hailed as the heroes of the expedition when they see the Northern Lights and alert everyone to come out of their tents to view nature’s spectacle! Gracious, dancing veils of green, yellow, red and orange provide us with the miracle of the Northern Regions, surely worth abandoning your sleeping bag … for as long as you can stand still and manage the cold.
DAY 7: THE ITTINEQ RIVER
Day 7
We are almost at the halfway point of the ACT (Arctic Circle Trail) marked by a big, wide-open valley where the Ittineq River provides summer hikers with fresh water. We walk by the bridge that was recently built to provide a safe crossing when all of the meltwater creates mighty streams. We, however, can graciously ski across all the frozen features of this landscape and smile at the fact that we do not have to deal with the insidious mosquitoes that rule in the summer.
Here and there, we will also walk by a small hut, meant to provide shelter for hikers in distress, but too small to offer our group accommodation. They do however provide us with a sense of humanity and a reminder that summers in Greenland also offer temperatures other than sub-zero conditions.
DAY 8: BACK TO SEA LEVEL IN SISIMIUT
Day 8
The biggest differences in altitude are to be found in the first part of the ACT. As we start aiming for our final destination, we navigate a few descents before we arrive at Sisimiut, a city located at sea-level. There, the ocean finds an abrupt confrontation with a compressed landmass that sharply rises up. That is why the last ascent requires serious effort, but we have found a rhythm that not only keeps us warm, but at the same time avoids any excess moisture in the form of sweat, so easy does it! The “Polar Plod” rules in this environment, skiing at a pace that prevents you from being too hot, but not too fast so as to prevent exertion.
DAY 9: NIGHT ON THE ICE
Day 9
One of the nicest memories that people retain after a polar expedition is the contradiction of being surrounded by immensity and having to deal with the smallest details in order to keep warm and safe. One cannot be but humble and enjoy the great serenity. Weather conditions around Kangerlussuaq are very stable, calm and consistent in March. The thick snowy carpet absorbs all sound. The pure whiteness delivers a calming homogeneity. Only our temporary ski tracks will disturb the peace. When leaving the campsite, we try to brush clean signs of our passage.
Regularly we put our tents on lakes and enjoy the nightly concerto of expanding and retracting ice. At -25°C, there is no need to fear anything unstable as the ice layer could support a house.
DAY 10: THE RHYTHM OF THE EXPEDITION
Day 10
With an eye for the intricate beauty of the Greenlandic environment, photographers among us will discover new angles, colours, and shades that distort apparent monotony. If need be, they can hook their sled on the pulling harness of one of the stronger expedition members and take their time for photography. Soon enough, the cold will invite you to move again to pump more blood to your body’s extremities. This way, the progression stretch in the group will recalibrate so that the group can take regular breaks together. It is necessary to regularly drink and eat to keep our body’s central heating system well-fuelled
DAY 11: ARRIVAL IN SISIMIUT
Day 11
Today, we may hope to reach our destination Sisimiut. The excitement of sniffing the stable makes us feel re-energized and slowly we can start counting down the last kilometres. The fatigue of the previous days melts away like snow for the sun and as it is customary, participants engage in communication more, anticipating a grand finale. We see the first signs of civilisation in the far distance: houses with smoke rising out of the chimneys. Soon the smells so typical of human congregation begin to tease us, feeding the desire to find ourselves again in the warmth with food, drink and rest. It is all about re-appreciation of the basics of life. When we unhook the sled from our harness and find the showers in the hotel, there is nothing better than feeling the warm water run over skin that was constantly challenged by deep cold.
DAY 12: FLIGHT BACK TO KANGERLUSSUAQ
Day 12
No words for it … deep sleep in a soft bed! The exchanges with the local inhabitants are warm, just as warm as their cosy and colourful homes. Strolling around town is relaxing and invites interaction with the Inuit population. Clearly, we are not the typical tourists and the imminent flight from Sisimiut back to Kangerlussuaq requires a bit of organisation of our expedition equipment so that it can all fit in the belly of the aircraft. When we hang high in the sky and look down to where we skied, the ACT stretches before us in all its glory.
DAY 13: WEATHER PRECAUTION DAY
Day 13
We keep this day in case the weather has prevented us from flying the day before. We take our return flight for Copenhagen.
DAYS 14 & 15: FLIGHT BACK TO COPENHAGUEN AND THEN HOME
Day 14
Today, we take our international flight back home from Copenhagen. It is very likely that we shall need to overnight in a hotel in Copenhagen.
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 a French-, Dutch- and English-speaking polar guide from the Polar Experience team (see description above), very experienced in polar environments and in group management. His name will be specified less than six months before departure.
He represents Expeditions Unlimited to the group, our partners and local authorities. He makes the decisions necessary for the smooth running of the expedition. His authority is preponderant and unavoidable. You must respect their decisions as well as those made collectively.
Our guiding ratio is 1 guide for 5 participants. Also, from 6 participants and up to 10 maximum, your expedition leader will have a co-guide.
If for reasons beyond our control and duly substantiated, our planned guide cannot guide the group, then he will be replaced by another experienced polar guide. The services would not be modified, the travel conditions would therefore be identical and this change would not constitute a valid reason for cancellation.
And throughout the program, we will draw on other local skills as needed. Finally, we will have access to a very experienced weather router and a doctor specializing in cold and isolated environments H24.
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.
The main difficulty of this expedition is the potentially extreme weather conditions. The temperature at this time of the year can reach -40°C.
The carrying is provided by the participants in the pulkas which weigh nearly 40 kg at the start. A good physical and mental condition is therefore imperative. Each participant is responsible for the application of safety rules, his 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 one of our seminars or polar courses of our School of Adventure is, if not required, strongly recommended.
Meeting point
We meet in Copenhagen.
We take care of return flights from Copenhagen to Greenland with Air Greenland, as well as the flight between Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq. These tickets are an important part of your expedition cost.
In this journey, international flight should be understood as the one between your city of residence and Copenhagen. It is not included in this package.
As participants in this expedition often come from different countries, we have not included the international flights in our price. However, we can reserve these flights for you. Do not hesitate to contact us. If you book your flights, we will give you all directions for your flight plan so that all participants land around the same time. You will need tickets that can be modified.
Accommodations
As marked in the program, accommodation is in hotels or in homestays in two to eight bedrooms at the start and finish of the expedition (included in this all-in cost for 3 nights at most), then in two-person tents during the expedition. Accommodation is not included in Copenhagen.
Meals
Meals are not included in Copenhagen. They are taken at the hotel or at the restaurant, on departure (Kangerlussuaq) as on the arrival of the expedition (Sisimiut) and are included in this package within the limit of 3 days maximum (9 meals). During the expedition, meals are prepared beforehand in freeze-dried form. 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 to and from the airport and to and from the point of departure of the expedition are by vehicle according to our terrain conditions.
Group size
The group is composed of 4 to 10 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
All logistics equipment is provided, including tents and pulkas, as well as all collective equipment including stoves, gasoline, etc.
Your guide has a satellite phone, another equipement for telecommunications and emergency, as well as a geolocation beacon.
We also provide, free of charge, the very cold sleeping bag (–30°C/–35°C) and the mattress.
The rest of the personal equipment is not provided. A full list is provided below in this document.
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.
These calculations made us aware of the importance of the total carbon emissions generated by our activity. Also, we have committed in 2022 to a carbon reduction 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. Thus, in 2030, we will not entitle ourselves to exceed 2,160 tonnes of C02 and until then, each year, as soon as the carbon footprint budget is reached, we will stop taking any reservations for the current year. Thus, our maximum “carbon” budget for 2024 is 2,950 tonnes and for 2025, this budget will be reduced to 2,800 tonnes. 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 2,78 tons of CO2, which corresponds to a 100% donation of €83 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 €7,000 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.
Polar Experience guiding
Polar Experience guiding
This program is guided by a Polar Experience guide, accredited by the IPGA (International Polar Guides Association) with a solid experience in the polar regions and who adhere to a specific working method to help participants achieve their goals on an individual basis. They frequently lead participants in Svalbard, Iceland, Greenland, towards the North Pole, the South Pole and elsewhere in Antarctica like in Queen Maud land. Not only are they some of the best polar guides in the world, but they also have first-rate teaching and interpersonal skills, making the experience you are about to have, with and thanks to them, even rarer.
These guides were all trained by our late Dixie Dansercoer, who tragically passed away in June 2021 in Greenland. With many years of polar experience, he had developed a high-level team with a specific approach which can be summarized as follows:
- 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’s stores with special discounts.
Julie Brown, Dixie's partner of many years, now leads this dynamic little team.
Each participant receives the useful book, Polar Exploration: A practical handbook for North and South Pole expeditions, hard cover or electronic version, written by Dixie Dansercoer, which is the reference handbook that explains all aspects of polar journeys and expeditions: polar environment, safety, preparation, training and equipment.
Reviews
Simon T.
Thank you, Simon. I must say that you and Brecht made a great team. See you soon 👍
Marc X.
Thank you Marc for your review. And congratulations on a successful expedition, thanks to the quality of the group. see you soon!
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
- Return flights from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq with Air Greenland.
- Flight from Sisimiut to Copenhagen with Air Greenland.
- 20 kg baggage allowance on Air Greenland plus cabin baggage under 8 kg.
- Accommodation in Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut within the limit of 3 nights.
- Meals in Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut within the limit of 3 days.
- Airport/hotel transfers in Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut.
- Very experienced polar guide.
- Meals in the form of dehydrated rations during the expedition.
- Tents for two people, stoves and fuel.
- Pulkas and harnesses, mattresses and very cold sleeping bags.
- A security satellite phone (reserved for the guide).
- Taxes and permits.
- An experienced weather router throughout the expedition
- Medical follow-up by Ifremmont during the expedition (see above).
- Preparatory meetings in person and/or remotely.
- Expedition live tracking for your community (InReach beacon supply, IridiumGo and subscriptions, LivExplorer service configuration).
Price does not include
- The International return flight to Copenhagen.
- Hotel nights and meals in Copenhagen.
- Consular fees and health tests (Covid).
- Excess baggage beyond the 20 kg allowance on Air Greenland.
- Possible customs taxes on arrival in Greenland.
- Any taxes for the importation of satellite phones, professional communication equipment and filming of a commercial nature.
- Expenses related to an expedition schedule shift (additional nights of accommodation beyond 3 nights in Greenland, meals beyond 3 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.
- Tips for the guide, to be shared with the other participants according to your 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.).
- Travel and expedition insurance (assistance, evacuation and repatriation).
Your custom expedition
We put our expertise, our knowledge of the terrain, our creativity, our experience, the quality of our guides and the reliability of our partners at your service to build your custom expedition. We can also personalize an expedition to your wishes as soon as you form a "closed" group, whatever the number of participants.
This means that, unless you authorize us to do otherwise, no outside participants join you, and we can personalize your expedition by adapting it to your own pace, with the program extensions you desire, a higher level of comfort, certain activities, other encounters, etc.
Every expedition of this type is subject to a specific quotation. To get in touch with us now, please fill in the short questionnaire below. One of our experts will get back to you to refine your request and make you a proposal.