Pulka-skiing the Disko Bay in Geenland

A beautiful roaming trek with pulks, starting from Ilulissat. 


A polar adventure and exploration taste, with the proximity of ice caps and the discovery of the ice pack.  An immersion in the heart of Western Greenland !
This exceptional trip allows a total immersion in the most beautiful winter landscapes of Greenland. You will explore distant lands embracing diversity and making each day unique and with its proper ambiance. This great crossing connecting Ilulissat to the Inlandsis glacier , joins the spirit of great polar expeditions due to its extreme aspect. Complete autonomy 9 days raid nordic skiing or with snowshoes at your own convenience, with a pulk. 

Itinerary

  • Day 1 Flight Paris - Reykjavik or Copenhagen.

    Flight Paris - Reykjavik or Copenhagen. Arrival in the afternoon at Keflavik airport and transfer to Reykjavik or Copenhagen depending on the flight schedule. Free evening to visit the capital and have diner at your own convenience.

    Accommodation : Guesthouse

  • Day 2 Flight for Ilulissat

    Taxi transfer to the airport and flight for Ilulissat. After a 3 hour flight, here we are at our destination on the western coast of Greenland.
    Our guide will welcome us and we'll settle in the guesthouse for the night.

    Accommodation : Guesthouse

  • Day 3 Departure of the raid in the UNESCO zone along the Icefjord

    Departure of the raid in the UNESCO zone along the Icefjord Today is the start of our raid. Pulks are loaded, we put on our snowshoes or skis, and harness, take our poles... The crossing of the city, between sled dogs, snowmobiles, and 4x4, is sometimes epic, often accompanied by laughing kids ! Soon we'll be alone and we make our way with our pulks between granit hills carved with time and ice. We settle our camp in this decor, on the North side of the Kangia fjord. It is saturated with ice as the Sermeq Kujaleq glacier, biggest icebergs debtor of the northern hemisphere, leads up to.

    Positive difference in altitude : around 380m | Negative difference in altitude : around 80m | Accommodation : Tent

  • Days 4 to 5 Ice pack on the Sikuiuitsoq fjord and ice front of the Avannarleq glacier

    Ice pack on the Sikuiuitsoq fjord and ice front of the Avannarleq glacier After discovering the numerous lakes of Navdluarssûpp Tsia, we join the Sikuiuitsoq fjord on the sled dog track. The ice pack covers totally this fjord, trapping the icebergs transported by the polar cap. Between icebergs trapped in the ice pack and polar cap, we evolve in a polar ambiance and settle our camp near the ice pack and the polar cap.
    Distance : around 35km in 2 days.

    Positive difference in altitude : Day 4 : around 120m | Negative difference in altitude : Day 4 : around 420m | Accommodation : Tent

  • Day 6 Immersion day in the Greenlandic Inlandsis, biggest ice surface of the Northern Hemisphere

    Immersion day in the Greenlandic Inlandsis, biggest ice surface of the Northern Hemisphere Today, we leave our pulkas at the camp to explore one of the most mysterious and inhospitable place of the planet. Indeed, if the ice allows us, we will walk during a few hours on the ice cap overcoming Greenland, as numerous explorers, of which the famous Paul-Emile Victor before crossing to join the East coast, 600km further. We walk along the serac zone to arrive on the cap by the flat area. The cold is getting intense as we are progressing in this iced immensity.
    Distance : 13km

    Positive difference in altitude : around 340m | Negative difference in altitude : around 340m | Accommodation : Tent

  • Days 7 to 8 Crossing of the Iviangernarssuit massif and the Inuit village of Oqaatsut

    Crossing of the Iviangernarssuit massif and the Inuit village of Oqaatsut We return to the West towards the Disko bay through the mountain massif of Iviangernarssuit in direction of the inuit fisherman village of Oqaatsut. Around 50 fishermen are still living there in the traditional ways and in colorful wooden houses on the sheltered bay.
    Distance: 28km in 2 days

    Positive difference in altitude : Day 8 = around 400m | Negative difference in altitude : Day 9 = around 400m | Accommodation : Tent

  • Day 9 Immersion and exploration in the Greenlandic fishermen village of Oqaatsut

    Immersion and exploration in the Greenlandic fishermen village of Oqaatsut Spare day which will allow us to immerse ourselves in teh traditional inuit culture as we will spend the day around the village. This is the opportunity to observe the Inuit people going hunting by sleigh, putting the fishing net and condition the caught fishes... We hike for a few hours in the surroundings, in direction of the Disko bay and its icebergs.
    Distance : 4km
    Little difference in altitude as we are evolving on the ice pack.

    Accommodation : Tent

  • Day 10 Ice pack and icebergs in the Disko bay

    Ice pack and icebergs in the Disko bay We load one last time our pulkas and walk along the Disko bay coast towards the South in direction of Ilulissat. For a few years, this bay is particularly ice free in winter and it is thus in the fishermen boats sight that we pursue our adventure.
    Distance: 10km

    Positive difference in altitude : 180m | Negative difference in altitude : 160m | Accommodation : Camp

  • Day 11 Arrival to Ilulissat

    Arrival to Ilulissat Last kilometers before getting back to civilisation and the colorful village of Ilulissat. We settle in a guesthouse to spend the night.
    Distance: 8 km

    Positive difference in altitude : 150m | Negative difference in altitude : 140m | Accommodation : Guesthouse

  • Day 12 Hiking along the Icefjord, classified by UNESCO

    Today is an exceptional day to end as it should this discovery of Greenland ! We put on one last time our snowshoes for a hike to the famous iced fjord. Walking in the valley of Sermermiut, we progressively discover this fantastic fjord listed as Unesco's World Heritage. Gigantic ice cathedrals are stuck in the fjord, frozen by the ice pack and offering a breath taking panorama.

    Return to our accommodation and last night in the Greenlandic environment

  • Day 13 Ilulissat - Reykjavik or Copenhagen

    Ilulissat - Reykjavik or Copenhagen We pack up the material before having some free time in Ilulissat, before hoping on a transfer in the afternoon to Reykjavik or Copenhagen, depending on the flight schedule. Transfer from the accommodation and free evening.

    Accommodation : Guesthouse or hostel

  • Day 14 Retour en France

    Retour en France

Please note that this itinerary, including walking distances and times, is indicative. Our guides aim to provide the adventure that is best suited to the weather, your interests and the demands of the group. Please be aware that in order to achieve this, changes to the program may be made.

Dates & prices

International departures:

No departure for now

Trip code: 66EGROSKD

Included

A deposit of 30% of the trip’s price will be needed during the booking, the whole price must be paid at least 30 days before departure. 
  • Flight Paris/Ilulissat via Keykjavik or Copenhagen 
  • Flight taxes
  • Accommodation : 2 nights in a lodge in Reykjavik or Copenhagen and 2 nights in a lodge in Greenland (dormitories from 4 to 8 beds)
  • The infrastructure during the expedition : food, pulks, tents, collective equipment, stoves...
  • Specific equipment : great cold jackets and duvets, skis, skins, poles, great cold shoes, snowshoes
  • Full board, except  for meals in Reykjavik or Copenhagen
  • A high mountain guide's supervision

Not included

  • Registrations fees : 18 euros
  • Insurance / assistance : research fees and helicopter rescue, hospitalisation and repatriation mandatory
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Snacks (cereal bars, dried fruits, chocolate bars, etc...) at your own convenience
  • Meals in Reykjavik (around 30€ per meal)
  • Extra fees in case of flights modification or bad weather
  • Carbon compensation for your trip to Greenland : 8€ per person

International flights

If you wish, we can take care of booking your international flights to the closest airport of your destination. 

Terms and conditions

Subscription

Subscribe to one of our activities or travels means accepting general sales conditions. Each client must fill a subscription form, which will be accepted only after the payment of a deposit accounting for 30% of the travel’s price and according to the availability. If you subscribe less than 30 days before the trip, you must pay the whole price during the subscription. You can pay by bank transfer (SWIFT/IBAN) or with your credit card directly through our website (available soon). A booking confirmation will be sent to you be e-mail very soon. 

Invoice procedure

Once your booking is registered, we will send you an email containing the invoice. Full payment is required at least 30 days before your arrival. If the customer does not settle the payment of the travel price within the period agreed upon, Montagne Expedition has the right to cancel the booking free of charge. 

Cancellation policy

If for any reason, you decide to withdraw from a journey, the amount already paid will be refunded subject to the following exceptions:
  • More than 30 days before departure, you will be charged for the amount of 50€
  • From 30 to 21 days before departure, you will be charged for the amount of the deposit (30% of the trip’s price)
  • From 20 to 14 days before departure,  you will be charged for 50% of the trip’s price
  • From 13 to 7 days before departure,  you will be charged for 75% of the trip’s priceLess than 7 days before departure,  you will be charged for the whole trip’s price 

Particular case :

Whatever the cancellation or contract change date, the following fees will be added to the charges above:
  • Airline fixed costs: plane tickets are bought in advance to avoid too high airline prices, however they are non refundable in case of cancellation or plan changes. In that case, the charges above apply to the price of your trip without the plane ticket’s price
  • Ground fixed costs: you will be charged for the fees that were paid early
  • Insurance fees: Insurance fees will not be refunded if you have subscribed to a multi-risk or cancellation insurance. The specific conditions will be written on your subscription confirmationIf you have no choice but to cancel your trip before departure, you must inform Montagne Expeditions and your insurance provider with a written statement as soon as possible, you will get a receipt. 

The receipt date will be taken as the cancellation date to charge cancellation fees.  

If Montagne Expeditions has no choice but to cancel a group travel due to an insufficient number of participants, the decision will be taken and the clients informed at least 31 days before departure. Altaï Alpes can also cancel a departure due to exceptional events threatening participants safety (social events, strikes, weather conditions). In that case, the trip’s price will be fully refunded but the participants will not get any compensation.

Changes to travel contract


If any change in travel contract is made at the customer’s request, the customer shall pay any fee that might arise from this change. In any case, every request for changes shall be notified in writing. In case of external events that could not be foreseen, Altaï Alpes might change some aspects of the travel contract. We will inform you of any changes as quickly as possible.

Pricing


All group travel prices on our website have been calculated for the indicated number of participants for each trip. The price list is confirmed after the booking. If the number of participants is lower than expected, an additional payment charge might be applied. For each travel and program, we mention the price per person – valid for the minimum number of participants – and we provide you with detailed explanations about the services included or not. Any change in the exchange rates or in the price of travel services in particular regarding the cost of the fuel, might entail price revision.

Contract transfer

In case of contract transfer by the customer to an assignee, modification and cancellation conditions apply. 

Insurance

We recommend you to get your personal insurance before your departure to cover the activities undertaken by Montagne Expedition. If you have not purchased any of our insurances, we ask you to email us your insurance contract information (company, contract name, contract number, phone number) and bring those information with you on your trip. 

Practical info

Staff

You will be welcomed at the airport by a representative from our friendly team and accompanied for the duration of your holiday. Armed with an abundance of experience and a wealth of expert knowledge our professional Greenland team know the country inside out. All activities are lead by our qualified guides. They are all English speaking outdoor practitioners with a passion for everything Greenlandic. Please note that this adventure takes place in an isolated polar environment which can be hostile - your guide will explain safety rules which must be followed.

Food

This trip includes full board. Each person is responsible for their own equipment, including food and will carry everything on pulks therefore light and easy to cook meals are favoured. Given the conditions, we are proud of the varied and balanced diet we manage to provide. Please let us know about any dietary requirements when you book the trip and we will work with you to cater for your needs.Please be aware that this is a participatory trip, your help cooking and setting up camp is expected. We want you to be a member of our team; not a sheep! You should also have the opportunity to try Greenlandic delicacies such as musk-ox, arctic char and mussels during this adventure.

Budget & exchange

The currency in Greenland is the Danish Krone (DKK)
Please budget for meals in  Kulusuk (200-500DKK). Alcohol is very expensive in Greenland, if you want to enjoy an evening drink after your days adventures, we recommend buying Duty Free alcohol in the airport.

Tips

Although the custom is not widespread here, if you are satisfied with the services of your guide, tipping is always appreciated - it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual.

Vital equipment

Please remember that your clothes will be redistributed into waterproof bags with limited capacity to load onto pulks - try not to over-pack!
  • Waterproof jacket (with a hood)
  • Waterproof trousers/salopettes
  • A balaclava (fleece)
  • Appropriate warm neck wear
  • A warm hat (wool)
  • A warm jacket (synthetic down)
  • 3 sets of thermal underwear (long johns & long sleeved tops)
  • 1 or 2 pairs of thin socks
  • 3 or 4 pairs of thick socks
  • Two pairs of good gloves
  • Sunglasses (UV 400)
  • A ski mask
  • Sun cream and protective lipsal (not water-based - water freezes)
  • Any personal medication
  • Mini toiletary kit and toilet roll
  • A 1L thermos flask
  • Head torch & spare batteries

Helpful equipment

You may also consider packing
  • A pair of warm comfortable boots for the evenings (in addition to the boots provided)
  • Overgloves
  • An extra jumper/fleece jacket
  • Energy bars
  • Wet wipes
  • Blister plasters
  • A suitable camera
  • Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
  • A small inflatable pillow

Luggage

Please bring a small rucksack to use as a day bag. You can bring this as hand luggage on the aeroplane. You will carry your lunch, water, spare layers and any personal medication with you each day in this bag. You will also need a larger bag to store your other clothes and belongings in, please ensure that this is a soft bag like a ruckack or holdall rather than a hard cased suitcase because it is more practical to transport. We recommend packing all of your clothes in plastic bags so that they stay dry in the event of wet weather.

Medicine

Your guide is a trained first-aider and will carry a full first aid kit at all times during the trip. We recommend that you bring a small personal first aid kit containing :
  • Personal medicine
  • Pain reliever (preferably paracetamol)
  • Double skin
  • Elastoplast
  • Local disinfectant
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antispasmodic
  • Anti-diarrheal
  • Anti-vomiting
  • Intestinal antiseptic
  • Eyewash
  • Light sleeping pills
  • Earplugs
  • Broad spectrum antibiotic
  • Vitamins C 
Non-exhaustive list.

Passport

Most travellers require a passport that is valid for at least three months after the return date. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific passport requirements and please be aware that proof of onwards travel may be required.

Visa

Most travelers do not need a VISA to travel to Greenland but proof of onwards travel may be required. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific visa requirements.

Mandatory vaccines

There are no specific health risks.

Health information & recommendations

It is your responsibility to check that your personal health insurance covers everything in this trip. A consultation with your doctor is a prerequisite for any trip. Polar bears are rare in this area of Greenland but your guide will carry a gun to alarm/repel any potential visitors.

Weather

This trip runs during March and April when temperatures normally range from -30°C to -10°C (-22°F - 14°F). Generally speaking Greenland is not very windy and we can anticipate calm weather with snow showers and perhaps sleet. Near the ice sheet temperatures can be very cold and there can be gusts of wind of up to 15 miles per hour. The air is low in humidity which means that the temperatures do not feel as cold as you might imagine and that the views are amazing, it appears that you can see further.

The length of the day varies significantly throughout the year. The shortest day of the year is 21st December with no sunlight! The longest day, with 24 hours of sunlight, is 20th June. During March and April we can expect 16-20 hours of daylight. You can see the midnight sun from May - July and the Northern Lights year round when is is dark. 

Electricity

Greenland uses Northern European electrical standards (50Hz/220 volts)  and the standard Europlug socket with two round prongs.

Local time

Most of Greenland uses Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)/ Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) -3; most areas use Daylight Saving Time (DST).

Topography

Area: 836,300 mi²
Population: 56,186 inhabitants (2016)
Capital: NuukLanguages: Kalaallisut or West Greenlandic, Danish is also widely used
Regime: Part of the Kingdom of Denmark but politically autonomous

Part of the continent of North America, Greenland is the largest island on Earth and it is covered by the largest ice sheet in the world outside of antarctica.

Sustainable tourism

As adventure and wilderness travel experts who run trips to some of the most remote parts of the world, we take responsible tourism very seriously.

We respect the ‘Leave No Trace’ outdoor ethical code and try to explore this beautiful location whilst causing minimal environmental damage.

The Leave No Trace policy can be summarized in 7 simple steps which we hope you will follow during our trip...
  1. Be prepared
  2. Stick to trails and camp overnight right
  3. Stash your trash and pick up waste
  4. Leave it as you find it
  5. Be careful with fire
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Over the years we have built up good relations with our local suppliers and we are keen to support local businesses as much as possible. We are a small company and we pay our local partners and suppliers directly insuring fair rates.

Our small group sizes not only provide a more intimate adventure but also cause less impact on the environment and local communities.

We expect all who travel with us to support and uphold our Sustainable Tourism philosophies.
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Sandra

My local agent
Sandra

  • Technical adviser on all trips.
  • Passionate about mountains and particularly with backcountry skiing.
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Region
Northern countries
Activity
Ski Winter trips
Duration
14 days
Group
4 to 8 people
Code
66EGROSKD
Price
From €3,990
Level
3/5
Comfort
2/5
Language(s)
English

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