Take part in a mythical expedition that very few people have made
Highlights
- Accomplish an unsupported mythical expedition
- Guided by an experienced Polar guide trained by Dixie Dansercoer
- 100% successful expeditions in our 4 previous crossings: 2017, 2018 and twice in 2019
- An immersion in a wild and untamed natural environment, ideal for contemplation and reflection
- Weather router and H24 medical hotline
- A human adventure beyond the physical challenge
- In a small groups up to 5 participants
Accompanied by an experienced IPGA polar guide, trained by Dixie Dansercoer, we set off on a crazy and unforgettable journey: the crossing of the Greenland ice cap from West to East with ski and pulka, namely some 600 km from Kangerlussuaq to Isortoq with temperatures that can drop to -20 or -30°C. Our expedition should take around 30 days according to weather conditions. We shall be setting off slowly as in all ambitious projects. Beyond the physical effort, this extraordinary human adventure calls for a genuine team spirit and group cohesion. We succeeded in this crossing 5 times out of 5 in 2017, in 2018, twice in 2019 and in 2023.
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 at 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 cross country 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,… This is where all the expertise and experience of your guide intervenes.
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.
We can try to snowkite, if the group is familiar with it and if we have brought the equipment, when possible in order to gain some time and especially to break with walking. Sailing is fun and the feeling is exhilarating when you feel the snow under your skis and the pulka is no longer a weight on your back. Now, conditions are not often gathered on this path.
We succeeded in this crossing in 30 days, 31 days and 27 days, respectively in 2017, 2018 and 2019. A team in a mix snowsuit / man hauling expedition succeeded in 24 days in 2019. The return date is tied to climatic conditions and the speed of evolution of the group. 25 to 30 days of crossing seems to be a good assessment.
A preparation weekend and a meeting beforehand is planned with your guide for all participants. A review of the material will be made. Alternatively for remote international teams, video conference can be set up to discuss all details.
Itinerary
Day 0
The following description is an example of what could look like our day-to-day expedition. To build it, we have gathered the expedition logbooks of our four precedent crossing expeditions in 2017, 2018 and two in 2019. Hence, this description is purely illustrative.
DAYS 1 & 2 : ARRIVAL AT KANGERLUSSUAQ, PREPARATION DAY
Day 1
We arrive at the Kangerlussuaq Airport via Copenhagen. We spend a full day at Kangerlussuaq to take care of final preparations.
DAY 3: START OF THE EXPEDITION AT KANGERLUSSUAQ
Day 3
Early morning departure by jeep: 35 km of often difficult track lead us to the foot of the glacier. This is already a key passage of the crossing. After several hours of walking, a trail is finally spotted. First we must cross the frozen river with our pulkas then carrying and towing our sleds to the top of the glacier. The first camp is located 500 m above sea level. Its exact position is 57°08' North and 50°05' West.
DAY 4: CROSSING OUR FIRST GLACIER ON FOOT
Day 4
Wake up at 5am. Departure at 7am. 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 busy day. And Bernard Muller wrote “the initial idea was to bypass this glacier by helicopter. 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 800 meters.
DAY 5: PASSING THROUGH CREVATED ZONES
Day 5
Path always are acrobatic in the midst of the crevasses. Pulkas are heavy. In the distance, the expedition spotted the passage for the next few days in the middle of two very cracked areas. Camp around 4:30pm 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 smorning... Departure only at 9:30am! We cross the last difficult crevasses. At midday, the skis are shod at the beginning of the cap. “Our progression on the starting glacier was much quicker than expected, and the team is very efficient in this difficult terrain, and 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 pm.
DAYS 9 TO 12: LOVELY WEATHER
Day 9
Nice day to build up. Superb snow freshly fallen overnight. She sparkles.
DAY 13: TERRIBLE WEATHER
Day 13
6 hours of walking in the storm. Winds at over 40km/h. Visibility is close to nil. “That day, we only advanced 13km and the thick fog did not allow us to be pulled by the wind...Too bad!”
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, at midday, to 100 km/h. Emergency situation. We must set-up camp in extreme conditions. Our progression will not exceed 5 kilometers.
DAYS 16 TO 18: RETURN OF BEAUTIFUL 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 GRAIL
Day 19
10 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.
DAY 21: NOTHING TO REPORT
Day 21
Weather is beautiful. Camp position: 66°42'27" North and 42°32'51" West.
DAY 22: POINT OF NO RETURN!
Day 22
We attempt to advance with the sails but the wind is too weak. For the first time, we feel a slight breeze coming from the ice cap. It is the beginning of the famous katabatic winds on which we count on to make our descent a little easier. The finish line: the fjord of Isertoq. There is no longer any question of turning back!
DAYS 23 TO 26: BEAUTIFUL WEATHER AND NORTH WINDS
Day 23
The excitement of the finish makes us pick up the pace. 20 km, sometimes 30 km are covered during the day. The morale of the team 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 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 HELICOPTER PICK-UP
Day 28
This is the descent to the sea. We descend as much as possible to simplify recovery by helicopter. Indeed, the higher we are on the ice cap, and now the terrain descends more quickly, the more the flight of the helicopter is subject to weather hazards, in particular "white-out" without visibility. If we are picked up that day, we fly to Kulusuk. Otherwise, we set up our camp for the last night on the ice cap. The helicopter flight, short, is absolutely extraordinary with the view of the large icebergs drifting on the sea. If our international flight to Reykjavik is scheduled immediately after, it is worth staying close to the airport and sleeping in a guesthouse or in a tent, depending on availability.
DAYS 29 TO 32: FOUR RESERVE DAYS
Day 29
These are the expedition’s reserve days in case we run into hardships along the way.
DAYS 33 & 34: RETURN TO EUROPE
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 will be guided by a Polar Experience guide (see description above), trained by Dixie Dansercoer.
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 preponderant and unavoidable. You will have to respect his decisions.
If for reasons beyond our control and duly substantiated, Michael could not guide the group, then he will be replaced by another experienced polar guide, expert in snowkiting. 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 hotline with French doctors 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.
This program is given as difficult given the distances covered, the isolation, the portage, 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 is 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, ski touring. 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.
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 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. Please see program description for details.
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 field constraints.
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
Personal equipment is not provided. However, a complete list is provided to allow you to check that you are taking what is necessary.
This includes tents, pulka sled, mattresses, stoves, kitchen equipment, etc. A full list of personal equipment which is not provided is presented later in this document, part of which can also be rented to the participants. This list will be finalized and clarified while preparing your expedition with your guide.
All logistics equipment is provided, including tents and pulkas, as well as all collective equipment including mess tents, stoves, gasoline, etc.
Your guide has a satellite phone and other equipment for telecommunications, security and emergency, as well as a geolocation beacon.
Your personal equipment is not provided. A full list is provided below in this document and will be discussed together with your guide before the expedition.
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 commit ourselves not to exceed 2,160 tonnes of C02. 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 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 €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
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.
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 hotels or in guesthouses in two to eight bedrooms in Greenland (Kangerlussuaq, 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
- Helicopter or boat transfer (depending upon technical feasibility) from the ending point of expedition to Kulusuk
- Guided by an experienced Polar Experience polar guide
- Meals in the form of dehydrated rations during the expedition
- Tents for two people, stoves and fuel
- Pulkas and harnesses, mattresses and mess tent
- All collective and security equipment
- Security satellite phones (reserved for the guide)
- Greenland expedition permit application and costs
- Other taxes and permits
- Preparatory meetings in person and/or remotely
- An experienced weather router throughout the expedition
- Medical hotline by Ifremmont during the expedition (see above)
- Carbon footprint contribution to an independent non-profit organization specializing in environmental issues
- Expedition live tracking for your community (InReach beacon supply, IridiumGo and subscriptions, LivExplorer service configuration)
- Blog articles to be written by Julie Brown (at your discretion)
Price does not include
- International flights to Kangerlussuaq via Copenhagen and return from Kulusuk via Reykjavik
- Excess baggage beyond the allowance of the airlines (minimum allowance 20 kilos in the hold, 8 kilos in the cabin)
- Hotel nights in Copenhagen and Reykjavik
- Meals in Copenhagen and Reykjavik
- Consular fees and health tests (Covid) if any
- 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 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
- Search & Rescue Greenlandic state compulsory insurance of circa 1,500 € to 2,500 € per person
- Participation in the bank guarantee for the Greenlandic Government for an amount of 7,000 € / participant (to be reimbursed within a month after expedition if not used)
- Hotel nights, meals and other personal expenses during face-to-face expedition preparation meetings
- Personal equipment (please see equipment list below)
- Guide tipping
- Drinks and all personal expenses (personal visits, taxis, souvenirs, SPA, laundry, etc.)
- Any extra activities, not mentioned in "the price includes" rubric, in particular on the rest day in Sisimiut
- 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.
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