The number of ski areas in Greenland may be moderate, but they are definitely worth a visit! SnowTrex has 5 good reasons as to why it’s worth it to go skiing in Greenland.
1. Paradise for Freeriders
Two regions in particular are now attracting not only adventurers to Greenland, but also winter sports fans: the areas around Maniitsoq and Uummannaq. “Uneven place” is an apt translation for Maniitsoq. The area around the settlement in West Greenland is a freerider’s paradise. The Apussuit Adventure Camp, for example, is only a few kilometres away. This is a ski resort with direct access to the Apussuit Glacier, on whose plateau shallow hills between 800 and 1,100 metres above sea level also offer routes for less experienced winter sports fans. An area of 250 square kilometres is open to winter sports fans here. However, the area also offers more demanding freeride routes for skiers and snowboarders, like on the Kangerlussuaq Glacier, for example, which can be reached by snowmobile. The best cross-country skiers train around Apussuit, as well as the Norwegian cross-country team, which enjoys optimal conditions on the glacier plateau.
2. Heliskiing over Greenland
Those who prefer to venture into the far outlying areas can use a helicopter. The advantage of heliskiing: the areas are not as high as in Europe or the U.S. The air is therefore richer in oxygen and winter sports fans are guaranteed not to run out of breath so quickly. This can be done especially well in the Uummannaq area in the northwest of the island, which is richest in glaciers. Skiing is one of the normal ways of getting around here. This is why the region is very popular as a heliski area. Winter sports fans here sometimes ski on ice fjords. The Sernersuaq glacier, for example, offers particularly beautiful descents. Heliskiing trips on the glacier terminus are a first-class experience.
3. Arctic Circle Race Cross-Country Highlight
Sisimiut is not so much known for its ski slopes as for its sporting event which takes participants out into the great outdoors. 3 days, 160 km – the Arctic Circle Race is the toughest cross-country skiing race in the world and has been held annually since 1998 near Sisimiut along Greenland’s west coast. The cross-country race takes place in March or April. However, thanks to the glacier areas, the winter sports season in Greenland lasts all year long. In some months, it even lasts the whole day: thanks to the midnight sun from around the end of April, the deep-snow slopes are transformed into natural floodlit runs – a unique sight indeed!
4. Experienced Untouched Nature
Dramatic glaciers, clear, arctic air, icebergs in all shapes and sizes – Greenland’s untouched nature can take your breath away. Only just under 19 percent of the area of the world’s largest island is not covered by ice – hardly conceivable for us Europeans. Even less imaginable: there are still only a few ski areas in Greenland – at least, in the style that Europeans and Americans know. There are hardly any modern ski lifts and few groomed, even snow-covered slopes. However, there are endless possibilities to enjoy the untouched landscape of ice and snow without any frills.
5. Travelling on Dog Sleds
When you think of Greenland, you automatically think of dog sleds – a classic of Arctic journeys. In the breathtaking landscape of snow and ice, there is certainly no more suitable way to get around on flat tracks, experience nature up close and personal and perhaps even reach the nearest ski spot. Nowadays, tours are offered from 2 hours up to trips lasting several days. An experience for every winter sports fan who wants to unstrap their skis.
