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Expeditions to the Cold Regions

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Greenland Icecap Crossing

Altitude 2,499m/8,200ft » Duration 35 Days » Grade 2D

A classic crossing of the vast Greenland Icecap - one of the 3 big Polar Expeditions

Introduction

Following the line of the Arctic Circle between Isortoq and Kangerlussuaq, this expedition will attempt a 'full crossing' of Greenland from coast to coast. Instead of being flown onto the Icecap, we plan to start the expedition at sea level on the East Coast, and finish on the shores of the fjord in Kangerlussuaq.

Travelling by ski, hauling all our equipment in sleds, the crossing is likely to take around 27 days. Starting with heavy loads, we will make our way up the initial steep slopes onto the icecap, from where the slopes gradually ascend to the summit, before gradually losing height until we reach the terminus of the ice on the West Coast. Instead of being picked up there, we will continue on foot to the sea's edge- the final stage in making a complete crossing of Greenland.

This is an expedition to a remote area that often experiences extreme weather and low temperatures, and thus the inherent risks of such an activity exist. Whilst helicopters can cover medical emergencies, it should be understood that periods of bad weather may prevent successful extraction from the Icecap for days at a time. The expedition involves strenuous walking/skiing pulling relatively heavy loads, and team members should be aware that this is for an extended period of time. Team members should also be willing to help and participate with the day-to-day running of the expedition, including helping to pitch/strike camps and cooking.

Statistics

Expedition Objective: A complete shore-to-shore crossing of Greenland
Route Length: 550km, 40 of which are on land on the West Coast
Maximum altitude: 2500m

The Route

A true crossing of Greenland starts on the shores of the east coast and finishes on those of the west; flying by helicopter high onto the Icecap takes much away from the adventure of this journey. The initial and final sections can be challenging, but that is where our local knowledge comes in. We regularly search out the best route we can find through the crevasse fields, recording it all on GPS. It is possible to start out from the village of Isortoq, but we prefer the remoter Nagtivit Fjord , which is a beautiful and peaceful place to start the expedition. In April 2007, the leaders who will be involved in the 2008 expedition followed a precise GPS course, ascended the glacier and reached the open plateau in 6 hours.

The Plateau

Once out of the coastal region, our route gradually ascends in the course of 240km to the high point of the expedition (2,500m above sea level). The incline is almost imperceptible, but the daily distances covered before and after the summit are telling. Within several days of starting, the mountains of the east coast drop below the horizon. Once over the summit, the next significant waypoint is the abandoned Dye-2 Distant Early Warning station, an eerie reminder of the Cold War (built by the USA in the 1950s to detect missile attacks).

Descent to the West Coast

As the team nears the west coast, we will enter an area of ice disturbance and potential meltwater. We will work our way through this to gain land at Point 660. Carrying only essential equipment, the team will then undertake the 40km hike out through the tundra to Kangerlussuaq Fjord (musk oxen are often seen in the area).

Strategy

The pulks are at their heaviest and the slopes the steepest when the team sets out from the east coast. We therefore always plan on gradually 'acclimatising' to the workload of pulk-hauling by gradually increasing the number of hours skiing; in the opening stages, this tends to be 6 hours and towards the end, up to 9 or even 10. The skiing day is broken down into 1 hour blocks seperated by 10 minute breaks, during which time it's important to eat and keep hydrated. Each team member will have the opportunity to take the lead and navigate for the group (and this role changes every hour).

Preparation and Training

An expedition crossing Greenland's Icecap is an exciting but challenging proposition and as such we place great emphasis on prior preparation and training. The experience contained within our expedition teams can range from those undertaking their first major expedition to others who have already skied to the South Pole. The type of preparation involved therefore varies greatly.

Personal Training Plan

Upon joining the team, one of our leaders will work together with you to establish what you need to work on in the months leading up to the trip. Being well prepared not only makes for a more enjoyable expedition but also a safer one. We will look at technical skills and physical fitness and establish a programme to help you get ready. Whether it's running, sessions in the gym, walking with a pack or tyre hauling, we can look at the techniques that we ourselves use to prepare for a season on the Ice.

Pre-Expedition Meeting

Finse in South West Norway lies at 1222m and in winter provides the perfect training location to prepare for Greenland. At the pre-expedition meeting (details available from the Jagged Globe office), we will look at some of the essential skills involved in the Crossing, from skiing with pulks, to camping and ropework. It's also an excellent opportunity to meet other expedition members and talk to people who have completed the trip.

Switzerland Training

In the off-season, several of the leaders who might work on the Icecap crossing are based in the Swiss Alps. Expedition team members are welcome to visit them in the Berner Oberland to look at equipment, talk over the expedition and perhaps even get some training in on the devilishly steep hills that surround Meiringen. Anyone for tyre hauling before breakfast!

Expedition Itinerary

Please note that this is an example itinerary, and is dependent upon team ability, local conditions and infrastructure.

Day 1:Fly to Reykjavik
Team members joining in the UK will fly to Reykjavik, Iceland. Transfer to guest house. Overnight.
Day 2:Fly Iceland to Kulusuk, East Greenland
A short transfer from accommodation to the airport. Flight by bi-prop Fokker 50 or Dash over the Denmark Strait. Impressive views of the pack ice, icebergs and mountains of East Greenland. Land on the snow/gravel strip at Kulusuk. Meet leader. Transfer by helicopter to Tasiilaq. Settle into hotel.
Day 3:Preparation
We will have one full day to check and prepare our equipment, as well as going over safety with the leader.
Day 4:Crossing begins
An early start and all the equipment is loaded into the helicopter, before making the spectacular short journey south west to the frozen fjord that lies directly in front of the point we'll ascend onto the Icecap. The Ice meets the frozen sea in a series of vertical cliffs, and crucially for us, a low angled smooth 'ramp'. Begin the ascent of the glacier.

PLEASE NOTE: From here on, our itinerary is going to be very variable, depending on snow and ice conditions, fitness of the team and weather. The day breakdown given below is meant to give you some idea of how the Crossing could go.

Day 5:The first few days
With the pulks at their heaviest, the ice surface rough and the ground sloping relatively steeply up the initial 20km, the first days will be taken slowly and steadily, as we become accustomed to the systems we will be using every day of the expedition. At the end of the day, camp will be established. As well as getting much needed rest, time in the tents is occupied with melting snow to rehydrate after the day's exertions, and in eating plenty. The views back to the coast are simply breathtaking; a 220 degree panorama of mountains, vast glacier and iceberg-studded fjords.
Day 6-7:Establishing a rhythm
Polar expeditions are all about breaking down seemingly huge distances into 'bite-size' pieces, establishing routines or rhythms that increase efficiency and 'eat into' the mileage. Each skiing day is broken down into short segments, between which we take 10 minute breaks. In these early days, particular care will be taken to avoid any potential crevasse danger. At the end of the day, camp is established. We will generally sleep 2-3 to a tent, each pair preparing their own meals and water.As we leave the coast behind, the potential for crevasses lessens and the going gets less steep. Our daily distance covered and final position, plotted each night, will increase as the expedition progresses.
Day 8-20:In the middle of the Icecap
As the team becomes used to daily expedition life, we will gradually increase our hours of travel. Although we will be skiing over the middle of an Icecap that stretches hundreds and even thousands of kilometres in every direction, the continually changing light as sunsets roll into sun rises, and differing levels of cloud cover changes snow contrast, make for a hauntingly beautiful icescape.
Day 21:Reaching the high point
After days of pulling gradually uphill, at around 2,500m we will reach the Icecap's summit. At this elevation, temperatures can drop to the expedition's lowest.
Day 22-29:Descent
Having passed the summit, the ice starts, at first imperceptably, to drop towards the west coast. With increasingly light pulks and easier pulling, our daily distances are likely to greatly increase.
Day 30-31:Approaching land
The first distant sighting of the hills of the west coast act as a signal that we will be entering the bare, 'bumpy' and sometimes rough ice of the last section of the icecap. Methodically working through the humps and melt water channels of the area, we'll steadily approach land.
Day 32:Dry land
We finally see stones, soil and plants after weeks of snow and ice. We leave the Ice behind and prepare our equipment for the walk out to the coast. Sleds, skis and other equipment no longer of use are collected by 4-wheel-drive and taken to Kangerlussuaq. We begin our walk through the tundra landscape of low vegetation, streams and small lakes. It's amazing how lush such a landscape looks after the Ice of the Interior. When Nansen and his team reached the west coast after their epic first crossing of Greenland, they spent hours lying on the ground and eating the berries that grew everywhere. Travelling towards Kangerlussuaq, it's possible we may see herds of muskoxen; a member of the goat family, they live year-round in this stark landscape.
Day 33:Arrival
After another day of trekking through the tundra and hills surrounding Kangerlussuaq, we complete our Crossing of Greenland by reaching the shores of the fjord. Next, the chance to take a shower, eat a hot meal and sleep in a bed for the first time in awhile. A night of celebration!
Day 34:Kangerlussuaq - Contingency Day
Day 35:Fly Greenland to Iceland
In less than 2 hours, we fly back across the Icecap that we've spent the last weeks crossing. The plane continues towards Europe and a rather big culture shock after the peace of the Icecap. Return flights from Reykjavik are not included in the price.

PLEASE NOTE: Please note that the above itinerary is intended as a guideline only. Although every effort will be made to adhere to it, changes may be forced on it by weather conditions, transport failure or other unforeseen events. Please be prepared to be flexible if necessary.

Team Composition

Jagged Globe is offering the 2008 expedition in partnership with an experienced Greenland expedition company, so team members could be joining the expedition from all over the world. The team will be led by an expedition leader with a specialist knowledge of Greenland, who has completed the Icecap crossing before. There are a minimum of three places and a maximum of six on the team.

Experience Required

Greenland Icecap Crossing is graded 2D.

Previous skiing/sled hauling experience not required. High level of endurance, self-motivation and ability to work as part of a team essential.

Equipment

A complete climbing equipment and clothing list is included in the expedition dossier, which is sent to you on booking along with details of our comprehensive Equipment Hire Service.

What the price includes

What the price does not include

Insurance

Special travel insurance is available from us which provides a wide range of cover. Our 'Expedition only' premium for this expedition is detailed in the Prices & Booking section. A full explanation of the Jagged Globe Insurance Scheme is available on the website and in our brochure.

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the expedition or your suitability for it, please contact us by telephone:

Alternatively, you can contact us by email via the Contact Page on the website.

Booking

If you would like to book a place on this expedition, you can do so on our secure on-line booking facility, on our website. The £300 deposit for this expedition will secure you a place on your chosen departure. You will receive an automatic email confirmation, followed by a written confirmation of booking, climbing questionnaire and Expedition Dossier. Alternatively, you can book over the telephone or by sending in a booking form by post. Book Now!