Greenland Explorer

Duration 18 Days » Grade 3B

An exploratory expedition deep into the frozen mountains of Arctic East Greenland

Introduction

Amidst one of the least explored lands on Earth, many of the mountains and glaciers making up the vast range that runs the length of East Greenland lie untouched. There is much potential to explore, new route, and perhaps even make first ascents in the glaciated areas above the fjordlands. Starting from a remote Inuit village, we travel by ski or snow shoe into base camp, established with the assistance of the local Inuit and their dog sleds. Conditions often allow us to travel on the frozen fjords, before ascending one of the many sea level glaciers. With good access, no altitude problems and long hours of daylight, the conditions are perfect for an action-packed and rewarding trip.

Lying between a huge icecap and the ice-filled Polar Current, the East coast of Greenland is truly one of the remotest places and last great wildernesses on Earth. A handful of tiny settlements support a largely Inuit community, many of whom still live by subsistence hunting. This is the land where dog sleds are still used, as they have been for countless generations, to travel in the frozen months. The inland ice, up to 3,500 metres thick, flows through the eastern mountains, before calving into the sea.

It is on these glaciers and huge wild spaces in spring that the perfect conditions exist for both ski touring and arctic mountaineering. Completely self-sufficient, the team will be based in one or more comfortable camps on the glacier, from where we are in a perfect position to tackle many different peaks of all difficulties. This expedition follows in the finest traditions of classic Arctic exploration. Each day will often end under the most stunning displays of the Aurora Borealis.

A stunning environment and culture, true wilderness and pristine mountains make for a perfect Arctic expedition experience.

Expedition Itinerary

Day 1:	Fly to Iceland Team members joining in London fly to Keflavik, Iceland. Transfer by coach to our hotel in Reykjavik city centre.
Day 2:	Fly Iceland to Kulusuk, East Greenland Taxi transfer from accommodation to Reykjavik Airport. Morning flight by propeller plane over the Denmark Strait to Kulusuk snow strip. Transfer by dogsled to Kulusuk village and basic hostel-style accommodation. In the afternoon we pack our equipment and explore the village. Built on a stark and mountainous island, Kulusuk Village houses a population of around 250 people. Although obvious signs of subsistence hunting are evident throughout the village - sleds, dogs and drying seal skins - a modern school, shop and post office point to the modernisation that this community have started to experience only comparatively recently.
Day 3:	Dog sled journey begins An early morning departure from the village makes for a memorable start as yelping packs of excited dogs race out onto the frozen bay. Carrying all our equipment, the dog teams may also tow two people per sledge on skis (on the ski trip). Travelling on flat ground, big distances can be covered in one day (80km is the record so far!). On steeper inclines and in bad snow conditions, the dogs need all their strength to just pull the baggage, sometimes even requiring assistance on the very steepest gradients. Travelling inland up the complex of interwoven fjords, new views constantly open up, notably of the mountains in which we will be based over the next two weeks. The experience of watching the Inuit drive their dogs whilst route-finding is a fascinating and rare insight into these masters of Arctic survival. In the evening, camp will be made. The dogs, as always, curl up in the snow to sleep.
Day 4:	Dog sled to glacier foot After breaking camp, the journey continues, leaving the fjords for the first time and venturing up a beautiful valley surrounded by unclimbed peaks and walls. The Inuit prefer not to travel on glaciers, so at the ice foot, sleds are unloaded and smaller pulks (sleds) packed. Saying goodbye to our companions of the last few days, we will make our way up onto the wide and gently angled glacier snout. Equipment will be pulled in pulks. For those of you not familiar with hauling, a surprising amount of weight can be pulled with far less effort than if it were carried. Within a couple of kilometres, the glacier flattens out to reveal the junction of a number of further major glaciers. It is here that a first camp will be made. The emphasis will be put on making as comfortable a base as possible. A communal tent dug into the surface will make for sociable time to relax and eat when not outside. Views extend further into the mountains and also far back to the frozen fjords crossed on our earlier journey.
Day 5-12:	Ascents of Mountains and exploration of the area's glaciers The exploratory nature of this expedition means that our plans are kept flexible during this phase of the expedition,allowing the team to explore the area's vast potential. An indicative itinerary is as follows:- Classic alpine ascents of the surrounding peaks Although the mountains are of modest altitude, their proximity to the sea often means height gains of over 1500 metres, making for full days from camp. An early start from camp, by ski, leads over the gently ascending glaciers, before crampons are donned for the summit push. Without guidebooks, an element of excitement is added to each ascent, as we find the best route on which to climb. Snow gullies and slopes as well as mixed alpine ground can be expected. Many of the peaks would be absolute classics in the Alps. In contrast, we will be completely alone in savouring the grandeur of an Arctic sunrise over vistas of snowy mountains, and all on a route or even mountain that may well have never been climbed before. Multi-day exploration of the surrounding glacier systems Leaving our base camp behind, we travel with light loads deeper into the mountains, all the time with an eye open for the possibilities to ascend one of the many beautiful mountains around us. Particular emphasis will be placed on those glaciers that have not been visited; each is surrounded by stunning Arctic summits. A camp will be established each evening. Perhaps stopping for a day to make an ascent, we continue travelling, crossing a number of small passes to complete a grand tour of this glaciated wilderness. Cold Climate Experience For those who have never spent an extended period in a glacial environment, the every day occurrences of expedition life are fascinating, from digging the tents in, to travelling with the safety of a rope, and dressing to suit the climate. This expedition provides the perfect grounding in the skills that can then be applied to both the high mountains and the Antarctic. So, for example, if you are considering a future expedition to Mount Vinson or Denali, Arctic Greenland is the perfect training ground. Re-positioning base camp Should we find another central location with much potential, we can break camp and pull all equipment in sleds to the new site.
Day 13-14:	Return to Kulusuk Village Making our way towards the fjords, we rendezvous with the Inuit hunters and their dogs, before beginning the journey back to the village. An overnight camp is made en route.
Day 15:	Kulusuk A day to relax, shower, sort equipment and explore the village. For those who still want more, there are many exciting touring options surrounding the village!
Day 16:	Depart Kulusuk, East Greenland Transfer to airstrip. Fly back to Reykjavik and transfer to our hotel accommodation (Please note that the second 2010 departure will use guest house accommodation on it's return).
Day 17:	Reykjavik A spare day to absorb any disruptions we may experience in travelling back from the expedition area. The Reykjavik area provides a wealth of possibilities. You may explore the city itself, visit the naturally heated, geo-thermal pools (not to be missed after weeks of expedition life!) and we will of course celebrate the expedition! Overnight hotel (or guest house on 2nd departure).
Day 18:	Depart Iceland Transfer to Keflavik airport. Return flight home.

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.

Leadership

Our expeditions are led by very experienced mountain leaders. In selecting suitable leaders, our prime concern is that they have an excellent personal track-record of climbing at high altitudes...read more about leaders.

Team Composition

The expedition leader will be supported by another guide, who has spent many months on expedition in Arctic Greenland and has worked with previous Jagged Globe Greenland Explorer teams. Supporting the two leaders will be a local Inuit dogsled team.

Experience Required

Greenland Explorer is graded 3B.

Places on the Greenland Explorer expedition are available for mountaineers and ski mountaineers, depending on the departure which you join. The first expedition of the season will be a ski trip, suitable for ski mountaineers. Tow lines may be utilised to pull the team on skis behind the sleds. You should be at Level 9 or above in our Ski Grading table, having completed an Introductory Ski Mountaineering course in the Alps as a minimum. On previous expeditions, we have been able to accommodate a group of mixed skiing ability very successfully, as we use two Guides.

The second expedition will use snow shoes, so you do not need any skiing (or snow shoe) experience and you will climb in mountain boots. Overall, the choice of climbs will depend on the experience of the group. It is essential that you have completed alpine routes of at least grade PD, such as those included in Jagged Globe's Saas 4,000ers, Zermatt 4,000ers and Oberland 4,000ers courses. If you are at all unsure of the experience required for this expedition, please contact the Jagged Globe office.

To get the most out of this expedition, you need:

Previous expedition experience
To have climbed routes graded Alpine PD in the Alps or Greater Ranges
Skiing experience to Level 9 (for those joining the ski departure)

Our Introductory Ski Mountainering course, Scottish Winter Courses and our Alpine Courses provide good skills preparation for this expedition.

Equipment

Find out about our comprehensive Equipment Hire Service.

PHD Mountain Software make specialist clothing suitable for this expedition. Visit the Greenland page of their Trip Advisor.

A complete climbing equipment and clothing list is included in the expedition dossier, which is sent to you on booking.

What the price includes

Economy class return airfares from the UK (unless joining in-country.)
UK airport taxes.
Airport transfers in Iceland and Greenland
Hotel accommodation in Reykjavik, on a bed and breakfast basis*
Hostel accommodation in Kulusuk, with all meals provided
All camping facilities and meals during the expedition
Use of sleds (to haul equipment)
All costs for leaders, guides, Inuit hunters and dog sleds detailed under Team Composition
Use of Emergency location beacon and communications equipment
Jagged Globe kitbag or fleece

What the price does not include

Visa fees (if applicable)
Overseas airports taxes not paid in advance through the international airline ticket.
Travel insurance
Excess baggage costs
Hire of ski touring equipment or snow shoes
Lunch and evening meals in Reykjavik
Additional costs incurred through unplanned delays caused by breakdown in transport
Optional trips in Iceland
Bar bills and laundry
Tips

Tailor-made option

We can organise this expedition on a 'tailor-made' private basis for groups of friends, families, clubs, charities or any other group. Depending on your mountaineering experience, you may want a Jagged Globe leader or go 'self-led' with the assistance of local guides. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable, particularly if you take the self-led option. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and your preferred dates. We will then send you a quote, with no obligation.

Additional Information

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

+44 (0) 845 345 8848

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.

Expeditions to the Cold Regions