There’s no better way to discover the rugged West Greenland than by going on a sailing and skiing expedition. The area offers a huge variety of ski objectives and terrain—couloirs, high summits, traverses, loops, gentle glacier skiing, both powder and corn snow… We could stay there for months and there would always be something new to discover! Setting sail from the colorful Maniitsoq harbor, we’ll spend 8 days in totally remote wilderness, go out skiing for the day, and then return to our comfy ship. Our Greenlandic captain, crew, and chef will have everything covered for a spectacular expedition!
Wake up, eat a hearty breakfast, go out ski touring, and return to the sailboat—rinse and repeat! This is what our all-inclusive West Greenland ski & sail expedition will look like, with every day taking us to a new, exciting area. With the M/V Kisaq, our comfortable and sturdy ship, we’ll sail the icy waters of Greenland and move to different ski objectives every day. A welcoming Greenlandic crew, captain, and chef are here to make our stay as comfortable and memorable and possible. So all you’ve got to do is fly to the lovely and colorful Maniitsoq, and once you set your foot on the ship, just kick back and relax.
The following itinerary should be seen as an approximate guide only. Please note that the weather, ice conditions, logistics, and unforeseen circumstances can cause alterations to the itinerary. Other than that, Matt and Angela love exploring new places on every single trip, no two trips are alike, so the itinerary is very loose! With 10 guests and 2 guides, it’s also possible to split into two groups to accommodate different ability and fitness levels.
To get some rest before your expedition, it’s best to plan your flight from Copenhagen to Maniitsoq a day before it starts.
We’ll all meet up in the Maniitsoq harbor and board the M/V Kisaq ship. Let’s get settled and comfortable, and then we’ll do a safety briefing and move up north. The afternoon is reserved for some ski touring, so after an avalanche safety briefing, we’ll get the first feel of Greenlandic snow on skis. As the day draws to a close, we’ll return to the boat.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: M/V Kisaq ship
Skiing: 5 km (3 miles), 3 hours
Elevation gain: 800 m (2,625 ft)
We will spend three days exploring the Island of Hamborgerland. It’s got an abundance of couloirs, excellent glaciated terrain, and rocky spires. There’s also easily accessible terrain—and lots of objectives as well—so the island will not disappoint!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: M/V Kisaq ship
Skiing: 10-15 km (6.2-9.3 miles), 8 hours
Elevation gain: 1,500-1,800 m (4,920-5,900 ft)
Let’s head north to the Eternity Fjord and enjoy the complex glaciated terrain, 1,000-meter-tall (3,280 ft) cliff faces, and spectacular views all around us. We’ll summit a variety of peaks during these two days, and descend past seracs and ice fields. 2,000-meter (6,560-foot) peaks are everywhere here, and many of them could be our ski objectives!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: M/V Kisaq ship
Skiing: 12-15 km (7.5-9.3 miles), 8 hours
Elevation gain: 1,500-1,800 m (4,920-5,900 ft)
For our final ski day, we’ll make our way down south and find a great ski objective! Savoring each and every step and turn, we’ll make the most of our last ski day. As the day draws to an end, we’ll cruise back to the Maniitsoq harbor for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: M/V Kisaq ship
Skiing: 10-15 km (6.2-9.3 miles), 8 hours
Elevation gain: 1,500-1,800 m (4,920-5,900 ft)
After the final hearty breakfast prepared by our amazing chef onboard, pack up and disembark the boat. Our tour comes to an end, but if you’d like to stay longer and explore the area, we’ll gladly give you recommendations! If not, head to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
We did this trip with Angela in May of 2024. First off, Angela was an incredible guide. She’s kind, knowledgeable, fun and dialed. Her knowledge of the culture, skiing, navigation of best plan/route is all awesome. Greenland is truly amazing and I highly recommend going with these guys who have such a connection to the place and people. The skiing was also perfect spring corn!!! Don’t think about it too much, just GO!
Great trip all around! Views were amazing, pristine location, great guides and tailored service. I highly recommend traveling with Expedition Engineering and this specific trip. There was good skiing, some cultural experience, and adaptability to weather and conditions available to us. They are not your regular tour operators, they deliver something unique and real. Thumbs up to this company, I would go again with them at any time!!
Included:
Not included:
To participate in this West Greenland ski & sail expedition, great fitness and ski touring experience is mandatory (except for private trips). You’ll spend about 8 hours in the mountains every day and climb between 1,500 and 1,800 m (4,920-5,900 ft) per day. Keep in mind that with 10 guests and 2 guides, it’s also possible to split into two groups to accommodate different ability and fitness levels.
You should be an advanced skier, able to ski any black diamond at a ski hill in various ski conditions. Ideally, you should be regularly doing ski touring trips. In terms of preparation and physical condition, running and walking up the stairs is the best workout. You should also have an adventurous spirit and recognize that the weather can greatly influence what you can and can’t do on a given day.
Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.
Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.
Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.
Clothing list
Gear
Personal equipment
Weather
The weather in West Greenland is fairly mild. Temperatures range between -5 to +5°C. Generally, high pressure moves in during the spring, bringing sunny skies and light winds, but it’s possible to get days with precipitation. Still, May is one of the few months in Greenland with the lowest average precipitation.
Skiing conditions
You can expect powder on north aspects and spring or corn snow on more south-facing aspects. Almost all the terrain is glaciated, and there’s a variety of terrain for everyone—couloirs and summits, traverses, loops, gentle glacier skiing…
There are two guides on this trip, so the group can be split based on ability, so you can ski terrain that fits your level. For instance, your guides can take you on slopes steeper than 30 degrees. If you prefer, you can stay on slopes between 20 and 30 degrees.
No, your guides do not offer equipment rental for this West Greenland Ski & Sail expedition. Please note that ski rental options in Greenland are very limited. Make sure your equipment arrives in the area safely and on time. You should be familiar with your avalanche equipment and already have used your ski touring equipment prior to the trip.
Group sizes and pricing
West Greenland ski & sail expeditions can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
The starting point of your West Greenland ski & sail expedition is Maniitsoq harbor in Greenland. To get to Maniitsoq, it’s best to first fly into Nuuk International Airport (GOH). There are direct flights from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Nuuk. Once there, take a domestic flight to Maniitsoq Airport (JSU).
You’ll meet your team on Day 1 of the tour in the Maniitsoq harbor, where your ship will be waiting for you. Please plan to arrive in Copenhagen and fly to Maniitsoq a day prior to the start of this adventure.
Note that 2026 dates may need to be tweaked due to flight schedules for 2026 not being available until May 2025. Please refrain from making any travel arrangements until the dates are confirmed by your guides!
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Secure your early bird spot with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Our West Greenland experience was a trip of a lifetime! The beauty of the landscape is remarkable and the skiing was beyond anything I imagined. Our guides were fantastic and knew all the good zones to hit per the conditions and group objectives. The Kisaq crew went above and beyond, making the trip extra special. I will remember this trip for the rest of my days.