Winter Multi Activities in Greenland

A jam-packed itinerary designed for those who want to discover the highlights of winter in Greenland and the great North. Trip includes immersion in the tiny Greenlandic settlement of Oqaatsut at the end of the world. Discover Disko Bay, home to the biggest icebergs in the northern hemisphere, and explore the frozen world of Greenlands ice sheet by snowmobile, dog sled and snowshoe/ski. Go nordic hiking with dogs, learn local fishing and hunting techniques and embark on a mini expedition to a completely isolated traditional fishermans cabin. And as if that wasn't enough, hopefully throughout, we can enjoy beautiful displays of the dancing northern lights....

Itinerary

  • Day 1 Welcome to Greenland!

    Welcome to Greenland! It is a scenic flight over snow-capped peaks to ilulissat airport - we will greet you at the airport and accompany you to your guesthouse. You can then enjoy a presentation of the trip to come and the first hot meal prepared by your guide. This evening we set out in search of the aurora borealis on our snowmobiles, into the massif that dominates Ililissat and the bay of Disko, a perfect way to mark the first day in Greenland.

    2 hours of snowmobiling
    Accommodation: Hostel

  • Day 2 Dog sledding and Greenlandic Traditions

    Dog sledding and Greenlandic Traditions Meet our local mushers and dogs who will help us master the art of Greenlandic dog sledding. This traditional activity is still used to transport game across the ice during hunting trips. In the afternoon, we will be travelling 20 kilometers north together. Depending on the conditions we will travel by boat or snowmobile across the floe ice or through iceberg filled waters to find the isolates settlement of Oqaatsut. This tiny village is home to only about 30 people who live in traditional colored houses. Our basic accommodation here, at the end of the world, has breathtaking views of the ice sheet and icebergs.

    2 hours dog-sledding
    Accommodation: Hostel
    Transport: By boat and/ or snowmobile

  • Day 3 Snowshoeing and northern lights

    Snowshoeing and northern lights Snowshoes on, we set off to explore our surroundings like Eskilos before us. We first skirt the coast before hiking up to the village and dominate the bay of disko and its massive iceberges. This evening, Bertheline, the Dean of the village, has invited us into her home to share an authentic kaffemik (the traditional Greenlanders coffee break) and to talk about the evolution of the way of life in this small Greenlandic village. Conditions permetting we should be able to enjoy the aurora borealis from the comforts of our warm home tonight.

    5 hours snowshoeing
    Accommodation: Hostel

  • Days 4 to 5 Mini snowshoeing/skiing expedition

    Mini snowshoeing/skiing expedition Get ready, today we load up pulks and head off into the wilderness. You can choose to use snowshoes or skis. We begin by crossing the village, an adventure in itself with curious school children and dog-sleds galore; soon we are alone, weaving our pulks through battered granite hills, carved by the ice and weather. Tonight we sleep in a small heated cabin with a large bay window from which we can enjoy views of the remote wilderness around us. If luck is on our side, our panorama will be illuminated by the green glow of the dancing northern lights. Our journey continues back the next day through a beautiful land of frozen lakes to our hostel in Oqaatsut.

    4 to 5 hours of snowshoeing, elevation 400m
    Accommodation: Traditional cabin then return to our hostel

  • Day 6 Snowmobiling to Ilulissat

    Snowmobiling to Ilulissat This morning is our last chance to enjoy the silence of this tiny village at the end of the world. The journey to Ilulissat on snowmobiles through the snowy mountains does not disappoint. Depending on the conditions we will zoom across the ice sheet or along the coast, enjoying views of the vast wilderness and iceberg littered waters.

    2 hours of snowmobiling
    Accommodation: Guesthouse

  • Day 7 Hiking Ilulissat Icefjord

    Hiking Ilulissat Icefjord An exceptional day to end our Greenlandic adventure. Strap on your snowshoes, today we head to the famous Icefjord through Sermermiut Valley, home to an abandoned Inuit settlement. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly spectacular; huge ice cathedrals remain trapped in the fjord and the panoramic views are unbeatable. Evening meal at a local resturant in Ililissat (payable locally).

    4 to 5 hours of snowshoeing, elevation 400m
    Accommodation: Guesthouse

  • Day 8 Final morning

    Final morning Enjoy a morning at leisure in Ilulissat - a final chance to visit Ilulissat Museum or to buy souvenirs in this iconic Greenlandic town which is home to as many sled dogs as people!

    Airport transfer

The details in this programme are updated regularly but imponderables and unpredictable circumstances may result in inaccuracies. In order to provide the adventure which is best suited to your demands, the weather and the operational conditions, changes to the itinerary may be made. For safety reasons, we reserve the rights to interrupt your participation at any time if your technical level or fitness is deemed unsuitable or if you are seen as a danger to yourself or to those around you. This will in no case give rise to refunds or compensation.

Other trips you may like

Dog-sledding in Greenland
Greenlandic Winter Wonderland: An adventure for travellers who seek unique and unforgettable moments in a delightful winter wonderland. Try dog-sledding, winter Nordic walking with dogs and snowmobiling. Spend two nights in a tiny Greenlandic village ideal for observing the Northern Lights over the ice sheet...

Dates & prices

Departures for French-speaking groups:

No departure for now

International departures:

No departure for now

Trip code: EGROA1

Included

  • All transfers as detailed in the itinerary
  • Half-day (2 hours) dog sledding and 3 hours snowmobiling lead by a qualified expert guide
  • 4 nights hostel accommodation in Oqaatsut
  • 2 nights guesthouse accommodation in Ilulissat
  • 1 night in a traditional wooden cabin
  • Full board from lunch Day 1 to breakfast Day 8 except for the last meal in Ilulissat 
  • All technical equipment
  • Cold weather clothing

Not included

  • International flights
  • Registration fee: €18 (free for under 12s)
  • Insurance
  • One last meal in Ilulissat 

Additional Options
  • Small group surcharge of 300 € to reserve this trip with just 4 people

Notes

For many years, we put our know-how and our experience of nature and adventure travel in Greenland to the service of travelers from different horizons. You may find yourself in an international group with participants from our various partners.

Level 2/5

4 to 6 hours of activity per day. No previous experience of any of the activities is necessary. You should be in good physical health and prepared for very cold temperatures.

Comfort 3/5

We love our back to basics no frills accommodation options which enable us to get close to nature. This trip uses accommodation with dormitories and shared facilities. Please be aware that some accommodation options do not have running water.

Terms and conditions

Booking conditions

Booking a trip with Altai Greenland implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 30% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.

Invoice procedure

Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date. We reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.

Cancellation policy

If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, Altai Greenland requires written confirmation of your decision. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:
  • Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: a sum of €50 per person will be retained
  • Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: your deposit, 30% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received 20 to 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received 13 to 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total trip price will be retained

Special cases:
Please note that, regardless of the date of cancellation or modification if you have agreed to pay for services such as hotel reservations, flights or additional activities, these services are usually non-refundable so additional fees may apply.
Fixed airfares: if your airline ticket was issued in advance, often done to avoid significant surcharges, you will be charged 100% of any non-refundable fees if you wish to change or cancel your flight plan.
Fixed in-country costs: early charges for firm bookings will be charged if you cancel or modify your trip.Insurance costs: if you have taken out comprehensive or cancellation insurance, the cost of insurance is due and cannot be refunded.

Please note that fees apply according to the date we receive your cancellation or modification request in writing.

If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.

Changes to travel contract

If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact Altai Greenland in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events, Altaï Greenland may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.

Pricing

The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. We reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.

Contract transfer

If you are unable to travel for any reason, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.

Practical info

Staff

You will be welcomed at the airport by a representative from our friendly team and accompanied for the duration of your holiday. Armed with an abundance of experience and a wealth of expert knowledge our professional Greenland team know the country inside out. All activities are lead by our qualified guides. They are all English speaking outdoor practitioners with a passion for everything Greenlandic. Please note that this adventure takes place in an isolated polar environment which can be hostile - your guide will explain safety rules which must be followed.

Food

This trip includes full board from lunch Day 1 to breakfast Day 8 except for one evening meal in Oqaastut - for this meal we will sample traditional food in a local restaurant.
We are proud of the varied, fresh and frankly delicious food we provide. Meals are based on a selection of local products and you should have the opportunity to try Greenlandic delicacies including fresh fish.

Each day will start with a hearty breakfast accompanied by plenty of tea and coffee. Then you will prepare your own picnic lunch for the day from an array of options - everyday there will definitely be sandwiches, hot drinks and cakes among the other options. Each hot evening meal will include three courses- we try to offer fresh fruit and vegetables everyday but this is not always possible in Greenland!

Your help in the kitchen is expected and much appreciated, particularly in the evenings. We like when the whole group work as a team to cook dinner, it creates a pleasant atmosphere as we reflect on the days adventures together.

Please let us know about any dietary requirements when you book the trip and we will work with you to cater for your needs.

Accommodation

Oqaatsut
We sleep in a rustic village refuge in the heart of the traditional Greenlandic settlement. There is no running water so we use water from a fountain and showers are found in a village communal house for a small fee (€2). We use shared dry toilets, the only facilities in a number of small Greenlandic settlements.

Traditional Huts
Traditional back to basics Greenlandic hut accommodation in the wilderness with heating and shared facilities.

Ilulissat
Simple guesthouse or youth hostel accommodation, small bedrooms with two beds, shared toilets and bathroom facilities.

Luxury Options
For an additional cost and subject to availabilities, you can stay in a hotel accommodation in Ilulissat, please contact us for more information.

Transportation

For the most part of the trip, we will be discovering Greenland on our snowshoes and/or skis. We will get a chance to experiance the Greenlandic dog sleding accompanied by an inuit professional musher, for who, this is a primary means of transport for hunting and fishing purpose . 
We will also be using boat and/or snowmobile(depending the on the weather conditions) for transportation from Ilulissat to Oqaatsut and back. 

Budget & exchange

The currency in Greenland is the Danish Krone (DKK)
Please budget for a meal in Oqaastut, traditional food in a local restaurant: €25-€70 / 200-500DKK

Tips

Although the custom is not widespread here, if you are satisfied with the services of your guide, tipping is always appreciated - it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual.

Supplied equipment

We provide you with all of the technical equipment you will need for the activities in this adventure including:
  • A warm sleeping bag, (comfort; -25°C)
  • A thermal sleeping mat
  • Warm snow boots (Sorel)
  • A quality winter jacket and overtrousers (to wear in addition to, not instead of, your warm clothes)
  • Snowshoes/skis
  • Walking poles
  • A pulk

Vital equipment

  • At least 3 sets of good thermals - top & long johns, one for activities, one spare set and one pair for sleeping in
  • A ski mask
  • A warm wind and waterproof jacket
  • Suitable warm  trousers - windproof ski style, soft shell or fleece lined mountaineering trousers are ideal
  • Suitable underwear, t-shirts and walking trousers
  • Warm jumper(s) and jacket(s)
  • Quality sunglasses (glacier glasses)
  • Sun cream for face and lips (not water based, water freezes)
  • A headtorch and spare batteries
  • Warm thick socks
  • Gloves - multiple pairs of under and over gloves - think warm, waterproof and windproof
  • A warm hat
  • A balaclava
  • Appropriate neck wear like a warm buff
  • Any personal medication
  • Towel & toiletries
  • A thermos/suitable water bottle
  • A sleeping bag liner
  • Warm snow boots

Material

We prefer that you do not wear cotton clothing, including underwear, when participating in activities. When cotton gets wet from water or sweat it ceases to insulate and it does not dry fast. The best materials for outdoor activities are fast drying materials like polyester or materials which are warm when wet like wool. The most powerful materials against the wind and rain are 'breathable' materials like Gore-Tex or Nikwax.

Our advice for keeping warm
Winter in Greenland can be very cold, please think carefully about what clothes you bring, although we will provide warm outer layers, the layers you wear next to your skin make the biggest difference. We recommend:
  • No cotton
  • Bring dry spares of everything, even underwear and gloves
  • Wear multiple layers including:
    1. A warm breathable base layer
    2. A second thermal layer
    3. Wind and waterproof protective out layer (we provide an additional quality jacket and over trousers)

Helpful equipment

You may also consider packing
  • A pair of warm comfortable shoes for evenings in town
  • A swimsuit if you want to test Icelands hot springs/pools during your stopover or the saunas of Ilulissat
  • Extra gloves/overgloves
  • An extra jumper/fleece jacket
  • A warm sleeping bag liner
  • Energy bars
  • Wetwipes
  • Blister plasters 
  • A suitable camera
  • Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
  • A small inflatable pillow
  • Tissues

Luggage

Please bring a small rucksack to use as a day bag. You can bring this as hand luggage on the aeroplane. You will carry your lunch, water, spare layers and any personal medication with you each day in this bag. You will also need a larger bag to store your other clothes and belongings in, please ensure that this is a soft bag like a ruckack or holdall rather than a hard cased suitcase because it is more practical to transport. We recommend packing all of your clothes in plastic bags so that they stay dry in the event of wet weather.

Medicine

Your guide is a trained first-aider and will carry a full first aid kit at all times during the trip in case of emergencies. We recommend that you bring a small personal first aid kit containing any medication you may need such as inhalers, plasters, antiseptic and painkillers.

Passport

Most travellers require a passport that is valid for at least three months after the return date. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific passport requirements and please be aware that proof of onwards travel may be required.

Visa

Most travellers do not need a VISA to travel to Greenland but proof of onwards travel may be required. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific visa requirements.

Mandatory vaccines

There are no specific health risks.

Health information & recommendations

It is your responsibility to check that your personal health insurance covers everything in this trip. A consultation with your doctor is a prerequisite for any trip.

Weather

This trip runs during March and April when temperatures normally range from -30°C to -10°C (-22°F - 14°F). Generally speaking Greenland is not very windy and we can anticipate calm weather with snow showers and perhaps sleet. Near the ice sheet temperatures can be very cold and there can be gusts of wind of up to 15 miles per hour. The air is low in humidity which means that the temperatures do not feel as cold as you might imagine and that the views are amazing - it appears that you can see further!

The length of the day varies significantly throughout the year. The shortest day of the year is 21st December with no sunlight! The longest day, with 24 hours of sunlight, is 20th June. During March and April we can expect 16-20 hours of daylight. You can see the midnight sun from May - July and the Northern Lights year round when it is dark. 

Electricity

Greenland uses Northern European electrical standards (50Hz/220 volts) and the standard Europlug socket with two round prongs.

Local time

Most of Greenland uses Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)/ Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) -3; most areas use Daylight Saving Time (DST).

Topography

Area: 836,300 mi²
Population: 56,186 inhabitants (2016)
Capital: Nuuk
Languages: Kalaallisut or West Greenlandic, Danish is also widely used
Regime: Part of the Kingdom of Denmark but politically autonomous

Part of the continent of North America, Greenland is the largest island on Earth and it is covered by the largest ice sheet in the world outside of antarctica.

Sustainable tourism

As adventure and wilderness travel experts who run trips to some of the most remote parts of the world, we take responsible tourism very seriously.

We respect the ‘Leave No Trace’ outdoor ethical code and try to explore this beautiful location whilst causing minimal environmental damage.

The Leave No Trace policy can be summarized in 7 simple steps which we hope you will follow during ourtrip...
  1. Be prepared
  2. Stick to trails and camp overnight right
  3. Stash your trash and pick up waste
  4. Leave it as you find it
  5. Be careful with fire
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Over the years we have built up good relations with our local suppliers and we are keen to support local businesses as much as possible. We are a small company and we pay our local partners and suppliers directly insuring fair rates.

Our small group sizes not only provide a more intimate adventure but also cause less impact on the environment and local communities.

We expect all who travel with us to support and uphold our Sustainable Tourism philosophies.
Request a quote
Elodie

My local agent
Elodie

  • Outdoor activities enthusiast
  • Adventure travel expert
  • Logistics expert
Request a quote
Region
Disko Bay
Activity
Cross Country Skiing Dog sledding Hiking Northern lights Snowshoeing Winter
Duration
8 days
Group
4 to 6 people
Code
EGROA1
Price
From €3,290
Level
2/5
Comfort
3/5
Language(s)
French / English

Strengths

  • Immersion in a traditional Greenlandic village
  • The chance to enjoy different outdoor activities everyday
  • An overnight snowshoeing/skiing expedition
  • Possibility to enjoy the northern lights from the warmth of our hut each night

Required level

4 to 6 hours of activity per day. No previous experience of any of the activities is necessary. You should be in good physical health and prepared for very cold temperatures.

Download trip details

Request a quote