"We had a very successful and dynamic crossing because this project was organized and managed in a very professional way from the beginning. Originally we made a right move to ask....... Greenland Expedition Specialists (GES) to organize all the logistics for us. They did an excellent job and it is my recommendation to any one who wants to cross Greenland Ice Cap to work with this company."

Whether you plan to undertake an independent expedition or would like to join a guided expedition team, we are extremely passionate about expeditions on Greenland's Inland Ice - whether we're skiing with a pulk under the midnight sun, driving a dog sled, or tearing along behind a snow kite, Greenland's Icecap is what inspires us most and drives us to help you experience this magic place. In 2007 alone, GES organised 10 Greenland crossing expeditions, more than any other company we know of. It's from this level of experience that we pride ourselves on providing the most cost-effective and well researched guided expeditions and complete logistical support packages for independent expeditions.

WE WILL NOT BE BEATEN ON PRICE OR QUALITY OF SERVICE- don't hesitate to contact us to discuss your project.

Independent Icecap Expedition Support

We offer comprehensive support services for independent expedition teams. From route suggestions, up-to-the-minute info and logistics, to permits and equipment hire, please contact us to discuss your plan. Further info on our support services can be seen by clicking here.

Guided Greenland Icecap Crossing Expeditions

We organise guided crossings of Greenland's Icecap, and pride ourselves on not only being highly professional, but also offering real adventure on great trips with the opportunity to learn from (and not just be guided by) some of the very best and most passionate people in the field. A feature of our trips is that we always aim to complete a true crossing of Greenland - from one shore to the other. We are currently building teams for the classic Nagtivit - Kangerlussuaq and the Nansen Route; please click on the links to view full info on these expeditions. Alternatively, we can arrange a guided custom-expedition on any other route. Anyone for a full South-North crossing?!

Click here for specialist Greenland Kiting Expedition Information.

''Death or the West Coast'' - 119 years on the Greenland Icecap

With these words Nansen succinctly summed up his ambitious plan: to travel by small boat to a point on the wild East Coast and strike out for the West, with the knowledge that there was little to return to on the East if they failed. The first crossing of Greenland was thus made by Fridtjof Nansen's team in 1888 when he led his team over to the West Coast in a daring attempt that set the course of 20th and 21st century pioneering expeditions. His pioneering 'sporting' style - using technique, fitness, daring and a (relatively!) lightweight approach - to tackle a big objective has since been a shining example for subsequent expeditions and one that is just as relevant today.

Since then, many crossings have been made. A route travelling between Isortoq in the East to Kangerlussuaq in the West has become the most popular route. Typically taking around a month, the route ascends to a hight of several thousand metres, before dropping to the coast again.

Some Notable Expeditions & Records...

• Norwegian Sjur Mordre set the fastest crossing by ski when he travelled from Isortoq on the East Coast to point 660 on the West in 8 days (we suspect he didn't have many lie-ins!)
• Paul Landry and team used kites to travel from the Hahn Glacier on the East to point 660 on the West in 6 days 23 hours. Despite using kites for much of the time, the team still had to haul pulks a great deal, putting in an epic day at the end. NB. they then kited back to the East Coast for the fun of it!
• Rune Gjeldnes and Torry Larsen completed the first (and only, to date) unsupported ski traverse from the south to the north tip of Greenland. In 86 days they covered 2928km. The expedition began when they parachuted onto the southern ice, then descended to sea level and attempted to kayak south to the southern tip of Kap Farvel (Cape Farewell). Returning to their pulks on the ice, they then started pulling north, eventually descending off the icecap and travelling over sea ice to Kap Morris Jesup.
  NB. Subsequently Rune and Torry used this experience to attempt, and complete, a full unsupported crossing of the Arctic Ocean- a feat as yet unrepeated. Rune has since completed an unsupported crossing of Antarctica.
• The Norwegian Wind Power team used kites and sails to travel 2500km from Narsaq to Qaanaaq in the remarkable time of 21 days! Averaging nearly 110 km/day, they also broke the 24 hour distance record by covering 442.7 km. Their choice of equipment and level of expertise are telling factors in the future of such high-end expeditions. Niklas Norman, leader of the team, is now a popular guide for GES.

Planning an Expedition? The Icecap Expedition Guide

Clearly, the Greenland Ice cap offers challenges of the highest order. A crossing forms one of the classic trifecta of Polar Journeys. Shorter latitudonal journeys are more attainable and make for perfect training for those with Polar aspirations as well as a great objective in their own right. There's huge potential to incorporate exciting new ideas into your expedition. For example, Eric Philips and team hauled modified kayaks over the icecap, then paddled down a whitewater river to reach the West Coast. What about using dog sleds to reach the ice or sail to a remote glacier never before ascended?

Whether making a long or short attempt, conditions can be severe; high speed katabatic winds are common and temperatures can drop into the minus 40s (Celsius) during the expedition season.

Here are some excellent objectives, for all of which we can organise the logistics and/or guide:

Nagtivit - Kangerlussuaq Crossing

A classic route, a full crossing of Greenland and cost effective logistics make this objective very appealing. Many teams begin their crossing by flying in by helicopter to about 800m above sea level at the top of the Hahn Glacier (near Tasiilaq/Isortoq), then get collected by 4WD at the terminus of the ice on the West Coast. A full crossing of Greenland, starting on the shores at one side, and ending on the shores on the other, makes for a fantastic objective very much in the style of Nansen's first crossing. We can provide co-ordinates for a relatively smooth route through the initial icefalls. It is possible to trek out to the West Coast from the terminus of the ice in a couple of days. Greenland Expedition Specialists organise guided expeditions over this route.

Nansen Route

Greenland Expedition Specialists now have a boat that can access the original start point used by Nansen and team in 1888. A truly rare expedition starts with multi-day boat journey in the East Greenlandic Ice Stream. Then, finding a way up onto the plateau, the course is set for the West Coast. Finally, a descent is made over several days on dry land down Austmannadalen. A boat then carries you back to Nuuk and civilisation. We can provide co-ordinates for this route. Click here to view details of the Greenland Expedition Specialists guided Nansen Crossing Expedition.
NB. A great idea would be to haul kayaks, then paddle out to Nuuk; a truly unsupported expedition.

Geomagnetic North Pole

Lying north of Qaanaaq in Inglefield Land, the Geomagnetic North Pole is reached by traversing a section of the Icecap known as Prudhoe Land. An adventurous undertaking in the far north.

South - Mid-Greenland

Starting at one of the access points on the southern tip of Greenland, a number of options exist, dependent on speed and time available, with finish points 400-800 km further north on the east and west coasts. Favourable prevailing winds open the possibility of the use of kites, particularly for those with less experience.

Greenland Expedition Specialists can assist in all aspects of organising your Independent Expedition, including permits, logistics, equipment, and consultancy on routes etc. Alternatively, join one of our Guided Expeditions. We are passionate about the Greenland icecap and expeditions on it and would love to discuss your project; please don't hesitate to contact us.