Greenland Crossing
Crossing Greenland
Crossing Greenland is major undertaking and one of the ‘big 3’ classic polar journeys, it is traditionally a training ground for anyone wanting to go on to attempt to reach either North or South Pole.
Who are you
It could be you…. There are spaces available for this challenge
The Challenge
The Greenland Crossing
How long could it take
21 – 35 days
What is the distance
360miles / 580km
How much will it cost
£6,145
Who was the organiser
What will it be like
Ben and Ian from the Adventure Hub team set the record for the FASTEST EVER BRITISH CROSSING OF GREENLAND in 2010.
You can either choose to join Ben and Ian for a speed crossing or a regular expedition crossing, either way you will benefit from the experience and leadership from the most efficient polar travels in the UK.
Crossing Greenland is major undertaking and one of the ‘big 3’ classic polar journeys, it is traditionally a training ground for anyone wanting to go on to attempt to reach either North or South Pole.
We make the 360 miles journey to Kangerlussuaq on the west coast from the bottom of the Nagtivit glaicier, in a remote area between Tasiilaq and Isortoq on the east coast where the ice cap meets the east coast, which we reach by a short but fantastic chartered helicopter flight.
We start by climbing the 2000 ft of the glacier up onto the ice cap carefully and safely crossing crevasses and keeping an eye out for the local wildlife! As we make an unsupported crossing we will be pulling everything we need for the next 15-30 days in pulks behind us. From experience of previous expeditions we know how to do this as efficiently as possible so the pulks should be no more the 60-65kgs each.
Once up on the ice cap properly we make a change in bearing and head towards our exit point ‘Point 660’ on western edge of the ice cap, and along the way we’ll hope to take in the majestic sight of DYE II base, a ghostly relic of the Cold War!
Life on the ice cap is simple and enjoyable but is hard work as we ski for 1 – 1.5 hours, rest for 10 minutes and repeat the process 6-8 times a day. On an expedition crossing we’ll aim to cover 15-20 miles per day but for those wanting an even tougher experience, on a speed crossing, we’ll be looking to cover 20-30 miles per day. (The Adventure Hub team are the only company in the UK with a proven strategy to offer this as an option).
The temperatures on the ice cap can drop easily to -30 to – 40C and with the wind chill factor of the strong katabatic winds rushing down from the summit of the ice cap it will make it feel even colder at times! Along the way the Adventure Hub guides will pass on their knowledge and experience of efficient travel and camp life so your experience is not only the best it can be but it will also be educational and you’ll leave the ice cap with all the techniques you may need to take on to an expedition to the poles, so you be safe in the knowledge you leave the expedition a knowledgeable and experienced adventurer yourself.
As we approach the western edge of the ice cap it starts to become broken up with crevasses and fast flowing melt water, and although it can be a welcome change from the ice desert up on the ice cap it is the most challenging section of the entire crossing.
The last day of the ice will be a long day as we pick our way safely through the maze of crevasses, melt water and ice boulders, but eventually we’ll emerge to see our exit point ‘point 660’ in front of us! (A welcome view of terra firma after a really tough expedition!).
After a night on the welcome ‘green’ grass we like to trek the final 20 miles out to the coastal shores of Sondre Stromsfjord in Kangerlussuq so you can say we did a ‘full unsupported, unassisted, coast to coast crossing of Greenland’!
How should you train
You’ll benefit from a lot of hill walking. If you can get hold of your harness early it really helps, you should attach an old tire to it and drag it on long walks, you might look a bit ridiculous but you’ll be glad of it when you’re out on the ice (it’s also a great way to raise cash / awareness for a charity as people will often come up to you and ask what you’re doing). This really works you legs and core which are the main muscle groups you’ll be using. In the gym you should try and pack on as much muscle as possible especially legs, core, back and shoulders. The cross trainer is a good machine for working your fitness as it comes close to mimicking your movements on the ice. As well as building your strength and fitness you’ll also benefit from putting on a bit of fat, you’ll burn a lot of calories on this expedition so it helps to have some in reserve. For more advise on how to train and prepare for this expedition contact the guys at Adventure Hub.
Any other useful hints / links
For more details contact Adventure Hub.
It helps to read about other people experiences. There are some great books out there, here are a few:
Mad Bad and Dangerious to Know – Ranulph Fiennes
Beyond the Limits – Ranulph Fiennes
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