HELI SKIING IN GREENLAND
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Heli skiing in Greenland originated on the West Coast out of Kangaamiut and Maniitsoq, which aptly means, 'uneven' in the Inuit language. This is now the centre of heli skiing activity in Greenland with guides from all over the world bringing guests here to experience this frozen wonderland.
In order to escape the growing number of skiers on the West Coast and retain the highest quality wilderness experience, we have moved away from the 'crowds' on the West Coast to offer what we believe to be the best heliski experience in Greenland.
Heli skiing on the east coast of Greenland is an 'expedition-style' heliski trip in a remote part of the world... far removed from your average heliski lodge in Canada. During your stay you will be immersed in Inuit culture and experience their day to day living first hand.
Our Greenland trips are not the cheapest around but we believe that they are, without question, the best.
Why Heli ski Here?
- Genuinely unexplored terrain
- Proximity to Europe
- Steep possibilities particularly later in the season
- Runs to the ocean
- Small groups
- Dramatic and imposing landscape of glaciated islands, frozen Fiords and ice-bergs.
Location
(click here to view location)
Our base of operations is a small Inuit village, accessible by air and sea only.
In the interests of keeping things as perfect as they are, we might keep the exact location to ourselves for now!
The Heli skiing and Heli boarding
Typical runs are found on the numerous surrounding islands, and on the slopes of the long, narrow fjords that come off the Greenland ice cap.
Few peaks in the region are much higher than 2,000m but they are dramatic and imposing rising directly from the sea. Views of glaciated islands, frozen fiords and massive icebergs dominate the landscape and many runs end on the beach.
In Greenland the heliski season runs from March to mid June with consistently good powder conditions for most of the season and corn snow later on. By this time the glaciers are generally well covered and with a stable maritime snowpack persistent instabilities and extended periods of high avalanche risk are relatively rare. From late April the region receives almost 24 hours of daylight allowing us to heliski late into the night.
Vegetation in Greenland is scarce so there is no tree skiing. Other activities in the region include boat excursions, wildlife viewing (particularly whales) fishing and sea kayaking.
Accommodation and Facilities
The 3-star Hotel has a fantastic location overlooking a picturesque town, sheltered fjord and majestic mountains. The hotel is fully modernised, friendly and informal and all rooms have a bathroom, TV and phone. Located just three minutes from the heliport, it is the perfect staging post for heli skiing.
Other hotel facilities include: restaurant and bar / coffee lounge and TV room, sun terrace, satellite and video TV channels, wireless internet service, local arts and souvenirs for sale, and in-house ticket office for domestic and international flights
Helicopters and Safety
Despite its remote location the levels of safety you will experience while heli skiing in Greenland are excellent. An A-Star B3 helicopter is provided by Air Greenland and flown by pilots who are experienced at operating in an arctic environment. A covered hangar and a backup Bell 212 helicopter are all on site; and good communications are maintained with fm repeater and satellite phones.
Your guides, Hannes Webhofer and Nick Craddock were two of the pioneers of heli skiing on the east coast of Greenland and are both UIAGM certified guides. Between them they have over 40 winter seasons managing heli ski operations around the world.
Heli skiing Packages and Prices - 2010
Price Guide: €10,500 per person based on a group of eight.
(Please contact us for further details)
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rates and other currencies.)
Included
- Return transfer form Reykjavik Airport to your hotel.
- One night hotel accommodation in Reykyjavik.
- Return helicopter shuttle from Kulusuk-Ammassalik.
- Six days heli skiing including thirteen hours helicopter time (per group of 8)
- Seven nights hotel accommodation in Greenland.
- All meals in Greenland
- Service of professional mountain guide/s
- Avalanche transceiver
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Additional helicopter hrs
- Additional hotel nights
- Insurance (specifically for heli skiing)
- Skis
Optional hotel room upgrade in Greenland: €50 / night
Itinerary
| Friday | Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland. Overnight in Reykjavik. |
| Saturday | 12:15 Air Iceland flight to Greenland. Ten minute helicopter transfer to your hotel. Skiing MIGHT be possible this afternoon/evening if conditions permit. |
| Sunday to Friday | Six possible days of heli skiing |
| Saturday | Helicopter transfer to the airport. One night in Reykjavik. |
| Sunday | International flight. |
Final Word:
Greenland is an amazing place to heliski, unlike anywhere in the world. However, it cannot be over-stated that this is expedition-style heli skiing in a seriously remote and uncontrolled environment and there are more uncontrollable variables to take into account than you would find at established heliski bases.
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