— By Nicole McCray —
For families, a ski trip often means hot cocoa, a cozy lodge at a nice resort or in the Alps, and some lift tickets. But, for a growing number of those seeking adventure in more deep and remote regions, with inspiring sites and limited travelers, Greenland can provide an other-worldly ski experience you won’t find elsewhere.
Consider the exchange from chairlifts to a helicopter drop-off on glaciers that haven’t been touched, soaring on your skis past ancient fjords and sharing in the experience with fellow travelers watching icebergs drift on by. This was the amazing journey we embarked on, a family ski expedition to Greenland, where ice meets sky and the land seems undiscovered.
Getting There is Part of the Journey
Reaching Greenland isn’t as easy as getting on a shuttle from the airport and driving to your destination. Our trip began with a flight into Reykjavík, Iceland, where we spent the first night adjusting to a new time zone and stocking up on any last-minute gear we thought we’d need.
From there, we got on a smaller plane that took us across the Denmark Strait to Kulusuk, a very remote village where those handling our baggage were also local guides. As a family of four — two parents, a 14-year-old snowboarder, and an 11-year-old sledding pro — we’ve had our share of family ski adventures. But nothing could prepare us for the hushed stillness of Greenland’s landscape; it feels suspended in time.
Tasiilaq and the Heart of East Greenland
Tasiilaq served as our jumping-off point for backcountry ski touring. We were based in this colorful town of just over 2,000 residents between the mountains and sea. From Kulusuk, it was a 10-minute helicopter ride — which was the only transportation between the two villages in the spring, as the sea ice is too thin for sleds and too thick for boats. Our kids were thrilled, and my youngest said it was “like riding in a video game!”
We stayed in a lodge run by local outfitters who offered warm meals and knowledgeable guides, and even provided gear rentals. There were other families there, too — some with older teens and some traveling solo.
An aerial view of Greenland / Photo by Chris Murray on Unsplash
Ski Touring Adventures in the Wild
Each morning we got suited up for heli-skiing, an adrenaline pumping activity that, believe it or not, is very family-friendly with the right planning and guides. Our operators were sure to take safety seriously, with avalanche transceivers, safety briefings, and weathering monitoring as recurring parts of the daily routine. Once the helicopter lifted and dropped us on the remote peaks with panoramic vides of the Arctic, it was like being in another world.
Skiing in Greenland isn’t about speed; it’s all about the connection to nature. The powdery dry snow there is the kind that serious skiers dream about! Each hill down took us through valleys that had been carved by glaciers and around the rocky outgroups glowing in the low Arctic sun. The coolest part was there were no trails and no signs — just pure, untracked wilderness around us.
The kids were up for the challenge and handled it better than expected. Our guides tailored our routes based on experience levels, offering more gentle slopes on some days and then some of the more ambitious summits on others. Our youngest had an awesome moment of accomplishment when she completed a full descent without falling, which was later met with cheers and hot chocolate back at base.
Tips for Family Travelers
Greenland is more accessible than you may think, especially with the growing interest in Arctic tourism. We met many other travelers who arrived via yacht charters going to Greenland, combining ocean exploration with alpine adventure. For families who desire a much slower pace and want to see the whales and icebergs up close, it’s a worthy option to explore.
Some tips that can help you when planning your expedition include:
- Booking early: Heli skiing and lodges have limited availability. To ensure you get in, you should book at least six months in advance.
- Kids ages: Children over the age of 10 with good skiing ability can usually handle guided backcountry tours, but you should always check with your outfitter first.
- Packing layers: The weather in the Arctic can change quickly, so it’s good to have layers and insulated boots to keep you warm and dry.
- Embrace the slow: On these adventures, especially with kids, it’s most beneficial to avoid over-planning with too many excursions. Allow ample time for village walks, snowball fights, or just taking in the beautiful scenery around you.
A village in Northern Greenland / Photo by Ivaya Valcheva on Unsplash
Community and Culture
One of the amazing aspects of our trip was taking in the vibrant Inuit culture. During our rest day, we visited the local museum housed in a converted church and learned about traditional dog sledding, the myths of Greenland, and seal hunting. Pavia was the name of our guide, and the childhood stories he shared gave us an amazing perspective on this fascinating land.
The slower pace of life here is one for families to appreciate. Children sled down hills outside of colorful homes, and there are many community gatherings. One evening, we were invited to attend one of these gatherings. Complete with traditional drumming and dancing, it offered a greater sense of gratitude for the human connections you can make while traveling.
A Place That Stays With You
Greenland is a place that stays with you long after you’ve visited. It offers such vast space to reflect and reconnect with your family, so we returned from our trip with more than just some amazing photos and memories. We had an appreciation for nature, the resilience of the communities and all of those quiet moments together.
Greenland can be your next great adventure if your family loves to travel and seeks a genuine experience. When you ski where ice meets the sky, you’ll find contentment inside as well as out.
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About the Author: Nicole McCray is an enthusiastic traveler and a curious explorer of the world around her. With a keen eye for detail and a warm approach, she embraces new experiences and connects with people from all walks of life. Beyond her adventures, she’s also dedicated to pursuits that bring her joy and allow her to make a positive impact. For more from Nicole, visit her website.
