Greenland is like the Alaska Ruth Glacier multiplied by 200! Willie Prittie
Greenland, the world's largest island, is perhaps one of the least explored areas in the world. It is predominantly an ice cap with a rugged mountain chain which runs north to south up the East Coast. Mount Gunnbjornsfjeld (12,168 ft), the highest mountain in Greenland, is located on the central part of the East Coast approximately 30 miles inland from the sea. We will attempt a summit of Mt. Gunnbjornsfjeld as well as one or two other ascents in the area.
Our ascent of Gunnbjornsfjeld will take approximately 4 to 5 days. Travel on the glacier will be on mountaineering skies and the transport of our gear will be accomplished with sleds and backpacks. All routes will be climbed in alpine style, moving our camps each day as we ascend. The climbing is moderate with some steeper sections of 40° to 45°. Basic mountaineering and cold weather skills are required. We will be living on glaciers the entire time we are in Greenland. Temperatures will range from -10° to +30° F.
For those wishing to participate, we require some prior mountaineering experience including knowledge of the ice axe and moving on snow. During the course, we will spend some time on skills review including: glacier travel, route finding, rope technique, safe travel, snow climbing and advanced ice axe techniques. Here is a chance to truly develop your alpine mountaineering skills.
After climbing Gunnbjornsfjeld we will use aerial photos and information gathered from previous expeditions to explore the surrounding glacier valleys. Our goal is to find new mountaineering objectives which fit our climbing skills. Many of these peaks have never been climbed and we hope to summit two or more of them.
PREREQUISITES
Climbing Skill Level
Our 6-day mountaineering course or the equivalent is required as are basic skiing skills.
Physical Conditioning
In the best interest of personal safety, success and team compatibility, adequate training and excellent physical condition are required. Prior experience carrying a heavy pack for multiple days serves as excellent preparation for this climb; a basic mountaineering course and skiing skills are required. Climbers must be able to carry an average of 20lbs or more and be physically and mentally prepared to deal with strenuous situations at high altitudes. Climbers need to be in excellent physical condition for both personal enjoyment and to be an integral team member. We encourage you to contact us so that we may assist you in developing a training program that meets your particular needs.
Comprehensive training information can be found here.
Private Groups
We regularly organize private climbs for corporate groups, families and friends. We encourage you to book these climbs early as we are often able to cater these climbs to group-specific desires. Please contact our office to further discuss the benefits of private climbs.
