Crossing Greenland with kites:
Full on speed and action.
The use of kites adds a totally new dimension to this classic tour.
The crossing of the Greenland ice sheet is one of the absolute classics among polar expeditions. With the power of kites, the duration of the crossing is roughly halved. Whenever possible, wind power is harnessed to traverse the ice. In this way, you virtually fly from coast to coast across the world's largest island. In bad weather or calm conditions, we travel on skis - the classic approach.
Highlights
Crossing the largest expanse of ice in the world outside Antarctica
Powering across the island using kites if the wind conditions are favorable
Visiting the abandoned DYE2 station after about 120 kilometers
Visiting the small village of Isortoq, where only a few hunters and their families still live
Helicopter flight along the spectacular coast of East Greenland
Expedition Essentials
Date: 1 May - 5 June 2026
Trip duration: 36 days, of which 18-30 on the ice
Requirements: This expedition involves skiing, pulling sledges, and camping in a tent. It requires physical fitness, good health, team spirit and prior expedition experience. On the west-to-east crossing, we will use our kites as soon as the wind conditions allow. However, this won’t always be the case. We are fully prepared to continue on foot when necessary. This can sometimes be mentally challenging, especially if you’re eager to kite, but that’s the nature of an expedition - taking it day by day.
Equipment: Ulrich Expeditions will provide you with most of the expedition equipment. Thomas Ulrich has perfected many parts of the equipment himself. As an expedition participant, you will be equipped by Ulrich Expeditions in the same way as the very top polar exploreres are today. You only need to bring a few items of equipment yourself. Ulrich Expeditions will provide you with a detailed equipment list.
Prices (target price per person)
Max 3 participants: CHF 29,500
Included in the price: The above sum includes flights, hotel accommodation and meals in accordance with the travel program.
Not included: Kite, skis and boots for kiting. Kite training in Switzerland. Personal equipment (according to the equipment list). Personal health, accident and evacuation insurance for the polar region. Cancellation insurance. Additional costs due to postponements and/or delays due to external circumstances (e.g. weather or flight delays). Additional, voluntary activities.
Expedition Details
Starting Point. The starting point of the tour is the easily accessible town of Kangerlussuaq on the west coast of Greenland. There, we make our final preparations before traveling approximately 30 kilometers by special transport along a gravel road to the edge of the ice sheet. Along the way, we pass several lakes and an airplane wreck, gradually gaining a panoramic view of Greenland's immense ice front. At the famous Point 660, we begin our journey across the ice.
In 18 to 30 days by kite and on foot. We begin with a strenuous uphill hike over the glacier, taking several days to reach the ice plateau, where nothing but ice stretches to the horizon. Our goal is Isortoq on the east coast, approximately 560 kilometers away, though our progress depends heavily on the weather. In May, temperatures on the ice can drop to -35° Celsius, yet warmer temperatures during the day are also possible. Whenever the wind is favorable, we use our kites to cover significant distances - sometimes up to 100 kilometers in a single day.
Physical demands. On average, the group walks 8 to 11 hours per day, with short breaks in between. Each person pulls a sledge carrying their luggage along with some of the group's equipment. Around day 11, we reach the abandoned American early warning station DYE 2, which is slowly sinking into the ice - one of the most fascinating 'lost places' in the world. The journey concludes in the small village of Isortoq, located on a rocky island, where the final kilometers may be traversed over fjord ice.
“Kites are pure fun! Once you've mastered the handling, you’ll feel like you are gliding effortlessly over the surface.”
“Think of the ice as a vast runway - wide open, with no one to get in your way.”
See our other guided expeditions
Arctic
Antarctic