Solo competitor in the Arctic Circle Race in Sisimiut - West Greenland

Skiing

Skiing is huge in Greenland, with a ski club and graded tracks in the vicinity of most towns. Many people head out after work or on weekends to enjoy the silence, and it is not uncommon to see small kids and national ski champions along the same route.

Cross-country skiing

Sisimiut is renowned for its excellent cross-country skiing, with an extensive, world-class track network graded every year. It is also home to the Arctic Circle Race – a 160km, 3-day cross-country ski race that most consider to be the toughest in the world.

It is also possible to ski graded tracks in Maniitsoq, but the hilly terrain makes it more challenging, especially for beginners.

For cross-country skiers looking for an extended adventure, it is possible to ski between Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq along the famous Arctic Circle Trail. Experienced and well-prepared back-country skiers can ski the trail independently pulling pulks, or you can arrange a less strenuous trip that is supported by either snowmobile or dogsled.

Novice cross-country skiiers heading out in Sisimiut, West Greenland

Skiiers along the Arctic Circle Trail pulling a pulk - West Greenland

Two Arctic Circle Race competitors ascending a hill near Sisimiut - West Greenland

Ski tourers heading up a slope with one of the many fjords near Maniitsoq in the background - Greenland

Ski Touring

The area from Maniitsoq to north of Sisimiut is the largest ice-free region in Greenland. It is also home to the highest mountains on the west coast making it a paradise for heliskiiers and those wanting to escape the graded trails.

Mountains that drop 2000m from summit to fjord. Pristine, virgin snow. Breathtaking landscapes where you are guaranteed to not see another soul. This wild and untouched region is for those who truly seek the greatest of skiing adventures.

Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding

Although cross-country skiing is the most popular form of the sport in Greenland, Sisimiut and Maniitsoq both have small alpine ski centres.

Sisimiut has a mini piste in town opposite the Taseralik Culture Centre (rope tow), while the main downhill area is outside of town at Solbakken. This area offers 120m of downhill skiing, a T-bar lift, and a cafeteria at its base.

In Maniitsoq, most downhill skiing is off-piste, though there is a small lift to assist.