Sail deep into the heart of the Arctic mountain fjords, exploring rugged peaks and untouched ski lines
Greenland is the largest island in the world that is not a continent with the majority of the island located above the Arctic Circle. The ski touring in West Greenland is considered to be one of the last frontiers of ski touring. It is a difficult place to reach, but the solitude and remote pristine mountains make it well worth the effort. Along its rugged west coast lies Maniitsoq, a small town of about 2,500 residents—our gateway to one of the most spectacular ski touring regions on Earth.
Ski Touring in West Greenland
Overview
Packages
Join us for an unforgettable 8-day ski and sail expedition along the remote and dramatic West Coast of Greenland. Starting in the coastal town of Maniitsoq, you’ll board the M/V Balto— A 12-passenger expedition ship offers a cozy and intimate setting, ensuring personalized attention and exceptional comfort throughout your journey. Cruising through glacier-carved fjords and past towering peaks, you’ll discover pristine ski touring and mountaineering terrain ranging from steep couloirs to gentle beach-to-summit slopes. Each day brings new adventures as we ascend summits between 1000 to 1600 meters, skiing down to the sea and returning each evening to the warm comforts of the ship. With terrain suited to a wide range of abilities and expert guides selecting routes based on daily conditions, this Arctic adventure promises both challenge and awe-inspiring beauty for every kind of skier.
The Mountains and Terrain
North of Maniitsoq stretches the Eternity Fjord, the second-largest fjord system in the world. This dramatic, glaciated landscape features steep couloirs, alpine ridgelines, and island traverses—offering skiing opportunities that range from summit-to-sea descents to untouched powder fields. Elevations rise from sea level to 1,600 meters, with terrain suited to a wide variety of skier abilities.
These remote ski zones are accessible only by boat, keeping the landscape pristine and the experience truly adventurous. Each day, we travel by sea to reach new objectives, discovering untouched terrain and breathtaking vistas.
The Best Time to Ski
Spring is the prime season for ski touring in Greenland. Long daylight hours, mild weather, and a typically stable snowpack make for ideal conditions. While the snow can range from powder to spring corn, the variety of aspects and terrain nearly always ensures great skiing.
With a 1:6 guide-to-guest ratio and two professional guides onboard, groups can split to pursue different objectives, whether seeking steeper lines, scenic traverses, or mellow glacier tours.
Program Details
Location
Maniitsoq, West Greenland
Terrain
Alpine, Glaciers, Couloirs
Season
April -May
Airport
Nuuk, West Greenland
Starting Rate Per Guest
EURO 7,500
MV Balto
The Expedition Ship M/S Balto
Named after the legendary sled dog who led the 1925 Nome serum run, M/S Balto is a distinguished small polar expedition yacht. Built in Rauma, Finland to the highest ice-class standards, she originally served as a government vessel in the Baltic Sea before undergoing a complete refurbishment between 2019 and 2022. Today, she is one of the most spacious and refined small expedition ships in service.
M/S Balto accommodates just 12 guests in seven outside cabins, each with private facilities and lower beds. The cabin options include:
-
Owner’s Cabin (30 m²) with six windows, a queen bed, and a private seating area
-
Superior Cabin with twin beds and a seating area
-
Three Double Cabins, each with a queen bed
-
Two Single Cabins
All cabins feature a desk, chair, and wardrobe for storage.
Guests can enjoy a sauna with a cold shower on the guest deck, while the richly appointed saloon and dining messroom offer an inviting atmosphere with crotch-mahogany paneling, a library, a bar, and self-service tea and coffee stations. Several open and semi-enclosed deck areas provide perfect vantage points to take in the spectacular Arctic scenery. The ship’s international crew offers warm hospitality, and the bridge is open to visitors.
Equipped with two Zodiacs, M/S Balto allows for close exploration of wilderness coastlines, settlements, and remote natural landscapes. With only 12 passengers onboard, each voyage delivers a more intimate, flexible, and immersive experience than larger expedition vessels can offer, along with a smaller environmental footprint.
Purpose-built for exploration, M/S Balto can access remote fjord systems, Inuit settlements, and secluded anchorages, ensuring that every guest experiences the very best of Greenland’s pristine wilderness.
Amenities
-
1 × Owner’s Cabin – 30 m² with six windows, a queen bed, and a private seating area
-
1 × Superior Cabin – twin beds and a private seating area
-
3 × Double Cabins – each with a queen bed
-
2 × Single Cabins – ideal for solo travelers
-
Sauna – with cold shower for relaxation after excursions
The Expedition Ship M/S Balto
Named after the legendary sled dog who led the 1925 Nome serum run, M/S Balto is a distinguished small polar expedition yacht. Built in Rauma, Finland to the highest ice-class standards, she originally served as a government vessel in the Baltic Sea before undergoing a complete refurbishment between 2019 and 2022. Today, she is one of the most spacious and refined small expedition ships in service.
M/S Balto accommodates just 12 guests in seven outside cabins, each with private facilities and lower beds. The cabin options include:
-
Owner’s Cabin (30 m²) with six windows, a queen bed, and a private seating area
-
Superior Cabin with twin beds and a seating area
-
Three Double Cabins, each with a queen bed
-
Two Single Cabins
All cabins feature a desk, chair, and wardrobe for storage.
Guests can enjoy a sauna with a cold shower on the guest deck, while the richly appointed saloon and dining messroom offer an inviting atmosphere with crotch-mahogany paneling, a library, a bar, and self-service tea and coffee stations. Several open and semi-enclosed deck areas provide perfect vantage points to take in the spectacular Arctic scenery. The ship’s international crew offers warm hospitality, and the bridge is open to visitors.
Equipped with two Zodiacs, M/S Balto allows for close exploration of wilderness coastlines, settlements, and remote natural landscapes. With only 12 passengers onboard, each voyage delivers a more intimate, flexible, and immersive experience than larger expedition vessels can offer, along with a smaller environmental footprint.
Purpose-built for exploration, M/S Balto can access remote fjord systems, Inuit settlements, and secluded anchorages, ensuring that every guest experiences the very best of Greenland’s pristine wilderness.
Amenities
-
1 × Owner’s Cabin – 30 m² with six windows, a queen bed, and a private seating area
-
1 × Superior Cabin – twin beds and a private seating area
-
3 × Double Cabins – each with a queen bed
-
2 × Single Cabins – ideal for solo travelers
-
Sauna – with cold shower for relaxation after excursions
Small Groups, Big Experiences
Powder Guides is a unique team of professional ski guides who leverage their vast experience and expertise to lead clients on unparalleled backcountry skiing adventures across the globe.