Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-largest town with a population of about 5,600, sits just north of the Arctic Circle on the coast of Davis Strait. While the town is known for its fishing industry and dogsledding, it also offers some of the most accessible backcountry skiing in Greenland. The combination of reliable snow cover from November to May, varied terrain from gentle plateaus to steep couloirs, and a network of huts and marked trails makes Sisimiut a prime destination for ski touring. This article covers the main areas: the groomed trails at Apussuit, the classic Kangerluarsuk Tulleq valley, the remote fjord tours, and how to plan a trip.

Apussuit: the heart of Sisimiut’s ski scene

Apussuit, meaning “snow” in Kalaallisut, is a ski area located about 7 km southeast of Sisimiut town centre. It is a small but well-maintained facility with a single T-bar lift serving two main runs: a 600-metre beginner slope and a 1,200-metre intermediate run with a vertical drop of 200 metres. The lift operates on weekends and holidays from late December to early April, weather permitting. A day lift pass costs 150 DKK (approx. 20 EUR) and can be purchased at the small on-site kiosk, which also rents basic alpine equipment (skis, boots, poles) for 200 DKK per day.

Beyond the groomed slopes, Apussuit is the gateway to extensive backcountry terrain. The area sits on a plateau at 300–400 metres elevation, with rolling hills and wide bowls that are perfect for ski touring. The most popular tour is the ascent of Pamiagdlak (also spelled Pamiagdlak), a 600-metre peak that offers panoramic views of the fjord and the ice cap. The round trip from the lift top takes about 3–4 hours, with moderate slopes up to 25 degrees. For more advanced skiers, the north-facing couloirs of Qaqqaq (the local name for a nearby peak) provide steep chutes up to 40 degrees, but these require stable snow conditions and avalanche awareness.

Gear and safety

Backcountry skiing around Sisimiut requires standard ski touring equipment: alpine touring (AT) skis or splitboard, climbing skins, ski crampons, and avalanche safety gear (transceiver, probe, shovel). The snowpack is generally maritime, with a base depth of 1–2 metres by February, but rapid temperature changes and wind can create hard crusts or wind slabs. The local avalanche bulletin is issued by the Greenland Avalanche Center (available online) and should be checked before any off-piste tour. For guided tours, contact Sisimiut Adventure (phone +299 86 48 00) or Greenland Travel, which offer day trips from 1,200 DKK per person including equipment and lunch.

Kangerluarsuk Tulleq: the classic valley tour

Kangerluarsuk Tulleq is a long fjord arm that extends southeast from Sisimiut, with a valley of the same name that leads toward the ice cap. This is a classic multi-day ski tour, often done as a 3–4 day hut-to-hut trip. The route follows the Arctic Circle Trail (ACT) for the first section, which is marked with cairns and red paint. From the ACT trailhead at Kangerluarsuk Tulleq (accessible by snowmobile from Sisimiut for 500 DKK per person one-way), you ski up the valley to the Kangerluarsuk Tulleq Hut (also called the “ACT hut”), a basic shelter with 12 bunks, a wood stove, and no running water. The hut is free to use but requires a booking via the ACT website.

From the hut, advanced skiers can ascend the surrounding peaks, such as Mount Nasaasaaq (800 m), which offers a 600-metre vertical descent on moderate slopes. The tour can be extended to the ice cap edge, about 15 km further south, where you can ski on the glacier margin with a guide. This area is remote; the nearest settlement is the abandoned village of Kangerluarsuk, which has a few ruined buildings but no services. A GPS and satellite communication device (e.g., InReach) are essential.

Logistics for the valley tour

  • Access: Snowmobile transfer from Sisimiut to the trailhead costs 500–800 DKK per person depending on group size. Book through Sisimiut Taxi & Snowmobile (phone +299 86 50 50).
  • Accommodation: The Kangerluarsuk Tulleq Hut has bunks but no mattresses; bring a sleeping pad and bag. Other huts along the ACT (like Innajuattoq and Eqalugaarniarfik) are also options for longer tours, but they are spaced 15–20 km apart.
  • Food and fuel: No resupply points; carry all food and cooking fuel (white gas or alcohol). The hut has a wood stove but wood is scarce; bring a stove for cooking.
  • Season: Best from February to April when snow cover is deepest and days are longer (8–12 hours of daylight by March).

Fjord tours: Tasersuaq and the southern valleys

For skiers seeking longer wilderness tours, the area south of Sisimiut offers vast plateaus and valleys that lead to the ice cap. Tasersuaq is a large lake (about 10 km long) located 25 km south of town. The lake freezes solid by January and is used as a ski route to access the Kangerlussuaq region. A popular 5-day tour goes from Sisimiut to Kangerlussuaq (the settlement, not the airport), skiing across the lake and then up the Qorlortorsuaq valley. This tour requires a guide due to crevassed glacier sections near the ice cap. Several outfitters offer this trip, including Arctic Adventure Greenland, with prices around 10,000 DKK per person for a fully guided 5-day package including food, tent, and safety gear.

Another option is the Ukiivik valley, which runs parallel to the ACT but further east. This valley has fewer huts and requires camping. The terrain is rolling tundra with occasional rocky outcrops, suitable for intermediate skiers. The highlight is Mount Neriunaq (900 m), a pyramid-shaped peak that can be skied from the south side. The descent is a 700-metre slope on 25–30 degree snowfields. Approach from the east via a 2-day ski from the ACT hut at Innajuattoq.

Guided vs. self-guided

Self-guided skiing is possible for experienced parties, but the lack of marked routes, the potential for whiteout conditions, and the presence of crevasses near the ice cap make a guide strongly recommended for first-time visitors. Guided day tours from Sisimiut start at 1,200 DKK per person, while multi-day tours range from 3,000 to 10,000 DKK depending on duration and services. The guide association Greenland Guide maintains a list of certified guides in the Sisimiut area.

Practical planning: getting to Sisimiut and around

Most visitors arrive via Air Greenland flights from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, then a short 45-minute flight to Sisimiut (see our guide on Air Greenland routes). Alternatively, the Sarfaq Ittuk coastal ferry connects Sisimiut with Ilulissat, Aasiaat, and Nuuk during the summer months (May–September), but for winter skiing, flights are the only option. For detailed travel planning, read How to get to Sisimiut.

Once in Sisimiut, accommodation is available at Hotel Sisimiut (from 1,200 DKK/night for a double room) and the Seaside Hostel (from 400 DKK/night for a dorm bed). For ski gear rental, Sisimiut Sport on Aqqusinersuaq street rents touring skis and boots for 300 DKK/day, and avalanche safety kits for 150 DKK/day. They also sell maps (1:100,000 scale) of the Sisimiut region for 200 DKK.

Safety and environmental considerations

Backcountry skiing in Greenland involves risks: avalanches, crevasses, rapid weather changes, and extreme cold (temperatures can drop to -30°C in February). Always carry a first-aid kit, extra clothing, and a bivvy sack. The emergency number in Greenland is 112, but cell coverage is limited to town and the Apussuit area; satellite phone or InReach is essential for remote tours.

Respect the environment: pack out all waste, avoid disturbing wildlife (reindeer, Arctic foxes, and ptarmigan), and do not build fires outside designated huts. The Arctic ecosystem is fragile, and ski tours should follow Leave No Trace principles.

Conclusion

Sisimiut offers a unique blend of accessible resort skiing and vast backcountry terrain. Whether you are a beginner looking to try ski touring on the Apussuit plateau or an expert seeking multi-day fjord tours, the region delivers. With proper planning, gear, and respect for the environment, a backcountry skiing trip to Sisimiut can be a highlight of any Arctic adventure. For a comprehensive overview of the town and its attractions, see The Complete Guide to Sisimiut, Greenland 2026.

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