When the snow settles over Greenland's second-largest town, Sisimiut transforms into a winter playground that few travelers have discovered. With a population of around 5,500, Sisimiut sits 75 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, making it one of the best places in Greenland to experience authentic winter activities. Here, dogsledding isn't just a tourist attraction—it's a living tradition. The northern lights dance overhead from September to April. And the skiing? It rivals anything in Scandinavia, yet remains almost unknown outside Greenland.

This article covers everything you need to know for a winter trip to Sisimiut: dogsledding with local mushers, chasing the aurora borealis, and hitting slopes and backcountry routes that will leave you breathless. For a broader overview of the town year-round, see The Complete Guide to Sisimiut, Greenland 2026.

Dogsledding in Sisimiut: A Living Tradition

Dogsledding is deeply rooted in Greenlandic culture, and Sisimiut is one of the best places to experience it. Unlike in South Greenland, where snow conditions are less reliable, Sisimiut's winter lasts from November to May, with a solid snowpack that allows dogsledding from December through April.

Where to Go Dogsledding

Several local operators offer dogsled tours. The most established is Greenland Dogsledding, run by musher Jens Lange. Tours range from a 2-hour introduction (1,200 DKK per person) to multi-day expeditions. Another option is Arctic Travel Company Sisimiut, which offers half-day trips (1,500 DKK) and full-day trips (2,500 DKK) including lunch. Both operators provide warm clothing and safety briefings.

What to Expect

A typical dogsled team consists of 8–12 Greenlandic sled dogs. These dogs are working animals, not pets, and they are eager to run. The musher stands on the back of the sled, steering and braking. You sit in the sled, bundled in reindeer skins. The ride is bumpy and fast, often reaching 15–20 km/h on flat terrain. Tours usually head out onto the frozen fjord or into the hills behind town.

  • Duration: 2 hours to 3 days
  • Price: 1,200–6,000 DKK depending on length
  • Season: December to April (best in March)
  • What to wear: Thermal base layer, fleece, windproof jacket and pants, insulated boots, hat, gloves

For those interested in the cultural significance, visit the Sisimiut Museum which has exhibits on sled dog history and equipment.

Chasing the Northern Lights in Sisimiut

Sisimiut lies directly under the auroral oval, making it one of the best places in Greenland to see the northern lights. The season runs from late September to early April, with peak activity around the equinoxes (March and September). The town's low light pollution—especially once you walk 10 minutes away from the center—provides excellent viewing conditions.

Best Viewing Spots

  • Nalunnguarfik Hill: A 10-minute walk from the town center, this hill offers a panoramic view of the sky and the fjord. It's the most popular spot.
  • Frozen harbor ice: In winter, the harbor freezes solid, providing a flat, dark expanse away from streetlights. Be cautious of thin ice near the edges.
  • Kangerluarsunnguaq (the fjord): Drive or ski 5 km east to the fjord shore for total darkness.

Tips for Photographing the Aurora

Bring a camera with manual controls. A wide-angle lens (14-24mm) with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider) is ideal. Set ISO to 1600–3200, aperture wide open, and shutter speed between 5 and 15 seconds. Use a sturdy tripod. The aurora can appear as a faint green glow or intense curtains, so be patient. Check the Kp-index forecast (available on the Danish Meteorological Institute website) before heading out.

For more on traveling to Sisimiut, including flight and ferry options, see How to Get to Sisimiut 2026: Flights, Ferries & Routing.

The Best Skiing You've Never Heard Of

Sisimiut offers both downhill and cross-country skiing, plus exceptional backcountry terrain. The town's geography—steep hills rising directly from the sea—creates natural ski slopes with vertical drops of up to 500 meters.

Downhill Skiing: Sisimiut Ski Center

The Sisimiut Ski Center is a small alpine facility located on the slopes of Mount Nasaasaaq, just 3 km from town. It has two lifts: a T-bar and a platter lift. There are three groomed runs: an easy beginner slope (300 m), an intermediate slope (600 m), and an advanced slope (800 m) with a maximum gradient of 30 degrees. The vertical drop is 180 meters. It's open weekends and holidays from January to April. A day pass costs 150 DKK for adults, 75 DKK for children. Ski and snowboard rentals are available at the center (skis 200 DKK/day, snowboard 250 DKK/day).

Cross-Country Skiing

Sisimiut has over 30 km of groomed cross-country trails. The main trail starts at the ski center and follows the valley to Tasersuaq Lake. It's a classic track with occasional skating lanes. The terrain is rolling, suitable for intermediate skiers. Equipment rental is available at the ski center and at Sportshuset in town (skis 150 DKK/day, boots 100 DKK/day).

Backcountry Skiing

For advanced skiers, the backcountry skiing around Sisimiut is a dream. The most popular objective is Mount Nasaasaaq (784 m), which offers a 500-meter descent on its south face. The approach is a 2-hour skin from the ski center. The slope is steep (35–40 degrees) and avalanche-prone, so check conditions with the local guide association. Another classic is Mount Quaqqaq (620 m), with a more mellow 300-meter descent. Guided backcountry trips are offered by Greenland Adventure (from 2,000 DKK per person).

For those planning a longer ski tour, the Arctic Circle Trail is a multi-day hut-to-hut route that starts in Sisimiut. While most hike it in summer, it's also skiable in spring (March–May) with proper avalanche safety gear.

Practical Information for Winter Travel

Getting to Sisimiut in Winter

Sisimiut is accessible year-round by air. Air Greenland operates flights from Kangerlussuaq (45 minutes, 2,500 DKK one-way) and Nuuk (1 hour 15 minutes, 3,200 DKK one-way). In winter, the coastal ferry Sarfaq Ittuk does not run north of Sisimiut, but it does connect Sisimiut to Nuuk and points south from January to April. For details, see Air Greenland Routes to Sisimiut, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk and Sarfaq Ittuk Coastal Ferry Sisimiut.

Where to Stay

  • Hotel Sisimiut (3-star, from 1,200 DKK/night): Centrally located with restaurant and bar.
  • Best Western Plus Hotel Sisimiut (3-star, from 1,500 DKK/night): Modern rooms, sauna, and good views.
  • Seaside Apartments (self-catering, from 800 DKK/night): Ideal for families or longer stays.

What to Pack

Winter temperatures in Sisimiut range from -10°C to -25°C, with wind chill making it feel colder. Pack: thermal underwear, fleece or wool midlayer, windproof and insulated jacket and pants, wool hat, balaclava, insulated gloves, thick wool socks, and insulated waterproof boots (e.g., Sorel or Baffin). Also bring a headlamp, sunscreen, and sunglasses—the sun reflects strongly off snow even in winter.

Food and Drink

For meals, try Cafeteria Misigisaq for Greenlandic specialties like musk ox stew (120 DKK) and seal meat. The Hotel Sisimiut Restaurant serves international dishes with local ingredients. For groceries, Pisiffik supermarket has everything you need. For more dining options, see Where to Eat in Sisimiut: Cafeteria Misigisaq and More.

Other Winter Activities

Beyond dogsledding, aurora, and skiing, Sisimiut offers:

  • Snowmobiling: Rentals from Arctic Travel Company (1,500 DKK/hour). Guided tours to the ice cap or frozen lakes.
  • Ice fishing: Through the ice on Tasersuaq Lake. Equipment and guide available from local outfitters.
  • Sauna and ice bathing: The Sisimiut Swimming Pool has a sauna and outdoor hot tub. Brave souls can roll in the snow.
  • Northern lights photography workshop: Offered by Greenland Photo Tours (1,000 DKK per person).

Safety and Responsible Travel

Winter in Greenland demands respect. Always check weather forecasts (use the DMI app). When dogsledding or skiing backcountry, go with a guide unless you are experienced. Avalanche danger is real; take a course if venturing off-piste. Never walk on sea ice without local advice. Respect the sled dogs—they are working animals and can be aggressive if approached incorrectly. Also, be mindful of local customs: ask permission before photographing people, and avoid disturbing wildlife.

For more on the Arctic Circle Trail, including packing and direction, see Arctic Circle Trail Packing List: Ultralight & Comfort and Arctic Circle Trail Direction: East-West vs West-East.

Related Articles

  • The Complete Guide to Sisimiut, Greenland 2026
  • How to Get to Sisimiut 2026: Flights, Ferries & Routing
  • Arctic Circle Trail: Complete Hut-to-Hut Guide 2026
  • Sisimiut Museum: 4,500 Years of Arctic Settlement
  • Where to Eat in Sisimiut: Cafeteria Misigisaq and More