An expedition on Greenland's Ice Sheet offers a unique adventure in an extreme and captivating environment. Explorers typically navigate the ice using crampons and sleds, setting up temporary camps secured with ice pegs. Greenland's accessibility is significantly improving due to substantial investments in aviation infrastructure.
The inauguration of Nuuk's international airport on November 28, 2024, marks a new era for travel to the island. This development is complemented by planned airport upgrades in Ilulissat and Qaqortoq by 2026, part of a $700 million investment aimed at enhancing regional connectivity. Direct flights, such as United Airlines' service from New York/Newark to Nuuk commencing in summer 2025 and new routes from Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), are making Greenland a more attainable destination for international visitors.
Concurrently, new regulations effective January 1, 2025, mandate updated insurance requirements for Ice Sheet expeditions. Groups must now hold a $139,000 Search and Rescue policy, with per-person evacuation coverage ranging from $39,000 to $83,000, depending on the expedition's location. These measures, including direct reimbursement to the Danish or Greenlandic government, have led some insurers to withdraw coverage, prompting adventurers to seek alternatives like Groupama. The cost of these policies may range from $4,300 to $6,500 per person, potentially posing a barrier for independent explorers.
The Greenland Ice Sheet itself is under intense scientific scrutiny due to accelerating climate change. Researchers are concerned about the ice sheet approaching a critical "tipping point," beyond which accelerated melting could become irreversible. Studies suggest that even a slight increase in global temperatures could initiate a collapse, leading to significant sea-level rise. The ice sheet has been losing mass at an escalating rate, highlighting the critical need for sustainable tourism practices and respect for the fragile Arctic ecosystem.
Kangerlussuaq serves as a key gateway for overnight camping expeditions, typically involving a drive to Point 660 followed by a trek onto the ice sheet. Participants are equipped with essential gear for self-reliance and immersion in the stark beauty of the ice. The environment remains intensely cold, with late September 2025 forecasts for Kangerlussuaq indicating daytime temperatures around 6-7°C and nighttime temperatures near freezing, with possibilities of rain and snow. Visitors must be prepared with warm, layered clothing.
As Greenland's tourism sector expands, there is a focus on balancing economic development with environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. The nation is committed to sustainable tourism, aiming to manage visitor growth responsibly and safeguard Greenland's unique character for future generations.