From the Shoreline to the Ice Cap: Entering the Expedition

For several days, our camp remained established at the foot of the glacier in northern Greenland. A silent, mineral landscape where time itself seemed suspended, marked only by field observations, route reconnaissance, and ongoing preparations.

While waiting for the final administrative clearances required to continue our progression onto the Ice Cap, we used this time to assess the access routes on a daily basis. Conditions here evolve rapidly. The sun has been unusually strong for the season, quickly transforming the surface: melting snow, softening layers, weakened zones… a route that is passable in the morning can become challenging only a few hours later.

We also explored the surrounding area on snowshoes, including a ridge overlooking both the glacier and our camp, offering a striking view of the vast white expanse awaiting us farther inland. Downstream, another reconnaissance mission allowed us to identify a potential route toward the adjacent fjord.

The scientific component of the expedition also began during these first days. The recording unit provided by the Italian CNR is now fully operational and measures airborne particles daily throughout the expedition.

Then, on Thursday evening, we finally received the green light allowing us to continue our journey.

Shortly afterward, we left the shoreline behind and began our ascent toward the Ice Cap and our second base camp.

Nearly 135 kilometers of snowmobile travel awaited us, with all expedition equipment loaded onto the sleds. A long and demanding traverse, climbing from the coastal areas at around 400 meters elevation to the heart of the ice sheet at more than 2100 meters above sea level.

During this crossing, we also used the GPR to detect potential crevasses along our route. None were identified, confirming a safe corridor all the way to the depot.

The journey was physical, slow, and at times exhausting. For most of us, this traverse took place after nearly 24 hours without sleep. We finally reached our advanced camp on Friday morning around 5:30 a.m., exhausted but now fully committed to the Ice Cap.

The following day proved especially difficult.

But in this kind of expedition, rest often becomes secondary to logistical priorities. We immediately began excavating the depot installed here in 2025. After several hours digging through dense, compact snow, we finally recovered the equipment, buried beneath approximately 1.60 meters of snow accumulated over the winter.

Once the depot had been uncovered, a new phase could begin: assembling the Windsleds.

Since Saturday, we have been assembling the structures piece by piece in the cold and the wind. Three Windsleds must be fully assembled before departure. It is a long and meticulous operation, essential before committing to several weeks of autonomy on the ice sheet.

If weather conditions remain stable, we hope to leave camp on Monday evening in order to take advantage of favorable westerly winds and begin our crossing toward Greenland’s east coast.

The real journey begins now. ❄️🧭