Gunnbjorns Fjeld, Greenland
May 2011
Gunnbjorns Fjeld, at 3,693 meters (12,139') is the highest mountain in the Arctic. North of the Arctic circle and situated in the Watkins Mountain range of eastern Greenland, this region is considered as one of the most remote mountainous areas on the planet.

Join our small team of adventurers lead by as we journey to the Arctic for this unforgettable mountaineering expedition to Gunnbjorns Fjeld in May of 2011!

Cost:
Please call for full details on Gunnbjorns Fjeld Expedition costs
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Included in the cost of the Gunnbjorns Fjeld trip:

• All guiding services and organization with Canadian Guides
• All return air and ground transportation from Reykjavik, Iceland, to Greenland
• All food while on the mountain
• All expedition fees and permits
• Technical climbing and safety equipment as required
• Tents and camp supplies
• Base camp tents and meals
• Use of satellite phone (excluding airtime charges)
• Two nights lodging in Reykjavik

Participants are responsible for:

• Transportation to and from Reykjavik, Iceland
• All transfer and travel costs in Reykjavik
• All meals while in Reykjavik
• Personal clothing and equipment (see equipment list)
• Medical and rescue insurance
• Visa’s and proper travel documents for travel to Iceland
• Miscellaneous personal costs on and off the mountain
• Tips and gratuities
• Any costs incurred by travel delays, lost or delayed baggage, or for any other reason

Prerequisites
Though non-technical, the climb of Gunnbjorns Fjeld requires a good degree of fitness. The terrain is primarily on snow and glaciers.

Anyone attempting this peak should be in good to excellent physical shape. You will spend much time at altitudes above 3,000 meters and will need to be as fit as possible to help with your performance.

While previous climbing experience or glacier travel is not required, previous backpacking and wilderness camping is.

Group sizes on this expedition are kept small to increase the enjoyment of all members of the team, and to improve the chance of success for all. There will be a maximum of 6 people on this Expedition.

Itinerary
Day 1 - meeting in Reykjavik, Iceland
You will meet up with your Guide and the team at this point, and depending on the time of your arrival, this day can be spent relaxing in Reykjavik and enjoying the sites of this Icelandic city.

You will have time to review your gear and make final preparations here as well.

Day 2
Fly to Greenland and transfer for a short flight by Twin Otter aircraft to the Watkins Range Mountains. At this point Base camp will be established.

Day 3 - 9
These days are spent climbing Gunnbjorns Fjeld and surrounding peaks in the area. Many of the objectives and daily schedule will be based on current weather and snow conditions. This length of time includes extra days in case of weather or other logistical delays.

Day 10
Return to Base Camp and prepare to leave.

Day 11
Packing up Base Camp and flying back to either Isafjordur in northwest Iceland; Constable Point in Greenland; or Akureyri in NW Iceland. The actual route chosen will depend on many variables such as weather and air traffic considerations.

Day 12
You will spend this day flying from East Greenland/NW Iceland back to Reykjavik. There are a few different options that are based on weather conditions, so the full day is reserved for this flight.

Day 13
This day is spent as sightseeing day around Reykjavik, yet is also used as an "extra" day in case of any weather delays on the return form Base Camp to Reykjavik.

Days 14
Depart Reykjavik

For more complete details, please contact the Canada West Mountain School office directly.

This itinerary is of course dependent on many different factors, including weather, conditions on the mountain and other factors beyond the control of the guides or of the team. Please remember that this is only a guideline, the actual schedule on the mountain may vary, including camp locations and timing.

To download a printer friendly .pdf equipment list, please click on this Gunnbjorns Fjeld gear list link. You will need Acrobat reader to download this file.

We will supply all other technical equipment that is required

* For ski-based trips add standard ski touring equipment (Telemark or Alpine)

When organizing your equipment, remember that the conditions on Gunnbjorns Fjeld may vary from +30 to -30 degrees Celsius, with possible extreme high winds and snowfall. The climbing and camping on Gunnbjorns Fjeld is almost exclusively on snow and glaciers. Outer clothing should be capable of venting, and you should be able to get in and out of it easily. Inner layers should be able to dry easily and retain warmth when wet (no cotton on the mountain). Take into account your own personal "warmth rating". If you know that your hands don't warm up easily, or your feet are always cold, keep that in mind!

As well as the above gear and clothing, be prepared for a few days based out towns and lodges (Reykjavik, Constable Point, etc.)

Please contact the Canada West Mountain School office at info@themountainschool.com or by phone at 604 878-7007 for complete equipment requirements and details