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Dogsledge
Winter

WHAT TO BRING

What to bring - Dogsledge at Disko Island

For all of our trips we have made a detailed pack list based on prior experiences. The list should only be regarded as guidance, it is not a list of what you must bring. As every person has individual requirements, we will only give you an idea of what you might need. However, within the list we have put down some things that you should bring - under "Necessary Equipment".
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Climate

The average day and night temperature on Disko Island and Ilulissat and area in Marts is about -18 Celsius degrees. The nights are generally cold but as the sun gains power during the day, temperatures often rise above this average. Due to the sun and dry air these temperatures feel warmer than they would further south in Europe. Night temperatures can occasionally reach -30 degrees. At this time of year the weather is generally dry and clear giving us a good visibility with good chances for seeing Northen Lights.
Necessary Equipment

Luggage

You are allowed to bring 20 kg + 5 kg hand luggage on the flight. The measures of the hand luggage is 55 x 20 x 40 cm. We recommend that you pack as little as possible. It is most convenient to pack your belongings in a duffle bag or large backpack, since it is easier to handle on the sledges. Please only pack minimum 15 kg - waterproof - for sledging. To make it waterproof, make a lining of a large plastic bag in your bag. It will be possible to leave some of your belongings in Qeqertarsuaq.
Hiking boots

Solid waterproof hiking boots with a rough patterned hard sole and good ankle support is recommended, as the terrain can be very uneven and slippery with no tracks. Be sure your boots are proper worn into shape. It is a good idea to travel with your boots on or to carry them in the hand baggage in case of delayed arrival of your luggage.
Hiking boots are used, when not on the sledges. When on the sledges it is possible to rent sealskin clothing and boots.
Other footwear

Light footwear, e.g. sandals, to change into at the end of the day.
Sun wear

    1 scarf for chilly days
    1 broad-brimmed hat
    Good sun glasses - very important
    High factor sun block and lip balm - not containing water
Recommended Equipment

Hiking wear

    2 pair of thick hiking socks
    2 pair of thin sock liners
    Woollen or moisture wicking underwear
    1 fleece or woollen sweater
    1 thin woollen jersey
    1 rain and wind proof jacket with hood
    1 pair of rain pants
General


    Pants for evenings
    T-shirts
    Shirts
    Socks
    Toiletries
    Underwear
    Writing materials
    Passport, cash, insurance policy and travel documents
    Money belt
    Medicine for personal use incl. sports tape and blister band-aid
    Toilet paper
    Sewing kit
    Camera and charger/extra batteries
    Alcohol gel for washing hands
    Towelettes
For this tour in specific

    1 pair of fleece pants or down pants
    1 warm cap/ full face balaclava
    1 pair of warm gloves
    1 scarf
    Towel (small)
    1 litre steel vacuum flask for sledging per person
    Pocket knife
    Binoculars
    Plastic bags — to protect clothes in the backpack against rain
Specific note of this tour

Seal skin clothes: We strongly recommend that you rent seal skin clothes, as it is almost impossible to keep warm in anything else. The clothing consists of a parka, pants, boots and mittens to a rental price per person of DKK 450 for the Disko Island stay.

Average day on sledges: After breakfast the sledge drivers start putting on the dogs harness and pack the sledges. Gradually as the drivers get reading we will head out. The dogs will find their own pace, as to why the sledges do not necessarily follow the route accurately. We will spend approximately half an hour on our lunch break. The exact time that we spend on our beraks is depending on the weather conditions. Please note, that you are not allowed to touch the dogs without having got permission from the sledge drivers.

Distribution of chores: The tour leader will distribute different practically chores to make the conduction of the trip more efficient.
Where to bye equipment

patagonia.com
rei.com
mountainhardwear.com
thenorthface.com
Health

Bring your own small first aid kit for personal use; if you are under medication be sure to bring enough. The tour leader has an emergency pack should it be required. Your private medical insurance or your national health card will cover professional treatment and the purchase of medicines, if valid in Greenland. For claims arising from delayed luggage or days lost due to illness you will need an additional travel insurance.
Hiking rules

1. Never walk alone
2. Always carry extra warm clothes and rain gear
3. Always follow the planned route
4. In case of doubt — return by the same path back; never try to find a short cut
5. Tell somebody where you are going
6. Always carry enough water
7. If you get lost in the fog, sit down and wait until the weather clears
Tour leader/ sledge drivers

The tour leader and sledge drivers has the overall responsibility for taking a group on a dog sledge tour. Therefore, we hope that you will respect advices and help the tour leader and drivers. Although the conduction of the tour relies on good preparation from our part, the main influence for its success depends on your enthusiasm and co-operation.

PICTURES

Dogsledge at Disko Island
Pictures

Itinerary

Dogsledge at the Disko Island
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