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Greenland🇬🇱 | festivalsArctic Circle Race160 km classic ski race, tent camp, 100 km option, Sisimiut start | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Arctic Circle Race
👍 Recommendedfestival ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Skis hiss on hard-packed snow, poles click, and somewhere ahead a stove hisses too as skiers thaw their dinner in a tent camp far from any road. That is the Arctic Circle Race: a three-day classic ski race of 160 km through the mountains around Sisimiut, on the west coast of Greenland just north of the Arctic Circle. Racers start and finish in town, spend two nights in tents where they cook for themselves, and face cold that bites your cheeks, long white valleys and bright spring light. A 100 km option exists for those who want less distance. The race runs Friday to Sunday in late March or early April. The crowd is a mix of Nordic ski racers, adventurous amateurs, local volunteers and spectators. Spirits stay warm while temperatures stay low. Before going, know that there are no huts on the course, so every entrant needs a proper winter sleeping system.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 festival in GreenlandWhy visitors keep coming back

Arctic Circle Race gives you something a normal ski holiday cannot: a shared endurance challenge in real Arctic terrain, with a community that forms around it. Racers swap wax advice at the start, then end up eating freeze-dried dinners side by side. The two nights in a tent camp are the heart of it. Nobody carries a hotel bed on their back, so everyone cooks, melts snow, dries gloves and lies awake listening to the wind. That kind of forced togetherness makes friends quickly.

The distance matters too. 160 km over three days is a serious classic race, yet the 100 km option lets stronger hikers-turned-skiers join without committing to the full course. For a traveler on a longer Greenland route, the race anchors the trip around Sisimiut in late March or early April, when snow is reliable and … read more 👉
Arctic Circle Race gives you something a normal ski holiday cannot: a shared endurance challenge in real Arctic terrain, with a community that forms around it. Racers swap wax advice at the start, then end up eating freeze-dried dinners side by side. The two nights in a tent camp are the heart of it. Nobody carries a hotel bed on their back, so everyone cooks, melts snow, dries gloves and lies awake listening to the wind. That kind of forced togetherness makes friends quickly.

The distance matters too. 160 km over three days is a serious classic race, yet the 100 km option lets stronger hikers-turned-skiers join without committing to the full course. For a traveler on a longer Greenland route, the race anchors the trip around Sisimiut in late March or early April, when snow is reliable and daylight is long. You also see how people here treat the mountains behind town, as a place to work, travel and play in winter, not as scenery.

💡 HighlightsKey sights and experiences for travelers

  1. The 160 km classic course: The full route is what the event is known for. Three days of classic-technique skiing cross the mountains around Sisimiut, over frozen lakes, open plateaus and valleys where the only sound is your own breathing. It is a proper test, and finishing it counts for something among Nordic skiers.
  2. The 100 km option: A shorter route for those who want the same terrain and the same camp without the full load. It suits strong skiers who are newer to multi-day racing, and you still sleep in the tents and share the same evenings as the long-distance field.
  3. The tent camp nights: Two nights are spent in a camp out on the snow. You cook for yourself, melt snow for water and sort out your own gear. There are no huts, which means the camp has a rough, honest atmosphere: steaming pots,
… read more 👉
  1. The 160 km classic course: The full route is what the event is known for. Three days of classic-technique skiing cross the mountains around Sisimiut, over frozen lakes, open plateaus and valleys where the only sound is your own breathing. It is a proper test, and finishing it counts for something among Nordic skiers.
  2. The 100 km option: A shorter route for those who want the same terrain and the same camp without the full load. It suits strong skiers who are newer to multi-day racing, and you still sleep in the tents and share the same evenings as the long-distance field.
  3. The tent camp nights: Two nights are spent in a camp out on the snow. You cook for yourself, melt snow for water and sort out your own gear. There are no huts, which means the camp has a rough, honest atmosphere: steaming pots, damp socks, quiet conversation and a very cold sky.
  4. The start and finish in Sisimiut: The race begins and ends in town, so spectators can stand at both ends. The start is loud with nervous chatter and ski-wax smell. The finish brings cheering, cold hands around hot drinks and the relief of people who have been out on the snow for days.
  5. Sisimiut Museum and the old colony quarter: Before or after the race, walk through the old colonial part of town, where the museum occupies historic buildings. It adds local context on hunting, fishing and settlement history on this coast, and it is an easy way to fill a rest day without losing your legs.
Start with the race start line in Sisimiut, because Arctic Circle Race is easiest to understand once you have seen the skiers, sleds and gear lined up before the other pieces of the weekend make sense.
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🌤️ When to go?When is the celebration of Arctic Circle Race?

The Arctic Circle Race runs Friday to Sunday in late March or early April (27 to 29 March in 2026, 2 to 4 April in 2027), starting and finishing in Sisimiut on Greenland’s west coast.
  • Best day: Friday for the start in Sisimiut, when the skiers set off and the town fills with spectators. Sunday is the finish, with the biggest crowd and the most atmosphere.
  • Weather: Expect roughly -15 to 0°C (5 to 32°F), dry snow, strong wind on open ridges and long bright days. Bring insulated boots, goggles, a down parka and spare gloves.
  • Booking: Reserve a bed and your flights two to three months ahead. Sisimiut has limited beds, and prices can climb 20 to 40 percent during race weekend.
  • Crowds: Flights into Sisimiut and the coastal ferry fill early. Arrive Thursday and leave Monday so a weather delay does not
… read more 👉
The Arctic Circle Race runs Friday to Sunday in late March or early April (27 to 29 March in 2026, 2 to 4 April in 2027), starting and finishing in Sisimiut on Greenland’s west coast.
  • Best day: Friday for the start in Sisimiut, when the skiers set off and the town fills with spectators. Sunday is the finish, with the biggest crowd and the most atmosphere.
  • Weather: Expect roughly -15 to 0°C (5 to 32°F), dry snow, strong wind on open ridges and long bright days. Bring insulated boots, goggles, a down parka and spare gloves.
  • Booking: Reserve a bed and your flights two to three months ahead. Sisimiut has limited beds, and prices can climb 20 to 40 percent during race weekend.
  • Crowds: Flights into Sisimiut and the coastal ferry fill early. Arrive Thursday and leave Monday so a weather delay does not cost you the finish.
Arrive at the finish line about an hour before the first skiers are expected, because the best spots along the barrier go fast.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: not recommended for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: not recommended for travelingMAYMay: not recommended for travelingJUNJune: not recommended for travelingJULJuly: not recommended for travelingAUGAugust: not recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: not recommended for travelingOCTOctober: not recommended for travelingNOVNovember: not recommended for travelingDECDecember: not recommended for traveling

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🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

Stay in Sisimiut town itself, the only sensible choice for the Arctic Circle Race, since the start, finish and every evening gathering sit within a 20 minute walk of each other.
The area around the harbor and the old colonial quarter is the most social. You can walk to the shops, the cafés and the waterfront, and it is where racers, volunteers and visitors cross paths in the evening. It is also safe at night, with well-lit streets and few worries beyond ice underfoot.
The central streets near the main shopping area suit solo travelers who want quick access to the supermarket for self-catering, plus … read more 👉
Stay in Sisimiut town itself, the only sensible choice for the Arctic Circle Race, since the start, finish and every evening gathering sit within a 20 minute walk of each other.
The area around the harbor and the old colonial quarter is the most social. You can walk to the shops, the cafés and the waterfront, and it is where racers, volunteers and visitors cross paths in the evening. It is also safe at night, with well-lit streets and few worries beyond ice underfoot.
The central streets near the main shopping area suit solo travelers who want quick access to the supermarket for self-catering, plus the bus stop and the sports hall where race events cluster. Hostel-style and guesthouse beds are found here, and shared kitchens make it easy to meet fellow budget travelers and swap race tips.
The residential neighborhoods uphill are quieter and cheaper, with a few private rooms and apartments let out in race week. You trade a steeper, icy walk for more space and calm sleep.
Sisimiut is small, so no area is far from anything. Book early, since beds are scarce that weekend, and choose by kitchen access and a flat route to the finish rather than by neighborhood name.
Best hostels in Greenland


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👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

Arctic Circle Race weekend costs most independent spectators about US$190 to 260 a day, with accommodation the biggest expense in Sisimiut.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Festival ticketsUS$0Watching the start and finish in Sisimiut is free. Entering as a skier carries a separate registration fee that varies by distance.
AccommodationUS$70 to 140 (high season)Hostel beds and guesthouse rooms sell out quickly in race week, and prices rise above normal rates. Camping is rarely practical in March.
Local transportUS$0 to 15Most of Sisimiut is walkable. A short taxi or local bus ride costs a few dollars.
Food & drinksUS$40 to 80Self-catering from the supermarket keeps costs down. A restaurant main course typically runs US$25 to 45, and coffee about US$4 to 6.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$15 to 30Winter
… read more 👉
Arctic Circle Race weekend costs most independent spectators about US$190 to 260 a day, with accommodation the biggest expense in Sisimiut.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Festival ticketsUS$0Watching the start and finish in Sisimiut is free. Entering as a skier carries a separate registration fee that varies by distance.
AccommodationUS$70 to 140 (high season)Hostel beds and guesthouse rooms sell out quickly in race week, and prices rise above normal rates. Camping is rarely practical in March.
Local transportUS$0 to 15Most of Sisimiut is walkable. A short taxi or local bus ride costs a few dollars.
Food & drinksUS$40 to 80Self-catering from the supermarket keeps costs down. A restaurant main course typically runs US$25 to 45, and coffee about US$4 to 6.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$15 to 30Winter gear rental, souvenirs, a beer at about US$9 to 12 and bag storage add up. Travelers pay in Danish kroner.
Total Daily BudgetUS$190 to 260Flights to Greenland are separate and make up most of the trip cost.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🍲 FoodLocal Flavors for Backpackers

Food around the Arctic Circle Race is hearty, warming and built for people burning thousands of calories in the cold.
In Sisimiut, the local specialty is Greenlandic seafood: Greenland halibut, shrimp and cod, plus reindeer and musk ox from the grill or stew. At the finish area and sports hall you will find coffee, hot chocolate and soup, with bread and sandwiches. Cafés in town add cakes and burgers, and the local brewery-style beers from Greenland pair well with an evening meal.
Try suaasat, the traditional stew, if you spot it on a menu. Try dried fish as a snack too. The cold makes a hot bowl of anything taste better, so go for it.
Skiers cook for themselves in the tent camps, mostly on freeze-dried meals and boiling water, so spectators stay in town for proper dinners.
A few quirks help. … read more 👉
Food around the Arctic Circle Race is hearty, warming and built for people burning thousands of calories in the cold.
In Sisimiut, the local specialty is Greenlandic seafood: Greenland halibut, shrimp and cod, plus reindeer and musk ox from the grill or stew. At the finish area and sports hall you will find coffee, hot chocolate and soup, with bread and sandwiches. Cafés in town add cakes and burgers, and the local brewery-style beers from Greenland pair well with an evening meal.
Try suaasat, the traditional stew, if you spot it on a menu. Try dried fish as a snack too. The cold makes a hot bowl of anything taste better, so go for it.
Skiers cook for themselves in the tent camps, mostly on freeze-dried meals and boiling water, so spectators stay in town for proper dinners.
A few quirks help. Cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, but carry a little cash for small stalls. Portions are generous and prices are high, so the supermarket is the backpacker’s friend for picnic lunches. Restaurants fill up on race weekend, so reserve a table for Saturday and Sunday evenings. Alcohol is pricey, so buy it in the shop rather than at a bar.

FAQCommon questions from travelers

The Arctic Circle Race takes place over three days, Friday to Sunday, in late March or early April. In 2026 it runs 27 to 29 March and in 2027 it runs 2 to 4 April. It starts and finishes in Sisimiut, and skiers spend two nights in a tent camp in the mountains.
Watching the Arctic Circle Race in Sisimiut is free, so your costs are travel and lodging. Expect roughly US$190 to 260 a day, with beds at US$70 to 140 and meals at US$40 to 80 if you mix supermarket food with a restaurant dinner. Skiers pay a registration fee for the 160 km or 100 km distance, which varies.
Spectators need no ticket for the Arctic Circle Race, since the start and finish in Sisimiut are open to all. What you must book early are flights and a bed, ideally two to three months ahead, because Sisimiut has limited lodging. Skiers need to register in advance for the 160 km or 100 km option.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Greenlandic festivals near Arctic Circle Race

Explore more nearby:

  • Arctic Sounds Festival—Kalaallisut bands, music conference, April snow, late jam sessions| 1 km away
  • Nuuk Snow Festival—Carved snow figures, late-winter Nuuk, Katuaq café, frozen bay| 319 km away
  • Qooqqut Festival—Free entry, alcohol-free, boat access, former sheep farm| 323 km away

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We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

Arctic Circle Race has a spectator side that first-timers overlook: the finish in Sisimiut is a small, noisy town event, and it is easy to join in. I would bring a warm outer layer and a thermos for the finish line, then stay after the last skiers arrive, since that is when the conversations are best.

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The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Greenland. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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