Degrees of Difficulty
Assessing the skills required for participation
At Albatros Arctic Circle, your safety, comfort and enjoyment is of utmost importance. To help you feel prepared and better understand the degrees of difficulty associated with our excursions, we have developed the following rating system.
The degrees of difficulty are based upon the level of technical expertise, physical ability and mental effort that is required for participation.
Please note: Although we do not have an official requirement regarding personal fitness, participants should be able to move without the help of others, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, and carry their own backpack.
Easy: 1
Suitable for all people in good health. Expect light walking or sightseeing.
Examples of our excursions in this category include, sightseeing in Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat, ice fishing on the fjord or meeting the sled dogs.
Moderate: 2
Appropriate for participants who are comfortable being active for approximately 3-5 hours a day, moving across uneven ground with loose or snowy ground, stepping on/off small boats or kayaking.
Examples of excursions within this category include activities such as light hiking in hilly terrain, kayaking among icebergs in Ilulissat, or sitting without discomfort on a moving dog sled.
Challenging: 3
Suits those who are physically active and comfortable hiking across uneven terrain for most of the day. Terrain may include tundra, hills, snowy and icy surfaces.
For example, tours within this category include a winter night on the Greenland Ice Sheet, hiking to Garnet Rock or an Arctic Outdoor Adventure with both hiking to Oqaatsut and kayaking.
Demanding: 4
Soft adventure expedition. Good health and some backpacking experience is necessary. Requires the ability to carry your own gear, bag, or pulk. May include overnighting in camping conditions. Expect 6-8 hours of walking on select tours.
For example, a 3-day dog sledding expedition or Camp Ice Cap falls within this class, due the physical demands associated with such a tour.
Strenuous: 5
Expedition level excursion. Prior backpacking and trekking experience is necessary. Requires the ability to carry your own gear across uneven, possibly challenging terrain. Participants should be physically and mentally prepared for living outdoors over multi-day periods in either summer or winter conditions.
For example, hiking the Arctic Circle Trail between Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq or a severeal-day kayak tour along the coast of Greenland.