It looks black - it's just before you can pick black berries

It looks black. Almost completely black. From his corner office with a view of both the small and the large ski lift, operations manager Qulu Heilmann can state that one crucial thing is missing for the season to begin: snow.

- It's just before you can pick black berries, he says dryly, as he points around at the foot of Lille Malene, where grass and heather peek out where there is usually knee-high snow at this time.

It looks black. Almost completely black. From his corner office with a view of both the small and the large ski lift, operations manager Qulu Heilmann can state that one crucial thing is missing for the season to begin: snow.

- It's just before you can pick black berries, he says dryly, as he points around at the foot of Lille Malene, where grass and heather peek out where there is usually knee-high snow at this time.

Qulu Heilmann has been operations manager for the Ski Lift in Nuuk for a year and a half. According to him, the weather this winter has been unusually challenging.

- At the moment it is difficult, especially because of the weather. Towards Christmas, a little snow started to fall, but it was far too little. We need much more snow before we can open, he explains.

Seasons are never the same

When the ski lift opens varies from year to year. In the 2024/2025 season, the lift opened between Christmas and New Year – around 29 or 30 December – and remained open until mid-April. Later in the spring, snow fell again, and in May it was possible to open the lift for two days.

- Years are not the same. Sometimes the snow comes late, other times early. But I can't remember the last time it looked as bad as it does now, says Qulu Heilmann and adds that the past 20 years have generally been characterized by challenging snow conditions.

So far, the Ski Lift has not had an opening day this season, nor have the cross-country trails in Nuussuup Manngua and at Lake Annersuaq been prepared.

The snow is missing - also on the slopes

The work on the cross-country trails usually takes place in several stages. First, ATVs with a drum are used to press the first snow so that the slopes can be used. Later, when there is more snow, piste machines and larger sleds are used to widen and improve the tracks - both for skating and classic style.

- But right now, unfortunately, we can't do anything. There is simply not enough snow, says Qulu Heilmann.

This particularly affects the city's active skiers – both alpine, freestyle, snowboard and cross-country skiing.

- It is of great importance to the skilled performers. They have nowhere to train and it's a real shame. We want to make the slopes ready for them, but the weather will decide, he says.

Snow cannons are not enough

The ski lift has two snow cannons, but they can only be used at the bottom of the slope and are far from sufficient.

- A snow cannon can produce snow from around zero degrees, but our cannons only cover a small area. In the long term, we hope that we can develop and get a snow cannon further up the slope, he explains.

Meanwhile, you can clearly hear the meltwater running down the mountain.

- There is plenty of water up there. The snow melts and the track is under water. The machines must run on snow - not on this terrain, he says.

The city's winter gem

Opening day usually attracts around 300 people. The ski lift is not only for skiers, but also a meeting point for families and spectators.

- It is one of the city's gems. People come to drink coffee, eat a French hotdog or a toast and watch children and grandchildren skiing, says Qulu Heilmann.

But this year, both guests and staff must arm themselves with patience. The employees – four men in total – use the waiting time to clean up the workshop, prepare spare parts and service equipment.

- We follow the weather forecast every day and look 10 days ahead. It looks like it will continue to be mild this coming week, but on Wednesday 10th January there is a chance of snow. We really hope that there will be a lot, he says.

Until then, both the small and the large ski lift are standing still. The carriers are still in the garage and in the shed by the big lift – ready, but unused.

- Of course we hope that the weather gods will be with us soon, says Qulu Heilmann and looks out over the dark, snow-free piste.