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 large ski lifts, operations manager Qulu Heilmann can see that one crucial thing is missing for the season to begin: snow.

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

Qulu Heilmann has been the operations manager of the Nuuk Ski Lift 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 a lot 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 December 29th or 30th – and remained open until mid-April. Later in the spring, snow fell again, and in May the lift was able to open for two days.

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

So far, the Skilift has not had an opening day this season, and the cross-country ski trails in Nuussuup Manngua and at Lake Annersuaq have not been made ready.

There is a lack of snow – even on the slopes

Work on cross-country ski trails usually takes place in several stages. First, ATVs with rollers are used to press the first snow so that the trails can be used. Later, when more snow arrives, piste machines and larger sleds are used to widen and improve the trails – both for skating and classic style.

– But right now, unfortunately, we can't do anything. There simply isn't enough snow, says Qulu Heilmann.

This especially affects the city's active skiers - both alpine, freestyle, snowboarding and cross-country skiing.

– It is of great importance for the skilled athletes. They have nowhere to train, and that is really a shame. We would like to get the slopes ready for them, but the weather decides, 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 to develop and have a snow cannon further up the piste, he explains.

In the meantime, you can clearly hear the meltwater running down the mountain.

– There's a lot of water up there. The snow is melting, and the trail is under water. The machines have to 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 gathering point for families and spectators.

– It's one of the city's gems. People come to drink coffee, eat a French hot dog or a piece of toast and watch their children and grandchildren ski, says Qulu Heilmann.

But this year, both guests and staff will have to be patient. The employees – four in total – are spending the waiting time cleaning up the workshop, preparing spare parts and servicing equipment.

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

Until then, both the small and large ski lifts are out of service. The ski lifts are still in the garage and in the shed by the large lift – ready, but unused.

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