Ski festival without snow?

From the From 10 to 14 December 2025, skiers, coaches and volunteers from all over the country will gather in Sisimiut to take part in the Lârsêraq Ski Festival – an event that celebrates the joys of winter and the community around cross-country skiing.

The festival offers activities for all levels, from beginners to experienced skiers, and offers coaching courses, workshops on skiing and ski lubrication as well as lots of social events experiences.

From the From 10 to 14 December 2025, skiers, coaches and volunteers from all over the country will gather in Sisimiut to take part in the Lârsêraq Ski Festival – an event that celebrates the joys of winter and the community around cross-country skiing.

The festival offers activities for all levels, from beginners to experienced skiers, and offers coaching courses, workshops on skiing and ski lubrication as well as lots of social events experiences.

It is a unique opportunity to develop your skills on the snow, make new friendships and share the passion for skiing in Greenland's beauty winter landscape. But even though the Greenlandic winter is notorious for its snow, this year it must be noted that the snow is unfortunately taking its toll. Although it is the festival is far from cancelled.

One festival that awaits winter

The ski festival in Sisimiut is just around the corner, but one big challenge looms: The snow hasn't arrived yet. Festival coordinator Martin Møller, who is also the national team coach in cross-country skiing, however, has not panicked, even though there are only a few days left, and winter has not yet left its mark on the landscape.

- I don't remember that there hasn't been snow at this time before. It's a little scary, but I still believe it will come. If only the lake freezes over and a little snow falls, then we'll probably be fine, they say Martin Møller with a calm voice.

This year he faces an unusual challenge. Global warming has left its mark, and winter has now become unpredictable. He is yet hopeful – but he acknowledges that future festivals may demand new solutions.

- In the past, we have held the ski festival in February, and it worked very well become the ideal time again. Otherwise, we must be better prepared. I have seen places that store the snow from the previous year and insulate it so they can make sure that the cross-country skiing season starts, even if nature is a little slow. Snow cannons are also one opportunity, he says.

But this year neither old stores of snow nor snow cannons are in place. There is only Martin Møller's hope and a bit of ice in his stomach, which he hopes can rub off on the weather and create the snow necessary for the festival to take off on December 10. Should there be no snow, it will be a cold and harsh one reality, but Martin holds on to the belief that winter will soon show up his best side. Fortunately the weather forecast promises heavy snowfall at the beginning of December, and in Sisimiut there is therefore many who are crossing their fingers that the weather gods are on their side.

A festival of fun and community

That is a few years since the last Lârsêraq Ski Festival was held, and therefore is the festival extra exciting this year. For many children and young people, it is a much anticipated event event, and as many as 50 participants have already registered – primarily from ski clubs in Sisimiut, Nuuk and Aasiaat. Most of the participants are under the age of 16, and the expectation is that the festival will offer lots of fun experiences and new ones friendships. What separates the Lârsêraq Ski Festival from other cross-country skiing events, is the focus, which is precisely on play and community rather than competitions and long distances. Instead of competing for times and positions, participants will could throw themselves into fun activities and play on skis – a concept that is both accessible to everyone and supports the enjoyment of outdoor activities. Martin Møller, is clearly passionate when he talks about the festival's goals.

- I am passionate about children and young people having the opportunity to experience the fun and the joy of having skis under your feet. The festival must be an occasion for to laugh and play together – it's the community and the joy that is the focus, isn't it competitions. I hope the young participants take away some great memories with him home, says Martin Møller with a smile in his voice.

The festival approach to cross-country skiing as a playful and inclusive activity, rather than a competition, makes it particularly popular among the younger participants. That's exactly it this approach that makes the Lârsêraq Ski Festival a very special event where everyone can join – regardless of level and experience. As the festival approaches, is nothing to do but hope that the snow will fall soon. For Martin Moller and the many participants, the belief in the arrival of winter is still strong - and perhaps is it is precisely this hopeful waiting that makes the festival even more magical.