Ski festival without snow?

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

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

It is a unique opportunity to develop your skills on the snow, make new friends and share the passion for skiing in Greenland's beautiful winter landscape. But although the Greenlandic winter is notorious for its snow, this year it must be noted that the snow is unfortunately delayed. Despite this, the festival is far from cancelled.

A festival waiting for winter

The Sisimiut Ski Festival 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 cross-country ski coach, hasn't panicked, even though there are only a few days left and winter hasn't yet made its mark on the landscape.

- I can't remember there not being snow at this time before. It's a bit scary, but I still believe it will come. If only the lake freezes over and a little snow falls, then we'll be fine, says Martin Møller calmly.

This year he faces an unusual challenge. Global warming has taken its toll, and winter has become unpredictable. He is confident – but he acknowledges that future festivals may require new solutions.

- Previously, we have held the ski festival in February, and that could very well be the ideal time again. Otherwise, we need to be better prepared. I have seen places that store the snow from the previous year and insulate it so that they can ensure that the cross-country skiing season starts, even if nature is a bit slow. Snow cannons are also an option, he says.

But this year, neither old stocks 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 be transferred to the weather and create the snow necessary for the festival to take off on December 10. Should the snow fail to arrive, it will be a cold and harsh reality, but Martin holds fast to the belief that winter will soon show its best side. Fortunately, the weather forecast promises heavy snowfall at the beginning of December, and in Sisimiut, many are crossing their fingers that the weather gods will be on their side.

A festival of fun and community

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

- I am passionate about children and young people getting the opportunity to experience the fun and playful aspects of having skis under their feet. The festival should be an opportunity to laugh and play together – the focus is on community and joy, not competitions. I hope that the young participants take some fantastic memories home with them, says Martin Møller with a smile in his voice.

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