Greenland Transit
GELCO has storage and transit facilities at Constable Point airport to facilitate spring and summer expeditions. For all trips except Gunnbjørnsfjeld, you will transit through this airport. In season, expeditions will collect their freighted expedition equipment from here and have access to a large tent to organise and repack before continuing on to the mountains and your chosen expedition location. The airport was built in 1985 to serve as a logistics platform for mineral exploration. Now it is primarily used for scientific research and mining exploration work in and around the National Park, as well as providing air transport for the village of Ittoqqortoormiit, 50km to the south. There is no village or community at Constable Point, other than a small number of airport staff.
Overnight at Constable Point
Some groups may stay one night at Constable Point in thier tents, before continuing to the mountains. This allows you to get used to the tents you’ll be using and to camping in arctic conditions, before heading out on your expedition. A communal eating and socialising space is usually available. On the return from your trip, you have the option of booking into the airport’s small hotel, at an extra cost. There are also dining facilities available in the airport if required, otherwise you will cook for yourselves in your mountain tents on camping stoves.
Local Hills
There are several small hills close to the airport, which many people choose to walk or ski up if they have a spare day at base. Your guide may also suggest one of these hills as a training day before heading out on an expedition.
Other Activities
Many people choose to spend an extra day at the end of an expedition visiting the village of Ittoqqortoormiit to see some local Inuit culture, or going dog sledding, ice fishing or for a scenic helicopter flight. GELCO partners with Nanu Travel, a local agency, to offer these activities.
Showers & Meals at Constable Point
Showers and toilet facilities are only available at the airport and can be paid for locally direct to the airport. Your own expedition food will be prepared yourself in your tent. There is also an option to eat in the airport’s cafeteria, at additional cost.
