Classic Antarctica Cruise
Prepare to be dazzled by the beautiful scenery and the abundance of wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula. The White Continent creates life lasting memories.
The ultimate expedition: Ski to the South Pole!
It's the ultimate dream of many adventure seekers, to reach one of the poles by ski. Skiing to the South Pole is the ultimate challenge. A journey across the vast Antarctic landscape will test your limits in an environment that is harsh, unforgiving and unimaginably beautiful at the same time. Days are filled with 24-hour daylight and an intense solitude and tranquility that can be found almost nowhere else on Earth.
These extreme expeditions require technical skill, a high level of fitness, strength and commitment to be completed. You’ll travel by ski for 7-10 hours a day while pulling a sled with all of your supplies weighing up to 132-177 lb (60-80 kg). Expect all types of weather, from constant winds and white-outs to clear skies and fresh snow. But the rewards for your effort are tangible as you reach the Geographic South Pole and follow in the footsteps of Antarctica’s great explorers.
There are several skiing expeditions to the South Pole. These range from 12 day expeditions, in which you ski the last 60 nautical miles (69 mi/111 km), to 55 day expeditions during which you traverse over 700 miles (1130 km) from the edge of the frozen Antarctic continent all the way to the Geographic South Pole.
Please note that these are extremely strenuous expeditions for which months of extensive training and preparation are required.
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On your way to Antarctica
The adventure starts in Punta Arenas (Chile). We advise you to arrive in Punta Arenas two days early so you can relax and fully prepare yourself for the expedition. Don't forget to check your luggage upon arrival in case you forgot something and need to buy it. The night before you leave for Antarctica you will be invited to a welcome and safety meeting to prepare you for arrival at Union Glacier. Afterwards you'll have some time to meet the other expeditioners.
The flight to the Antarctica continent will take around 4,5 hours. You land on Union Glacier where the Antarctic beauty is ready to welcome you and blow your mind for the first time. The camp is situated on a vast glacier, surrounded by mountains and miles away from the nearest civilization. You will spend a few days at Union Glacier Camp to test your clothing and equipment and to practice sled hauling during a mini-expedition.© John Beatty 
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Starting your expedition to the South Pole
You will fly to the starting point of your expedition. As the aircraft disappears from view, you’ll be struck by the stark beauty and emptiness surrounding you. From here onwards, there is nothing but snow and wide horizons in all directions. This is the start of your adventure to follow in the footsteps of Antarctica’s great explorers.
This journey is physically very demanding. Your sled might weigh up to 177lb (80 kg) and the wind and snow will add to the challenge. The first few days are usually tough, as your body has to get used to altitude and the rigors of sled hauling. The guide will set a structured schedule and you can expect to be skiing for 7-10 hours a day with regular breaks. The actual travel time and daily distance will depend on the combined strength of your team, the weather and surface conditions. On the longer expeditions there will be 2 or 3 re-supply points and rest days to repair equipment, re-pack the sleds and simply take a moment to celebrate your time at the Antarctic continent. -
Skiing to the South Pole
Moving further South you will find yourself on the vast, featureless polar plateau. This is the icy heart of Antarctica. Though the plateau appears flat, you gradually climb up to 10,000 ft (3000 m) high. You’ll experience all types of weather during you're skiing expedition to the south pole, including constant winds, fields of sastrugi, and white-out conditions. Surface conditions will vary from hard packed snow and ice to soft level snow or fields of challenging snow ridges. As on all expeditions, success is a team effort, with everyone helping to reach the ultimate goal.
The last two degrees to the Pole may be the hardest as you spend hours alone with your thoughts and anticipation builds. In good weather, the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station will be visible from about 15 miles (24 km) away. Those last miles often feel like the longest and will take another 1-2 days of skiing.
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Arrival at the South Pole!
Finally, you’ll take the last steps and reach the Geographic South Pole by ski! Here, beneath your feet, all 360 lines of longitude meet and the ice is almost 10,000 ft (3000 m) thick. Feel the satisfaction of having arrived here under your own power! This experience, with all its highs and lows, will be yours forever. You are now part of an elite group of adventurers that have challenged the Antarctic continent. The South Pole is a special place, steeped in the history. Incredible to think how it must have felt to be in this location over one hundred years ago, with only the sound of the wind and an endless expanse of white stretching northward in all directions.
You will have some time to get your picture taken at the famous Ceremonial South Pole, surrounded by the flags of the original Antarctic Treaty nations. Before you're flight back to Union Glacier Camp you might stay at the South Pole overnight. -
Return to Union Glacier Camp
From the Southpole we fly back to Union Glacier Camp. Depending on flights, your team’s celebration dinner may take place at our South Pole camp or upon your return to Union Glacier. Here you will spend one more day of exploring before heading back. You’ll receive a certificate to commemorate your Ski Expedition. We fly back to Chile where the staff is waiting for you and will take you back to your hotel.
Due to the potential for weather delays, we strongly suggest booking your flight home one week after your planned return from Antarctica. When it is time for your flight home, we will provide transportation from your hotel to the Punta Arenas airport.
Base Camp - Union Glacier
The base camp for many expeditons on the Antarctic continent is the Union Glacier Camp. It's the only facility of its kind in Antarctica and can house up to 70 guests. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming at this base camp and you will get a tour of the camp upon arrival.
You’ll find roomy, double occupancy sleeping tents, a spacious dining hall where fresh delicious meals are being served and all of this in a spectacular setting. You’ll be surprised how comfortable Antarctica can be! This full-service camp is designed for Antarctic conditions and with the best environmental practices in mind. It operates during the Antarctic summer (November through January) and is dismantled at the end of each season.
Field Camps
On Ski to the South Pole expeditions you will use lightweight, single-walled, tunnel shaped tents. These are quick to set up which is an important factor when you have to set up and take down your tent each day, sometimes in extreme conditions. These hoop frame tens can be partially disassembled and packed into your expedition sled, which speeds up the time to set up camp each day. On clear days, the sunlight will heat up the tent to a surprisingly warm and comfortable temperature, allowing you to dry your gear for the next day.
Call us today on +31 (0) 858 771 583
Dates & Rates
Places on these exclusive South Pole Expeditions are very limited. Please contact us for more information and availability.
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Antarctica Base Camp Ski to the South Pole
- Ski to the South Pole
- 11 nights
- Max number of Passengers 70
Dates
- 7th Dec - 18th Dec 2023
- Embark: Punta Arenas
- Disembark: Punta Arenas
- Prices per person from
- 75,000 USD
Including one night at the geographical South Pole!
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Antarctica Base Camp Ski to the South Pole
- Ski to the South Pole
- 12 nights
- Max number of Passengers 70
Dates
- 18th Dec - 30th Dec 2023
- Embark: Punta Arenas
- Disembark: Punta Arenas
- Prices per person from
- 75,000 USD
Including one night at the geographical South Pole!
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Antarctica Base Camp Ski to the South Pole
- Ski to the South Pole
- 12 nights
- Max number of Passengers 70
Dates
- 4th Jan - 16th Jan 2024
- Embark: Punta Arenas
- Disembark: Punta Arenas
- Prices per person from
- 75,000 USD
Including one night at the geographical South Pole!
Extensions
Call us today on +31 (0) 858 771 583
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