Be the first to join Adventure Consultants and Heritage Expeditions on an exploratory ski touring expedition to Antarctica's Ross Sea region. Blocked by impenetrable ice for most of the year, the Ross Sea region is rarely visited by tourists and never before have tour groups explored the vast ice and snow covered landscapes on skis!
Our ship-based Ross Sea Antarctica Ski Touring Expedition is an exploratory journey that takes you through New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands to the Ross Sea and onto the slopes of Mt Erebus, on board the Akademik Shokalskiy with Heritage Expeditions. Enjoy remote, pristine ski mountaineering, visit historic sites and scientific bases, learn about the wildlife and efforts to conserve the unique history and ecology of the world’s last untouched wilderness.
Suitable for skiers and non-skiers alike, this expedition will take you into the heart of Antarctica’s Ross Sea, one of the most fascinating areas on the frozen continent.
Adventure Consultants is renowned for our quality of service and the strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.
We employ strong and specialised Expedition leaders and support staff, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up.
Many of our expedition members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions safe and successful.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
Account Information
All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank of New Zealand
Offshore Branch
42 Willis Street
Spark Central
Wellington
New Zealand
for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited
Account # 1000-594771-0000
Account Type: US Dollars
Swift Address: BKNZNZ22
Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter's account.
We can also accept your deposit and balance payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% credit card payment fee.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total cost of the expedition is payable to secure a place.
Balance
The balance is payable 120 days before the trip start date.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
An expedition member may cancel their participation on the following basis:
*Where full payment has not yet been received, the total price will still apply and any unpaid monies are due immediately.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons. We will also provide advice regarding travel and rescue insurance.
The Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Ross Sea Antarctica Ski Touring Expedition.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
Team Membership
On the Ross Sea Antarctica Ski Touring expedition there is a 1:4 guide to climber ratio.
Our Guides
The logistics and leadership while ski touring in Antarctica will be provided by Adventure Consultants CEO and guide Guy Cotter.
Guy Cotter
Expedition Leader
Guy is the CEO of Adventure Consultants and has spent over 25 years leading and organising expeditions around the globe. His experience in the mountains is unquestionable and his skills are in high demand, not only as a guide but also as a high altitude cameraman, film project manager, training corporate groups, speaker and of course in expedition logistics and planning. Guy’s impressive climbing resume includes the Seven Summits, eight of the world’s fourteen 8,000m peaks and numerous expeditions climbing and skiing in Antarctica.
Head Office Support Team
Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.
Hayley joins the AC team with a wealth of experience working in the tourism and hospitality industry along with a love of travel. She works as Client Liaison on a number of our European and international ascents, treks and expeditions.
Akademik Shokalskiy was built in 1984 for polar and oceanographic research, and being fully ice-strengthened is are perfect for expedition travel. She carries just 48 passengers and provides comfortable accommodation in twin share cabins approximately half of which have private facilities. All cabins have outside windows or portholes and ample storage space.
On board there is a combined bar/library lounge area and a dedicated lecture room. The cuisine is excellent and is prepared by top NZ and Australian chefs.
The real focus and emphasis of the expedition is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort. Along with our qualified and experienced Adventure Consultants ski guide, our expedition will be accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that we visit. The ship is crewed by a very enthusiastic and most experienced Russian Captain and crew.
Technical description:
Your Health
Expedition members will be provided with pre-trip medical questionnaire and some members may be asked to visit their family physician to receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the expedition leader and our medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality.
You should come with a good level of fitness as this is a moderate to strenuous program. It really is worth making an effort, as those who are “mountain-fit” when they arrive in Antarctica will enjoy it far more!
Level of Experience Required
This exploratory adventure offers some degree of flexibility to be customised to your skill level. Some basic mountaineering skills or previous backcountry or off-piste ski experience is required. For those with limited experience the team at AC can organise training courses prior to departure to bring you up to speed to ensure that you have a safe and successful expedition.
We ask all potential participants to complete a questionnaire of their climbing and ski experience. This helps tailor the program to your experience and ability, so that you get maximum enjoyment and satisfaction from your efforts. It also allows us to make any suggestions for further training.
Difficulty Rating
Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.
History & Ecology
Steeped in history, the Ross Sea homes a remarkable number of relics from the golden-age of exploration, including some famous huts that are icons of Antarctic history. Named for explorer Sir James Clark Ross, who discovered the area in 1841, the Ross Sea is perhaps better known for the explorer Robert Falcon Scott and his ‘Race to the Pole’ alongside fellow pioneers Nobu Shirase and Roald Amundsen; and of course the ill-fated Trans-Antarctic expedition led by Ernest Shackleton.
The dramatic landscape described by these early explorers is unchanged. The penguin rookeries described by the early biologists fluctuate in numbers from year to year, but they still occupy the same sites. The seals, which are no longer hunted for food lie around on ice floes seemingly unperturbed. The whales, which were hunted so ruthlessly here in the 1920s, are slowly coming back, but it is a long way back from the edge of extinction, and some species have done better than others. Snow Petrels, Wilson’s Storm-Petrels, Antarctic Prions and South Polar Skuas all breed in this seemingly inhospitable environment.
Food
All meals, including snacks, coffee and tea, are provided onboard and most dietary requirements can be catered for by the chefs.
Clothing & Equipment
A full clothing and equipment checklist will be sent to all expedition members once their booking is confirmed.
Cabin Arrangements
Double beds are available in suite accommodation only. Single guests are matched with a sharer of the same gender in a twin-share cabin. Payment of a single supplement guarantees the sole use of a cabin (1.8 times the p/p rate for cabins, 2 times for suites).
| Day 1 |
Invercargill, New Zealand |
| Day 2 | Port of Bluff Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant and exploring some of the local attractions before heading to the Port of Bluff, where you will board your ship. Settle into your cabin and join your expedition team and the captain for a welcome on board. |
| Day 3 | The Snares—North East Island Staggeringly, The Snares are home to more nesting seabirds than all of the British Isles put together. Zodiac cruising the coast we learn how the islands got their name and in the sheltered bays we should see the endemic Snares Crested Penguin, the Cape Petrel and Buller’s Albatross nesting on the imposing cliffs. |
| Days 4–5 | Auckland Islands Characterised by towering cliffs and rugged sea stacks, these islands have borne witness to many a shipwreck in days gone by. We spend the day ashore on Enderby Island which is, perhaps, the most beautiful of all the Subantarctic Islands. Here we find parakeets flitting above carpets of red, white and yellow wild flowers and on the beaches beyond, the rare Hooker’s, or New Zealand, Sea Lion. We land in Carnley Harbour and if conditions are suitable, climb to a Shy Albatross colony, otherwise we will explore sites within the harbour. |
| Day 6 | At sea Take the chance to learn more about the biology and history of these islands and the tempestuous Southern Ocean through informal lectures with our experts. This particular stretch of ocean is very productive and we can expect many seabirds, including five or six kinds of albatross and numerous species of petrel. |
| Days 7–8 | Macquarie Island This remote, rocky outpost which endures roaring westerly winds supports one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Southern Hemisphere. Four species of penguin; King, Royal, Rockhopper and Gentoo all breed here. You will never forget your first experience in a ceaselessly active ‘penguin city’, where the dapper inhabitants show no fear of their strange visitors. We will also meet with the Park Rangers, visit the Australian Antarctic Base and observe the hundreds of Southern Elephant Seals along the beaches. |
| Days 9–12 | At sea Soaring albatross and petrels circle the vessel as we steam south through the Southern Ocean. Lectures now concentrate on the Ross Sea region and beyond the bow of the ship; drifting icebergs of extraordinary shapes begin to appear. Manoeuvring in close for your first iceberg photographs we pass the Antarctic Circle and into the continent’s realm of 24-hour daylight. |
| Days 13–22 |
Antarctica's Ross Sea region Cape Adare: A large flat spit of land, teeming with the staggering sight of Antarctica’s largest Adelie Penguin rookery: a tumult of chattering, feeding chicks, territorial disputes, petty pilfering and courtship displays. Curious penguins often come very close, offering superb photographic opportunities. Among the shifting mass of penguins we will find Carsten Borchgrevink’s Hut, the oldest in Antarctica, an overwintering shelter for the first expedition to the continent in 1899. Cape Hallett: The enormous Admiralty Range heralds our arrival; wild and extraordinary, the mountains rear up towering out of the sea to over 4,000 metres high and are bounded by colossal glaciers. We make our landing at an abandoned base site, now home to large numbers of Adelie Penguins and Weddell Seals, and make our way towards the some of the nearby peaks for some ski touring, the possibilities in this remote area are endless! Franklin Island: Desolately beautiful and rugged, this is home to a large Adelie Penguin population and other nesting seabirds. We attempt a landing and tour up a small peak before skiing back down to the coastline. Possession Islands or Cape McCormick: Rarely-visited, small and rugged, these rocks support tens of thousands of penguins. Observe the birds’ busy and humorous activity on a hike or head towards the Admiralty Mountains around Cape McCormick to explore the nearby slopes on skis. Ross Ice Shelf: The world’s largest body of floating ice and a natural barrier, at times creating hazardous weather, with sheets of snow blown at gale force by winds off the polar ice cap. Just 800 miles from the South Pole, this daunting spectacle prevented many early explorers from venturing further south. We cruise along its dizzying 30-metre high ice cliffs, perhaps lucky enough to see icebergs ‘calving’. Ross Island: Mount Erebus/Cape Bird/Shackleton’s Hut/Scott’s Hut(s) and visits to a scientific field station (Scott and McMurdo Stations are high on our wish list but ice, weather and station operational requirements often make them inaccessible). Ross Island was, and is, the ‘hub of activity’ in the Ross Sea. Home to four volcanoes, most notably Mt Erebus, a monstrous active volcano named after the ancient Greek God of Darkness, Ross Island is not short of ski touring objectives. Terra Nova Bay: An Italian research station with several ski touring options in the surrounding area. Depending on weather and wind conditions we can ski the slopes of Mt Melbourne, tour across to Inexpressible Island or head towards the Preistly Glacier. If time allows we can stop in at the research station and enjoy, perhaps, the best ‘espresso’ in Antarctica! |
| Days 23–26 | At sea Taking time to rest and enjoy life on board your ship in the bar or library after the excitement and long daylight hours of the Antarctic, we have time for lectures on our final destination and for some pelagic bird spotting. |
| Days 27–28 | Campbell Island—Perseverance Harbour We drop anchor in Perseverance Harbour, an occasional refuge for Southern Right Whales who come here to calve. Walk to the nesting site of the Southern Royal Albatross and see the strange and beautiful megaherbs on the hills. These huge wild flowers that have adapted to the harsh conditions have unusual colourings and weirdly-shaped leaves. We also seek out other wildlife such as Campbell Island Shags, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross and sea lions. |
| Day 29 | At sea Relax and reflect on a remarkable journey as you join our experts for a recap of highlights and enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. |
| Day 30 | Invercargill or Christchurch We disembark and our adventure ends as we disperse to begin others. After fond farewells we transfer you to central city hotels or to the airport. Enquire for a full itinerary and/or a Bird and Mammal List. NOTE: Voyages disembark in both Invercargill and Christchurch, please check the Trip Notes for the final destination of your selected voyage. |
NOTE: In 2022 visits at the Scientific Research Stations may be limited due to COVID-19 Restrictions.
Finding the right travel and rescue insurance for your adventure to Antarctica or the Arctic's North Pole region can be tricky! Rest assured when you book with the expedition specialists here at Adventure Consultants we'll help by sending through advice on what you'll need, including:
For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.
The following is to serve as a helpful guideline on our Antarctic Expeditions. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!
info@adventure.co.nz
US: +1 866 757 8722 (Freephone from North America)
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
How long has Adventure Consultants been in operation?
Adventure Consultants started in 1990 and we have been guiding internationally ever since. You can read more on the history of Adventure Consultants here.
A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. What makes you the first choice for travelling to Antarctica?
In December of 1992, Adventure Consultants founders Rob Hall and Gary Ball ran their first commercial expedition to Antarctica in conjunction with Adventure Network International (ANI). Rob had already climbed Antarctica's Vinson Massif in 1989, a feat that he repeated along with Gary in 1990. Adventure Consultants has continued guiding in this remote part of the world ever since. We are, therefore, experts in all of the intricacies of travelling to Antarctica.
What are the hotels like?
Accommodation is included for one night pre-expedition on a twin share basis. The hotels we choose are comfortable and breakfast is included.
What food will be available on the boat?
You will be served with three delicious meals per day. We are able to cater to most special dietary requests, as long as you clearly indicate your needs at the time of booking. Meals are prepared by our team of experienced New Zealand and Australian chefs.
What is the difference between the berth options?
Heritage Suites: Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed and a single bed or sofa in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows allow great views.
Mini Suites: Separate bedroom with a double bed and a single bed or sofa in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Mini Suites have windows.
Superior Plus Cabins: Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows. *Cabin 411 has a double bed with upper bunk.
Superior Cabins: One bunk (one upper and one lower berth), writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Main Deck Cabins: Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole
Main Deck Triple: One bunk (one upper and one lower berth) and one additional lower berth, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole.
What laundry facilities will be available on the expedition?
A laundry is available for passenger use for a small charge.
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts?
Please arrange to arrive on or before Day 1 of the itinerary to allow time for last minute details and for any delayed baggage to arrive before we set sail.
When should I book my flight ticket?
We generally ask you to wait until 90 days prior to your trip start date to ensure your trip has met the minimum numbers and will operate. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights then ensure you can make changes to your tickets and it is a good idea to purchase trip cancellation insurance, in the event that you need to cancel.
Can I get a cheap ticket online?
We highly recommend purchasing an open, fully changeable air ticket given the remote nature of where we are, the weather and possible delays. In today’s world, there are few places where the environment still affects our plans but Antarctica one of them!
Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
Our trips depart from Invercargill, New Zealand. Connecting flights are available from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch international terminals. Transfers between the airport and hotel are arranged on request by your client liaison.
What if I am arriving early or departing late?
We can assist you with booking extra hotel room nights if you arrive early. However, on these trips YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO ARRIVE LATE, as we have to adhere to the ship's timetable and departure date.
Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
Yes, you will be sent a personal clothing and equipment list once our office has received your trip registration form and deposit. We do also have a dedicated equipment coordinator who is happy to provide advice and answers to any questions you may have.
For ski touring we use alpine touring skis or splitboards with bindings with releasable heels and synthetic climbing skins to allow us to travel on the flat or uphill. If you are an experienced telemark skier then telemark skis with climbing skins can be used. Snowshoes are not suitable for snowboarders on this expedition; rather splitboards should be used instead.
Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared and you must bring everything on the list, as there are very limited options if additional equipment needs to be purchased in your departure cities.
How cold will it be?
The Sub-Antarctic islands are renowned for their wet, cold and windy climates, with mean annual temperatures between 7°C and 11°C. As we move further south the temperatures plummet and in Antarctica we normally expect to encounter temperatures just below freezing during the summer months, however, wind chill factor can make it seem much colder in even a light breeze.
How many passengers will be on board? Will I have to share a cabin?
The ship is designed to carry just 50 passengers in various comfortable cabins and suites. Rooms are shared, although a single supplement is available. Please contact us for more information.
How many guides will be on the trip?
We travel in small groups and endeavour to maintain high guide to guest ratios. Each expedition is led by an experienced Expedition Leader familiar with the region being visited and, where at all possible, we employ local experts. The staff aboard the expedition cruise ships are teachers and interpreters, not entertainers. Their objective is to inform, enthuse and create ambassadors for conservation.
Skilled, experienced and qualified Adventure Consultants Guides will lead all ski touring excursions from the ship, on a 1:4 guide to skier ratio.
What are the skills/prior experience required for this expedition?
To climb and ski in Antarctica you need to be physically fit, have an adventurous attitude and be proficient in general mountaineering techniques. Those wishing to ski should be able to ski/snowboard to at least an intermediate level.
What kind of physical condition should I be in for the expedition?
To make the most of our time in this spectacular and remote location, we ask that you are in good condition and have a moderate fitness at the least.
Can my non-climbing/skiing partner come as well?
Absolutley, non-climbers/skiers can join in a range of less physically demanding, but equally interesting outings and shore-excursions. Contact us for more information and pricing details.
How heavy will my pack be?
As you will only be carrying the equipment required for each climbing/skiing day, this should be approximately 10kgs on most days, or up to 20kg if we plan an overnight on land. Team members can expect to be exerting themselves for anything from 6-12 hours a day. The climbing/ski days can be long so as to make the most of the good weather.
How do I know this is the right trip for me?
We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.
What type of communication is available on the expedition?
Your expedition guide will have an Iridium satellite phone and you are welcome to use this at US$4 per minute.
I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
Your guide will send daily internet dispatches, and the Adventure Consultants NZ office receive updates from our guides while they are in the field. The best place to reach a loved one is through our office.
Will there be any power source for charging batteries, etc available throughout the expedition? What voltage requirements?
Once onboard the ship, your cabin will have a power supply of 240V / 50Hz.
What insurance do we need to get?
In addition to evacuation & medical insurance we recommend to all our expedition members to buy trip cancellation insurance on sign up for your expedition. We also highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy to provide cover for trip interruption, baggage loss, damage or theft, delayed flights or other such incidents that may occur during your trip. Contact us for advice or visit our expedition insurance webpage.
Do I need evacuation insurance?
Absolutely! Evacuation from Antarctica can cost be costly and you need to be insured accordingly, as well as having coverage for repatriation and travel medical expenses.
Who do you recommend for insurance?
You will be sent information specific to your expedition as part of your welcome package and requirements differ depending on where you are travelling and your home location, so be sure to discuss cover with your Client Liaison before purchasing a policy.
What is Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without losing the total cost of the trip. Adventure Consultants highly recommends cancellation insurance for all expeditions. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (e.g. minimum numbers are not reached) then we refund your fees paid but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred.
Can I pay by credit card?
We can accept both the trip deposit and balance payment on credit card. Please note that there is a 3% fee for all card transactions. Please contact our office or visit our online payment system.
What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
Please see the 'Payment Conditions' section above for the inclusions and exclusions for this particular trip. There is also a downloadable pdf document in the 'Trip Notes' section above. International airfares are not included in the trip price. We can however recommend excellent travel agents with whom we have worked should you require help with arranging your international airfare.
Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline!! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are internationally qualified Western guides, proven dependable local operators, small groups sizes and safe client-to-guide ratios, quality equipment and high summit success rates, among other things. You do get what you pay for which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors ‘cheaper’ trips.
How do I sign up for a trip?
The best way to reserve your space on a trip contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below). Your deposit can be submitted by bank transfer (please see 'Payment Details' in the 'Payment Conditions' section above) or via our secure online payment system.
info@adventure.co.nz
US: +1 866 757 8722 (Freephone from North America)
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
I love the photographs in your brochure and on your website, are they for sale?
Yes, our images are available for licensing or purchase. Please contact our office for more information.
I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do an NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA.
Please see Adventure Consultants Mountain Guide Scholarships on our Career Opportunities page and check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association for more information.
