Whether you are seeking multi-day adventures into the Antarctic wilderness or short trips to tour stunning valleys and canyons before returning to the comfort of camp, Ski Antarctica has it all.
Explore some of Antarctica’s most spectacular ski terrain, with boot-top powder and tailor-made itineraries suitable for any level of skier. An absolute must for the bucket-list of anyone with an adventurous spirit and a hankering for the beyond.
Antarctica is like nowhere you have been before or will again. The Heritage Range of the Ellsworth Mountains is bestowed with scenic canyons and wide-open valleys offering seemingly endless possibilities to explore fabulous ski terrain. Set off with all of your supplies for a multi-day adventure or enjoy a quick morning trip before returning to the comfort of Union Glacier Camp. This trip has it all, with a breadth and depth of terrain to suit any skier’s level of experience in a truly epic locale.
Adventure Consultants is renowned for our quality of service and the strategy applied to our expeditions. 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.
Dates 2023/24
January 1 – 17, 2024
*Other trip dates are available on request, please enquire with our office.
Pricing Schedule 2023/24
The cost of the expedition ex Punta Arenas in Chile is US$36,000.
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 fee.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of US$5,000 is payable to secure a place on the expedition.
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:
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' Ski Antarctica Expedition.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
Logistics
Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE) provides the logistic support and safety backup for our Ski Antarctica expedition. The ALE staff have considerable experience and a strong involvement in Antarctica, including operating the charter plane services to and from the ice. You will receive several documents from our office that ALE requires before our expedition.
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 Furze, Client Liaison
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.
Your Health
Expedition members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire and asked to visit their family physician to receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the expedition leader and the ALE medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality.
Level of Experienced Required
This adventure has the flexibility to be customized to your needs, whether you are an experienced ski mountaineer who wants to make first descents or a downhill skier with some off-piste experience looking to improve your back-country touring skills in a unique setting. Previous backcountry or off-piste ski experience is recommended. We use Alpine Touring (AT) skis with bindings with releasable heels and synthetic skins to allow us to travel on the flat or uphill.
We ask all potential participants to submit a resume of their 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.
You should come with a good level of fitness as this is a moderate to strenuous program, regardless of your particular itinerary. It really is worth making an effort, as those who are “mountain-fit” when they arrive in Antarctica will enjoy it far more!
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.
Preparing for Your Trip
The best way to get fit for any activity is to just do it. However, we understand that most of our guests have busy schedules with work and family commitments and getting to the mountains to prepare may not be easy. Your training needs to be based around the particular movements required by the activity you will be doing. For ski-touring that means you should mimic the movements of skiing on the flat or uphill using your arms to help propel yourself. One of the best ways of doing this is to use a Nordic ski-trainer in a gym or use ski-poles while hiking at a fast pace. It’s hard to train specifically for the downhill aspect of skiing without actually doing it, but building strong thigh muscles is a must. Road or mountain biking is a great way to build your leg strength for skiing as the compressive downstroke of pedaling helps mimic the movement of turning on steep ground.
Training with a pack is of use but be very careful when training with weight and don’t overdo it! You are better off developing your leg strength and overall cardiac fitness than your ability to carry a heavy pack. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for the expedition.
Food
Freshly-cooked meals, baked goods and desserts will be served from Union Glacier Camp's fully-equipped kitchen, with fresh food regularly flown in from Chile. Buffet-style meals are served at set times which brings together all the camp residents, from mountain climbers to polar expeditioners and research scientists. Vegetarian options are available upon request and in between meals, self-serve snacks and beverages will be available. When in field camps lighter weight mountain meals will be prepared by your guide, although assistance with cooking tasks is always appreciated. We bring a variety of foods and snacks to cater to most tastes however if you have a favourite snack food/treat, we highly recommend you bring a small supply along with you.
Clothing & Equipment
A full clothing and equipment checklist will be sent to all expedition members once their booking is confirmed. Our Equipment Coordinator will be available prior to the trip to provide advice and discuss individual equipment questions.
Weather
The interior of Antarctica has a cold, dry, windy climate. Average mid-season temperatures at our camp range from -12°C to -4°C (10°F to 25°F). On a sunny windless day it can feel quite warm but when the wind blows you will be glad of warm layers and a wind jacket. Temperatures can drop as low as -30°C (-22°F) in early November.
| Day | |
| 1 |
Meeti in Puntas Arenas, Chile |
| 2 | Weighing & loading of gear |
| 3 | Expedition Briefing |
| 4 | Fly to Antarctica |
| 5-7 | Expedition preparations |
| 8-14 | Ski safari |
| 15 | Return to Punta Arenas |
| 16 | Fly home |
PLEASE NOTE: Early arrival allows for expedition preparation and also allows a buffer for flight and luggage delays should your travels to Chile not go as scheduled. Flights to Antarctica are not held for delayed passengers or luggage.
| Day | |
| 1-3 | The evening before your Antarctic flight, you are invited to an important safety briefing to be followed by cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. At the briefing, we will describe the flight dispatch process, update you on the current weather and prepare you for arrival at Union Glacier. Please stay to enjoy pisco sours served over ancient Antarctic ice with your fellow travelers. |
|
4 |
Fly to Antarctica: We will call you at your hotel in the morning to advise you of current conditions in Antarctica. If the weather is suitable for our flight, we will pick you up at your hotel within the hour. Please meet us in the lobby with hotel bills paid, ready to board the bus. At the Punta Arenas airport, we board our chartered jet for the 4¼ hour flight to Antarctica. Our route crosses the Drake Passage, then follows the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the spine of the Ellsworth Mountains. We land on a naturally occurring blue-ice runway on Union Glacier where you will take your first steps on Antarctica. Climb aboard one of our specially-adapted vans for the 8km/5 mile shuttle to our main camp. Our friendly staff will provide a welcome tour of camp and show you to your tent. *Every effort will be made to keep to the scheduled flight date and we will depart as soon as weather and runway conditions permit. Please understand that delays are common in Antarctic travel. All flights are dependent on weather, aircraft serviceability, and local conditions. Our staff will stay in close contact with you and will provide you with regular flight updates. |
| 5-7 |
Expedition Preparations: Your skiing team will spend the first few days at Union Glacier brushing up on skills and getting accustomed to the Antarctic conditions. You’ll practice avalanche rescue, rope work, crevasse rescue, navigation, weather observations and polar camping skills. During this period, you will discuss your objectives with your guide and pack your equipment to ready for departure. While based in Union Glacier Camp, you may also have time to join an excursion to one of the following destinations: Charles Peak Windscoop The Beach at Rossman Cove Hidden Valley |
| 8-14 |
Ski Touring: It’s time to explore Antarctica as it should be, untracked and pristine. The opportunities for discovery are endless, whether you are looking for steep lines, first descents or gentle, scenic ski tours. Only a handful of people have passed through this terrain and it is exhilarating to think that you may be one of the only people to stand on a summit, set tracks on a slope or marvel at the view below. Numerous valleys grant access to the snowy peaks of the Enterprise Hills, Pioneer Heights and Soholt Peaks. In recent years, snowfalls have created consistently good skiing conditions with boot-top powder in some areas. You and your guide will develop a custom expedition plan tailored to your personal skillset and pursuits. Take on local day trips and return home to Union Glacier Camp each evening for dinner or set out on a multi-day expedition to explore various peaks in the Heritage Range. Once your skiing dreams are fulfilled, you’ll return to Union Glacier Camp to enjoy a celebration dinner and toast your achievements! |
| 15 |
Fly to Punta Arenas: When weather and runway conditions permit, your intercontinental aircraft will arrive at Union Glacier to transport you back to Chile. Our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you back to your hotel. We recommend booking your flight home one week after your return Antarctic flight. If you purchase a full-fare ticket, most airlines will allow you to move your departure date. It is important to give yourself a buffer as delays are common in Antarctic travel. Our Punta Arenas team can provide a list of local tour operators and excursions if you wish to explore Chile before you return home. When it is time for your flight home, our staff will provide transportation from your hotel to the Punta Arenas airport. |
| 16 |
Flexible, Depart for Home: We recommend booking your flight home one week after your return Antarctic flight. If you purchase a full-fare ticket, most airlines will allow you to move your departure date. It is important to give yourself a buffer as delays are common in Antarctic travel. Our Punta Arenas team can provide a list of local tour operators and excursions if you wish to explore Chile before you return home. |
Our Ski Antarctica Expedition is also available as an Add On to our existing Vinson Massif and South Pole Expeditions. Please enquire with our office for more details.
We offer Privately Guided Expeditions in Antarctica and have been fortunate enough to work with many private groups over the years with exceptional results. Please enquire with our office for more details.
Journey to this ultimate destination following your expedition, covering the distance that took the early explorers many months of hardship in just a few hours. Contact us for more details.
Three Glaciers Camp is an exclusive retreat nestled deep in the Ellsworth Mountains of Antarctica, at the base of Mount Sporli and at the head of the Schneider, Schanz and Driscoll glaciers. It can be booked as an accommodation experience for members on Mount Vinson, Mount Sidley, Climb Antarctica and Ski Antarctica expeditions, as well as Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Voyages.
Each of the eight guest tents is heated, furnished with cozy sitting areas and equipped with a charging station for personal electronics. Three suites feature king beds and five have two extra-long twin beds. Double-walled tents and window shades create a dark retreat after long days in the Antarctic sun. There are even shower facilities, with melt snow gathered straight from the glacier to maintain a piping hot supply. Guests can enjoy unobstructed views of mountains and glaciers from the warmth of their private patio.
In the dining room and lounge area, a private chef will create original dishes with fresh ingredients flown in from Chile. In between meals, you can relax on the sofa with a book from the polar library or enjoy a coffee from a leather lounge chair.
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 Ski Antarctica 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 your climbers 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 and has established a strong relationship with our partner in this region, Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE). The 2018/19 season will mark Adventure Consultants' twenty-fifth year of expeditions to this continent. We are, therefore, experts in all of the intricacies of travelling to Antarctica.
What will accommodation be like on the ice?
At Union Glacier Camp you will stay in a two-person 'clam tent'. These have double walls to withstand Antarctic conditions, with high-tech nylon coverings and durable aluminium frames that open up like a clam shell. They are tall enough to stand up in and incorporate a wooden floor to provide solid footing and insulation from the snow. Each guest is provided with a cot, mattress, pillow, linens, towels and wash basin. During excursions outside of Union Glacier we will stay in mountain tents usually shared with another skier.
What showers and washing (clothes) facilities will be available on the expedition?
Showers and laundry facilities are available at the Punta Arenas Hotel prior to and after the expedition. There may be the chance for a shower at Union Glacier, so bring a lightweight towel and small wash kit for this eventuality. We advise people to bring wet-wipes for an impromptu wash while on the expedition.
What food will be available?
Food is one of the most crucial factors for expeditions to Antarctica. We serve nutritious and filling food that will sustain you well, and during the planning stage we will ask you for any dietary requirements in order for us to adjust our menus accordingly.
What is the food like?
Union Glacier Camp enjoys a fully-equipped kitchen, where the chefs create freshly-cooked meals, baked goods and desserts. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses are regularly flown in from Chile. All meals are buffet-style and served at set times, with snacks and beverages always available. When in field camps, we will eat lighter weight mountain meals prepared by your guide, although assistance with cooking tasks is always appreciated. We bring a variety of foods and snacks to cater to most tastes however if you have a favourite snack food/treat, we highly recommend you bring a small supply along with you.
What are the hotels like? Can I have my own room?
Prior to and after this expedition, we stay in a fantastic hotel right in the centre of Punta Arenas. This hotel offers classical elegance and its friendly helpful staff always look after the AC teams exceptionally well. Facilities include a restaurant, Wi-Fi and laundry service. Personal items can also be left in the hotel's secure storage when traveling to Antarctica.
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave?
When traveling to Punta Arenas for any Antarctic departure, it is very important to arrive on the indicated arrival date. All of the group gear must be weighed for loading at least one day prior to departure for Union Glacier. Flights to and from Antarctica are subject to weather, therefore delays can and often do occur so it is very important to allow some flexibility with airline travel arrangements at the end of the expedition.
My travel agent says I can just get an 'e' ticket (electronic ticket) and will not need to be issued a physical ticket.
'E' tickets are standard practice these days and are now acceptable in most locations. Do ensure you print your itinerary and have your booking number with you, as this allows you to change your flight should this be required.
When should I book my ticket?
We generally ask that you to wait until 120 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?
Specifically for expeditions to Antarctica, we strongly advise against buying a ticket online, as internet fares and frequent flyer fare purchases often have limited or no flexibility should you need to reschedule.
Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
Upon arrival into Punta Arenas' Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative from our partner, ALE, who will transport you to your hotel and confirm the time and place of your initial briefing.
What if I am arriving early or departing late?
Adventure Consultants can make reservations for you and can often make recommendations in regards to sightseeing that you can enjoy. Please let our office know your specific plans.
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 will be happy to provide advice and answers to any questions you may have.
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 limited options for purchasing additional equipment in Punta Arenas.
How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be?
This will be clearly stated in your recommended gear list. In particular for camping on the ice, you will need a sleeping bag warm enough for you in conditions that can be as cold as -40˚C (-40˚F). We cannot recommend enough buying a sleeping bag big enough to allow you to wear some clothes inside if it is especially cold.
I will be skiing at altitude, so does Adventure Consultants take this into consideration?
On all of our programs, we seriously consider the altitude and ensure that all of our itineraries allow sufficient acclimatisation and rest days, if required.
What altitude medication will be available on the expedition? Do we need to take tablets before/during the expedition?
All our guides carry extensive medical kits but you will need to bring any medications you regularly use (don’t forget to tell us about them), plus extras.
Who goes on your trips?
Our climbers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, countries and skill levels ranging from those seeking skill development to those seeking assistance with the world's highest mountains or purely adventure.
I would like to arrange a private trip, is this possible?
We are happy to arrange a private group trip for Ski Antarctica. There is no specific group size, but obviously larger groups are more cost-effective. Please contact the office for more information or visit our Private Customised Expeditions page.
What kind of physical condition should I be in for an Antarctic expedition?
We invite you to check out our Fitness Training for Expeditions page and recommend checking with your physician before embarking on strenuous physical activity.
You should come with a good level of fitness. Your training should be based around the particular movements required by the activity you will be doing. For ski-touring that means you should mimic the movements of skiing on the flat or uphill using your arms to help propel yourself. One of the best ways of doing this is to use a Nordic ski-trainer in a gym or use ski-poles while hiking at a fast pace. Building strong thigh muscles for the downhill sections is also a must. Road or mountain biking is a great way to build your leg strength for skiing as the compressive downstroke of pedaling helps mimic the movement of turning on steep ground.
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.
Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If so, what are the udage charges?
Your expedition guide will have an Iridium satellite phone and you are welcome to use this at US$4 per minute. As we rely on solar power, we cannot guarantee that the phone will be available 24hrs a day. Cold severely affects the system and delays can occur for re-warming. If you anticipate that you may need to make frequent or long calls then please make arrangements before the expedition through our office.
I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
The Adventure Consultants New Zealand office receives 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 available throughout the expedition? What voltage requirements?
We take solar panels and sometimes battery power packs on our expeditions. Our first priority is to charge our satellite phones and expedition electrical equipment. It is possible to charge via USB at Union Glacier Camp so if your equipment has this facility please bring this along. We do NOT recommend bringing rechargeable digital cameras as they tend to run out when power is not available. Use cameras with replaceable batteries and we recommend lithium batteries. We can cater for special power requirements at an extra cost. Please enquire with our office.
What weather report service do you use? How often do you receive a weather report in the summit bid phase?
During the expedition, your guide will receive daily weather updates from the team at Union Glacier as well as updates from the Adventure Consultants office.
What insurance do we need to get?
Traveling to Antarctica requires specialised medical and evacuation insurance. We do also highly recommend trip cancellation insurance to cover for cancellation due to medical and personal reasons.
Do I need evacuation insurance?
Absolutely and as it is so imperative for departures to Antarctica, your insurance cover is double-checked before you are allowed to travel down to the ice.
Who do you recommend for insurance?
When you have booked on an Antarctic departure, we will send you information on the insurance option which will serve you best.
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 trip cancellation insurance for expeditions to Antarctica. 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 guide-to-client 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 the trip is to 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.
What is the best equipment for photography in alpine environments?
Remember photos are wonderful records of your expedition but keep camera gear simple and light to best enjoy the trip you are on. Disposable and digital cameras are the lightest weight, but all cameras have maintenance issues that need to be carefully considered before bringing them to polar regions.
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.
