Antarctic Peninsula Backcountry Ski Cruise

• 2020 Lower Deck Twin Room
• 2020 Main Deck Twin (Porthole)
• 2020 Main deck twin (window)
• 2020 main deck twin single
• 2020 upper deck superior
• 2020 Captain's Deluxe
• 2020 Captain's Suite
• 2020 Owner's Suite

• Overview

  • Get your first glimpse of Antarctica as 10,000ft peaks drop into the frozen ocean below
  • See leopard seals prowl the edge of the sea ice
  • Ski some of the most unforgettable runs of your life only minutes away from a warm bed and cocktails on deck

  
  Join us on a 13-day cruise on the Ocean Adventurer. Departing from the southern tip of South America to Antarctica, we ski and explore the wildest continent in the world. Once at the peninsula, a fleet of Zodiac boats onboard the ship provides easy and fast access to the mountainous terrain of the Antarctic Peninsula. We are dwarfed beneath towering peaks as we ski past penguins resting on icebergs in the most remote corners of the earth.

  The Antarctic Peninsula receives the most snow on the continent and due to the cold temperatures, dry powder conditions can form which is exceptional for skiing. Pairing this with near constant sunlight makes the Antarctic Peninsula the perfect playground for adventure sports.

• Why AC?

  Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to expeditions. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our team the best possible chance of a safe and enjoyable trip.

  We employ strong and specialised expedition leaders, guides and support staff, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams and 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 proven level of service and experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions safe and successful.

• Ship Berth Upgrades & Prices

  2020

  Departure Dates:

  November 5-17, 2020

  Ship Berth Options & Price Details:

  	Lower Deck Twin	Main Deck Twin (Porthole)	Main Deck Twin (Window)	Main Deck Twin Single	Upper Deck Superior	Captain’s Deck Deluxe	Captain’s Deck Suites	Owner’s Suites
  2020	US$13,495	US$14,495	US$16,495	US$23,495	US$18,495	US$19,495	US$21,495	US$23,495

  Please note that these prices are per person and include the Guided Backcountry Skiing option. Please contact us for pricing excluding this option in your itinerary if you would like to pursue other activities than ski touring.

• Payment Conditions

  • Inclusions & Exclusions
  • Payment Details

  Inclusions

  The price of your trip includes the following

  • Comprehensive pre-departure information package
  • Pre-expedition shared hotel accommodation in Ushuaia, Argentina (1 night)
  • Group dinner in Ushuaia
  • Group transfers from the hotel to the ship on embarkation
  • Group transfers from the ship to the airport on disembarkation
  • Miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board the Ocean Adventurer
  • Shore landings and Zodiac excursions as permitted by weather and local conditions
  • Use of rubber expedition boots on loan for shore landings
  • Backcountry skiing in Antarctica
  • Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
  • Expedition certificate
  • Photographic DVD chronicling the voyage

  
  Exclusions

  The price of your trip does not include:

  • Airfares to or from your home city
  • Passport and visa expenses
  • Any government arrival and departure airport taxes
  • Ski or trekking equipment
  • Any meals ashore (except breakfast at the host hotel and welcome dinner on the evening prior to departure)
  • Baggage, cancellation and travel insurance (emergency medical and evacuation insurance is mandatory)
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges onboard the ship or at the hotel
  • Telecommunications charges
  • Customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for stewards, guides, and other service personnel
  • Tips for guides and hospitality staff

  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 deposit of 50% of the total trip fee is payable to secure a place on the expedition.

  Balance

  The balance is due 95 days prior to the trip start date.

  Cancellation & Refund Policy

  An expedition member may cancel their participation on the following basis:

  • Cancellations outside of 150 days are refunded less an administrative fee of US$500 per person.
  • For cancellations made within 149 to 95 days of the trip commencement date will result in the loss of the trip deposit.
  • For cancellations within 94 days of the departure date, a cancellation fee of 100% of the full fee applies. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply, with unpaid monies 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.

• Trip Notes

  • Trip Notes
  • The Team
  • Health & Fitness
  • More...

  Our Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for the Adventure Consultants' Antarctic Peninsula Backcountry Ski Cruise.
  
  You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:

  Antarctic Peninsula Backcountry Ski Cruise 2020

  Our Guides

  You will find the guides to be companionable and strong expedition leaders with considerable power and willingness to see you achieve your goals.

  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 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 adventure offers some degree of flexibility to be customized to your skill level, whether you are an experienced ski mountaineer 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 required. 

  We ask all potential participants to complete a questionnaire 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. 

  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.

  Food

  All meals are provided onboard in a dining room on the Upper Deck. Please notify us at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements, as most can be catered for by the onboard chefs. Assortments of freshly-baked items are usually offered each afternoon and there is a selection of snacks available in the lounge during cocktail hour, expedition activities permitting.
  

  Clothing & Equipment

  A full clothing and equipment checklist will be sent to all expedition members once their booking is confirmed. Members are expected to provide their own personal backcountry skiing equipment.

• Itinerary

  • Itinerary

  Day
  1	Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. Participate at an orientation meeting with your guide before a welcome dinner. Overnight in Ushuaia.
  2	Board the Ocean Adventurer and set sail down the Beagle Channel.
  3-4	Cross the Drake Passage as sperm, fin and humpback whales accompany our journey.
  5	Enjoy ski and trekking objectives at Neko Harbour, join Zodiac cruises to penguin rookeries or shore landings for hiking.
  6	Tackle ski objectives on Anvers and Wenke Islands, visit Port Lockroy scientific base and museum or visit gentoo and adelie penguin habitats.
  7	Ski Mount Britannia on Rongé Island or visit the penguin rookery at Georges Point.
  8	Ski and trekking objectives in Paradise Bay or Zodiac excursions to penguin rookeries or Almirante Brown Station.
  9	Sail to the Lemaire Channel to enjoy ski descents on Mount Scott/Mount Demaria/Mount Mill or visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky scientific station. Killer whale and leopard seal sightings.
  10	New ski descents and nature cruises of Charlotte Bay before beginning the journey north in the evening.
  11-12	Sail the Drake Passage and pass the dramatic cliffs of Cape Horn.
  13	Disembark the Ocean Adventurer in Ushuaia, Argentina.

  Flexibility is necessary for all Antarctic travel. This program is subject to change throughout the journey depending on ice, weather and local conditions.

• Travel & Rescue Insurance

  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:

  • Travel insurance including trip interruption and cancellation cover
  • Medical Evacuation and Rescue Insurance

  
  For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.

• FAQ

  • Contact Us

    The following is to serve as a helpful guideline on our Antarctic Peninsula 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)

  • Choosing a Provider

    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.

  • Food, Accommodation & Facilities

    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. In most cases, your roommate at the hotel will be your roommate on the boat.

    What food will be available on the boat?
    You will be served with three delicious meals per day. As meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, times of the sittings will be posted around the ship. Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet-style, while dinners are served plated. We are able to cater to most special dietary requests, as long as you clearly indicate your needs at the time of booking.

    What laundry facilities will be available on the expedition?
    Laundry is collected each morning at a small charge and will be returned within 48 hours.

    Can we get a shower onboard?
    Yes! Each cabin has a private bathroom with shower, toilet and wash basin.

  • Travel

    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 ticket?
    We generally ask you to wait until 95 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 the Antarctica Peninsula one of them!

    Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
    Please plan to fly into Malvinas International Airport (USH) in Ushuaia. Transfers between the airport and hotel can be booked 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.

  • Clothing & Equipment

    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?
    In the Antarctic Peninsula Region we normally encounter temperatures around freezing during the summer months, however, wind chill factor can make it seem much colder in even a light breeze.

  • Guides, Staff & Team Members

    How many passengers will be on board? Will I have to share a cabin?
    The Ocean Adventurer is designed to carry up to 132 travelers in various comfortable cabins and suites. The trip fee is quoted on a sharing basis but a single cabin supplement is available. Please contact us for more information.

    Should we tip the staff?
    Tips are always greatly appreciated and for ski guides, a tip in the range of US$50-US$100 is recommended for each guided day. For hospitality staff on board the boat, we suggest US$13-US$15 per passenger per day. Tips are always optional but greatly appreciated.
    

  • Health & Fitness

    What kind of physical condition should I be in for the expedition?
    You must be in good general health. The expedition is ship-based and although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. For ski touring activities, 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!

    How do I know this is the right trip for me?
    This adventure offers some degree of flexibility to be customized to your skill level, whether you are an experienced ski mountaineer 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 required. 

    We ask all potential participants to complete a questionnaire 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.

  • Communication & Electronic Devices

    What type of communication is available on the expedition?
    Wireless internet access is available onboard the ship. You may purchase internet cards for approximately $2 per MB. Once you have the card, you can access the internet and email from your personal accounts. There are two computer stations onboard should you choose not to bring a personal laptop. Please be aware the internet is very slow and best used only for email.

    I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
    You can contact your loved ones directly by email as above. In an emergency, you can also reach the ship by satellite phone with costs paid by the receiver.

    Will there be any power source for charging batteries, etc available throughout the expedition? What voltage requirements?
    The electrical supply on board is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Be sure to check your electronics before you travel as some items may require a small converter. The electrical outlet sockets in your cabin and around the ship are the standard European two round pin plugs.

  • Insurance

    What insurance do we need to get?
    In addition to evacuation and medical insurance, we recommend that all our expedition members buy trip cancellation insurance upon sign up for the 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 expedition insurance advice or visit our expedition insurance page here.

    Do I need evacuation insurance?
    Absolutely! Evacuation from the Peninsula can cost be costly and you need to be insured accordingly to a minimum of US$100,000, 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.

  • Fees & Payments

    Can I pay by for my expedition 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.

    How do I pay for items onboard the ship?
    A “chit” system is used on the ship. This means you will sign for items, such as alcoholic drinks, when you take them, but pay your account balance on the final day of the voyage. Your final payment can be made using cash, traveller’s cheques or major credit cards. The US dollar is the standard currency on board. 

    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 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)

Book Now