Each day will be an adventure as we navigate over pressure ridges, search for routes around open leads of water, and set camp on multi-year pans of ice as we live and travel on the polar pack ice.
We all owe it to ourselves to express our true spirit of adventure, now you can achieve it on this amazing journey!
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The North Pole is the 'test piece' of polar expeditions and a serious undertaking. Surrounded by sea ice and in total darkness for half the year, the North Pole is attainable only during a short window of time. If too early, darkness and extremely cold temperatures prevail. If too late, the frozen Arctic Ocean melts into drifting pack ice enshrouded by water.
Expedition members will be required to tow a laden sled and be an active contributor to camp setting and cooking procedures making for a very physical adventure.
Note: 2020 dates are tentative, to be confirmed.
Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to polar journeys and 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, 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 number 1000 594771 0002
Account Type: EUR
Swift Address: BKNZNZ22
Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter's account.
We can accept your deposit and balance payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% card charge.
Deposit
A deposit amount will be advised upon application.
Balance
The balance is payable 150 days prior to the commencement of the trip.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
An expedition member may cancel his/her participation on the following basis:
Cancellations outside of 150 days will result in the loss of the trip deposit.
For cancellations made within 149 - 90 days of the trip commencement date we reserve the right to retain 50% of the balance payment fee.
For cancellations within 89 days of the departure date a cancellation fee of 100% of the full fee applies.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Team members should take out private cancellation insurance if they wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons. This is called trip cancellation insurance and can be obtained through your normal travel agent. We will also provide advice regarding travel and rescue insurance and trip cancellation insurance.
The Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' North Pole All the Way Expedition.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
Team Membership
The team will have a minimum size of 4 members and 1 guide and a maximum size of 12 members and 3 guides.
Our Guides
The Adventure Consultants team includes experienced Arctic/Antarctic travellers whose knowledge and expertise is imperative in making these expeditions a success. The guides for each trek are confirmed 6 months prior to departure time.
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.
Katie Topham
Katie has been with Adventure Consultants since 2019 in the role of Client Liaison. Having spent many years working in the outdoor industry, Katie brings a wealth of experience to her role.
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 our medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality.
What You Carry
Each team member will have a high tech sled built specifically for Arctic/Antarctic use. These will be loaded with personal gear as well as a share of the expedition equipment. Each sled is estimated to weigh around 90-100kg at the beginning of the trek and reduce by 40 kg over the duration of each leg as food and fuel is consumed.
Most Arctic travellers prefer to carry their complete load on the sled rather than carry a backpack. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for the sustained physical exertion required on this expedition.
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
Effective work at high latitudes requires a good (and specific) physiology for the activity and a solid outdoors background. Of course, there is much we can do to enhance the physical attributes we have and these are best achieved by specific training. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for the expedition.
The physical issues endured by polar travellers are the sheer amount of physical output required on a daily basis, and repetitive strain injuries incurred from said activity. Weight loss often occurs through the sheer inability to eat the amount of calories you burn up in a day. There are ways to try to minimise this through diet, pace and regular snacks throughout each working day. However, on the longer trips, the result of all the effort is a lower level of performance and, consequently, the muscular system deteriorates through a calorific deficit. It is worth anticipating muscle loss and therefore you should train to ensure you have a bit extra before you leave.
Being generally fit, healthy and strong is paramount to doing well on these travels. Training should focus on developing cardiovascular capability and strength training for specific muscle groups. There is no training for pulling sleds like pulling sleds! Sport specific training will ensure your ligaments and tendons are conditioned for the stresses of expedition work so if you can get an old tractor tyre out and drag it around behind you in a field then that will ultimately be of some benefit. However, this can be difficult to do and many polar travellers have focused on other ways to simulate the strains to be experienced in the polar regions. Being overweight places more stress on your system so ensure that you are not putting yourself at a disadvantage before you start. It is recommended that you focus on strength development and stamina training as your body is constantly stressed through sled hauling and dealing with the cold. Lots of gym work is recommended and a physical trainer will assist in working on any areas of weakness you may have. Additionally, a lot of long-duration exercise like hill walking (with a pack), mountain biking on hills and swimming are beneficial. Be careful not to over-train just prior to the trip as you will need all your reserves and you don’t want to 'peak' too early. The fact that you are looking at losing (sometimes) considerable body mass indicates the need to be quite heavy at the start of the trip so do not over-do it prior to the expedition.
Aerobic exercise should not be ignored either as you do not want to turn up fully bulked, but not able to perform short duration bursts of energy expenditure where necessary, like when you set out and are feeling cold. During aerobic training, it is necessary to monitor your heart rate to ensure you are training your cardiovascular system. This can be achieved by using a heart rate monitor or by manually measuring heart rate during exertion. A basic formula is 220-Age=heart rate (HR) maximum. Operating at 70-85% of your HR max will ensure you are exercising to enhance cardiovascular fitness.
For all the effort that goes into training the body, the mental attributes are worth some analysis and attention also. The most important of these are a strong work ethic, an ability to pace one’s self for a long duration project, strength of character and—above all—the ability to get on with others. If you are not a 'team player' or you find that you often come into conflict with others (even if you do think it is their fault) then you should not consider taking part in polar expeditions, unless you do it solo!
Adventure Consultants also offers a specific Polar Training Course to introduce the essential skills and techniques you’ll need to prepare for a polar expedition. Based in the New Zealand mountains, this is a 4-10 day course designed to give you greater confidence in the judgment and decision making aspects of polar travel. While no course can prepare you fully for the real thing, this course offers a variety of terrain that enables you to develop the essential skills you will need.
Rescue Considerations
It is sometimes possible for evacuations to take place along the route if necessary. But expedition members need to fully understand that evacuation is not an ‘on demand’ service and weather conditions can preclude flights for days or even weeks at a time. The best way to protect oneself against problems of this nature is to be fully prepared, both physically and mentally for an adventure of this magnitude. Additionally, rescue can be very expensive and we require expedition members to be fully insured against this possibility.
Clothing & Equipment
For most of the trek members need only be clad in fleece clothing with windproof shells. Warm expedition mittens and hats will be necessary in addition to a facemask to keep wind and blowing snow at bay. Lightweight down clothing will help members endure the cold starts and be additional warmth (if needed) in the sleeping bag.
We supply all of the team equipment and you will only need your personal equipment. We supply sleds, tents, stoves, pots, food and fuel, ropes and sled harnesses, GPS and telecommunication equipment.
You will need to supply all your own clothing, sleeping gear and ski equipment. If you wish we can assist with the purchase of equipment and clothing suitable to the expedition.
A full equipment list will be sent to you on confirmation of booking.
Communication & Messages
We carry the latest in satellite communication equipment on our expeditions, facilitating good contact with the outside world. This also improves safety in that we have instant communications with rescue services in the unlikely event an evacuation is required. It is possible for you to utilize our equipment or you may bring your own but we request you confirm with us to establish power requirements can be met.
Weather
The effective temperature is defined by the strength of the wind. Temperatures will be in the range of – 40 degrees C (and F) to 0 degrees C (32 degrees F). As the team nears the pole and spring sets in, temperatures will rise and the ice will constantly break, making forward progress sometimes agonizingly slow. Ultimately a lot will depend on the season and the general weather patterns. Weather analysis will be provided by experts in Polar meteorology which will assist us in being forewarned of major weather systems.
| Day | |
| 1 | Meet in Resolute Bay, Canada. Transfer from airport to hotel. Evening orientation and welcome reception. Gear check and team briefing. |
| 2-5 | Team training outside Resolute Bay. |
| 6 | Charter flight to Eureka weather station and then on to Ward Hunt Island. |
| 7 | Depart Ward Hunt Island onto the pack ice. Begin skiing towards North Pole. |
| 8-57 | Ski across the dynamic pack ice of the Arctic Ocean towards the North Pole. |
| 58 | Upon reaching the North Pole you'll have time to celebrate this monumental achievement!. Helicopter from North Pole to Borneo Ice Station. |
| 59 | Fly via charter air to Longyearbyen, Norway. |
| 60 | Breakfast at Longyearbyen Lodge. Depart for flights home. |
Our North Pole expedition starts in Resolute, Northern Canada with a training trip to build the team as well as test clothing and equipment. From Resolute we fly north by Twin Otter to Ward Hunt Island, a small island just off northern Ellesmere Island. From Ward Hunt to the Geographic North Pole is 416 nautical miles (770 km) of arctic pack ice. Once the North Pole is reached we fly back to Longyearbyen, Norway and the expedition concludes here.
This ice is always shifting; leads crack open and pressure ridges build into massive walls of ice chunks. To add to the challenge of it all is the extreme cold temperatures, often as cold as -40 ºC.
On this expedition we are stepping into the ski tracks left by the legendary arctic explorers! It will be the same landscapes, the same wind that will push you forward or on the contrary, will hamper your movement northwards. The same ice hummocks will block your way and you will have to negotiate them. Drifting ice fields will not respect the hard work or the tremendous effort required to move forward, but challenges aside, with a lot of hard work, and after almost 60 days, you’ll reach the top of the planet.
We share tents and the chores of cooking. The coldest part of the day will be in the breakdown of the camp as we pack sleds and begin the daily trek. Each day we will move for 8-10 hours with regular rests for food and fluid intake. Once we reach our camping destination for the day we set up the tents and build snow walls to protect the tents from wind.
Our New Zealand-based Polar Training Course has been designed to introduce you to the skills and techniques you’ll need to prepare for a polar expedition and will give you greater confidence in the judgment and decision making aspects of polar travel. You will learn skills such as food preparation, navigation, camp management and even how to go to the toilet in a storm! While no course can prepare you fully for the real thing, this course offers a variety of terrain that enables you to develop the skills you will use in polar environments.
Please click on the image to view the trip notes online, visit our Polar Training Course page or contact us for more information.
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 North Pole 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. In this league, what makes you the first choice for expeditioners to the North Pole?
Adventure Consultants have been expeditioning in the polar regions for over two decades. We employ experienced and professional guides, use the latest in communications and weather forecasting technology and nutritious and tasty food to ensure you have the best experience on our trips.
I see there are Standard and Highly Supported options for my North Pole - Ski the Last Degree Expedition—what's the difference between these?
Adventure Consultants offers two different options for your North Pole - Ski the Last Degree expedition. Our Highly Supported trips allow you to complete your expedition in a shorter 15-day timeframe by providing a more concentrated guiding ratio. These expeditions are run at a maximum 1:2 ratio, whereas our Standard 18-day expeditions are run at a guide-to-client ratio of 1:4. On both expeditions, members are expected to haul both personal and communal gear so must arrive in good physical condition.
What showers and washing (clothes) will be available on the expedition?
Showers are available at the hotel prior to and after the trip but there are no showers or laundry facilities available during the expedition. We advise people to bring wet-wipes for impromptu washes.
What food will be available?
Food is one of the most crucial factors for a successful polar expedition. We serve nutritious and filling food that will sustain you well for the journey. Typical meals include warm muesli for breakfast, crackers with cheese, salami or dried fish for lunch and freeze-dried meals for dinner. These meals are supplemented with plenty of snacks including chocolate, cookies, dried fruit and nuts plus hot drinks. As food and equipment has to be hauled in sleds by each team member, the weight-to-calorie value of food is critical. For example, at the start of our North Pole All The Way Expedition, each member will consume about 4,000kcal of food daily and this will increase to 6,000kcal by the end of the expedition!
What are the hotels like?
Hotel nights are not included in the trip fee but we are happy to arrange bookings on your behalf. Through our local agents, we book centrally-located comfortable mid-range hotels. Once on your expedition program, you will be staying in tents and sharing with one other.
Is a single supplement available?
Single tents are not generally available during the expedition due to the heavy load carrying requirements. We would, however, be happy to arrange single hotel rooms on your behalf. Please contact our office for pricing.
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts?
Please arrange to arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary to allow sufficient time for your equipment check and briefing prior to youe flight to the icecap.
When should I book my ticket?
We generally ask you to wait until the balance payment date for your expedition to ensure minimum numbers have been met and the trip will operate. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights earlier 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, as trips can be extended by a week or more. Given the remote nature of where we operate, the weather must fall within certain parameters to be able to fly so delays can occur. In today’s world there are few places where the environment still affects our plans and the Arctic is one of them!
Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
For our North Pole Ski The Last Degree Expedition, we fly into Svalbard Airport (LYR) in Norway and for our North Pole All The Way Expedition we fly into Resolute Bay in Canada (most flights routes are through either Ottawa or Iqaluit). Where possible, there will be an Adventure Consultants representative waiting to meet you and transfer you from the airport to the hotel.
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 this trip YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO ARRIVE LATE. If you are delayed or your bags get lost, you will not be able to come on the expedition!
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.
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 Longyearbyen or Resolute Bay.
How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be?
This will be clearly stated in your recommended gear list. For camping on the ice, you will need a sleeping bag warm enough for you in conditions that can be as cold as -35°C (-31°F). We highly recommend buying a sleeping bag big enough to allow you to wear extra clothes in if it is especially cold.
How much weight do we carry on the expedition?
All baggage is transported in sleds made of plastic and members will haul both personal and communal gear (i.e. clothes, sleeping bag, food, fuel, stoves, tents etc.). The weight of the loads will gradually decrease as the expedition proceeds and food is eaten and fuel burnt.
For our Ski The Last Degree expedition, members should expect to haul approximately 45kg (100lbs) at the start, reducing to about 30kg (66lbs) by the end.
For our All The Way Expedition, we will likely pre-place two or three resupply caches which will reduce the total weight of food that needs to be carried at each stage. Team members should therefore expect to haul approximately 90kg (190lbs) at the start, reducing to about 60kg (132lbs) by the finish.
How many guides will be assigned to our group?
Our Standard expeditions usually have four members and one guide. The Highly Supported expeditions have one guide to two members.
Can I contact other expeditioners or guides on this expedition?
Sure! Before the expedition, contact our office and we can pass on your details to the other expeditioners. Due to our privacy policy, we leave it up to individual team members as to whether they want to get in touch.
Who goes on your trips?
Our expeditioners 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 most remote regions, or purely adventure.
I would like to arrange a private trip, is this possible?
We are happy to arrange a private group trip to the destination of your choice, and even to remote destinations such as the North Pole. 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 are the skills/prior experience required for this expedition?
Prior experience in winter travel, glacier crossings and cross-country skiing is important, as well as the ability to work well within a team environment. The nature of this expedition demands strong team cohesion and commitment. An essential ingredient for participants is physical fortitude for working hard in a cold weather environment, hence each member must be strong and healthy. Contact us regarding recommended training programmes for this expedition including our Polar Training Course.
What kind of physical condition should I be in for the expedition?
You should train on a regular basis for at least 3 months prior to your expedition start (up to 6 months for our All The Way expedition). We recommend focusing on cardiovascular training as the cardiovascular system is constantly stressed whilst on the move. Running and hiking combined with strength, core stability and flexibility training are the best types of exercise to incorporate into your programme. It is important to ensure long duration aerobic exercise, gradually increasing your endurance to maintain 8 hours of vigorous activity a day for up to the length of your expedition. Core strength is important to make sled hauling easier, as well as shoveling snow when the necessity for building protective walls for the tents arises.
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. As we rely on solar power and 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?
Your guide will send daily internet dispatches, and 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 appliances during the trip? What are the voltage requirements?
We take a small solar charging system on the expedition. This is used to charge the satellite phone as a priority, but may be used for other gadgets if sufficient power is available. Ensure your gadgets are able to be charged by USB or 12V car charger. 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.
Which weather report service do you use and how often do you receive weather reports?
During the expedition, your guide will receive weather updates from our local team as well as updates from the Adventure Consultants office.
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 their 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.
Do I need evacuation insurance?
Absolutely! Evacuation from the North Pole can cost up to $300,000 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. 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 flight.
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 group 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 expedition 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.
