South Pole Ski the Last Degree
Some of the greatest stories of modern exploration are those of attempts to reach the Geographic South Pole. Still the names of explorers like Scott, Amundsen and Shackleton continue to fascinate us as we learn of their heroic journeys. Today, you can follow in their footsteps on the same journey with the use of modern technology - an aircraft.
Challenge your limits on a voyage into the unknown and unexplored, covering the last difficult 60 nautical miles on ski. Reaching your goal, you will become part of a small group of less than 300 people who have reached the South Pole overland by ski.
The wild whims of nature can fall as snow, blow as 60-knot winds and dance on the ice creating colours more beautiful than those used by Michelangelo. Air temperatures in early October can be around -30°C (-22°F) and can rise to a high of -5°C (23°F) in mid December. Throughout your stay, you will have 24 hours of daylight.
We expect to cover an average of 10 miles a day with plenty of breaks to keep hydrated and conserve energy. The last 15 miles will seem the longest, however once you reach your goal it will all have been worthwhile as you celebrate reaching the most southerly point on earth!
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(MT-6779-P) |
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Accomodation |
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Equipment hire |
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Training |
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Price Excludes |
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Additional nights and/or meals caused by adverse weather or ice conditions.
Insurance.
International flights. |
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Activities Included |
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Exploring, snowmobile, skiing |
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Suitability / Level |
All Levels |
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Theme |
Activity Days
(Click to Search All) |
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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Day 1
Fly with British Airways from London Heathrow to Buenos Aries, where you will be met and taken to your stunning hotel for a 2-night stopover. (Arrive in Buenos Aires on the morning of Day 2). Time of team briefing is still to be confirmed.
Day 3
Today is a free day to do final personal preparations for the challenge that lies ahead.
Day 4
You will be transferred back to the airport to catch a LAN Chile flight to Santiago. Here you connect with an onward flight to Punta Arenas.
Upon your arrival at the airport in Punta Arenas you will be met by a staff member who will accompany you into town, settle you into your hotel and provide you with information on Punta Arenas and the surrounding area. We will schedule a time to check your Antarctic clothing and ensure that nothing has been inadvertently forgotten.
Day 5
Today is a free day for you to have a lazy time and explore this small but fascinating city. In the evening you are invited to join in an Antarctic presentation and cocktail reception. The presentation will include information on your flight South, the current weather situation and what to expect upon your arrival in Antarctica. Every effort will be made to keep to the scheduled departure date, but please note that all flights are dependent on weather and local conditions. You will be notified of any schedule changes as and when they occur.
Day 6
As soon as the weather is suitable, we will call you at your hotel and advise you of the time of departure.
Your Flight South
The flight time from Punta Arenas to the camp is approximately 4.5 hours, depending on the winds. The initial part of our flight passes over Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost area in Chile. The ocean below has been notorious throughout modern history for its wild storms, violent winds and heavy seas. Waves higher than 100 feet have been encountered in the Drake Passage by several ships and many early seamen lost their lives to these waters in the quest to find new lands.
At approximately 60 degrees latitude we reach the winter limits of frozen seas. This area of ocean is called the Antarctic Convergence and is rich in plankton and other tiny creatures that form the bottom of the food chain for Antarctica's rich bird and wildlife colonies. We are now entering the area governed by the Antarctic Treaty.
At 66 degrees latitude we cross the Antarctic Circle. Along this circle the sun never sets at the austral summer solstice and never rises at the austral winter solstice. Further South these Antarctic days and nights lengthen until at the South Pole the sun rises and sets only once a year.
Continuing our flight south and if weather conditions below co-operate, we may see tabular icebergs and the ice shelves from which they came below us. Some of these bergs can be the size of a small country and become a method of transport and a home for penguins and seals.
Our first sight of the icy continent appears at Charcot Island close to Alexander Island, 71 degrees latitude. The ice sheet continues to stretch inland until in the distance appear the spectacular Ellsworth Mountains, the highest range in Antarctica. Passing over the Ellsworth Range, our runway comes into sight. The wheeled aircraft lands on an area of blue ice, which is 3300 ft (1000m) above sea level.
The blue ice remains clear of snow due to the "Katabatic" winds that tunnel down from the mountains with great force. You are now warmly welcomed to the camp in Antarctica.
An introduction to our staff is followed by a tour and orientation of the camp and the surrounding area. You will be shown to your accommodation and settled down to a welcoming meal.
Day 7
The Ski Last Degree™ expedition team will meet in the morning for a group brunch and final briefing regarding the next few days journey. Bring a pen, paper and any questions you may have to the meeting.
At Patriot Hills there is a large area of windswept blue ice, which serves as the runway for the operation. Here at this camp at the southern end of the Ellsworth Mountains we check our equipment and take 8 days of food with us for our journey.
We fly to the Thiel Mountains in our specially equipped aircraft, refuel and then fly to 89 degrees South, 60nm from our goal and where we begin our journey to the Geographic South Pole.
Day 8-16
Today is our first day of skiing and pulling our sleds. We may well notice the altitude here in our breathing and our stamina. We are at almost 9000 feet, but because of the density of the air; it feels like 12000 feet.
We may start off with quite windblown snow conditions as this area of the plateau still has some occasional wind. As we move towards the pole the terrain gradually becomes slightly less windblown and the snow surface becomes a little softer. We will still encounter patches of sastrugi; the wind blown snow that caused Scott and Amundsen much grief. Today these patches can be as high as 6 to 8 feet and are no less challenging. We attempt to weave our way through them, without sleds flipping over or becoming stuck in the hollows. We can tell from the huge dips and swales that there may be monster crevasses in the area, however there is no need to rope up, the addition of our weight to the snow load over these massive bridges is minuscule.
We develop a regular routine, beginning with breakfast at 8am and skiing by 10am. We stop for 5 minutes every hour and begin eating our lunch from noon onwards during these breaks. We will stop by 5pm to set up camp and have supper. There is time in the evening for reading, talking or other camp activities. A s the sun is up for the whole 24 hours we are often quite warm in the tents and clothing that is damp from perspiration dries easily in the warmth. We expect to average 10 miles per day, starting off with 5 to 6 miles per day for the first few days and increasing as we acclimatise, develop our systems and a travelling rhythm.
As we approach the South Pole we will first see the outline of the station on the horizon. We will see the research station itself from 15 miles away. Those last 15 miles can seem the longest! Soon, we should be completing the final steps to our goal: The Geographic South Pole and the most southerly point on earth - beneath your feet 360 lines of longitude collide and the ice is almost 3000m (10000ft) thick.
On arrival you become part of a small group of less than 300 people who have reached the South Pole overland by ski. Congratulations!
Day 17
The completion of this incredible journey will be the return flight to Patriot Hills of approximately 6 hours over the polar plateau. When you arrive back at Patriot Hills camp we will have a celebration dinner where you can contemplate and enjoy your wonderful achievement a marvellous story that so few have lived!
Day 18
At Patriot Hills camp you can rest and recover from the last few days, or you can take part in a number of activities that will be going on around camp. You can hear, first hand, the experiences of other adventure travellers and climbers returning from their expeditions within the white desert. The choice is entirely yours.
Day 19-21
Activities are available throughout your stay at camp, including short walking trips, navigation lessons, slide shows, indoor games and talking to some of the other adventure travellers you will meet on your journey. Your time at camp can be as active or as relaxed as you wish.
Activities may include:
Snowmobile trips to the local mountains;
Learning about glaciology and geology;
Experience the unique ice and rock formations surrounding you;
An ascent of the nearby hills with wonderful panoramic views of the Ellsworth Mountain Range;
Learn and practice cross-country skiing and take local trips across the vast polar landscape.
In addition, the opportunity to go on a guided overnight camp in the Ellsworth Mountains will be available. Experience first hand, the remoteness of this continent and the thoughts and feelings of those early explorers.
Day 22
Weather permitting, the aircraft from Punta Arenas arrives in camp with new supplies and will take off with our group for the final leg of your Antarctic journey.
Once back in Punta Arenas you will be met by staff at the airport to take you to your hotel for a final night at this destination.
Day 23
Bad weather day
Day 24
Today you catch your flight to Buenos Aires where again you will break your journey for an overnight stay at the best hotel in the city.
Day 25
On your last day, you will be taken to the airport for your flight back to London with all the wonderful memories of this once in a lifetime experience. (Landing in the UK the morning of Day 26)
What should I bring?
You will be sent a list of Antarctic clothing and equipment that is required for your specific program. Bring your patience, your sense of humour and your dreams. A box of watercolours in case the scenery inspires you to paint, or your video camera to catch it easily on film!
What is important to remember?
The weather in Antarctica is unpredictable and delays due to weather are more the rule than the exception. Do not plan any important meetings or events for at least three weeks after your scheduled return date. With that said, we should point out that we are in the business to help people realise their Antarctic dreams and goals. We undertake to do all that is in our power to help make your expedition positive and rewarding.
(This itinerary is subject to change). |
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Accommodation
& Centre Details |
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Accommodation is provided throughout the trip, please contact us for more information
This cost does not include or accommodation in Punta Arenas, although we can organise these for you. |
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Holidays
Extras |
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