Many people dream of visiting Antarctica. Some want to step onto the continent, take in the vast landscapes, and experience one of the most remote places on Earth. Others are searching for something entirely different—a challenge that pushes their physical, mental, and emotional limits. That’s where an Antarctic Expedition begins.
CONSIDERING AN EXPEDITION IN ANTARCTICA?
START HERE.
“An expedition in Antarctica is to experience both her majesty and her mercilessness.”
Do you have the EXPERIENCE NEEDED?
Antarctic expeditions are among the most demanding adventures on Earth. Every applicant is individually reviewed to ensure they have the skills, fitness, and experience needed for a safe and rewarding expedition. We assess each participant based on their background, training, fitness, and expedition goals. Applicants should typically have all qualifying experience completed by April 30 of the expedition year, allowing ALE sufficient time to review and approve applications in May.
Typical Accepted Applicants Have:
Ski-based sled (pulk) hauling
Cold-weather experience
Strong fitness and resilience
Cross-country skiing in remote areas
Multi-day snow camping
Navigation and self-sufficiency
Valuable Additional Experience:
Includes but is not limited to, polar training courses, mountaineering or ski mountaineering, multi-day trekking expeditions, glacier travel experience, wilderness first aid training, and self-guided adventure experiences.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
Many of our expedition members come from different outdoor backgrounds. If you’re unsure whether your experience is sufficient, our expedition team can review your background and recommend any training needed before departure. We have minimum experience criteria for every type of expedition, please inquire below to receive a copy.
Find The Right Expedition For You
Guided Expeditions
Our guided expeditions are built for adventurers who want to experience Antarctic travel with the leadership and support of an experienced polar guide. Ski across vast polar landscapes, develop expedition skills, and immerse yourself in one of the world’s most remote environments while benefiting from expert guidance, risk management, and years of polar expertise. Whether it’s your first Antarctic expedition or a step toward larger expedition goals, guided expeditions offer an authentic and rewarding introduction to polar exploration.
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Independent Expeditions
Independent expeditions are designed for experienced adventurers pursuing their own objectives in Antarctica. Whether you’re planning a solo journey, record attempt, scientific project, or personal challenge, our logistics team can help make it possible. Expeditions may be fully unsupported, with participants carrying everything they need, or supported through resupplies, custom drop-offs, and tailored logistics solutions. From solo skiers to ambitious teams, we provide the access, expertise, and operational support needed to focus on the journey ahead.
Talk To An Expert
Not Sure?
Every Antarctic expedition is different. Some adventurers want the guidance and camaraderie of a professionally led journey, while others need custom logistics for an independent objective. If you’re unsure which path is right for you, we’re here to help. Our team has supported everyone from first-time polar travelers to world-class explorers and can help match your goals, experience, and ambitions with the right expedition.
Schedule a Consultation
Our Expedition Manager
Steve Jones
Steve began his career with ALE as a field guide before serving six years as Field Operations Manager in Antarctica. Today, as Expeditions Manager, he is the primary point of contact for independent expeditions, helping adventurers turn ambitious goals into reality. Drawing on years of field and operational experience, Steve works closely with expedition teams throughout the planning process while helping coordinate each Antarctic season behind the scenes.
