SOUTH POLE CAMP

A large white tent at the South Pole serves as a dining area with long tables and chairs, decorated with tinsel, garlands, and ornaments. Food and supplies line side tables, and maps of Antarctica are mounted on the walls.

Accommodations

Our tented camp at the South Pole is designed to provide as much comfort and security as possible given the extreme environment. ALE guests on overnight experiences will sleep in Arctic Oven tents. These heated, double-walled tents are designed to withstand Antarctic conditions and equipped with the same type of cots, mattresses, and pillows used at Union Glacier.

WEATHER

Be prepared for extreme conditions. Temperatures range from -31° to -13°F (-35° to -25°C) and the physiological altitude (how high it feels) is roughly 11,000 ft (3,300m). You may feel the effects of altitude, including shortness of breath and mild headache and it will be cold! One of our experienced medics accompanies all South Pole Flights and is ready to assist you should you have any issues with the cold or altitude. With the right clothing and equipment, you will quickly settle in and enjoy life at the bottom of the world.

A black and white photo shows a plane on snowy ground near several tents under the bright sun, surrounded by a large halo. This remote, cold scene captures the rugged spirit of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions in Antarctica.

A man wearing an apron stands inside a tent kitchen in Antarctica, smiling behind a table with a large pot and a tray of baked food. Pots, utensils, and cooking supplies are visible—part of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions at the South Pole.

MEALS

Meals are prepared by one of our talented chefs and served in a large heated dining tent. This main tent is the center of activity for the camp is open to expedition groups and guests to enjoy together.

TOILETS

Toilet facilities are housed in a tent and are similar to those used at Union Glacier Camp. All waste is returned to Union Glacier Camp for proper disposal in Chile. No shower facilities are provided at South Pole Camp.

A small blue and white building with two doors stands on a snowy Antarctic landscape under a clear blue sky. A yellow snowmobile and large white tents, part of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, are visible in the background.

Blue flags stand in snow leading to a sign and a large building in the distance under a clear South Pole sky. The scene is cold and remote, with tire tracks visible—hallmarks of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions operations.

ACTIVITIES

While camping at the South Pole you can participate in activities, mingle with teams who have skied to the Pole, or simply relax and take it all in. Choose from a variety of morning and afternoon activity sessions, with opportunities to visit the South Pole Markers, South Pole Visitor Center; lectures on Antarctic themes; and DVD presentations.

COMMUNICATIONS

ALE’s South Pole Camp maintains daily communication with Union Glacier Camp using satellite phone and email communications. Guests can make outgoing satellite phone calls using our Iridium handsets. Pre-paid phone cards can be purchased at Union Glacier.

A person in winter gear stands beside a white propeller airplane with a Canadian flag, parked on snowy ground near several colorful tents under a cloudy sky, ready for Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions in Antarctica.

A group of people sit on chairs and at tables inside a decorated white tent at the South Pole, listening to a speaker at the front. Tinsel and ornaments hang from the ceiling, while Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions images display on screens.

POWER

South Pole Camp is solar powered and limited charging facilities are available in the main tent for guests. Two types of outlets are available: USB and 120V A/C (North American Type A or B plugs). Ensure your batteries are fully charged prior to leaving Union Glacier, you have back-up batteries on hand, and you leave any unnecessary electronics behind. Please be courteous of your fellow travelers and do not leave electronics plugged in overnight.

TIME

The sun rises and sets only once a year at the South Pole and we will have 24-hour daylight throughout our stay. Our South Pole Camp operates on the same time as Punta Arenas, Chile and Union Glacier Camp, where our flights originate, however we may find ourselves keeping odd hours as we coordinate our activities with those of Amundsen-Scott Station (NZ-SP time UTC+13)

South Pole Camp Time

= GMT (UK time) -3 hours

= Eastern Standard Time (NYC time) +2 hours

= Pacific Standard Time (LA time) +5 hours.

A person stands with arms raised on a snowy landscape at the South Pole, surrounded by tents. The sun shines brightly overhead, creating a dramatic halo effect and casting a long shadow on the snow. Black and white photo.

A group of people in cold-weather gear stand in front of a blue tent on snow in Antarctica, with supplies packed in red bags nearby, under a partly cloudy sky—part of an Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions journey.

SOUTH POLE ASMA #5

The South Pole has been designated as an Antarctic Specially Managed Area (ASMA #5) to conserve the environmental, scientific and historical values of the area. A management plan directs all activities in the Area and specific guidelines apply to all non-governmental visits. We ask for your cooperation in respecting visitor guidelines during any time we may spend at the South Pole.

SOUTH POLE ASMA