Ski touring surrounded by endless white and mountains
Ski Antarctica / © Dylan Taylor
Overview
Carve first tracks on pristine slopes with unparalleled views in all directions. Explore some of Antarctica’s most spectacular ski terrain deep in the Heritage Range of the Ellsworth Mountains. Tour scenic canyons and wide-open valleys. Link turns in boot-top powder.
Whether you want to travel through the incredible Connell Canyon or enjoy a quick morning trip up the west face of Mount Rossman, the Heritage Range has the breadth and depth of terrain to suit any adventurer skiing in Antarctica.
Each journey is unique, tailored to your interests, ambition, and level of experience. Set off with all of your supplies for a multi-day trip or day tour from the comfort of Union Glacier Camp. Let the slopes speak to you!
Weather
The interior of Antarctica has a cold, dry, windy climate. Average mid-season temperatures at our base camp range from -12°F to 30°F (-24°C to -1°C ). On a sunny windless day it can feel quite warm but, when the wind blows, you will be glad of warm layers and a wind jacket. Temperatures can drop as low as -22°F (-30°C) in early November.
Activity Level
Strenuous
Strenuous trips include skiing, climbing, and trekking trips where you spend several days or more in remote field camps and you are active for 6-8 hours a day over steeper, more rugged terrain. They can involve climbing and camping at altitude and in extreme weather conditions. These trips can be tailored to your skills and abilities, however a good level of fitness is essential and some technical skills may be required.
Inclusions
What's Included
- Airport transfers in Punta Arenas, Chile
- Round trip flight to Antarctica from Punta Arenas
- Meals and tented accommodation in Antarctica
- Group camping and climbing equipment
- Mountain Guide
- Celebration event and Certificate of Achievement
- Checked luggage up to 55 lb (25 kg)
What's Not Included
- Insurance coverage—personal, medical,evacuation, or otherwise
- Commercial flights to and from Punta Arenas
- Airport transfers outside of Punta Arenas
- Meals and accommodation in Punta Arenas
- Additional flights within Antarctica
- Personal equipment and clothing
- Expenses incurred due to delays
- Luggage over 55 lb (25kg)
- Satellite phone charges
13 Days
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Arrival Day: Punta Arenas, Chile
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Pre-departure Days: Gear Check, Welcome and Safety Briefing
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Day 1: Fly to Antarctica
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Day 2-4: Expedition Preparations
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Day 5-12: Ski Safari
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Day 13: Return to Chile
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Flexible Departure Day: Fly Home
*Subject to change based on weather and flight conditions.
Skills and Experience
We have the flexibility to customize this unique adventure to your needs—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 recommended. We use Alpine Touring (AT) skis with bindings with releasable heels and synthetic skins to allow us to travel on the flat or uphill.
We ask all potential participants to submit a resume of their ski experience. This helps us 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.
Training
You should come with a good level of fitness as this is a moderate to strenuous program, regardless of your particular itinerary. It really is worth making an effort, as those who are “mountain-fit” when they arrive in Antarctica will enjoy it far more!
The best way to get fit for any activity is to just do it. However we understand that most of our guests have busy schedules with work and family commitments and getting to the mountains to prepare may not be easy. Your training needs to be based around the particular movements required by the activity you will be doing. For ski-touring that means you should mimic the movements of skiing on the flat or uphill using your arms to help propel yourself. One of the best ways of doing this is to use a Nordic ski-trainer in a gym or use ski-poles while hiking at a fast pace. It’s hard to train specifically for the downhill aspect of skiing without actually doing it, but building strong thigh muscles is a must. Road or mountain biking is a great way to build your leg strength for skiing as the compressive downstroke of pedaling helps mimic the movement of turning on steep ground.
Training with a pack is of use but be very careful when training with weight and don’t overdo it! You are better off developing your leg strength and overall cardiac fitness than your ability to carry a heavy pack.
Forms
Resources
Trip Code
SKI1
To Antarctica
Jan 04 2025
From Antarctica
Jan 16 2025
Duration
13 Days
Cost
$37,800
Availability
Available
We reserve the right to revise our prices in the event of significant changes in the price of aviation kerosene and aircraft charter rates.
