Vinson & Last Degree Combo
The Ultimate Antarctica Combo
Experience Antarctica’s ultimate challenge by pairing Mount Vinson, the continent’s highest peak at 16,050 ft (4,892 m), with the iconic Ski Last Degree, a 60‑nautical‑mile (69 mi / 111 km) ski journey from 89°S to the Geographic South Pole. This exclusive combination delivers the very best of polar mountaineering and expedition travel—supported by the proven logistics and deep-field expertise of Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions.
Your adventure begins at Union Glacier, where you acclimate and prepare before flying to Vinson Base Camp. Ascend the classic Branscomb Shoulder Route, moving from gentle glaciers to the exposed high plateau on your way to Antarctica’s summit. After celebrating your climb, return to Union Glacier to regroup and shift into expedition mode.
From here, a ski aircraft transports you to 89° South, where your Last Degree journey begins. Over several days, you’ll haul your sled across the vast, silent polar plateau, experiencing the same environment that tested the great explorers, before arriving triumphantly at the South Pole.
This combined expedition is Antarctica at its most ambitious—remote, demanding, and undeniably unforgettable.
23-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 - Fly to Union Glacier
Days 2-3 - Vinson Base Camp
Fly to ALE’s base camp and meet your experienced mountain guides. Take a short acclimatization hike to familiarize yourself with the environment and refine your clothing and equipment choices for the climb.
Days 4-5 - Move to Low Camp
Begin the approach toward Low Camp via the Branscomb Glacier. A large dining tent and cached sleeping tents await for your first night on the mountain.
Day 6 - Climb to High Camp
Ascend from Low Camp to High Camp, gaining altitude and preparing for your summit push. The route takes you up the broad mixed spur at the northern end of Branscomb Ridge, offering fantastic views of Mount Shinn and the glaciers below.
Days 7-8 - Summit
Day 9 - Descend to Base Camp
Retrace your route down the fixed ropes and Branscomb Glacier to Base Camp for rest, celebration, and a well-earned meal.
Days 10-11 - Return to Union Glacier
Fly back to Union Glacier and enjoy camp life, food, and recovery after the climb.
Day 12 - Polar Plateau Prep
Spend the day fine‑tuning ski gear, practicing sled hauling, and preparing for your Last Degree expedition.
Day 13 - Mini-Expedition
Continue conditioning with short-haul ski practice outside camp, testing systems and adjusting loads.
Day 14 - Fly to 89° South
Board a ski aircraft and fly to the drop‑off point at 89°S, 60 nautical miles (69 mi / 111 km) from the South Pole.
Days 15-19 - Ski Toward the South Pole
Begin the multi‑day ski traverse across the high polar plateau, hauling sleds and progressing as a team toward 90°S.d fly to the drop‑off point at 89°S, 60 nautical miles (69 mi / 111 km) from the South Pole.
Days 20-21 - Arrive at South Pole
Reach the South Pole, celebrate at the world’s southernmost camp, take photos, and enjoy time at one of Earth’s most iconic locations.
Day 22 - Return to Union Glacier
Fly back to Union Glacier for a celebration event marking the completion of your traverse.
Day 23 - Return to Punta Arenas
Depart Antarctica and return to Punta Arenas, concluding your adventure. Upon your arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
About Our Camps
Crafted for the extremes, our Antarctic camps are a testament to precision engineering and logistical mastery. Whether you’re staying at Union Glacier Camp nestled by Mount Rossman, or traveling to one of our remote camps, each site is primarily powered by renewable energy systems and supported by expert field staff trained in polar operations. Refined with our nearly half a century of experience in the interior of Antarctica, our camps are optimized for safety, sustainability, and a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience.
Vinson Base Camp
Union Glacier Camp
South Pole Camp
What’s Included
What’s Not Included
Two Ultimate Destinations
Mount Vinson rises 16,050 ft (4,892 m) in Antarctica’s remote Sentinel Range, offering sweeping views over vast glaciers and the curved horizon of the polar interior. Farther south, the Last Degree route leads across 60 nautical miles (69 mi / 111 km) of high polar plateau to the Geographic South Pole, one of Earth’s most iconic and isolated destinations. Stay at ALE’s camp, the only of its kind at the South Pole.
