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South Pole – Ski Last Degree

In the footsteps of Roald Amundsens to the most southern point of the earth.

Ski the last 60 nautical miles (69 mi/111 km) to reach the most southerly point on Earth and experience firsthand the challenges faced by Roald Amundsens and other early explorers.

Experience in an incredible twelve day expedition the real essence of polar exploration

You’ll witness the stark beauty and silence of the high polar plateau, feel the physical demands of sled hauling on a 3000 meter high ice sheet and in temperatures below – 30 degrees, enjoy the bonds of friendship built through shared challenge, and know that you have arrived at the ultimate destination – the South Pole – through your own effort and determination

Adventure Factor bold
Experience / Emotion breathtaking
Fitness / Struggle very challenging
Risk very low
Comfort expeditionstyle

Highlights:

  • The eternal ice of Antarctica
  • In the footsteps of Roald Amundsens to the Southpole
  • Flight to Union Glacier
  • Spectacular Scenary

Trip dates:

Booking code:-
Minimum members:-
Price per person: 0

Due to the weather dependency of this expedition, changes in the itenary might occur.

The following itinerary is planned:

Day -2: Meeting in Punta Arenas. Accommodation in individually booked hotel.

Day -1: While enjoying a Pisco Sour, cooled on ancient Antarctic ice, we talk about the plans for the upcoming days. We will check the equipment and prepare ourselves for the departure.

Day 1: We will check current conditions in Antarctica. Please consider that we land on a naturally occurring blue-ice runway on Union Glacier which cannot be prepared like a commercial airport. If conditions allow, our journey to the South Pole begins. Our route crosses the Drake Passage, then follows the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the spine of the Ellsworth Mountains. After a 4 ¼ hour flight we land on the Blue Ice Runway on Union Glacier where you will take your first steps in Antarctica. Climb aboard one of the specially-adapted vans for the 5 mi (8 km) shuttle to the main camp.

Day 2-3: You will spend a couple of days at Union Glacier to test your clothing and equipment and practice sled hauling on a mini-expedition outside of camp with your team. Then you’ll pack your sleds and ready for departure.

Day 4: Fly by ski aircraft to 89° South, 60 nautical miles (69 mi/111 km) from the South Pole. As the aircraft disappears from view, you’ll be struck by the stark beauty and emptiness surrounding you. There is nothing but snow and wide horizons in all directions.

Your team will pack sleds and ski a short distance before setting up camp for your first night on expedition.

Day 5-9: Continuing your trek south, you’ll ski longer periods each day to begin acclimatizing to the cold and altitude. The elevation here is 9,300 ft (2835 m) but to your body it will feel more like 11,000 ft (3300 m) due to the lower atmospheric pressure at the poles. Throughout the expedition you’ll notice the altitude’s impact on your breathing and your stamina.

This journey is physically demanding. Your sled will weigh approximately 66 lb (30 kg) and the snow may be sculpted by the wind into steep ridges called sastrugi, adding to the challenge. Acclimatizing slowly gives your team its best chance for success. We´ll make a series of 1 hour marches stopping for 5-10 minutes each hour for a brief rest and snack break. This way we can travel 8-9 hours every day.

The Amundsen-Scott Station may be visible from around 15 mi (24 km) away but those last miles can seem the longest and may take another 1-2 days of travel. This might be the toughest section of the expedition.

Day 10: Finally, you’ll take the last steps to your goal and reach the most southerly point on Earth – the Geographic South Pole! Here, beneath your feet, all 360 lines of longitude meet and the ice is almost 10,000 ft (3000 m) thick.

Feel the satisfaction of having arrived here under your own power and reflect on how it must have felt to stand in this place over one hundred years ago, with only the sound of the wind and an endless expanse of white stretching northward in all directions. If time allows, and personnel of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) is available, there will be a short tour around the Amundsen Scott Station. Dependent on the time of our pickup, we will either camp for one more night or return to the Union Glacier the same day.

Day 11: Our field staff will stay in close contact with Union Glacier Camp to identify the best ‘weather window’ for your safe return flight.

Depending on flights, your team’s celebration dinner may take place at our South Pole camp or upon your return to Union Glacier. You’ll receive a certificate to commemorate your Ski Last Degree Expedition and may have at least one day to explore more of Union Glacier before departing Antarctica.

Day 12: When weather and runway conditions permit, our intercontinental aircraft will arrive at Union Glacier to transport you back to Chile. Our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you back to your hotel

Flight home: We recommend booking your flight home one week after your return Antarctic flight. If you purchase a full-fare ticket, most airlines will allow you to move your departure date. It is important to give yourself a buffer as delays are common in Antarctic travel. Our Punta Arenas team can provide a list of local tour operators and excursions if you wish to explore Chile before you return home.

check_circle_outline What is Included:

  • Highly experienced expedition guide
  • Airport transfers in Punta Arenas, Chile
  • Round trip flight to Antarctica from Punta Arenas (checked luggage over 55 lb or 25kg)
  • Flight to 89°S from Union Glacier
  • Flight to Union Glacier from South Pole
  • Meals and tented accommodation in Antarctica
  • Camping and skiing equipment
  • Certified mountain guides
  • Celebration dinner and Certificate of Achievement
  • Checked luggage up to 55 lb (25 kg)
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator

highlight_off What is 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 (25 kg)
  • Satellite phone charges
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses
  • All services that are not specifically mentioned under “includes services”
  • All services due to events out of our control, e.g. natural disaster, flight cancellation, strikes, hotel tariffs, transportation Costs

info General

Weather and conditions on the mountain can lead to program or route changes. Participation in the expedition lies in your own individual responsibility. Furtenbach Adventures assumes no liability for accidents, damages or loss of materials.

If you are not sure that taking part in an expedition like this is the right thing for you, feel free to contact us on Tel +43 512 204134 or e-mail [email protected] for a personal consultation.

This package in general is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.

Note: In this trip, Furtenbach Adventures will act as an intermediary. We reveal the terms and conditions of the tour operator Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions, whose travel, cancellation and liability conditions are fully met.
Adress: 3478 South Main Street, Salt Lake City, Utha 84115 USA
Phone number: +1 801-266-4876

https  Insurance

We strongly recommend taking out a suitable travel insurance for Antarctica (including trip cancellation, interruption, medical and luggage insurance).

Due to the exposed location of this expedition, only very few insurance companies offer a suitable offer and this must be put together individually for each traveler. We’re happy to provide you with an individual offer upon request or after booking.

language Entry Requirements

EU or Swiss citizens:

Chile:
When entering the country, you need a passport with a validity of at least 6 more months. Visa-free entry is possible for tourist purposes for up to 90 days.

Information about recommended vaccines and health regulations: http://www.who.int/ith/en/

Travelers must be able to prove their return or onward ticket when entering the country.

More detailed information regarding entry, visa and health requirements for this travel destination will be provided once you’ve communicated your nationality.

work  Equipment

You need to bring your own personal equipment including a sleeping bag with a comfort zone for -20° C. Please consider that the temperature is likely to drop below -30° C, and a strong win-chill-effect and storms can occur. Following your booking we will send you a detailed equipment list. We will be happy to advise you personally during the selection and purchase of required equipment. With years of expedition experience, we know what has proved its worth and what not.

perm_identity Physical Fitness

A key success factor in expeditions is being in good shape. Train in the months before the expedition! Several hour climbs with a backpack and around 1000 meters per day should not be a problem for you. Mental training is also advised for this very challenging expedition. We will gladly provide individual advice on how to best prepare yourself mentally and physically for an expedition!

local_hospital Health

We recommend that each participant undergoes a medical examination prior to the expedition. Good health is a prerequisite for participation. Particularly important is a visit to the dentist because previously unnoticed dental problems can become quite acute due to the sudden change in pressure conditions in higher altitudes.

insert_chart_outlined Difficulty/ Technique

Ski Touring always lies in the participant‘s personal responsibility, while led by the mountain guide. Participants must be able to move safely and independently in different snow conditions and steep terrain. For Ski Touring members should be able to perform kick-turns. The guide is there to provide guidance for the whole group, the possibilities for him to respond to individual needs is limited. It is imperative that participants adhere to the instructions and decisions made by the mountain guide. Regardless, each participant must know their own physical Limits.

 

payment Payment

Deposit Payment is made less than eleven months prior to the end of the trip and is 20%. The balance must be paid 90 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding the payment in the GTC of the tour operator.

directions_run Right to withdraw

The traveller has the right to withdraw from the travel contract at any time by paying the according cancellation fee stated in the  General Terms of Conditions the tour operator.

The following fees apply for cancellations on the part of the client prior to travel:

until 91 days prior to departure…………………………. 30% of the tour fee
from day 90 prior to departure ………………………….100% of the tour fee

The tour operator will be released from the contract if the specified minimum number of participants is not achieved and if the customer has been notified about the cancellation in writing within the following periods: until 20 days prior to departure.