Antarctic Ski Mountaineer

Overview

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Join the few who have skied on the Antarctic Peninsula - an unforgettable experience

Introduction

Few people have had the opportunity to experience Antarctica - even fewer to ski mountaineer there. This could be your chance. Ultimate turns, summits, scenery, wildlife and companionship.

Jagged Globe expedition leader and IFMGA Guide, Jim Blyth, has skied on the Antarctic Peninsula twice before. If you would like to join Jim and the team, then please get in touch for more details.

No sailing experience is necessary but you will be called upon to give a helping hand. Participants need to be mentally prepared for the length, commitment and remoteness of this trip and to have a strong team spirit.

Start point: Ushuaia
Grade: 11D

Share this on Facebook We can organise this expedition on a ‘tailor-made’ private basis for groups of friends, families, clubs, charities or any other group. Depending on your skiing experience, you may want a Jagged Globe leader or go ‘self-led’ with the assistance of local guides. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable, particularly if you take the self-led option. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and your preferred dates. We will then send you a quote, with no obligation.

What to expect

Not many places in the world require the level of commitment that Antarctica demands. This is true whatever the objective for the day, be it relaxed turns on beautiful slopes with one of the most stunning backdrops in the world or superb, technical ski mountaineering to remote, perhaps never skied summits.

The terrain is in general heavily glaciated and the climate harsh. On land crevasses are the biggest hazard you face. You could have days of incredible stillness and clarity as easily as complete whiteout and storm force winds. That said the Antarctic Peninsula is the warmest part of the continent with summer temperatures typically varying between -5°C and 5°C with highs of 15°C possible.

This trip is for fit, experienced ski mountaineers who are comfortable skiing all snow types and slopes to 30°+. Axes and crampons will be needed.

We plan to do the majority of our skiing and summits from the comfort of our floating base camp. However, the team will take the equipment necessary for several nights' snow camping in case we are tempted by remoter objectives and have a sufficiently large weather window to make a sensible attempt.

Days will vary in length and in vertical height gain. We will be travelling with open minds and ready to make the most of whatever delights tempt us!

Life on board

Sailing out past Cape Horn you will need to be prepared for some discomfort on the crossing of the Drake Passage. However, this in itself is a great adventure and our excitement will no doubt mount as we start to sight icebergs, isolated islands and then the snow-capped summits of the Peninsula. Unforgettable.

On reaching the calmer waters of the Peninsula you will begin skiing, returning to the warmth and comfort of the boat each day.

It will be possible to have a hot shower from time to time.

Team composition

Our group will consist of 2 IFMGA guides (Jim Blyth, plus a colleague) and 6 skiers.

Flights and Visas

Flights are expensive at this time of year and cost around £1,800. Please contact us if you would like us to book you a ticket originating in the UK.

Visas are generally not necessary for tourists visiting Argentina for less than 3 months. Please check that this is so for you. You need a full passport valid for a year from date of travel.

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the expedition or your suitability for it, please phone +44 (0)114 276 3322 or contact us.

Know Before You Go

Jagged Globe supports the British Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) 'Know Before You Go' campaign. We recommend that you read the FCDO Travel Advice for Chile on the FCDO Website.

What the price includes

• All yacht charter costs which include quality food, beverages, wine and beer
• UIAGM/IFMGA guides fees and expenses for two guides
• Simple bed and breakfast guesthouse accommodation on a twin share basis for 3 nights in Ushuaia. WiFi, coffee and tea at all hours
• Bed and breakfast boutique hotel accommodation on a twin share basis for 2 nights in Buenos Aires
• Group ski / climbing equipment including satellite phone, radios, food, tents and fuel
• Access by satellite phone to 24 hour medical advice
• Antarctica permit fees
• All taxi transport when travelling Argentina accompanied by the Guides

What the price does not include

• Visas if any, personal travel insurance and travel cancellation insurance
• Rescue insurance and any rescue costs
• Any costs associated with early departure from the expedition or caused by late return to Ushuaia
• International round trip travel costs including excess baggage charges and airport taxes, into and out of Ushuaia, Argentina
• Meals and drinks in Ushuaia and Buenos Aires. Any additional hotel nights not in the programme but necessary due to weather or other circumstances
• Personal expenditure

We can organise this expedition on a ‘tailor-made’ private basis for groups of friends, families, clubs, charities or any other group. Depending on your skiing experience, you may want a Jagged Globe leader or go ‘self-led’ with the assistance of local guides. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable, particularly if you take the self-led option. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and your preferred dates. We will then send you a quote, with no obligation.

Insurance

You will need a travel insurance policy that caters for the activities you will undertake on your trip with Jagged Globe. It is a requirement of our booking conditions that you have such a policy. For a list of insurers who specialise in mountaineering, trekking and skiing, please see our Travel Insurance page »

Itinerary

Here is an outline itinerary for this trip.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1:	Depart Europe.
Day 2:	Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina. Night in the Costa Serena guesthouse.
Day 3 - 4:	Ushuaia recovering from the flights and making final preparations. Nights in the Costa Serena guesthouse.
Day 5 - 9:	Cross the Drake Passage to Antarctica (3-5 days).
Day 10 - 26:	Ski mountaineering on the Antarctic Peninsula and adjacent islands. The programme is totally flexible and will allow you to make the very most of weather and conditions. You will explore with the yacht, day tour, visit sights of interest, view wildlife and perhaps have one or two short multi-day trips to more isolated summits and slopes. There are endless objectives for us, many unclimbed and un-skied and one of the pleasures of being there will be to ski what you discover as we sail.
Day 27 - 31:	Re-crossing the Drake Passage to Ushuaia. Flexibility will be needed to choose the best time to sail in the light of the severe conditions that can be encountered. You may arrive back in Ushuaia a day or two early or a day late. There is a great deal to see and do on Tierra del Fuego. Nights on board.
Day 32:	Ushuaia - depart boat. Night in the Costa Serena guest house.
Day 33:	Depart Ushuaia flying to Buenos Aires. Boutique hotel in San Telmo.
Day 34:	Buenos Aires. Boutique hotel in San Telmo.
Day 35:	Depart Buenos Aires.
Day 36:	Arrive home.

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