SOUTH POLE SKI EXPEDITION: DESCRIPTION

You’re invited to join me on a ski expedition to the South Pole. We'll ski the last degree of latitude, about 75 miles. After we reach the Pole, we'll be picked up byb ski-equipped aircraft and flown back out. This will be a big adventure mostly requiring solid fitness and a spirit of adventure, and will represent a significant life achievement.

First we'll fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to the camp at Patriot Hills at 80 South for an equipment shakedown.After a day or two we'll fly on to 89 S and start to ski.  Each day we'll ski about 6 hours, carrying light backpacks but pulling heavier sleds. The terrain will be flat and generally uphill, since the Pole itself is at10,000', our highest elevation. We'll navigate using GPS and by taking readings off the sun. Although we'll experience 24 hours of daylight, the temperatures will normally be below 0 degrees F (-18C).  Each 'night' we'll sleep in solid expedition tents. Melting snow to make water will be a primary task. Sleeping on 10,000' of ice can be surprisingly comfortable! The low light at that latitude creates sublime views, and the utter isolation will be unmatched.  We'll be in daily radio contact with Patriot Hills, and a satellite phone will keep usin touch with the outside world.  It should take about 10 days to reach the Pole, and the total expedition should last about three weeks.

Nothing will be left to chance, other than the weather.  We'll use expedition-proven, state-of-the-art equipment.    Food and medical supplies will be similar to those I've taken on my 10 previous guided expeditions to Antarctica and my 6 guided expeditions to Arctic ice.  

Note that weather delays can happen at any point during this expedition, and we can’t guarantee that we’ll be able to adhere strictly to these dates. Each member should have 4 weeks available to complete the trip, although it probably won’t take that long.

There is an option to climb Mt.Vinson, the highest peak on the continent, either before or after the ski expedition.  I’ve guided Vinson 8 times, and look forward to # 9 if you’re interested.

This is a surprisingly do-able expedition, but one that can only be achieved with solid planning and a dependable team. I would enjoy sharing the challenge with you.

Cost:  $65,000

Includes everything starting from the flight south from Punta Arenas until we return to Punta Arenas.  This includes all meals, group camping equipment, sleds, flights, and the guidance and the decades of experience of Skip Horner.

Not included are personal expedition equipment, flights to/from Punta Arenas from/to your home, meals and lodging in Punta Arenas.

South Pole Itinerary