Mountaineering in Antarctica

An exciting exploration in the Antarctic wilderness

Looking to push yourself a little further on your polar cruise? Want to travel further and see more than almost anybody else? Mountaineering treks are the thing for you.

Do I have to be in good physical shape?

In terms of physical fitness you're going to want to be in good enough shape to be up to the task of walking for four or more hours over fairly rugged terrain that includes hills. Most people pick up snowshoeing almost immediately after the first hilariously fun, awkward steps — so don't worry if you don't have prior snowshoeing experience. Guides reserve the right to decline a spot to somebody if there are concerns about their health.

Mountaineering vs. regular snowshoe hikes

Mountaineering treks take you into glaciated areas. These can possibly expose you to crevasses, which require a little more caution than non-glaciated ground. As you hit more vertical climbs you'll switch out your snowshoes for crampons (spikey boot additions), which will be supplied for you. You'll also be roped together for your protection around the glacier crevasses.

How many treks will I get to go on?

Usually you get to choose from one of four or five half- or full-day mountaineering treks per cruise. If there are spots available in a later trek you may be able to head out again. There is usually a limit of 12 passengers per trek — a good number for our guides to keep track of you and make sure you're safe and having a good time. You need to pre-book your mountaineering excursion prior to your ship's departure, on a first-come first-served basis. The exception is our basecamp voyages, where one mountaineering hike is included free of charge.

Equipment we supply

We're happy to supply you with:

• Snowshoes and crampons
• Helmets and harnesses
• Ice axes
• Screw-gate carabiners and snap links
• Mountaineering ropes, tape slings and prussic loops
• Snow shovels
• Bivouac bags
• Thermos bottles
• Biodegradable human waste bags — it's illegal to leave human waste behind in the Antarctic
• Basecamp voyagers also receive rubber boots suitable for Zodiac shore landings

Here is what you'll want to bring:

Feet

• Gaiters
• Thin synthetic under-socks to prevent blisters
• Synthetic / woolen thin and thick long socks
• Ankle-high sturdy mountain boots fitted to snowshoes and crampons

Outer layer

• Down jacket, or wind- and waterproof breathable jacket with hood
• Wind- and waterproof pants / salopettes (ski pants)

Thermal layer

• Synthetic / wool fleece jacket or pull-on
• Synthetic / wool fleece pants / salopettes
• Fleece jacket or vest
• Base layer top, thin, long or short sleeve
• Base layer pants / long johns
• Synthetic / wool balaclava and hat
• Windproof cap with peak / ear protectors
• Sun hat, headband, face mask, neck gaiter or scarf

Hands

• Ski / mountain gloves
• Windproof over-mitts
• Synthetic / wool thermal mitts or finger gloves
• Down mitts
• Thin base-layer synthetic / wool mitts or gloves
• Mitt / glove support (worn around the neck)

Eyes & skin

• Sunglasses / glacier glasses with side protection, plus spares
• Sun block, sun screen, fatty lip salve (not water-based)

Hygiene & miscellaneous

• Toilet / hygiene kit: a pee bottle (e.g. wide-opening Nalgene, with lady adaptors available at outdoor shops)
• Personal medication
• 25-litre rucksack and a 1-litre water bottle
• Waterproof bag for camera equipment
• Straps to tie snowshoes on your backpack
• Film and memory cards
• Hiking / walking poles
• Binoculars and a head torch (flashlight)