An imposing caldera in a remote corner of Antarctica

Mount Sidley

Soaring high above the polar ice cap at over 4,000m/14,000ft, Mount Sidley is Antarctica’s highest volcano and one of the Volcanic Seven Summits, comprised of the highest volcanoes on each of the seven continents.

Boasting a huge caldera and giant, other-worldly snow mushrooms jutting from the summit ridge, this expedition will satisfy your desire to really discover the Antarctic interior by standing on the summit of a remote and rarely climbed peak.

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Difficulty Level Medium ?
Fitness Level High ?
Duration 16 days
Elevation 4,285M / 14,058FT
Large view

Group photo in whiteout conditions, on the summit of Mount Sidley - ALE

Large view

ALE base camp in Mount Sidley's caldera. The sheer wall of the Weiss Amphitheater rises up behind. - ALE

Large view

Route finding through snow rime 'mushroom's on the summit ridge of Mount Sidley - ALE

Large view

Mount Sidley summit and caldera - ALE

Large view

Final steps to the summit of Mount Sidley - ALE

Large view

Route finding through snow rime 'mushrooms' on Mount Sidley's summit ridge - ALE

Large view

On the summit of Mount Sidley - ALE

Large view

Climbers cross blue-ice area on Mount Sidley's east ridge - ALE

From Dec 27 to Jan 11, 2024
Departs from Punta Arenas, Chile
$69,500 USD $
From Jan 07 to Jan 22, 2024
Departs from Punta Arenas, Chile
$69,500 USD $
  • Overview

    • Climb one of the Volcanic Seven Summits
    • Join the very few to have stood atop Antarctica's highest volcano
    • Experience the blue ice of the upper slopes and massive caldera within


    Mount Sidley is one of the most remote summits on earth, jutting 2,225m/7,300ft out of the polar ice cap to a summit elevation of over 4,000m.

    First summited only in 1990 by New Zealander Bill Atkinson, the mountain did not see its second ascent until 2010 and even today many lines remain unclaimed.

    With its fantastical snow formations, gaping caldera and sheer walled amphitheater, this is an expedition of expeditions.

  • Why AC?

    Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing and polar travel. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.

    We employ strong and specialised expedition leaders and support staff, whom are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable base camp facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up.

    Many of our expedition members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions safe and successful.

  • Dates & Prices

    Dates 2023/2024

    Trip 1: December 27, 2023 to January 11, 2024
    Trip 2: January 7–22, 2024

    Pricing Schedule 2023/2024

    The cost of the expedition ex Punta Arenas in Chile is US$69,500.

  • Payment Conditions

    Inclusions

    The price of your trip includes the following:

    • Flights to and from Union Glacier in Antarctica 
    • Flights from Union Glacier to Mount Sidley Base Camp and return 
    • All group climbing equipment 
    • All expedition organisational requirements
    • Tents and food while in Antarctica 
    • Mountain guides
    • Use of the expedition satellite telephone for outgoing calls
    • Dispatch web page updated throughout the trip for friends & family to follow
    • Transport of 23kg of personal equipment


    Exclusions

    The price of your trip does not include:

    • Air travel to and from Punta Arenas, Chile
    • Hotel accommodation and meals in Punta Arenas
    • Chilean visa and airport fees 
    • Personal insurance – full travel, medical and rescue insurance is required as well as personal trip cancellation insurance. Medical evacuation insurance cover of US$300,000 is required.
    • Personal clothing and equipment
    • Excess baggage transportation charges of US$77 per kg for any baggage exceeding the personal equipment weight limit.
    • Cost of satellite telephone calls whilst on expedition

    Account Information

    All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:

    Bank of New Zealand
    Offshore Branch
    42 Willis Street
    Spark Central
    Wellington
    New Zealand

    for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited

    Account # 1000-594771-0000
    Account Type: US Dollars
    Swift Address: BKNZNZ22

    Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter's account.

    We can also accept your deposit and balance payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% credit card fee.

    Deposit

    A non-refundable deposit of US$5,000 is payable to secure a place on the expedition.

    Balance

    The balance is payable 120 days before the trip start date.

    Cancellation & Refund Policy

    An expedition member may cancel their participation on the following basis:

    • Cancellations outside of 120 days will result in the loss of the trip deposit.
    • For cancellations made within 120 days of the trip commencement date we reserve the right to retain 50% of the balance payment fee.
    • For cancellations within 90 days of the departure date a cancellation fee of 100% of the full fee applies.
    • If cancellation occurs within the 90 day period and full payment has not been received, the full payment will still apply and unpaid monies are due immediately.


    Trip Cancellation Insurance

    We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons. We will also provide advice regarding travel and rescue insurance.

  • Trip Notes

    Mount Sidley 2023 24 Trip Notes CoverThe Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Mount Sidley Expeditions.

    You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:

    Mount Sidley Expedition Trip Notes 2023/24

    Team Membership

    The team will have a minimum size of 4 members and 1 guide and a maximum size of 10 members and 2 guides.

    You will find the Adventure Consultants Mountain Guides companionable and strong expedition leaders with considerable power and willingness to see you achieve your goals. The number of guides is determined by the team size but the normal ratio of guides to members is 1:5.

    Logistics

    Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE) provides the logistic support and safety backup for our Mount Sidley expedition. The ALE staff have considerable experience and a strong involvement in Antarctica. They operate the charter planes to and from the ice, as well as the connecting flights to Mount Sidley Base Camp. You will receive several documents from our office that ALE requires before our expedition.

    Our Guides

    The expedition leader will be scheduled approximately six months out from the trip start. All of our Antarctic expedition trip leaders have extensive experience and a proven record of safety, success and compatibility.

    Head Office Support Team

    Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.

    Hayley Furze Profile April 17Hayley Furze, Client Liaison

    Hayley joins the AC team with a wealth of experience working in the tourism and hospitality industry along with a love of travel. She works as Client Liaison on a number of our European and international ascents, treks and expeditions.

     

    Staff Photo

    Your Health

    Expedition members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire and asked to visit their family physician and receive a full medical examination. This information will be treated with full confidentiality.

    Level of Experience Required

    To climb Mount Sidley you need to be physically fit, have strong mental stamina and be capable of strenuous exercise for several days’ duration. Expedition members can expect to be exerting themselves for about six to ten hours per day and be capable of carrying a 25 kg pack.

    While the route is quite long, it is not a technically difficult climb, so members with modest mountaineering backgrounds can join this expedition so long as they have some overall cold camping experience, solid cramponing skills, and have mastered basic mountaineering skills including crevasse rescue training. Having some experience climbing at moderate altitude (above 4300m) may be helpful and it is essential to arrive sufficiently ‘pack’ fit for long days with big loads. 

    Difficulty Rating

    Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.

    Preparing for Your Trip

    Effective high altitude mountaineering requires a good (specific) physiology for the activity and a solid mountaineering background. It is often unknown who will perform well up high and who will not. There have been many instances of technically brilliant mountaineers not being able to climb at altitude whilst less experienced climbers, who do operate well up high, excel.

    Of course, there is much we can do to enhance the attributes we have and these are best achieved by specific high altitude training. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for the expedition.

    History

    The Canadian company Adventure Network International (ANI) opened up this area to private expeditions and operated regular flights to its summer camp at Patriot Hills from 1985. In 2003/2004 they withdrew their Antarctic operations and Antarctica Logistics & Expeditions (ALE) stepped in. ALE is run by some of the same people that initially started ANI back in the 1980s and they now use a new camp at Union Glacier as their base to operate from in Antarctica.

    Clothing & Equipment

    A full clothing and equipment checklist will be sent to all expedition members once their booking is confirmed. The expedition leader will be available prior to the trip to discuss individual equipment questions.

  • Itinerary

    Day  
    1 Meet in Punta Arenas, Chile
    2 Weighing & loading of gear
    3 Expedition Briefing
    4 Fly to Union Glacier, Antarctica
    5–6 Expedition preparations
    7 Fly to Mount Sidley Base Camp
    8–14* Climb Mount Sidley
    15 Return to Union Glacier
    16 Depart for Punta Arenas
    17 Leave for home destination

    *For our 16-day 2022 expedition, the climbing window will be Days 8–13.

    Please note: Flights to and from Antarctica are subject to weather. Delays can and often do occur therefore it is important to allow some flexibility with airline travel arrangements at the end of the expedition.

    There are several different routes on the mountain which will be determined based on the pilots assessment of safe aircraft landing sites at the time of the expedition. There is approximately 2,225m/7,300ft of elevation gain from base camp to the summit of Mount Sidley and the team will climb alpine-style, with intermediate camps established on the mountain and all food and equipment transported by the team itself. 

    The expedition members will gather at Punta Arenas in Chile. Regular daily flights on LAN Chile and Ladeco Airlines connect with Santiago and other points north.

    Prior to departure from Punta Arenas for Antarctica there are planning obligations that must be achieved and the food and gear finalised. The gear is then collected for loading onto the aircraft one day prior to departure and all visitors to Antarctica are obliged to attend the expedition briefing the evening before departure. Team members must therefore arrive on Day 1 of the expedition.

  • Add Ons

    Climb Antarctica 2023 24 Trip Notes CoverComplete your Antarctic experience with our Climb Antarctica Expedition, the ideal Add On following your Mount Sidley Climb. Climb Antarctica has been hailed as the continent's best kept secret, and presents mountaineers with the opportunity to climb in the world's most remote and pristine environment.

    The terrain is unlimited and varied, from technical ascents to easy snow climbs and ridge traverses that offer views over the Ronne Ice Shelf and Polar Plateau. This unique experience of climbing in Antarctica has only been undertaken by a handful of people and the opportunities for attempting new routes and first ascents are a real possibility.

    The cost of the Climb Antarctica Add On ex Union Glacier, Antarctica is US$12,750.

    The Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Climb Antarctica Expeditions.

    Please click on the image to view the trip notes online, visit our Climb Antarctica page or contact us for more information.

    Ski Antarctica Dateless Trip Notes CoverWhy not finish your Antarctic trip with our Ski Antarctica Expedition, a brilliant Add On following your Mount Sidley expedition. Ski Antarctica offers some once-in-a-lifetime backcountry skiing in an out-of-this-world environment.

    The Heritage Range that will be our playground for this expedition has the breadth of terrain to suit any experience level, with unparalleled views in all directions and options for multi-day trips or day tours from our base at Union Glacier Camp.

    The cost of the Ski Antarctica Add On ex Union Glacier, Antarctica is available on application.

    The Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Ski Antarctica Expeditions.

    Please click on the image to view the trip notes online, visit our Ski Antarctica page or contact us for more information.

    Mount Vinson 2023 24 Trip Notes CoverMount Vinson

    Take the opportunity to combine your climb of Mt Sidley with an ascent of Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica and one of the famous Seven Summits.

    Mount Vinson AND Mount Sidley option:
    Dates: December 26, 2022 to January 21, 2023 (Combines Vinson Trip 4 and Mount Sidley Expedition)
    Duration: 27 days

    Departure: ex Punta Arenas, Chile 
    Price: Contact us for pricing and availability

    There is also the option for a stand-alone Mount Vinson expedition.

    Please click on the image to view the trip notes online, visit our Mount Vinson page or contact us for more information.

    Fly to the South Pole

    Journey to this ultimate destination following your expedition, covering the distance that took the early explorers many months of hardship, in just a few hours.

    South Pole Last Degree 2023 24 Trip Notes CoverSouth Pole Ski the Last Degree

    Imagine having the pleasure of standing on the geographical South Pole? We can help you achieve this either as a stand-alone trip or as a combination of our Mount Sidley and Ski the Last Degree to South Pole options. We have led private groups to the South Pole, so are experts in the field.

    Mount Sidley AND South Pole Ski the Last Degree option:
    Dates: December 15, 2023 to January 22, 2024 (Combines South Pole Last Degree Trip 1 and Mount Sidley Expedition)
    Duration: 38 days

    Departure: ex Punta Arenas, Chile 
    Price: Contact us for pricing and availability

    Please click on the image to view the trip notes online, visit our South Pole Ski the Last Degree page or contact us for more information.

    We offer Privately Guided Expeditions in Antarctica and have been fortunate enough to work with many private groups over the years with exceptional results. Contact us for further information and pricing. 

    Three Glaciers Camp is an exclusive retreat nestled deep in the Ellsworth Mountains of Antarctica, at the base of Mount Sporli and at the head of the Schneider, Schanz and Driscoll glaciers. It can be booked as an accommodation experience for members on Mount Vinson, Mount Sidley, Climb Antarctica and Ski Antarctica expeditions, as well as Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Voyages.

    3 glaciers camp


    Each of the eight guest tents is heated, furnished with cozy sitting areas and equipped with a charging station for personal electronics. Three suites feature king beds and five have two extra-long twin beds. Double-walled tents and window shades create a dark retreat after long days in the Antarctic sun. There are even shower facilities, with melt snow gathered straight from the glacier to maintain a piping hot supply. Guests can enjoy unobstructed views of mountains and glaciers from the warmth of their private patio.

    In the dining room and lounge area, a private chef will create original dishes with fresh ingredients flown in from Chile. In between meals, you can relax on the sofa with a book from the polar library or enjoy a coffee from a leather lounge chair.

    3 glaciers 01

    loungesleeping

     

     

     

     

    Custom itineraries can be crafted to achieve almost any Antarctic objective including flights to Vinson Base Camp, technical climbing, ski touring, and snowmobile traverses.

    Please contact our office for more information on this option.
  • Travel & Rescue Insurance

    Finding the right travel and rescue insurance for your adventure to Antarctica or the Arctic's North Pole region can be tricky! Rest assured when you book with the expedition specialists here at Adventure Consultants we'll help by sending through advice on what you'll need, including:

    • Travel insurance including trip interruption and cancellation cover
    • Medical Evacuation and Rescue Insurance


    For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.

  • FAQs

    • Expedition Documentation

      Please note you will be emailed a set of the Mount Sidley Team Reference Notes upon registration. This extensive booklet includes detailed information to assist in the planning of your trip, from travel and medical advice to equipment lists and photography tips. The following is to serve as a helpful guideline but please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!

      info@adventure.co.nz
      US: +1 866 757 8722 (Freephone from North America)
      NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)

    • Choosing a Provider

      How long has Adventure Consultants been in operation?
      Adventure Consultants started in 1990 and we have been guiding internationally ever since. You can read more about AC History here.

      A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. What makes you the first choice for your climbers travelling to Antarctica?
      In December of 1992, Adventure Consultants founders Rob Hall and Gary Ball ran their first commercial expedition to Antarctica in conjunction with Adventure Network International (ANI). Rob had already climbed Vinson Massif in 1989, a feat that he repeated along with Gary in 1990. Adventure Consultants has continued guiding in this remote part of the world ever since and has established a strong relationship with Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE), who supply our transport to and from Antarctica and the logistical support and safety backup for our Mount Sidley expedition. Adventure Consultants has been running expeditions to Antarctica for many seasons and over this time we have developed our well-established ascent methodology and a flawless ascent record.

    • Food, Accommodation & Facilities

      What showers and laundry facilities will be available on the expedition?
      Showers and laundry facilities are available at the Punta Arenas Hotel prior to and after the expedition. There may be the chance for a shower at Union Glacier, so bring a lightweight towel and small wash kit for this eventuality. We advise people to bring wet-wipes for an impromptu wash while on the expedition.

      What is the food like?
      Our guides will prepare high-quality food from a pre-planned menu with food items from New Zealand and Chile. On the mountain, we also eat fresh food plus MREs (Meals, Ready-to Eat). This is real food, vacuum sealed, so you just heat and eat! We are happy to cater for specific dietary requirements, so do let us know in advance.

      Will I be sharing a tent or room with other climbers? Is a single supplement available?
      Typically you will have your own hotel room in Punta Arenas and on the mountain, you will share a tent with one other member. Due to the severe weight restrictions on the flight to Antarctica and heavy load carrying requirements on the mountain, a single supplement is not available in Antarctica.

    • Travel

      Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave? I have heard that there can be long delays trying to get to, or get back from the ice?
      As the group gear must be weighed and loaded at least one day prior to departure for Union Glacier and you will need to attend the expedition briefing, you are advised to schedule your arrival in Punta Arenas accordingly. Please remember that flights to and from Antarctica are subject to weather. Delays do occur so it is also very important to allow some flexibility with travel arrangements at the end of the expedition.

      When should I book my ticket?
      We advise you wait until the balance payment date (120 days prior to your trip start date) to ensure your expedition has met the minimum numbers and will operate. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights earlier, then please ensure that you can make changes to your tickets. We also highly recommend that you also purchase trip cancellation insurance at the same time, in the event that you need to cancel.

      Can I get a cheap ticket online?
      Even though this expedition is just over two weeks long, you MUST purchase an open, fully changeable air ticket, as trips can be extended by a week or more. Given the remote locations of both Base Camp and Union Glacier, the weather must fall within certain parameters for flights to be possible so be prepared for delays. In today’s world, there are few places where the environment still affects our plans and Antarctica is one of them!

      Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
      Upon arrival into Punta Arenas, you should catch a taxi from the airport to the hotel as your guide will be busy with the final packing for the trip down to the ice. Once you have arrived at the hotel, please do let your guide know that you have arrived safely as he/she will be expecting you.

      Why is this two week trip so expensive?
      One sentence sums it all up: The flight to and from the ice. This will be the most expensive, no frills flight that you will ever take. The plane is a Russian-built Ilyushin 76, designed for work in Siberia so it is well suited for taking off and landing on the ice. However, the interior will be jammed with our gear, cargo, climbers, scientists and polar explorers, etc. Despite the low frills, it is a fun and exciting flight, especially the landing!

      What if I am arriving early or departing late?
      We can assist you with booking extra hotel nights if you arrive early. However, on this trip YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO ARRIVE LATE. All equipment must be weighed and loaded one full day in advance of the flight to Antarctica. If you miss this deadline, or your bags get lost, you will not be able to come on the expedition.

    • Clothing & Equipment

      Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
      Yes, you will be sent a personal clothing and equipment/packing list, once our office has received your trip registration form and deposit. We do also have a dedicated Equipment Coordinator who is happy to provide advice and answers to any questions you may have.

      Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
      Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared and you must bring everything on the list. There are very limited options in Punta Arenas if additional equipment needs to be purchased.

      How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be?
      This will be clearly stated in your recommended gear list. In particular for camping on the ice, you will need a sleeping bag warm enough for conditions that can be as cold as -40°C (-40°F). We cannot recommend enough buying a sleeping bag big enough to wear extra clothes in if it is especially cold.

      How much weight can we carry on the expedition?
      In general, you can expect to carry around a 15kg/35lbs pack and haul an additional 12kg/25lbs in your sled. On summit day, your pack is light at less than 8kg/17lbs.

    • Acclimatisation

      I will be climbing at altitude, so does Adventure Consultants take this into consideration?
      On all of our programmes, we seriously consider the altitude and ensure that all of our itineraries allow sufficient acclimatisation and rest days, if required.

      What altitude medication will be available on the expedition? Do we need to take tablets before/during the trip?
      All our guides carry extensive medical kits including medication for altitude illness. Unless you have experienced previous issues with acclimatisation, there is likely no need to take altitude medication (such as Diamox) prophylactically. You need to bring any medications you regularly use (don’t forget to tell us about them), plus extras. Also bring a small first aid kit including a blister kit and mild headache medication for the normal altitude headaches.

    • Guides & Team Members

      How many guides will be assigned to our group?
      On the Mount Sidley expedition, the team will have a minimum of 4 members and 1 guide and a maximum of 10 members and 2 guides.

      Can I contact other climbers or guides on this expedition?
      Sure! Before the expedition, contact our office and we can pass on your details to the other climbers. Due to our privacy policy, we leave it up to individual team members as to whether they want to get in touch.

      Who goes on your trips?
      Our climbers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, nationalities and skill levels ranging from those seeking skill development to those seeking assistance with the world's highest mountains or purely adventure.

      I would like to arrange a private trip, is this possible?
      We are happy to arrange a private group trip to the destination of your choice, and even to remote destinations such as Antarctica. There is no specific group size, but obviously larger groups are more cost-effective. Please contact the office for more information or visit our Private Customised Expeditions page.

    • Health & Fitness

      What are the skills/prior experience required for this climb?
      Members should have some solid crampon skills and have mastered basic mountaineering skills, including crevasse rescue training. Some overall cold camping experience and experience at moderate altitude (above 4,300m) may be helpful and it is essential to arrive sufficiently ‘pack’ fit for long days with big loads. If you are interested in this expedition but feel that you may not have quite enough experience, please contact our team to chat over the skills you have and we can also easily arrange additional training around the world, if required.

      What kind of physical condition should I be in for an Antarctic expedition?
      Given the remote location and altitude, we ask that you are in very good physical condition. Cardiovascular fitness is very important on this climb and you should be able to climb for about six to ten hours per day carrying a 25kg/55lb pack. You will also need strong mental stamina.

      How can I best prepare for the cold? Isn’t it the coldest place on the planet?
      Yes, if the wind picks up and you are in the shade, it can get very cold indeed. The best way to prepare for these temperatures, bar standing in a walk-in freezer, would be to get out during the winter months and anticipate how your body will respond to the change in climate. To give you an idea of just how cold it gets in Antarctica, on 21 July 1983 the lowest ever recorded temperature was measured at Vostok Station in inland Princess Elizabeth Land at -89°C/-128°F!

      Adventure Consultants can assist in sourcing gear and ALE may be able to rent some clothing items for particular trips. If interested, please enquire with your client liaison.

      How do I know this is the right trip for me?
      We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.

    • Communication & Electronic Devices

      What type of communication is available on the climb?
      Your expedition guide will have an Iridium satellite phone and you are welcome to use this at US$4 per minute. As we rely on solar power, we cannot guarantee that the phone will be available 24 hours a day. Cold severely affects the system and delays can occur for re-warming. If you anticipate that you may need to make frequent or long calls then please make arrangements before the expedition through our office.

      I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
      Your guide will send daily internet dispatches and the Adventure Consultants NZ office receives updates from our guides in the field. The best place to reach a loved one is through our office.

      Will there be any power source for charging batteries, etc. available throughout the expedition? Is so, what are the voltage requirements?
      We take solar panels and sometimes battery power packs on our expeditions. Our first priority is to charge our satellite phones and expedition electrical equipment. If your equipment has a cigarette lighter type car charger (12V DC/DC charger capable of plugging into a 'female' cigarette lighter socket), bring this as this then gives you the option to charge items at Union Glacier. We do NOT recommend bringing rechargeable digital cameras as they tend to run out when power is not available. Use cameras with replaceable batteries and we recommend lithium batteries. We can cater for special power requirements at an extra cost - please enquire with our office.

    • Insurance

      What insurance do we need to get?
      You will require medical, rescue and evacuation insurance up to a minimum value of US$300,000. You should arrange for your policy to last for at least 7 days BEYOND your expected return date to Punta Arenas and we also recommend insurance for trip cancellation, baggage loss, damage or theft, or any other mishap that can occur. 

      Do I need evacuation insurance?
      Absolutely. It is imperative for departures to Antarctica, as your insurance cover will be double checked before you are allowed to travel down to the ice.

      Who do you recommend for insurance?
      When you have booked on an Antarctic departure, we will send you information on the best insurance options.

      What is trip cancellation insurance?
      Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without losing all your pre-paid costs. Adventure Consultants highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for expeditions to Antarctica. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (e.g. minimum numbers are not reached) then we will refund your fees paid, but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred.

    • Weather Forecasts

      Which weather reporting service do you use? How often do you receive a weather report?
      During the expedition, your guide will receive daily weather updates from the team at Union Glacier as well as updates from the Adventure Consultants office. This will then allow your guide to gauge the best summit window.

    • Fees & Payments

      Can I pay by credit card?
      We can accept the expedition deposit and balance payment on a credit card. Please do note however that all card transactions incur a 3% credit card fee. Please contact our office or visit our secure credit card page to send us your credit card details.

      What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
      Each specific trip page on the website has a section as well as a downloadable pdf document with exactly what is and what is not included on the trip. Please see the 'Payment Conditions' and 'Trip Notes' sections above. International airfares are not included in the trip price. We can however recommend excellent travel agents with whom we have worked, should you require help with arranging your international airfare.

      Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
      Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline!! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are internationally qualified Western guides, proven dependable local operators, small group sizes and safe client-to-guide ratios, quality equipment and high summit success rates, among other things. You do get what you pay for, which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors ‘cheaper’ trips.

      How do I sign up for a trip?
      The best way to reserve your space on a trip is to contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below). Your deposit can be submitted by bank transfer (please see 'Payment Details' in the 'Payment Conditions' section above) or via our secure online payment system.

      info@adventure.co.nz
      US: +1 866 757 8722 (Freephone from North America)
      NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)

       

    • Photography

      I love the photographs in your brochure and on your website, are they for sale?
      Yes, our images are available for licensing or purchase. Please contact us for further information.

      What is the best equipment for photography in Alpine environments?
      There is an extensive section in our Reference Notes, which are sent out on receipt of your trip registration form and deposit, explaining about photography in the mountains.

      Remember photos are wonderful records of your expedition but keep camera gear simple and light to best enjoy the trip you are on. Disposable and digital cameras are the lightest weight, but all cameras have maintenance issues that need to be carefully considered before bringing them to polar regions.

    • Employment

      I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
      Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do an NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA.

      Please see Adventure Consultants Mountain Guide Scholarships on our Career Opportunities page and check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association for more information.

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Good guides understand that part of the payoff is the opportunity to help create one of life’s most powerful experiences for someone they’ve just met. I salute the Guides of Adventure Consultants, who do just that every time they lead an expedition.
Mount Vinson Expedition

Dave Mauro
USA
P2200113

A fantastic trip, well organized and managed in a very professional manner.
Antarctic Peninsula Yacht Based Expedition 2011

Nat Craig
New Zealand
South Pole LVS

An experience of a lifetime. Thanks!
South Pole Ski the Last Degree 2017

Ashley Heppenstall
Switzerland


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