One of the ultimate adventures on earth has to be Antarctica’s Ski the Last Degree expedition. This incredible journey involves skiing the final ten days of the trek to the South Pole, using sleds to haul our provisions.
Each day we face the big white expanse of the polar plateau working our way inexorably towards our ultimate destination; the southernmost point on earth.
On the South Pole – Ski the Last Degree expedition, you will fly over the vast white interior of the continent to reach the starting point at 89º South.
Our arrival into the South Pole itself is often an emotion-generating moment, signifying the transition from the austere beauty of the great white south to the imminent comforts of civilisation and homeward travel about to commence. Join us on this exceptional journey.
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 2023/2024
Trip 1: December 15 - 31, 2023
Trip 2: January 1 - 17, 2024
Pricing Schedule 2023/2024
The cost of the expedition ex Punta Arenas in Chile is US$75,000.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
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$10,000 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:
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.
The Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' South Pole Ski the Last Degree Expedition.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
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.
Logistics
Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE) provides the logistic support and safety backup for our Last Degree expedition. ALE staff have considerable experience and a strong involvement in Antarctica. You will have received several documents from our office that ALE requires before our expedition. They operate the charter planes to and from the ice, as well as the connecting flights to Last Degree start point and back from South Pole.
Our Guides
Adventure Consultants are the longest serving guiding company in Antarctica and were integral in pioneering early ascents and journeys on the continent. You will find the Adventure Consultants 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.
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, 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.
Level of Experience Required
To partake in the Ski the Last Degree Expedition you need to be physically fit, have strong mental stamina and be capable of strenuous exercise at altitude for several days duration. You don’t necessarily need to be an experienced skier as there is little technical requirement on the flat, however the days will be physical and you must train well before joining to ensure you have an enjoyable trip. Expedition members can expect to be exerting themselves for about eight hours per day with another hour establishing camp and another hour preparing food and drinks. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for the expedition.
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 work at high latitudes requires a good (and specific) physiology for the activity and a solid outdoors background. Of course, there is much we can do to enhance the physical attributes we have and these are best achieved by specific training. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for the expedition.
The physical issues endured by polar travellers are the sheer amount of physical output required on a daily basis, and repetitive strain injuries incurred from said activity. Weight loss often occurs through the sheer inability to eat the amount of calories you burn up in a day. There are ways to try to minimise this through diet, pace and regular snacks throughout each working day. However, on the longer trips, the result of all the effort is a lower level of performance and, consequently, the muscular system deteriorates through a calorific deficit. It is worth anticipating muscle loss and therefore you should train to ensure you have a bit extra before you leave.
Being generally fit, healthy and strong is paramount to doing well on these travels. Training should focus on developing cardiovascular capability and strength training for specific muscle groups. There is no training for pulling sleds like pulling sleds! Sport specific training will ensure your ligaments and tendons are conditioned for the stresses of expedition work so if you can get an old tractor tyre out and drag it around behind you in a field then that will ultimately be of some benefit. However, this can be difficult to do and many polar travellers have focused on other ways to simulate the strains to be experienced in the polar regions. Being overweight places more stress on your system so ensure that you are not putting yourself at a disadvantage before you start. It is recommended that you focus on strength development and stamina training as your body is constantly stressed through sled hauling and dealing with the cold. Lots of gym work is recommended and a physical trainer will assist in working on any areas of weakness you may have. Additionally, a lot of long-duration exercise like hill walking (with a pack), mountain biking on hills and swimming are beneficial. Be careful not to over-train just prior to the trip as you will need all your reserves and you don’t want to 'peak' too early. The fact that you are looking at losing (sometimes) considerable body mass indicates the need to be quite heavy at the start of the trip so do not over-do it prior to the expedition.
Aerobic exercise should not be ignored either as you do not want to turn up fully bulked, but not able to perform short duration bursts of energy expenditure where necessary, like when you set out and are feeling cold. During aerobic training, it is necessary to monitor your heart rate to ensure you are training your cardiovascular system. This can be achieved by using a heart rate monitor or by manually measuring heart rate during exertion. A basic formula is 220-Age=heart rate (HR) maximum. Operating at 70-85% of your HR max will ensure you are exercising to enhance cardiovascular fitness.
For all the effort that goes into training the body, the mental attributes are worth some analysis and attention also. The most important of these are a strong work ethic, an ability to pace one’s self for a long duration project, strength of character and—above all—the ability to get on with others. If you are not a 'team player' or you find that you often come into conflict with others (even if you do think it is their fault) then you should not consider taking part in polar expeditions, unless you do it solo!
Adventure Consultants also offers a specific Polar Training Course to introduce the essential skills and techniques you’ll need to prepare for a polar expedition. Based in the New Zealand mountains, this is a 4-10 day course designed to give you greater confidence in the judgment and decision making aspects of polar travel. While no course can prepare you fully for the real thing, this course offers a variety of terrain that enables you to develop the essential skills you will need.
Your Responsibility as a Team Member
Your guides will train you in the techniques and skills to enjoy the adventure. They are there to guide you and to educate you in the requisite skills. It is however up to you to absorb that training and to follow their leadership and instructions. Failing to do so will likely lead to serious consequences. We are, after all, in one of the most extreme habitats on earth.
Your survival and well-being requires you to manage yourself responsibly and to be extremely vigilant in your personal self care. It is up to you to regulate factors such as your food and hydration levels to ensure you have sufficient energy to complete the journey. There will be sufficient food and fluids available for you to ingest but you must discipline yourself to eat and drink. Insufficient intake can lead to a deteriorating condition. You must take extra care when exposed to the elements to not remove gloves and other protective layers at the wrong time as this may lead to frostbite. Your feet will also require diligent attention to ensure you do not get blisters. You will have to pay particular care to not allow a single blister to occur as they will likely get worse rather than better as the trip progresses. A seemingly small oversight by you in looking after yourself can lead to you failing to complete the trip or suffering personal damage. These considerations consume us as we travel and our responsibility to the group is to ensure we stay in good shape to continue on towards the objective.
You also have social responsibilities to the other team members. There may be stresses on the journey that you are not familiar with and it is important that you join the expedition on the understanding that you will contribute to the emotional and physical well being of the other team members.
Conviviality and respect for others is tantamount to a successful expedition outcome.
Following is a typical itinerary for the South Pole Ski the Last Degree Expedition:
| Day | |||||
| 1 | Meet in Punta Arenas, Chile | ||||
| 2 | Weighing and loading of gear. | ||||
| 3 | Expedition Briefing | ||||
| 4 | Fly to Union Glacier, Antarctica | ||||
| 5 | Acclimatisation day | ||||
| 6–7 | Training Days | ||||
| 8 | Fly to 89º South | ||||
| 9–12 | Ski to the South Pole | ||||
| 13 | Arrive at the South Pole | ||||
| 14 | Fly South Pole to Union Glacier | ||||
| 15 | Return to Punta Arenas, Chile | ||||
| 16 | Depart for home | ||||
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.
Every effort will be made to ensure the expedition itinerary is adhered to but Antarctica is the most remote and isolated continent on earth. The above program is subject to change such as may be affected by weather conditions and aircraft serviceability and other factors out of the hands of Adventure Consultants or its staff and contractors. While every effort is made to ensure the expedition is run to schedule, acceptance onto the expedition is based on your acceptance of those conditions. Having stated that, our track record in Antarctica is impeccable but it is a sign of our respect of Antarctica’s environmental omnipotence that we alert you to those possibilities.
The group meets in Punta Arenas at the tip of South America for briefings and gear checks prior to flying into the interior of Antarctica.
From Punta Arenas, we fly by Ilyushin 76 aircraft to the ALE base at Union Glacier. Here the aircraft makes a wheeled landing on a natural blue-ice runway.
Our flights to Antarctica are operated by Antarctic Logistics (ALE) who are the sole providers of aircraft access into the region. We have worked with them since their inception in the early 1980’s when AC founder Rob Hall provided them assistance establishing the Vinson Massif routes and camps.
The Union Glacier camp, situated at 80 degrees South, is a small collection of tents. The dining and kitchen tent has a wooden floor and is heated with a kerosene stove. We sleep overnight in our own mountain tents but gather for meals in the warmth of the dining tent.
Your guides will hold a briefing on the logistics and safety protocols of the upcoming adventure and cover all aspects of the trip not already addressed in the initial briefing held in Punta Arenas. We pay special attention to the environmental considerations required to leave the continent with as minimal an impact as possible. Following the briefing we will sort sufficient kit for an overnight practice tour to consolidate the skills need for the trip itself. This is an ideal time to sort out last minute equipment queries and to familiarise yourself with the environment and how we best manage ourselves when we are out in it.
Following our tour we will finalise packing of the group supplies and equipment and divide this amongst the team onto sleds. We must then await sufficiently fine weather to start the long flight to the beginning of the trek. Conditions need to be clear and calm along the route with good visibility for landing and taking off. There can be delays of several days and sometimes more so it is vital you are prepared for this eventuality and that you can relax at these times. Antarctica is not predictable or tameable and no amount of enthusiasm or pressure to get started will change her.
Once the weather forecasters give us the green light we load into ski-equipped Twin Otter aircraft for the six hour flight south into the heart of Antarctica. Along the way we stop at the Thiel Mountains to refuel the aircraft from a specially placed fuel cache, we then fly the remainder of the distance to 89° South.
As we will be arriving high onto the polar plateau we will encounter effects of altitude that may make us feel a little weak to begin with. Everyone will be towing a sled loaded with their personal and expedition equipment and we will have a short day to stretch our legs then establish our first camp. We will begin slowly on the expedition to bring everyone up to an optimum pace for remainder of the journey. There will be no rushing as it is vital that we avoid injury and burnout and that we have the stamina to finish the expedition.
Each day we will awake around 7.30am for breakfast and hydration before we begin to break camp and pack our belongings. We travel for around 8 hours every day with a break every hour for food and drink. Everybody travels together and the pace will be slow and steady and not hurried. The objective is to maintain an optimum body temperature; too cold and we burn too much energy - whilst too hot will cause sweating that promotes hypothermia when you stop, in addition to dehydration issues. At the day’s end you will have travelled 10-15km (6-10miles).
On arrival at a camp site the group will set up tents and build protective snow walls and contribute to snow melting and meal preparations. Everyone is involved and working to get the camp ready for habitation. The bonus is that you will stay warm by helping out! Once inside your tent you will be sheltered from the wind and the 24 hour daylight will enable clothes to be dried in the midnight sun.
We follow this routine for five to seven days as we journey towards the Pole. Finally, the South Pole station will come into view from about 24km (15 miles) out.
Our New Zealand-based Polar Training Course has been designed to introduce you to the skills and techniques you’ll need to prepare for a polar expedition and will give you greater confidence in the judgment and decision making aspects of polar travel. You will learn skills such as food preparation, navigation, camp management and even how to go to the toilet in a storm! While no course can prepare you fully for the real thing, this course offers a variety of terrain that enables you to develop the skills you will use in polar environments.
Please click on the image to view the trip notes online, visit our Polar Training Course page or contact us for more information.
Take the opportunity to combine your journey to the end of the earth with an ascent of Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica and one of the famous Seven Summits.
Mount Vinson AND South Pole Ski the Last Degree option:
Dates: December 4–31, 2023 (Combines Vinson Trip 2 and South Pole Last Degree Trip 1)
Dates: December 15, 2023 – January 17, 2024 (Combines Vinson Trip 3 and South Pole Last Degree Trip 2)
Duration: 28 or 34 days
Departure: ex Punta Arenas, Chile
Price: US$96,295
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.
Complete your Antarctic experience with our Climb Antarctica Expedition, the ideal Add On following your South Pole Expedition. 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.
Why not finish your Antarctic trip with our Ski Antarctica Expedition, a brilliant Add On following your South Pole 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.
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 or Climb Antarctica expeditions, as well as Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Voyages. 
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.
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:
For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.
The following is to serve as a helpful guideline on our South Pole expeditions. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
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 on the history of Adventure Consultants here.
A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. In this league, what makes you the first choice for polar travellers?
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). Adventure Consultants has continued guiding in this remote part of the world ever since and has an established a strong relationship with Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE) who provide the logistical support and safety backup for all our Antarctic expeditions initiating in Punta Arenas, Chile. Adventure Consultants has been running expeditions to Antarctica for many seasons and over this time we have developed our systems and honed strategies for success in this harsh environment.
What food will be available?
Food is one of the most crucial factors on a South Pole expedition. We serve nutritious and filling food that will sustain you well for the journey, and during the planning stage we will ask you for your feedback in advance in order for us to adjust our menus to your specific requirements or tastes.
What is the food like?
As food and equipment has to be hauled in sleds by each team member, the weight-to-calorie value of food is critical. Evening meals will be freeze-dried meals in big portions, lunches are crispbread with cheese, salami, dried meat, fish and lots of butter, and for breakfast a high-calorie muesli. These foods are supplemented with muesli bars, chocolate, other snacks, and plenty of hot drinks.
What are the hotels like? Can I have my own room?
Prior to and after this expedition, we stay in a fantastic hotel right in the centre of Punta Arenas. This hotel offers classical elegance and its friendly helpful staff always look after the AC teams exceptionally well. Facilities include a restaurant, Wi-Fi and laundry service. Personal items can also be left in the hotel's secure storage while travelling to Antarctica.
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave?
It is very important to arrive in Punta Arenas on the indicated arrival date, with at least two full days prior to the scheduled flight to Antarctica (for Ski The Last Degree, four days for All The Way). This allows time for preparing food and equipment, reviewing the route and expedition plan, and attending the necessary safety and environmental briefings. All of the group gear must be then weighed for loading at least one day prior to departure for Union Glacier. Flights to and from Antarctica are subject to weather, therefore delays can and often do occur so it is very important to allow some flexibility with airline travel arrangements at the end of the expedition.
My travel agent says I can just get an ‘e’ ticket (electronic ticket) and will not need to be actually issued a physical ticket.
'E' tickets are the standard practice these days and are now acceptable in most locations. Do ensure you print your itinerary and have your booking number with you, as this allows you to change your flight in the event that this is required.
When should I book my ticket?
We generally ask you to wait until 120 days prior to your trip start date to ensure your trip has met the minimum numbers and will operate. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights you should ensure you can make changes to your tickets and it is a good idea to purchase trip cancellation insurance.
Can I get a cheap ticket online?
Specifically for this expedition, we strongly advise against buying a ticket online. Please remember to purchase flights that give you the ability to change dates should you need to reschedule. Internet fares and frequent flyer fare purchases often have limited or no flexibility should you need to change and the ticket may be exempt, should a change need to be made for whatever reason.
Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
Upon arrival into Punta Arenas' Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport, you should catch a taxi from the airport to the hotel as your guide will be busy with 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.
What if I am arriving early or departing late?
Adventure Consultants can make reservations for you and can often make recommendations in regards to sightseeing that you can enjoy. Please let our office know your specific plans.
Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
Yes, you will be sent a personal clothing and equipment list once our office has received your trip registration form and deposit. We also have a dedicated equipment coordinator who will be 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?
You will need a sleeping bag rated to -40°C (-40°F). We highly recommend buying a sleeping bag with some additional room inside to store water bottles, batteries and other items that you don’t want to freeze during the night.
How much weight will we carry on the expedition?
All expedition food and equipment must be hauled in sleds. On the Ski The Last Degree Expedition, these will typically weigh 30kg. On the All The Way Expedition we will pre-place two or three resupply caches which will reduce the total weight of food that needs to be carried at each stage. Typically our sleds will weigh 50-60kg.
How many guides will be assigned to our group?
On our South Pole All The Way expedition there is a minimum guide-to-client ratio of 1:2 and a maximum ratio of 1:4. On our South Pole Last Degree Expedition there is a minimum guide-to-client of 1:4.
Who goes on your trips?
Our expeditioners come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, countries 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.
What kind of physical condition should I be in for the expedition?
You should train on a daily basis for at least 3 months prior to the start of the Ski The Last Degree Expedition, and up to 6 months for the All The Way expedition. It is recommended that you focus on cardiovascular training as the cardiovascular system is constantly stressed whilst on the move. Running, hiking and tyre-dragging combined with strength, core stability and flexibility training are the best types of exercise to incorporate into your programme. It is important to ensure long duration aerobic exercise, gradually increasing your endurance to maintain 8-10 hours of vigorous activity a day for the duration of your expedition.
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.
Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If so, what are the charges for usage?
Your expedition guide will have an Iridium satellite phone and you are welcome to use this at US$4 per minute. We rely on solar power and 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 while they are 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? What 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. For this expedition, we recommend that you bring a personal solar panel suitable to charge the devices you will be carrying and are happy to advise accordingly.
Which weather reporting service do you use? How often do you receive weather reports?
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.
What insurance do we need to get?
Travelling to Antarctica requires very specific specialised insurance and requirements include minimum medical evacuation cover of US$300,000. We also highly recommend trip cancellation insurance to cover for cancellation due to medical or personal reasons.
Do I need evacuation insurance?
Absolutely. This is imperative for departures to Antarctica. Your insurance cover will be double-checked prior to being allowed to travel down to the ice.
Who do you recommend for insurance?
After receiving your booking we will send you information on insurance options which will serve you best for this expedition.
What is trip cancellation insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without losing the total cost of the trip. Adventure Consultants highly recommends cancellation insurance for expeditions to Antarctica. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (e.g. minimum numbers are not reached) then we refund your fees paid but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred.
Can I pay by credit card?
We can accept both the trip deposit and balance payment on credit card. Please note that there is a 3% fee for all card transactions. Please contact our office or visit our online payment system.
What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
Please see the 'Payment Conditions' section above for the inclusions and exclusions for this particular trip. There is also a downloadable pdf document in the 'Trip Notes' section 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 groups 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 the expedition 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
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
Dispatches - South Pole Ski The Last Degree 2018
