Ski Holidays to Antarctica this Winter
Australian-owned adventure company Aurora Expeditions, who specialise in polar trips, is expanding its portfolio of Antarctic activities for the 2017/18 season with the introduction of ski touring as well as snowshoeing trips to Antarctica this winter.
“Fuelled by a passion for thrilling new wilderness experiences, these unique skiing and snowshoeing activities will take intrepid travellers to sights of unimaginable beauty in the most exhilarating way possible,” Emma Savage of Aurora Expeditions commented.
Antarctic Ski Touring will offer the experienced and the bold the opportunity to ski near-virgin glacial slopes, traverse remote areas to iceberg-studded bays rarely seen by human eyes, gaze at penguin rookeries and breaching whales in hard to access locations, or even follow in Shackleton’s footsteps across South Georgia.
But snow conditions are unpredictable, the company warns, and terrain will vary from gentle slopes to crevassed glaciers and alpine bowls, often including areas where no man (or woman) has ever skied before, so some serious ski touring experience is essential.
As well as deep pockets. Expedition fares starts from US$8,900 (£6,880) per person, with ski touring starting from an additional US$900 per person and snowshoeing from an additional US$250 per person.
Travelling in small groups with highly experienced mountain ski guides, expeditioners will learn lifelong mountaineering and ski touring skills such as ice axe and crampon use, roped glacier travel, avalanche procedures and emergency shelter construction.
“Antarctic ski touring is undoubtedly challenging, but for those with appropriate experience, it’s also an adrenalin-pumping high for those with a lionhearted spirit of adventure,” added Emma.
A gentler option physically, but no less rewarding in terms of the experience or the awe-inspiring sights on offer, is the ancient, practical and simple sport of Snowshoeing.
The most efficient way to travel across the snow, it’s straightforward to learn and far easier than walking in boots. After just half an hour’s training by Aurora Expedition’s expert guides some of the most pristine and uplifting scenery on the globe comes within easy reach.
Expeditions to spectacular vantage points last for up to three hours, so a reasonable level of fitness is necessary and, as with ski touring, the aim is for six excursions or more per voyage, depending on weather and landing sites.
To celebrate the launch of these two new activities, Aurora Expeditions has also released their brand new Active Antarctica Guide which is free to download and features detailed information on the company’s entire range of optional Antarctic activities such as polar snorkelling and diving, sea kayaking, camping and mountaineering.
New bookings on selected 2017/18 Antarctic voyages can now also save up to US$1,500 per person when booked before 30 September 2017. Aurora Expeditions is also offering free snowshoeing or ski touring as part of this offer on selected voyages. Terms and Conditions apply.
