Ski South Pole Messner Start

Ski All The Way to the Heart of Antarctica                      

 

Distance: +900km (560 miles)  

Duration: 52 days  

Minimum group: 4

Temperature Range: -20 to -35C

Challenge Level: 5+

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Embark on a journey that embodies the true spirit of polar exploration, an extreme expedition inspired by Reinhold Messner’s 1989 epic Antarctic crossing. Ski South Pole Messner Start is a committing, 900 km (560 mile) ski traverse through remote, unexplored terrain, from the edge of the frozen Antarctic continent to the Geographic South Pole.

We start our expedition on the Ronne Ice Shelf, at 82°10’S 065°00’W. Leaving the Antarctic coast we skirt the western edge of the massive Foundation Ice Stream and the Transantarctic Mountains, climbing gradually to reach the South Pole at 9300 feet (2835m). This is a shorter, steeper, less traveled and more committing route than Ski South Pole All the Way.

Our days are filled with 24 hour daylight, endless vistas, and an intense solitude. We will not see any plant or animal life here, we are too far south, only snow, ice, rock, and sky. Temperatures can reach as low as –22°F (-30°C) and nearly constant winds make it feel even colder. During the expedition we ski for about 7 to 9 hours a day, hauling sleds weighing 110-130 lbs (50-60 kg), in all types of weather over challenging terrain - a demanding routine. We expect the trip to take 45-50 days, depending on weather, snow conditions and group strength. As on all expeditions, success is a team effort. The group travels together and participants help the guide set up camp and prepare meals. Expedition members should have skiing and cold weather camping experience, and a high level of fitness.

This expedition should only be considered by the most committed adventurers, willing to undertake a rigorous daily training schedule for several months prior to their trip. If adventure, challenge, teamwork and perseverance bring you great satisfaction and you want to experience the polar ice cap, Ski South Pole—Messner Start is an exciting, shorter alternative to the standard full-length expedition from Hercules Inlet.

 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Join an elite group of polar explorers who have completed one of the most challenging expeditions imaginable—a +565 mile (900 km) traverse to the Geographic South Pole inspired by world-class adventurer Reinhold Messner.

• Experience first hand some of the insights and challenges that faced early explorers whose heroic expeditions to be “first to the pole” have marked history.

• Enjoy expedition camaraderie born of shared challenge, perseverance and support as well as a solitude and tranquillity found nowhere else on earth.

• Experience the South Pole as have few others, arriving on foot, through your own effort and determination. Walk around the world and savour the moment.

 

INCLUDED IN THE COST

• Briefing followed by refreshments in Punta Arenas, Chile, one day prior to departure

• Transfers to and from airport for Antarctic flights

• Round trip flights from Punta Arenas to Antarctica

• All programmed flights within Antarctica

• Meals and accommodation while in Antarctica

• Group camping equipment, sled, and harness for expedition

• Celebration dinner after achieving the Pole

• Expedition Guide and support of staff Physician throughout your journey

NOT INCLUDED IN COST

• Commercial flights to and from Punta Arenas, Chile

• Meals and accommodations in Punta Arenas, Chile

• Airport transfers other than those for Antarctic flights

• Personal equipment and clothing, skis, boots, poles

• Additional expenses incurred in Punta Arenas due to delays

• Insurance coverage – personal, medical, evacuation or otherwise.