Skiers have an exciting new opportunity to get off the beaten track and ski among the stunning Ellsworth Mountains on Antarctica, the seventh continent. Antarctic operator Adventure Network International (ANI) has developed a new Antarctic Adventure Skiing program for 2010.
Antarctica’s Ellsworth Mountains have some of the most extraordinary ski touring in the world and ANI is confident every skier will find something fulfilling in this unique environment.
Antarctic Adventure Skiing program is very much tailored to suit the client - whether they are an experienced ski mountaineer wanting to make first descents on Antarctica’s hidden peaks or a downhill skier with little off-piste experience looking to improve their back-country touring skills in an extraordinary setting. Group sizes are kept small giving ANI the flexibility to customize this unique adventure to ensure maximum enjoyment and satisfaction. All groups will be led by experienced Antarctic mountain guides.
Skiers can choose either an expedition-style ski program where they venture off with their guide carrying all their supplies for a self-supported trip. Or they can day tour from the comfort of a base camp carrying only a small daypack with some warm clothing and food for the day. Whichever option is chosen, in the evenings whilst enjoying a glass of Chilean wine and a delicious dinner the skiers will have unlimited views of snow-covered summits and the pristine Antarctic continent.
Whether traveling through the amazing Connell Canyon, enjoying the stunning panorama from the top of Charles Peak, or getting first tracks on the West face of Mount Rossman, skiers will learn new skills, build on old ones and experience mountain exploration at its finest.
Adventure Network International’s skiing is ‘human powered’ and skiers ‘earn their turns’. ANI will provide skis with skins and touring bindings that release at the heel to allow uphill skiing. Far more efficient than walking! At the top of the peak, the skins are removed, skiers lock down their heels and swoop down the untracked virgin snow. In this way, considerable distances can be covered in a day.
A good level of fitness is essential and ANI recommends some previous ski and climbing experience.
Adventure Network International is very excited about the opportunities to develop their ski program, which have arisen for various reasons: they have discovered an area around the Union Glacier with access to great skiing, there is a noticeable increase in people looking for new ski experiences and this definitely ‘fits the bill’; technology has moved on with wider skis allowing access to previously inaccessible areas and equipment has become more lightweight making expedition-style skiing easier.
Departure dates: 16 - 29 December 2009 & 2010 (14 days) / 10 - 23 January 2010 & 2011 (14 days)
Price: US$22,450 (2009-10) US$ 23,250 (2010-11) per person including round trip flights Punta Arenas to Antarctica; airport transfers; meals and accommodation while in Antarctica; group camping and mountaineering equipment; expedition guide and support of staff physician throughout the journey. International flights to Punta Arenas are not included in the price.
For more information, visit http://adventure-network.com/
