90° South Overnight
Immerse yourself in the 90° South experience with an overnight at the South Pole
The South Pole is a crossroads for modern adventurers and polar science and this Experience places you at the center of the action. We will fly to the South Pole and settle into ANI’s South Pole Camp, where you can mingle with expedition teams who have skied to the South Pole, enjoy skills sessions and talks, or simply relax and take it all in.
There will be plenty of time to savor all that the Pole has to offer. We will visit the Geographic South Pole and remember the historic achievements of Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott. We will take photos at the Ceremonial Pole. We will have a guided tour of Amundsen-Scott Station, where scientists conduct research ranging from studies of the Antarctic environment to the origins of the universe. We will experience the extreme conditions of the polar plateau, with temperatures hovering around -22°F (-30°C) and a physiological altitude of nearly 11,000ft (3350m). You will even get a taste of polar exploration as you camp overnight in an expedition-style tent!
This challenging trip offers polar enthusiasts a unique opportunity to experience the history, adventure and challenges of the South Pole, as you overnight at the bottom of the world!
Accommodations
Union Glacier Camp
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming at our main Antarctic camp at Union Glacier. You’ll find roomy, double occupancy sleeping tents; a spacious dining hall; fresh delicious meals; and a spectacular setting. You’ll be surprised how comfortable Antarctica can be! Our full-service camp is designed for Antarctic conditions and with best environmental practices in mind. It operates during the Antarctic summer (November through January) and is dismantled at the end of each season.
South Pole Camp
Be prepared for extreme conditions at ANI’s South Pole Camp. Temperatures hover around -30°C and the physiological altitude (how high it feels!) is roughly 11,000 ft (3,300m). Camp facilities are designed to provide as much comfort as possible, while minimizing our environmental footprint. Meals are served in a heated dining tent, which is also available for indoor activities and relaxation. Accommodation is in two-person mountaineering-style tents. The tents are unheated, but you will stay nice and warm with your insulated sleeping mat and polar-rated sleeping bag.
Activity Level
Moderate
Moderate trips offer adventure with a bit more challenge. They may include walking up to several miles/kilometres on uneven snow and ice; staying in remote field camps; extreme temperatures (–40°F / –40°C); or light activity at altitude (11,000ft / 3350m).
| Trip Code | To Antarctica | From Antarctica | Duration | Price (US$) * | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90S/ON-2013 | Jan 4 2014 | Jan 10 2014 | 7 days | $48,500 | Available |
Dates & Rates Notes
* We reserve the right to revise our prices in the event of significant changes in the price of aviation kerosene and aircraft charter rates.
What's Included
ALL ANI Experiences include:
- Transfers to and from Punta Arenas airport, Chile
- Briefing with refreshments in Punta Arenas one day prior to departure
- Round trip flights from Punta Arenas to Antarctica
- All flights within Antarctica as shown in your itinerary
- Meals and accommodation while in Antarctica
- Expedition Guide(s) (and naturalist or lecturer on some Experiences)
- Use of recreational equipment at Union Glacier Camp
- Official and personalised ANI Certificate of Achievement
- A Baggage allowance of up to 55lbs (25kg) on Punta Arenas-Union Glacier flight
(Baggage allowance of up to 66lb (30kg) for Ski South Pole Hercules Inlet, Messner and Footsteps of Amundsen Expeditions)
SOME Experiences include:
- Group camping equipment (when travelling beyond Union Glacier Camp)
- Group climbing equipment (climbing expeditions)
- Sled, harness, ski pole pogies (all ski expeditions)
- Skis, ski skins, ski poles (Ski Last Degree)
Experiences DO NOT include:
- Commercial flights to and from Punta Arenas
- Flights within Antarctica, other than those shown in itinerary
- Meals and accommodation in Punta Arenas
- Airport transfers other than in Punta Arenas
- Personal equipment and clothing (polar clothing is available for rent from ANI for some Experiences)
- Expenses incurred in Punta Arenas due to delays
- Any excess baggage costs over confirmed baggage allowance
- Cost for the use of satellite phone whilst in Antarctica
- Insurance coverage – personal, medical, evacuation or otherwise
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this Experience. More FAQ's can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Weather and Environment
Will it be cold?
All of our journeys take place in the Antarctic summer (November through January) when the weather is at its best. We advise on suitable clothing so that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.
The interior of Antarctica has a cold, dry, windy climate. Average mid-season temperatures at our base camp range from 10F to 25F (-12C to -4C ). On a sunny windless day it can feel quite warm but, when the wind blows, you will be glad of warm layers and a wind jacket. Temperatures can drop as low as -22F (-30C) in early November.
- At the South Pole temperatures rarely climb above -13F (-25C) with light winds and wind chill of -40F (-40C).
- Weather at the Emperor rookery is highly variable and influenced by coastal systems. Temperatures range from
-22F (-30C) to near 32F (0C) with sunny and overcast skies and the possibility of heavy snowstorms. - Mount Vinson climbers and skiers heading to the South Pole should prepare for extreme temperatures -40F (-40C) and severe storms.
Do I need to ski?
The snow around Union Glacier Camp is generally firm and fine for walking. The same is true at the South Pole, Emperor penguin rookery and other fly-in destinations. We have skis for recreational use, but you do not have to ski.
Likewise on Mount Vinson, the snow is usually firm and we do not usually use skis to ascend the mountain. We do however offer the option of a ski ascent for experienced skiers.
Other climbing Experiences may involve skiing to speed up travel on the glaciers. We normally use Alpine Touring (AT) ski equipment. You don’t have to be a good skier, as skiing on flat terrain with AT gear is akin to walking, but those who have some Nordic or downhill experience will obviously find it easier. Guidelines are provided for each Experience.
Safety, Medical and Insurance
Do I need travel insurance?
All ANI guests are required to provide cover for medical evacuation, due to the high cost of evacuation from Antarctica.
We also strongly recommend that you consider Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance, to protect you in case you need to cancel for any reason. ANI Experiences are non-refundable within 90 days of departure.
Find more information and links to purchase travel insurance on our Travel Insurance pages.
Schedule and Itinerary
Will the itinerary be exactly the same as shown on the website?
Our itineraries are meant as a guide, to give you an idea of the kinds of activities and the flow of each Experience. However no two trips are exactly the same - and that is part of the excitement and adventure of Antarctic travel. Your unique itinerary will be tailored to your interests and abilities, weather conditions and coordination with other groups on the ice. Flight schedules are flexible and you should expect delays due to the unpredictable nature of Antarctic weather, runway conditions and other logistics.
When should I arrive?
For most Experiences we ask that you arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile at least two full days (48 hours) before your scheduled departure. This allows time for clothing and equipment checks and provides a buffer in case you should miss a flight connection or have lost luggage. An environmental and logistics briefing will be held at 10am on the morning prior to departure. We will collect your luggage and load the aircraft that afternoon, ready for departure.
Guests on longer ski traverses should arrive at least four full days prior to departure. We will spend the additional two days getting to know the team, reviewing expedition plans, making any last minute adjustments to equipment and finally packing our sleds ready for departure.
Please note that we cannot hold Antarctic flights for guests who are delayed arriving or who have lost luggage. We recommend that you give yourself plenty of time to enjoy your trip, without the stress of tight timelines.
Clothing and Equipment
I'm not sure I have the correct equipment?
We provide detailed clothing and equipment lists for all of our Experiences. If you still have questions after reading our equipment lists and overview just drop us a line and we will be more than happy to help.
Can I rent clothing from you?
Guests on non-technical Experiences have the option to rent custom-designed Antarctic parka and windpants, boots and polar sleeping bag from us. This may be the most practical option if you think you will not use these specialized items again. Please let us know well in advance if you would like to rent any items, as we have limited stocks and items are available on a first-come first-served basis. Our rental clothing is not suitable for technical climbing and ski expeditions.
The clothing rental form appears on the Requirements & Forms tab for each Experience where clothing rental is an option.
Booking and Payment Information
I'm ready to book. What do I do?
Please email or call our office to confirm availablity on your chosen Experience and departure. We will ask you to fill out a medical form (and resume of experience for climbing and ski expeditions). Please fill these forms out completely and honestly. If we have any questions or concerns, we will work with you to resolve them. Once these have been approved, we will ask you send a deposit of $US 5000 to confirm your reservation.
Skills and Experience
No previous experience or skills are required.
Training
No special training is required, just normal health and fitness. You should be comfortable walking on uneven, sometimes slippery snow and ice surfaces. We also recommend you have reasonable mobility as it makes it easier to get in and out of mountaineering-style field tents, buckle up boots while wearing bulky clothing, and climb aircraft steps. Guests with high blood pressure should consult their physician.
Challenges
- South Pole elevation 9300 ft (2835m). Physiological altitude approximately 11,000 ft (3350m)
- Extreme temperatures and temperature changes at South Pole. -40F (-40C) outside. 70F (22C) inside Amundsen-Scott station
- We plan to spend approximately 24 hours in this extreme environment, including sleeping in mountaineering/expedition-style tents.
ANI’s mission is to set the highest possible environmental standards and to use best practices. We believe in responsible and sustainable tourism where our guests leave Antarctica with a greater appreciation of its remarkable natural values.
