All of our Experiences take place in the interior of Antarctica, the coldest, highest, windiest continent on Earth. An easy Experience for some people may feel moderate to others and changing conditions can affect how strenuous a trip feels. Some Experiences offer gentle activities but with a bit of a twist – a day at altitude, a remote field camp or possible storms and whiteouts. And some offer more and less active options to match your skills and interests.
Our activity levels consider how much physical activity you will do, how flexible the itinerary is, and the environment in which the experience takes place including temperature, altitude and facilities.
As a general rule:
- An experience will feel more strenuous the colder the temperature, the higher the altitude and the more basic the facilities
- Flexible itineraries allow you to tweak the activity level slightly, by choosing more or less active options
Information about specific activities and challenges are provided in the Itinerary and Requirements & Forms sections for each Experience. Or feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Easy
Easy trips offer comfortable adventure under normal polar conditions. They include gentle activities like scenic tours, short treks, talks and skills sessions. If you want more adventure, we can offer that too! You can participate at your own pace and to be as active or relaxed as you wish.
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).
Strenuous
Strenuous trips include skiing, climbing, and trekking trips where you spend several days or more in remote field camps and you are active for 6-8 hours a day over steeper, more rugged terrain. They can involve climbing and camping at altitude and in extreme weather conditions. These trips can be tailored to your skills and abilities, however a good level of fitness is essential and some technical skills may be required.
Extremely Strenuous
Extremely strenuous trips include skiing and climbing expeditions in the most remote corners of Antarctica, where physiological altitude may exceed 11,000 feet (3350m) for many days in a row, and temperatures may drop below (–40°F / –40°C), with severe wind chill and storms. You will be active for 8-12 hours a day carrying or hauling heavy loads for many days in a row. You must have the physical ability to cover a minimum daily distance and the mental stamina to continue in extreme conditions when you are physically tired. Technical skill, a high level of strength and aerobic fitness, and commitment to a dedicated pre-trip training program are required.
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.
