South Pole Hercules Inlet (64 Days)

Your expedition is guided by highly experienced polar professionals, overseen by Mountain Professionals founder Ryan Waters—one of the most accomplished and certified polar explorers in the world. With IPGA Polar Guide certification and decades of polar expedition leadership, we bring a level of safety, skill, and authenticity that sets us apart.

Included in the expedition are all Antarctic flights: round-trip air travel from Punta Arenas, Chile to Union Glacier Camp aboard an Iceland Air 757, landing on the blue-ice runway. Internal polar flights to Hercules Inlet and from the South Pole are operated by ski-equipped Twin Otter or DC-3 Turbo aircraft, depending on conditions and logistics.

During the expedition, team members will stay in high-quality Hilleberg Keron 4 GT tents (2 people per 4-person tent) while at Union Glacier and throughout the ski journey. After returning from the South Pole, we’ll transition to spacious Clam Tents with full stand-up height for added comfort until departure from Antarctica.

We provide airport pickup in Punta Arenas, Chile and transfers to and from the group hotel at the start of your journey. Additionally, we handle all transportation to and from the airport for your flights to Antarctica, ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel experience from arrival to departure.

Each team member is provided with high-quality, specialized gear, including Åsnes skis, Rottefella Super Telemark bindings, Baffin ski boots, and Fjellpulken pulling harnesses, ensuring optimal performance and comfort throughout the expedition in harsh Antarctic conditions.

The trip cost includes all necessary permits in compliance with the IAATO Antarctic Treaty and environmental agreements, ensuring the expedition meets the highest standards of sustainability and legal requirements for travel in Antarctica.

All meals are included throughout the expedition, except during your time in Punta Arenas. In Punta Arenas, we provide a welcome dinner, and breakfasts are included as part of your hotel package.

At Union Glacier Camp, meals are served buffet-style with a wide variety of delicious options to suit all tastes, along with plenty of hot drinks, beer, and wine during dinner.

While skiing the Antarctic plateau, we provide freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners along with daily polar skiing lunches, which include energy bars, chocolates, salami, cheese, and other high-calorie snacks to keep you fueled during your expedition.

Included in your expedition is all essential group safety equipment, carefully selected and refined from years of experience leading polar ski expeditions. This includes tents, stoves, fuel, safety gear, GPS navigation, and first aid supplies, all overseen by a Wilderness First Responder and IPGA-certified polar guide to ensure your safety every step of the way.

Our seasoned guides are experts in navigating the challenging Antarctic terrain, where precision is crucial. Using GPS waypoints and compass stativ, we skillfully lead the team—navigating efficiently even in white-out conditions—ensuring we stay on course toward our ultimate destination: the South Pole.

We provide two satellite communication devices for daily check-ins to our base of operations. Additionally, you are welcome to use our satellite phone to call home if needed. For added security, we also carry a Garmin InReach as a backup, ensuring redundant communication systems throughout the expedition.

During your stay at Union Glacier Camp, you'll have access to unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi in the dining tent, keeping you connected to the outside world. While on the ski expedition, we carry a Starlink Mini to allow occasional connections, depending on battery life, so you can stay in touch when needed.

The cost of your international flights to and from Punta Arenas, Chile, is not included in the expedition price. This means you are responsible for researching, booking, and covering the expenses of your flights from your home country (or starting location) to Punta Arenas and your return journey after the expedition concludes.

Outside of the one “welcome dinner” as a team and breakfasts provided by the hotel, all meals are on your own while in the city.

Lodging in Punta Arenas is not included in the trip cost, as delays are possible and may require additional nights or changes to hotel accommodations. We recommend staying at our chosen group hotel for its prime location and access to amenities, making any adjustments smoother if unexpected delays occur.

All team members on the Last Degree expedition are required to have rescue/evacuation insurance. Upon signing up, we provide a list of recommended insurance providers that specialize in covering Antarctica ski trips, ensuring you're fully protected for the journey.

Team members are responsible for arriving with the required personal clothing and equipment for the expedition. Upon signing up, we provide a detailed gear list and are always available to offer advice or answer any questions about what to bring, ensuring you're fully prepared for the journey.

Personal expenses include any small purchases in Punta Arenas, such as extra food, supplies, or taxis, as well as any items you may wish to buy at the Union Glacier Camp gift shop in Antarctica.