5 reasons to go mountaineering in Antarctica
- Go far beyond the scope of most visitors and gain a perspective on the vastness of the continent that not many people get to experience
- Soak up awe-inspiring views out over the Peninsula, up past the glaciers that dominate the snow-covered setting, while enjoying a sense of achievement
- Most excursions last between two and four hours – a longer time than typical landings, so you can truly immerse yourself in the soul-stirring scenery
- Climbing in far smaller groups (around seven to 10 people) than on usual off-ship visits, you’ll gain a more intimate connection with the environment
- With basic and technical options available, mountaineering in Antarctica is open to most experience levels, so all you need is decent fitness (and an adventurous spirit)
Ian says
Mountaineering in a small group of just 10 people in such a vast landscape was incredible. I could properly feel the remote desolation of Antarctica. Plus, now I can say I summited on the Seventh Continent.
Ian Young Antarctic Sales Manager
Mountaineering, Antarctica
Mountaineering from basecamp
How does mountaineering in Antarctica work?
Only the Antarctic Basecamp Adventure currently includes mountaineering as a one-off activity. If you're interested in taking part, you'll sign up for it when on your ship. You'll need to choose from either the basic or technical experience level:
- Basic – For reasonably fit individuals with little to no climbing experience who are up for a challenge. Snowshoes are provided to wear over your muck boots. The basic level is open to anyone who wants to experience what it’s like to rope up and wield an ice axe.
- Technical – For people who have mountaineered elsewhere and have the footwear to proof it. To be admitted into this group, you'll need to bring a pair of B2 boots when signing up and explain your alpine experience. The guides will decide whether you can join the basic or technical group.
In the basic group, typically you’ll set off on a fairly steep uphill climb for a couple of hours or more at a slow, steady pace, stopping for breaks. If you take part in technical mountaineering, the aim will be to summit a mountain – but this will depend on the conditions.
Before the excursion starts, you’ll be briefed and given the kit you need.
What our customers love about mountaineering in Antarctica
Most memorable moment was seeing penguins for the first time as we were on the mountaineering walk. Chinstrap penguins - they were so close! 🥰 Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Sarah Gillett - Switzerland
Review:
Who does Antarctic mountaineering suit?
- Adrenaline junkies who want to try this activity in Antarctica
- Fairly fit people who are happy to navigate rugged terrain
- Adventurous types looking to seriously stretch their legs
Is mountaineering in Antarctica safe?
Safety always comes first when mountaineering in Antarctica. You’ll be roped up in a harness to help avoid hidden crevasses. The experienced guides will be on the lookout for any potential dangers such as avalanches and will only let the activity go ahead if conditions are excellent.
Swoop says
Highly experienced climbers can choose to test their mettle on much more technical multi-day challenges, such as scaling Mount Vinson, Antarctica’s highest peak.
What will you see when polar mountaineering?
Your efforts will be rewarded by dramatic vistas and the knowledge that you're the only people in the entire area.
The Swoop team members who have mountaineered in Antarctica say that reaching such a unique vantage point over the ice and snow truly does leave you in awe.
Mountaineering on the Antarctic Peninsula
Planning your Antarctic mountaineering trip
When to go mountaineering in Antarctica?
As one-off mountaineering is only offered on the Basecamp Adventure, you'll have a choice of departure dates between November and January.
How much does Antarctic mountaineering cost?
The half day’s basic or technical excursion is included in the voyage price, along with a host of other adventure activities, such as camping.
What to pack for polar mountaineering?
If you plan to do the technical mountaineering, you’ll need to bring your own B2-category boots with a hard sole and will be provided with crampons. Soft hiking shoes or trainers aren’t appropriate.
If you don’t already own a pair of B2 boots, you’ll be in the basic-level group, where you’ll be given snowshoes to fit over your muck boots. Simply buying a pair of B2 boots won't get you onto the technical excursion because you’ll also need to also prove that you have the necessary expertise.
Your provided kit may include ropes, harnesses, helmets, ice axes and crampons, depending on the level of activity you take part in.
Customer Tips
“ Highly recommend the mountaineering. Don’t buy specific boots (for the basic level) as they allow you to do it in the muck boots provided. ”
Geoffrey Fogarty, Australia Customer
When to book
Mountaineering as a short, half-day activity isn’t widely available on Antarctic trips – it’s only on the Antarctic Basecamp Adventure. So if you’re determined to try it, you’ll need to choose this voyage. We recommend booking at least 18 months in advance as places are limited.
How to book
Speak to our polar experts to talk through the options and arrange a space in the cabin of your choice on this popular voyage.
Mountaineering in Antarctica: FAQs
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Do I need any qualifications to mountaineer in Antarctica?
For the soft adventure option, you don’t need any previous experience. This activity is aimed squarely at novices who may or may not have done it before. A qualified guide will accompany you and help with the kit.
To join the technical group, you'll need to prove in advance on board the ship that you have mountaineering experience.
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How fit do I need to be for Antarctic mountaineering?
You’ll need to be able to climb up an incline for a couple of hours to do the basic mountaineering. But you will go at the pace of the slowest member of the group and can take regular breaks.
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What specialist mountaineering kit do I need to bring?
All of the required kit (ropes, harnesses, helmets, crampons and ice axes, for example) is provided for basic mountaineering. But you must bring the right rigid-soled mountaineering boot capable of taking crampons if you want to join the technical group.
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How tricky are crampons to wear?
As with everything you try for the first time, they’re a little awkward to begin with but you quickly get the hang of them. You’ll be ready to tackle Everest by the end of the session!
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Do I need to pre-book Antarctic mountaineering?
If choosing to do mountaineering as part of a Basecamp Adventure you'll need to tick this activity on your activity form when on the ship.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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