Antarctica, the last continent, is as remote as it is impressive. Few have had the chance to set foot on this unknown land, and even fewer the pleasure of skiing from its summits perched over the sea. Nevertheless the joy of discovering the beauty of the Antarctic peninsula can be yours.
Sublime turns, far-flung summits, unique animals, breathtaking landscape and friendship aboard: few experiences will match it.
Our 20m yacht will be our base camp and transport for our entire voyage form Ushuaia to the Antarctic peninsula.
First, we round the mighty Cape Horn, which divides the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. Then, we enter Drake Passage and the South Atlantic, discovering our first icebergs. The passage is an unforgettable experience of the open ocean. Next we make landfall at the Antarctic peninsula, swathed in ice and culminating in a peak of 3000m. It's a once-in-a-lifetime sight.
We reach most of the summits on an out-and-back route. Some are more remote and require camping in tents, the beauty of a camp with the background of an iceberg-studded sea is incomparable. This is an aventure in which dreams turns real.
Days 1 - 2: Flight Paris - Ushuaïa
Boarding the yacht.
Ushuaïa harbord
Cap Horn
Days 3 - 6: Passage to the Antarctic peninsula
Steering the boat in the Drake passage
We round Cape Horn, then enter Drake Passage to arrive alongside the peninsula.
Days 7 - 23: Ski touring the length of the peninsula and its neighbouring islands.
Mont Français and Mont Parry
Anchoring in the ice
Preparing for Harris Peak
Ascent Mont Bank
Skiing down Hummock peak
Lemaire channel
At the bottom of Demaria peak
The Brabant and Anvers islands feature high in our itinerary, followed by a multitude of smaller iles. With our yacht as base camp, we will head out to the peninsula's most beautiful summits, including Mount Parry, Harris Peak, Mount Shackleton, Mount Scott, Mount Hoeg, Mount Tenant and many others. Some peaks demand an excursion of two days or more from the yacht, camping in total solitude.
Skiing up to Parry's camp
Parry's camp
Top of Mont Parry
Back on the boat for apperitif
More than a ski trip, this is a real exploration of a multitude of peaks, frozen islands and immense glaciers that pour into the sea. Between them lies a maze of narrow canals, dominated by rocky cliffs and glaciers. We drop anchor in coves dominated by these giants. Our program are tailored taking in consideration sea, weather and snow conditions. Every day brings a summit and encounters with the diverse Antarctic animal kingdom: seals, sea leopards, emperor penguins, and many birds returning for the southern winter.
Cuverville cow
Mont Français - highest mountain in the Peninsula
Leopard seal
Days 24 - 27: Return to Ushuaïa
We retrace our sea voyage, across the Drake Passage and around Cape Horn. We will choose the most settled weather window for this passage in one of the harshest seas in the world. We may arrive a day earlier or a day later, and in this case we will check out the area surrounding Ushuaïa.
Night in hotel
Day 28: Reserve day.
Night in hotel.
Days 29 - 30: Flight back home.
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides offers you more than the classic routes: we're a team of innovative high mountain guides committed to our vocation.
We offer you a rare journey, a marriage of sea and peaks in one of the most remote, breathtaking corners of the planet: the Antarctic peninsula and its myriad glacial islands.
We, at Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides have 32 years of experience organizing expeditions in all corners of the world, from the highest summits to the most isolated niches. We have already led 4 ski expedition in the Peninsula: 2012, 2015, 2019, 2022.
Our expedition boat Marama is an aluminium boat, 101 feet long designed for polar navigation and its team is specialized in Antarctic trips. The skipper has sailed for more than 20 years and he knows the region like the back of his hand.
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides do not subcontract any of our trips, we design them, then we lead them with our team of guides who specialize in far-flung expeditions.
In our spirit of discovery and adventure, we are thrilled to embark with you on this expedition that is as exceptional as it is remote.
The spirit of the trip :
More than a trip, this ski cruise is an adventure in the biggest sense of the word. While everything is planned, nothing is guaranteed. Our principle is constant adaptation to the unpredictable world of sea and ice. Our anchorages may vary from the itnerary, as the wind changes constantly and we will have to modify our plans to maintain safety. This is a modern odyssey, venturing humbly amid forces bigger than ourselves. The rewards of engaging with these powers of nature are huge.
Conditions could be difficult on the yacht or on land. There could be strong winds or sea-sickness and a strong team spirit is needed to ensure the journey unfolds well. Life onboard runs according to some rules to which we have to adapt. Maintaining good spirits and a sense of humour are vital assets for the success of this type of expedition.
Ian has come with us in December 2022 and will be able to talk with you about his experience of the trip and the spirit of this exceptionnel journey. Feel free to get in touch with Mr Ian Moller in San Francisco at: stewart.378@gmail.com.
Pierre Schmidt, the leader guide, who has led 4 ski expedition in the Peninsula to be reached on what's app +33 6 08 54 43 29.
Technical level :
The summits we will climb are not very difficult, but you must be a good skier and mountaineer, and have excellent fitness. Slopes are up to 45 deg in short sections. All the terrain is glaciated, and it will be useful to know crevasse rescue techniques, z-pulleys for example. Every member of the group must be capable of helping in case of a fall. There will be camping for a few nights in a total autonomy.
No sailing experience is necessary, but giving a hand is always appreciable. A strong mindset to affront all aspect of this trip is an asset.
Physical level :
Very good fitness is vital. We will do daily average altitude ranges of 1000m and 5 - 7 hour per day. We will need to pull a sledge loaded with a tent and food, to reach some more remote summits. This will demand extra effort from you.
The weather can also be harsh and energy-sapping.
Life of group :
A 20m yacht has limited living space and life onboard runs according to some rules so that each person can keep their small amount of personal space. Observing these rules is vital to ensure the success of communal life during a long voyage. So is good humour, having an open spirit and giving mutual support during difficult moments.
The Ushuaïa-Antarctic passage can unfold on rough seas, making life onboard less pleasant. Even then, it is important to maintain good humour. Everyone will be asked to pitch in with daily tasks onboard, including the washing-up and to maintain the cleanliness of common areas.
Modification of the program :There is no program set in stone, other than constant adaptation to the prevailing conditions. Our knowledge of the area lets us choose the best summits given the weather on the day.
Guides:
Two high mountain guides (alpinism state qualified).
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides founder Pierre Schmidt will be one of them.
Extra information:
Your will receive a document with full information sent out 31 days before departure.
The Boat :
Aboard the yacht Marama, a graceful 101feet aluminium-hull vessel. Marama is perfectly equipped for this type of expedition and offers all the required safety and comfort. Find out more on the site www.club-croisiere.com
Meal :
Meals are prepared on board by the crew. While we are on land, we will cook ourselves using freeze-dried ingredients in camp, and eat picnic lunches prepared onboard. You should bring your own muesli bars and treats.
To reach some summits, we will need to sleep in tents and haul our camp on sleds which we pull ourselves. There are no porters.
Material:
The equipment list (ANTARCTIC gear list) you should have will be sent out to you at the time of the inscription
plus:
1 shovel
1 probe
1 sleeping-mask
1 inflatable mat square for sitting on
1 pair of waterproof gloves
1 headlamp
Material provided : North Face tent, sledges, ropes, tranceivers, stoves, cooking gear, satellite phone, VHF radio
Cost and availability of ski and Sail Antarctica Peninsula
| Course Date | Price (per person) | Status | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 November - 20 Decembre 2024 | 26000 € | Available - 10 places |
We need a minimum of 8 persons to run this trip. You can sign up as an individual, or as a group, and we will endeavour the complete the group.
If you are a group of friends and want to privatise this trip, please get in touch with us. Please contact us directly by e-mail or phone / whats up +33 6 95 04 23 02 to discuss the dates you would be interested in.
The Cost includes:
- Organisation of the trip
- The Boat: Marama (aluminium, 101 feet)
- Experienced skipper and crew on board. The skipper has been sailing in Antarctica for more than 20 years
- All meals cooked by chef on board
- 2 High mountain guide state qualified
- Full board accommodation for 25 nights on the boat from Day 3 to Day 26.
- Drinks on board such as beer or wine, etc.
The Cost does not include:
- Meals in Ushuaïa as long as we haven't started to sail
- Personal equipment and clothing (ski touring, boots, skins, tranceiver, shovel, probe etc..)
- Flights to Ushuaïa
