A truly historic moment and YOU can be there to celebrate. The 1910-1912 race to the South Pole ranks among the most honored events in the history of exploration. Two of the world's greatest polar explorers were on separate missions to be the first to reach the South Pole. When Roald Amundsen finally set foot at 90 degrees south on December 14, 1911 he achieved what many thought to be impossible. More...

Tentative Expedition Dates

December 6-16, 2011 (Amundsen centennial)
January 9-19, 2012 (Scott Centennial)

Expedition Prices

Tentative Price: please call for details Download Application

Tentative Daily Itinerary

Day 1:	Arrive in Cape Town, welcome reception and pre-departure briefing.
Day 2:	Optional off-site activities in Cape Town. Afternoon pre-flight briefing.
Day 3:	Weather permitting we'll fly to Antarctica. Tour of basecamp in Antarctica and time to get settled.
Day 4:	Acclimitization to Antarctica. Visit with a local research station.
Day 5:	Special visit to a large emperor penguin colony, return to basecamp.
Day 6:	Explore the nearby glaciers and icecaves (ski training for South Pole skiers)
Day 7:	"Skiers" depart for South Pole. Overnight at fuel cache 20 kilometers from South Pole. "Fliers" explore the ice barrier and the Schirmacher Oasis.
Day 8:	"Fliers" depart for South Pole. Overnight at fuel cache 20 kilometers from South Pole. "Skiers" en route to South Pole.
Day 9:	South Pole Centennial Celebrations at the South Pole! Skiers and fliers meet up at the South Pole for the anniversary festivities. Return to basecamp
Day 10:	Depart Antarctica for Cape Town. Overnight in Cape Town.
Day 11:	Depart for home or onward adventures.

Contact us for a more detailed itinerary!

Qualifications

This expedition is for active people who have an adventurous spirit and can enjoy the unpredictable nature of travel and discovery in the polar regions. Those who opt to ski the last 20 km to the South Pole should be in good shape and eager to push themselves physically and mentally. Though the skiing can be quite demanding, it does not require significant skill (it is very much like walking with skis on).You will need to have very good cardiovascular endurance and the ability to pull a sled (between 10-15 kilos) for several hours at a time. Towards the end of the day when we stop skiing, it is critical that you have the energy reserves to help set up camp and keep yourself warm. Most importantly you need to be able to regulate your body temperature so that you do not get too cold, or too hot while you are on the move. This expedition will encounter extremely cold conditions, and living in such cold conditions 24 hours a day can be very challenging. You do not have to be a world class athlete to participate in and enjoy this expedition, but every ounce of training and preparation will help to make the expedition more enjoyable and safer. Please contact us with further questions!

Equipment
Upon registration, you will receive a comprehensive gear guide that explains the importance of each item as well as gear recommendations from our past participants.

• 1 insulated parka with hood (available to rent)
• 1 pair insulated pants (available to rent)
• 1 pair snow pack ski boots (available to rent)
• 1 pair wool, silk, or synthetic long underwear tops and bottoms.
• 2 pair heavy wool or synthetic socks
• 1 wool or fleece sweater (mid weight)
• 1 wool or fleece sweater (heavy weight)
• 1 wool or fleece hat (consider bringing hat with ear flaps)
• 1 neck gaiter
• 1 pair wool or synthetic gloves
• 1 pair wool or fleece mittens
• 1 pair sunglasses or snow goggles
• Casual clothing for Cape Town (shirt, pants, socks, pajamas, underwear, etc.)
• 1 pair slippers for inside the mess tent
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, etc.)
• Personal medications (with prescription for customs!)

What's Included:

• PolarExplorers expertise in planning and preparation (call us anytime!)
• PE's popular "South Pole Slideshow" (a ready-to-go PowerPoint presentation about the South Pole, expedition travel, and the polar environment.) We've prepared this for you to use as a stand-alone presentation or to edit/ incorporate into your own presentation about your expedition. Share the South Pole with your friends, family & community
• PolarExplorer's "Polar Prep" DVD covering personal clothing & equipment and tips for training.
• Welcome reception and pre-expedition briefing in Cape Town
• Hotel accommodations in Cape Town (3 nights total)
• All charter air transportation from Cape Town and return
• Expedition patch
• Accommodations and meals in Antarctica for duration of itinerary
• Skis, bindings, poles and sled for ski expedition participants
• South Pole Centennial celebration
• Official South Pole certificate
• Communication and safety gear
• Baggage allowance up to 55lbs (25 kg)

What's Not Included:

• Round-trip transportation to Cape Town, South Africa
• Meals and accommodations in Cape Town
• Personal clothing and accessories
• Trip cancellation and baggage insurance (mandatory)
• Medical/ evacuation insurance (mandatory)
• Excess baggage costs
• Additional phone calls from Antarctica
• Extended stay fees associated with weather delays.
  

Full Expedition Description

A truly historic moment and YOU can be there to celebrate. The 1910-1912 race to the South Pole ranks among the most honored events in the history of exploration. Two of the world's greatest polar explorers on separate missions to be the first to reach the South Pole. When Roald Amundsen finally set foot at 90 degrees south on December 14, 1911 he achieved what many thought to be impossible. Nearly a month later Robert Scott's expedition also reached the South Pole after experiencing ferocious weather and almost unbearable conditions. The fate of each explorer has been told in countless books and documentaries. Now you have the opportunity to ski the last 20 kilometers to the South Pole (optional) and stand where they stood 100 years to the day after Amundsen, followed by Scott, planted their respecitve country flags at the very bottom of the world. The South Pole expedition is just one of the highlights of our Antarctic odyssey. We'll also visit a large emperor penguin colony and observe these incredible birds in their rugged habitat (Amundsen departure only) . We'll also spend time exploring the beautiful mountains of Queen Maud Land and visit with members of the scientific community in one of their research basecamps. Space on this "centennial" expedition is extremely limited. Make your reservations early to avoid disappointment.