An incredible opportunity to fly to the South Pole for the 100-year anniversary of its discovery! This fantastic adventure is made-to-order for the intrepid traveler. Remote, virtually inaccessible, and unlike any other destination, the South Pole awaits adventurous travelers. More...

2011 / 2012 Expedition Dates

December 3-9, 2011(Plan to arrive in Punta Arenas no later than noon on December 1, 2011)

SOLD OUT! December 6-16, 2011 Amundsen Centennial Flight via Cape Town, South Africa
December 9-16, 2011 Amundsen Centennial Flight via Punta Arenas, Chile SOLD OUT!

December 29, 2011 - January 5, 2012 (Plan to arrive in Punta Arenas no later than noon on December 27, 2011)

January 5-12, 2012 (Plan to arrive in Punta Arenas no later than noon on January 3, 2012)

January 12-19, 2012 Scott Centennial Flight (Plan to arrive in Punta Arenas no later than noon on January 10, 2012)

January 9-19, 2012 Scott Centennial Flight via Cape Town, South Africa

2011 / 2012 Expedition Prices

2011/2012 South Pole Flight Price: $40,500 Download Application
Please contact us for pricing and itinerary details regarding the option to ski the last 20 kilometers to the South Pole!

Daily Itinerary

Pre-trip:	Arrive in Punta Arenas two days before scheduled departure. Meet mid morning day before departure for reception and pre-flight information session.
Day 1:	Weather permitting we'll fly to Antarctica.
Day 2:	Spend the day at Union Glacier basecamp.
Day 4-5:	Weather permitting, we'll fly to the South Pole during this time.
Day 6-7:	These days are built into the itinerary to give you time to explore the area surrounding Union Glacier basecamp, and also to allow for weather delays with the South Pole flight.
Day 8:	Weather permitting we'll depart for the return flight to Punta Arenas. The following morning head out to explore this beautiful region, or head to the airport for your flight home.

Contact us for a more detailed itinerary!

Qualifications

Our North and South Pole Flights are for people who want to experience the North & South Poles, but don't have the time, energy or funding to do a full expedition. People on these Flights have ranged in age from 1 to 81 years! All of these trips require that you can climb several stairs into and out of the plane as well as being able to walk across the uneven terrain of the ice. We can assist you as necessary. The South Pole Champagne Flight requires you to sleep in a tent (with a very warm sleeping bag). To best enjoy this adventure you should be in moderate shape.

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 Punta Arenas (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 in Punta Arenas
• All charter air transportation from Punta Arenas and return
• Expedition patch
• Accommodations and meals in Antarctica for duration of itinerary
• South celebration
• Official South Pole certificate
• Communication and safety gear
• Baggage allowance up to 55lbs (25 kg)

What's Not Included:

• Round-trip transportation to Punta Arenas, Chile
• Meals and accommodations in Punta Arenas
• 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

An incredible opportunity to fly to the very bottom of the world for the 100-year anniversary of its discovery! This fantastic adventure is made-to-order for the intrepid traveler. Remote, virtually inaccessible, and unlike any other destination, the South Pole awaits adventurous travelers. This adventure starts in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you will be met at your hotel for a pre-flight briefing and luggage weigh-in. Punta Arenas is very close to some of the world's best penguin rookeries, and well worth exploring. From Punta Arenas, you'll board a charter flight to take you across the Drake Passage and over the mainland of Antarctica. After approximately four hours in flight, you'll land at the Union Glacier basecamp base camp. Home to polar expeditions and mountaineering expeditions, Union Glacier basecamp is a melting pot of adventurers and explorers. You'll spend a day or two at Union Glacier basecamp acclimatizing and enjoying the surrounding hills. Ski trips, snow machine tours, and other indoor and outdoor activities are available to keep you entertained and active, as desired. A heated mess hall and comfortable tents help to make this basecamp feel like home for the duration of your visit. The flight to the pole, begins with a pre-flight meeting prepping you for what to expect. Union Glacier basecamp lies several hundred kilometers away from the Pole, and it can take as long as 12 hours for the round trip flight. A mandatory refueling stop allows a break en route to the Pole. Once at the South Pole, you'll have plenty of time to celebrate your arrival. The ceremonial South Pole is a great spot to take dozens of photographs, but don't miss the geographical South Pole (a few meters away!) Check out the flag collection, or walk around the world in a matter of steps! Time permitting, you'll also have a chance to visit the scientific station named after both Amundsen and Scott, the first two explorers to lead expeditions the South Pole. Several days are built into the itinerary to accommodate fickle weather which is legendary on Antarctica. It is highly common to have weather delays on this adventure, and a flexible travel itinerary is extremely important! Give us a call and let us tell you more about this adventure!