Discover Antarctica
TRIP OVERVIEW Experience an immense world of stunning beauty in the heart of Antarctica from the comfort of a specially built camp located on the Union glacier. Choose from gentle walks across waves of blue-ice, excursions in a specially-adapted 4x4 van, wandering through the Elephant Head valley with its frozen ice pools and unusual rock formations, exploring ancient rock terraces at the ‘beach’, picnicking in hidden canyons, gazing out from the summit of Charles Peak over the broad expanse of Union Glacier and many many more. If you’re looking for excitement, choose from a range of adrenaline-charged activities from ice climbing in ancient crevasses and cross country skiing to more technical climbs or even a mini-overnight expedition. In camp there are Antarctic skills sessions and talks. Learn about polar navigation and communications or challenge yourself on a GPS course. Our experienced guides have a wealth of knowledge and visiting scientists often give talks on their latest Antarctic research. Or, simply relax in our heated multi-purpose tent with a book or DVD from our library. The highlight of this experience is a spectacular sightseeing flight along the spine of the Ellsworth Mountains, giving you a bird’s-eye view over the mountains and rocky exposed nunataks that peek out from the permanent ice sheet below.
Participation Statement Adventure Peaks recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personalinjury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement. Adventure Travel – Accuracy of Itinerary Although it is our intention to operate this itinerary as printed, it may be necessary to make some changes as a result of flight schedules, climatic conditions, limitations of infrastructure or other operational factors. As a consequence, the order or location of overnight stops and the duration of the day may vary from those outlined. You should be aware that some events are beyond our control and we would ask for your patience.
101 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DB Telephone: 01539 433794 www.adventurepeaks.com [email protected]
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE/FITNESS fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, and a variety of beers and No special skills or cold weather experience are required. Chilean wines from Punta Arenas, Chile. Just bring your enthusiasm and a generous sense of Our double-walled sleeping tents are roomy, comfortable adventure.No special training is required, just normal and well suited to Antarctic conditions. They are health and fitness. Our small group size allows you to constructed of a high-tech nylon covering, stretched over a participate at your own pace. durable aluminum frame and are based on a design used We recommend that you are comfortable walking on by Shackleton’s Endurance expedition. uneven, sometimes slippery snow and ice surfaces. We Each tent houses two guests who sleep in sleeping bags also recommend you have reasonable mobility as it makes with mattresses, pillow and linen provided by ANI. The it easier to step up and over tent doorways, buckle up tents are naturally heated by the 24-hour sunlight up to boots while wearing bulky clothing and climb aircraft 15°C. steps.
ACTIVITIES You can be as active or relaxed as you like while at Union Glacier. Take in the wide open vistas from the top of Charles Peak. Explore ice pools in the Elephant Head Valley. Ramble along multi-coloured Spectrum Ridge. Cross country ski. Photograph wind sculpted clouds, sastrugi, and a thousand shades of white. Try a GPS navigation course, carve snow sculptures, or simply relax and take it all in. If you are looking for adventure, try ice climbing the massive Charles Peak windscoop; scramble up the serpentine Ridge of Mt Rossman; or camp out on the polar plateau. Our heated multi-purpose tent provides a quiet place to relax with a book from our library or to enjoy a puzzle, LANGUAGE AND TIME game or DVD. This is also where we meet for talks and Language: English skills sessions on diverse Antarctic themes. Time: “Time” takes on a different meaning in a place where there is 24-hour daylight and weather conditions GROUP AND LEADERS dictate our daily schedule. Time becomes a series of This unique experience is arranged in conjunction with events that fall into place, one after the other, according to Adventure Network International. You will be joining the natural rhythms of the environment. Clocks are other clients from around the world on this Antarctic primarily used to coordinate activities with other stations. Odyssey and will be looked after by experienced and For convenience more than anything else, Union Glacier qualified guides at Union Glacier camp. Your unique camp is on the same time as Punta Arenas, Chile, which is itinerary will be tailored to your interests and abilities, GMT -3 hours. weather conditions and coordination with other groups on the ice. HEALTH Union Glacier Camp employs the services of two medical WEATHER doctors (or a doctor and emergency room nurse). They All of our journeys take place in the Antarctic summer also stock a selection of medications and equipment for the (November through to January) when the weather is at its care and stabilization of guests at Union Glacier if they best.The interior of Antarctica has a cold, dry, windy become ill. This service is provided free of charge. climate. Average mid-season temperatures at our base Please bear in mind while preparing for your journey and camp range from -12°C to -4°C. On a sunny windless day throughout your expedition that you will be nearly 2,000 it can feel quite warm but, when the wind blows, you will miles from “full-serve” medical attention or a pharmacy. If be glad of warm layers and a wind jacket. Temperatures you take regular, essential medication, bring enough with can drop as low as -30°C in early November. you for your anticipated stay in Antarctica, PLUS a minimum of 4 week’s extra supply. Even in Punta ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD Arenas compatible prescription medications can be You stay in a cosy Antarctic camp on the Union Glacier difficult to source so please be sure to bring ample supply allowing you the flexibility to participate at your own from home. We recommend a careful and considered pace. The camp is located on firm snow which is regularly approach to any activities that you undertake while on groomed. The surface may become a bit hard and icy at expedition. times, or may become uneven with soft drifts during Should you have an accident or become seriously ill, we storms.The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming and will make every effort to repatriate you as soon as possible you’ll be surprised how comfortable Antarctica can be! to more advanced medical facilities in Punta Arenas; this The full-service camp is designed for Antarctic conditions however will be at your expense. Please refer to Insurance and with best environmental practices in mind. section for more details The Dining Tent is the heart of our camp. It has a complete kitchen and dining area and serves as a gathering place to WASHING AND LAUNDRY enjoy tea and coffee while discussing the day’s adventures. There is no reason why your standard of personal hygiene Our chefs prepare hearty, fresh-cooked meals, baked should change while in Antarctica; you may just have to goods, and tantalizing desserts. Self-serve snacks and approach it differently. In keeping with our environmental beverages are available anytime. We regularly fly in fresh policy, we are trying to minimize the amount of residue
101 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DB Telephone: 01539 433794 www.adventurepeaks.com [email protected] water generated by us in the Antarctic and believe that our VISAS AND PERMITS guests, like the staff, are willing to work with us to achieve Visas for entry into Antarctic are not required.Your permit this goal. Disinfectant hand gel is provided in toilet will be obtained for you as part of the holiday package. facilities and in the dining tent. We offer facilities for “sponge bathing” using a bowl of hot water and a wash LOCAL COSTS cloth. Grey water is captured in a designated container and All accommodation and most meals are included; please returned to Chile for disposal. Some guests choose to bring see the itinerary page for full details. Additional costs Wet Wipes with them. For the brave the other option is a would include a taxi to and from the airport, personal "snow bath". We’ll show you how! There are no laundry spending and meals in Punta Arenas. Extra nights in Punta services at Union Glacier. Arenas at the end of the trip will be at your own expense.
CURRENCY Bring USD cash with you, ensuring you have some small denomination notes. ATM’s are available in Punta Arenas.
ADVENTURE PEAKS KITBAG All Adventure Peaks clients who reside in the UK will receive a FREE kitbag for any treks outside the UK. The bag will be posted to you approx. 3 weeks prior to your departure. If you have travelled with us before and already have an Adventure Peaks kitbag, or reside outside the UK, we will send an alternative gift.
FLIGHTS AND JOINING ARRANGEMENTS Within the published ‘With UK flight’ price of your trip is an element we have allowed to cover the cost of flights, which is the difference between the ‘Land Only’ and the INSURANCE ‘With UK flights’ prices. This element is for a changeable, All clients are required to provide cover for medical economy ticket on flights between LONDON and the evacuation, due to the high cost of evacuation from destination city, using an airline that, in our experience, Antarctica.We also strongly recommend that you consider offers the best combination of cost, routing, flexibility and Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance, to protect baggage allowance. It is stated in good faith and is based you in case you need to cancel for any reason. Your on research and costs in previous years, but is subject to money paid for this trip is non-refundable within 90 change. All clients will be met on arrival and transferred to days of departure. To obtain full cover for cancellation the first hotel. You need to arrive in Punta Arenas at least you will need to request a special quote from your TWO FULL days before your scheduled departure to insurance company, and you must ensure you are covered Antarctica. This allows time for clothing and equipment for all activities that you may like try while on Antarctica. checks and provides a buffer in case you should miss a flight connection or have lost luggage. An environmental EQUIPMENT and logistics briefing will be held at 10am on the morning A detailed equipment list is provided on booking. prior to departure. Your luggage will be collected and Specialist equipment can be hired from us in advance. For loaded onto the aircraft that afternoon, ready for departure equipment purchases Adventure Peaks offers a 15% the followingday, or possible that evening. discount off the RRP from their shop in Ambleside or online. The rendezvous for this trip is at THE BRIEFING on the day before you fly to Antarctica (day 4 of our COMMUNIACTIONS AND POWER itinerary) as mentioned above, where you will meet Union Glacier staff use satellite phone, VHF and HF radio others joining the trip to maintain regular contact with the Punta Arenas office, field parties, our aircraft and other bases. You must purchase a fully flexible air ticket to allow for Limited solar power/charging facilities are available. bad weather. You must book your return at least one week Please ensure your batteries are fully charged prior to later than your planned return to Punta Arenas and then leaving Punta Arenas and leave any unnecessary bring it forward rather than trying to delay it from central electronics behind. Guests will need a 12V DC-DC Antarctica in the freezing cold! Adventure Peaks cannot be charger capable of plugging in to a “female” cigarette held liable for any missed international flights. If you do lighter socket, or 110V 3-pin charger, to use the system. get back to Punta Arenas on time you may also choose to An outgoing satellite phone service is available at Union arrange a trip to Tierra del Fuego up to Patagonia while Glacier. Guests may buy pre-paid cards ($40 for 20 you wait for your return flight which can easily be done minutes) and make use of one of the phones. These cards locally. must be paid for in cash at the time of purchase. PLEASE ENSURE YOU DO NOT PURCHASE BAGGAGE YOUR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL (FLIGHTS OR Normally airlines restrict baggage to 20kg. The allowance OTHER) UNTIL WE HAVE GUARANTEED YOUR on the Punta Arenas to Union Glacier flight is 25kg. TRIP IS RUNNING.
101 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DB Telephone: 01539 433794 www.adventurepeaks.com [email protected]
AN ANTARCTIC ODYSSEY ITINERARY
Day Today we... We stay at... Accommodation... Meals... 1 Depart UK Plane Plane 2 Arrive Punta Arenas Punta Arenas Hotel B 3 Spare day Punta Arenas Hotel B 4 Preparation day Punta Arenas Hotel B 5 Fly to Antarctica Union Glacier Camp Camping BLD 6 Orientation day Union Glacier Camp Camping BLD 7 Ice activities 1 Union Glacier Camp Camping BLD 8 Ice activities 2 Union Glacier Camp Camping BLD 9 Ice activities 3 Union Glacier Camp Camping BLD 10 Ice activities 4 Union Glacier Camp Camping BLD 11 Fly to Punta Arenas Punta Arenas Hotel B 12 Depart Punta Arenas Plane Plane B 13 Arrive home Home Own bed!
Days 1 and 2 Depart UK, arriving Punta Arenas the ancient rock terraces at the ‘beach’. Picnic in hidden following day. You will be met at the airport and taken to canyons. Gaze out from the summit of Charles Peak over the hotel. the broad expanse of Union Glacier. Or climb the serpentine ridge of Peak 942 with views of the Ronne Ice Day 3 Spare day in case of delays. Free time to ensure you Shelf. If you’re looking for excitement, choose from a have all the supplies you need and to explore Punta range of adrenaline-charged activities from ice climbing in Arenas. ancient crevasses and cross country skiing to more technical climbs or even a mini-overnight expedition. Day 4 Preparation day. Morning briefing; packing and In camp there are Antarctic skills sessions and talks. Learn loading in the afternoon. Sometimes the flight to about polar navigation and communications or challenge Antarctica will depart this evening. yourself on a GPS course. Our experienced guides have a wealth of knowledge and visiting scientists often give talks Day 5 Depart Punta Arenas Chile. Fly 4¼ hrs to on their Antarctic research. Or, simply relax in our heated Antarctica by private transport jet. Land on our ice runway multi-purpose tent with a book or DVD from our library. and settle in at Union Glacier Camp. The highlight of this experience is a spectacular sightseeing flight along the spine of the Ellsworth Day 6 Today is an easy day. We’ll have an orientation to Mountains, giving you a birds-eye view over the base camp and life in Antarctica. In the afternoon there are mountains and nunataks that peek out from the ice sheet optional, light activities to acclimatize to Antarctic below. conditions. Day 11 The aircraft from Punta Arenas will arrive with a Days 7/10 Experience the heart of Antarctica from the new collection of avid explorers and you depart for the comfort of camp. Each day our guides will suggest final leg of your Antarctic experience. Our ANI staff will excursions and activities suited to the weather and your meet you at Punta Arenas airport and transfer you to your interests.There are gentle walks across waves of blue-ice hotel. as well as excursions in our specially-adapted 4x4 vans. You can wander through the Elephant Head valley with its Days 12 and 13 (or later) Depart Punta Arenas, arriving frozen ice pools and unusual rock formations. Explore back in the UK the following day.
101 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DB Telephone: 01539 433794 www.adventurepeaks.com [email protected]