If you’re looking to push yourself a little further on your polar voyage, mountaineering could be just what you’re after. This exhilarating activity lets you venture beyond the shorelines and into Antarctica’s higher ground, gaining vistas and viewpoints unavailable anywhere else.
Mountaineering is offered on Basecamp Antarctica voyages onboard the ships Hondius, Plancius & Ortelius. Participants walk in rope parties across mostly glaciated environments. You will be split into groups during the activity to get the maximum experience. Groups may be based on experience and ability levels, as each site is suited to different activities. Mountain and glacier excursions vary in length, difficulty, distance, and altitude climbed. This activity requires good physical health and is only suited for participants who are strong walkers.
There are 2 types of mountaineering offered:
Basic mountaineering includes activities like glacial travel and learning rudimentary mountaineering skills. This is the most popular of the mountain-based activities and is open to all guests and all levels of experience. It can be undertaken with muck boots provided on board.
Technical mountaineering includes alpine ascents and ice climbing. Alpine ascents are only for those with previous mountaineering experience. Using crampons and requiring your own boots (such as boots of UK classification B2 and B3 or US classification C and D or equivalent), this activity lets you travel over steep snow on more challenging routes. For ice climbing, you will also need to bring your own boots, but no previous experience is required.
One mountaineering excursion is free of charge. Every participant will be able to make at least one outing (conditions permitting) but may make more, depending on logistics. The activity must be booked with our reservation department prior to departure and is reserved on a first come, first served basis. As with all activities, local conditions dictate what is offered. The onboard staff will always do their best to carry out a planned excursion but cannot make guarantees.
