Polar Skiing & Ski Touring

Some expedition cruise operators offer polar skiing under the guidance of experienced professionals. Participants often traverse untouched snow landscapes in Antarctica and the Arctic, offering a unique and exhilarating way to experience remote wilderness locations.

Generally referred to as Ski Touring and tailored to fit the participants' skill levels, this is an outstanding adventure activity that combines the thrill of skiing with the breathtaking scenery of the most remote places on Earth. 

In Antarctica, skiing expeditions often target the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands, offering a range of slopes from gentle inclines suitable for cross-country skiing to steeper pitches for downhill skiing. However, it's more about ski touring than resort-style runs. The specific locations can vary based on ice conditions, weather, and the expedition cruise itinerary, which is always dynamic and subject to change. Depending on the expedition's focus and participants ' abilities, skiers will encounter unmarked snowfields, glacier descents, and possibly even some peaks. 

Such descents will vary in length and difficulty, catering to experienced skiers looking for unique backcountry experiences in the unparalleled landscapes of the Polar Regions. On an Antarctic expedition cruise, you can ski off several peaks offering remarkable descents, including Mt. Tennant on Ronge Island with a 700m descent, Mt. Hoegh leading down to Andvord Bay with an 800m descent, from Mt. Pond to Whalers Bay with a 540m descent, and from Doumer Peak to Port Lockroy with a 550m descent. These are at the pinnacle of polar activities and an ultimate challenge in skiing. 

One of our writers, Sue Stockdale, a polar adventurer, athlete, and motivational speaker,  became the first British woman to ski to the Magnetic North Pole in 1996 during an expedition there—an incredible feat.