PoleTrack

Last Degree 2011

Picture this: you’re aboard an Antonov 74 twin-engine jet that just landed on a runway made of ice floating on the Arctic Ocean. You step outside into the frigid air and find yourself surrounded by a surreal white landscape, interrupted only by a few large tents. This is Barneo Ice Base, a temporary Russian polar base that is erected every spring around 89º North. Your mission: to ski from here to the Geographic North Pole, a distance of roughly 112km.

Under the professional guidance of modern day polar explorer Marc Cornelissen you will navigate a chaotic labyrinth of thin ice, multi-year ice, open water and pressure ridges. You will pull all your equipment, clothing and food behind you in a custom designed sled.

Along the way to the North Pole you will collect scientific data on sea ice thickness by drilling through the pack ice at regular intervals. The data is to be used as a reference for the ESA satellite CryoSat-2.

Are you up to the challenge?

When

The Last Degree 2011 expedition will take place in the beginning of April 2011, and will have a total duration of around 14 days.

For whom

This is an expedition for those who want to push their limits and work together as a team under very challenging conditions.

You are fit and have some experience with cross country skiing, winter camping or winter outdoor activities. You don’t mind working hard and making long days and enjoy working as a team.

Price indication

This expedition will be priced between €20.000 and €25.000 per participant. Exact prices are to be determined. Please contact us so we can update you as soon as the information is available.

Included in the price are:

Preparatory meeting in Holland, training guidance, shop discount for personal equipment, ski expedition with Dutch guide, use of ski's, ski boots, sled, harness, tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, food during the expedition, return flight Longyearbyen – polar ice base “Barneo”, helicopter pick up from the Geographic North Pole to the polar base, lodging in a pension in Longyearbyen based on standard double occupancy including breakfast, return flights on SAS/Braathens between Amsterdam – Longyearbyen in D-class, 30 kg (66 lbs) luggage allowance per person, group transfers in Longyearbyen, airport taxes, SGR-coverage.

If you're interested, please leave your email address or phone number below and we'll keep you updated!