SOUTH POLE
OVERNIGHT

THREE GLACIERS RETREAT EXPEDITION

Dark ridges with a small red ski plane flying across the slope
EXPEDITION
Archival photograph: a man in furs with a whip beside a dog sledge loaded with crates
Archival portrait of Roald Amundsen
Archival photograph: two men seated at a stove inside a tent
Archival photograph: a wooden ship beset in pressure ice

ONE OF THE GREATEST stories in Antarctic exploration is the race to reach the Geographic South Pole. The heroic journeys of Amundsen, Scott and Shackleton still fascinate and inspire us to travel to the end of the Earth.

Using ski aircraft we fly to the South Pole, covering in several hours the distance that took those early explorers years of planning and months of hardship to achieve. History comes alive as we stand at 90° South and imagine how they felt heading out across the frozen continent and into the unknown 100 years ago. We feel the spirit of determination and discovery that has inspired a century of Antarctic exploration and scientific research while realizing that a journey to the South Pole today is still a remarkable achievement and one of the most exclusive destinations on Earth.

Map

ANTARCTICA

Flight

Itinerary

01DAY 1
PUNTA ARENAS
PUNTA ARENAS, CHILE

Having arrived the day prior, we spend the day in Punta Arenas, Chile to prepare ourselves for our historic journey. We meet our team members, check our equipment and try on our heavy-duty polar clothing. Exploring Punta Arenas we have the chance to hoist a toast in the Shackleton Bar as Sir Ernest did 100 years ago. Enjoy a cocktail reception and attend an operational briefing to ensure that everyone is prepared for the journey ahead.

02DAY 2
Union Glacier
PUNTA ARENAS TO CONTINENTAL ANTARCTICA

Depart Punta Arenas on your 4 hour flight aboard a Boeing 757 twin-jet, to arrive at the Union Glacier blue-ice runway. Then transfer to Three Glaciers Camp either by a 10 minute Twin Otter flight or by an all-terrain vehicle; the Tucker Sno-cat. Upon arrival settle in at Three Glaciers Camp, and take the chance to rest, or take part in light activities to acclimatize to Antarctic conditions.

03DAYS 3-5
THREE GLACIERS
EXPLORE THREE GLACIERS

Wake up on your first morning in the heart of Antarctica and enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel for a day of exploration.

THREE GLACIERS CAMPThe camp is located in the southern Ellsworth Mountains, on the broad expanse of Union Glacier. Here you are 1,883 miles (3,030 km) from the southern tip of Chile and a stone’s throw from Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica. The nearest neighbors are at the South Pole, just over 600 miles (1,000 km) away. At camp there is little wind, providing a perfect location to experience the continental Antarctic environment.

90°S
SOUTH POLE
FLY TO THE SOUTH POLE

Once weather conditions permit, you will board our ski aircraft and head for the southernmost point on Earth!

The flight to the Pole will take between 4-6 hours depending on the aircraft. You’ll fly over the high, polar plateau, viewing wind affected snow called sastrugi, crevasse fields, and an endless expanse of white.

You’ll pass the Thiel Mountains approximately halfway to the Pole and continue to fly over the plateau. As you near 90° South, you will catch sight of the South Pole station, a cluster of buildings surrounded by snow and sky.

Our aircraft lands on a groomed ski-way and you’ll deplane near the South Pole marker. Here all 360 lines of longitude meet and beneath your feet the ice is almost 10,000 ft (3000 m) thick! You’ll have joined a very exclusive group of people who have journeyed this far south on our planet. Congratulations!

06DAY 6 OR 7
THREE GLACIERS
RETURN TO CHILE/HOME

Board a ski-equipped Twin Otter aircraft for the short 10-minute return flight to Union Glacier where you’ll fly back to Punta Arenas aboard the Boeing 757.

Snowmobile riders below a snow peak at Three Glaciers
DAYS 3-5

EXPLORE THREE GLACIERS

Our meteorologists will carefully monitor the weather conditions and find the best day for your South Pole Overnight.

In the meantime, take advantage of this magnificent setting where the opportunities for adventure are almost endless. Our experienced guides will tailor each day to suit your preferences and the weather. Excursions around Three Glaciers can include any of the following destinations or activities:

01
Sporli ColSnowmobile below the stunning cliffs of Mount Sporli to the foot of Sporli Col. A short hike takes you up the col to Larson Valley Overlook where you’ll have fantastic views of Antarctica’s highest mountain range. This spot is also ideal for downhill skiing, with expansive views of Antarctica. For backcountry skiers looking to ‘earn their turns’, the Col is a scenic 2-hour ski from Three Glaciers.
02
Larson ValleyTravel over the Schneider Glacier by snowmobile or enjoy the terrain from the comfort of our heated Tucker Sno-Cat. This landscape is a photographer’s dream with views across the Ellsworth Mountains, all the way to Mount Vinson, Antarctica’s highest peak. Pass the Mhire Spur and journey into the secluded Larson Valley towards Hall Peak. The peaks in this valley showcase impressive geological folds and create the perfect setting for a picnic lunch or a climber’s base camp.
03
Drake IcefallDepart Three Glaciers for an overland journey towards Union Glacier aboard one of our Tucker Sno-Cats or snowmobiles. After a scenic lunch stop, your traverse will continue on to the Drake Icefall. Named in the 1960s after geologist Benjamin Drake IV, this impressive icefall tumbles off the polar plateau into Union Glacier. Winds from the South Pole carve huge waves into the blue-ice and polish the surface into a high shine. The ridges of this frozen sea of ice tower high above your head and deliver brilliant photos of the polar landscape.
04
Charles Peak WindscoopDiscover the power of wind on ice as you wander through a sparkling turquoise corridor. If you’re truly adventurous, this is a prime place to try ice climbing with one of our experienced guides. For the less vertically inclined, you can rock hunt to your heart’s content. Just remember to leave them in place, as nothing may be removed from Antarctica.
05
Custom AdventuresThis corner of the Heritage Range has something for everyone, no matter your skill level or prior experience. Our guides can lead you on spectacular treks across cols or take you up a local peak for your first Antarctic summit! For downhill skiers, we’ll seek out prime slopes and the best powder for carving fresh tracks. Or take advantage of the perfect hill behind Three Glaciers for some quick turns. If you’d prefer to stick to the groomed trails, grab cross country skis or a fat-tire bike for a tour through stunning scenery. Looking for a bit more speed? Follow our guides on a snowmobile tour across glaciers, into hidden cwms, and over mountain cols.
06
Relax with gorgeous panoramasWant to relax? That’s our specialty! Breathe in the absolute quiet and gorgeous panoramas from one of our secluded viewing platforms. Take advantage of our cozy lounge and enjoy a cup of tea, a polar book, or a fun game on the comfy sofa. In the evenings, we can offer lectures and films tailored to your interests.
A hiker climbing a slope covered in ski tracks
Two people in camp chairs alone on a vast snowfield
Two skiers on a snow slope below the peaks
A skier beside skis and poles, tents behind
An aerial of a glaciated mountain range
A lone skier carving a turn below a line of S-turns
Fat bikes, snowmobiles and a Sno-cat at camp below a snow dome
A rider on a snowmobile, a Sno-cat behind, below snow peaks
A rock nunatak with a deep wind scoop at its base
Wind-carved snow and a crevassed icefall below glaciated peaks
The Ceremonial South Pole and the treaty flags under a deep blue sky
90° South

SOUTH POLE

Altitude adjustmentOur guides are there to help you prepare for the extreme cold and the effects of altitude as you deplane. South Pole temperatures range from -31° to -13°F (-35° to -25°C) and even the slightest breeze can quickly freeze exposed skin. Put on warm layers and cover your hands and face completely.

The physiological altitude (how high it feels) at the South Pole is roughly 11,000 ft (3300 m). You may feel the effects of altitude, including shortness of breath and mild headache. Take it slow and steady to help your body adjust to these new and unfamiliar conditions.

One of our experienced medics accompanies all South Pole flights and is ready to assist you should you have any issues with the cold or altitude.

Amundsen-Scott StationThe United States of America maintains a research station at the South Pole, named Amundsen-Scott Station in memory of those intrepid explorers.

Outside the station, you will have plenty of time to take photos at both the Geographic and Ceremonial Poles. Enjoy this special place and imagine how it must have felt to stand here a century ago with only the sound of the wind and an endless expanse of white stretching northward in all directions.

A .25 mile (500m) stroll or short all-wheel drive vehicle ride brings you to our private South Pole Camp for your overnight stay. Enjoy a celebratory meal prepared by one of our talented chefs and mingle with your fellow explorers in the large, heated dining tent. Depending on the time of your visit, you may also get the chance to greet ski teams just completing their journey to the Pole. After a momentous day, climb inside your full size heated tent and get snuggled up for a southerly snooze at 90°S.

The next morning, you’ll pack up for the return flight to Three Glaciers Retreat where you’ll receive a certificate to commemorate your South Pole Overnight Experience in Antarctica!

Amundsen-Scott station, its flags and a tracked van on the snow
The Geographic South Pole marker held up in front of the Amundsen and Scott sign
A figure in a yellow down suit inside a full sun halo
A guest pointing at a raised-relief map of Antarctica
A chef with a tray of pastries in a camp kitchen tent
The Boeing 757 taxiing on Union Glacier's blue-ice runway
DAY 6 OR 7

RETURN TO CHILE/HOME

Board a ski-equipped Twin Otter aircraft for the short 10-minute return flight to Union Glacier where you’ll fly back to Punta Arenas aboard the Boeing 757. Timing of the flight will depend on weather and delays are always a possibility. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the evening.

Weather Delay AdvisoryAll itineraries are subject to change based on weather and flight conditions. Every effort will be made to keep to the scheduled itinerary and flights will depart as soon as weather and runway conditions permit. Please understand that delays are common in Antarctic travel. For this reason we advise you not to plan any important meetings, functions, or other trips for at least one week following your scheduled return from Antarctica.

ACCOMMODATIONS

THREE GLACIER CAMP

The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming at Three Glacier Camp. Guests stay in luxury double-walled sleeping tents that are roomy and comfortable. They are well suited to Antarctic conditions and are based on a design used by Shackleton’s Endurance expedition. Each tent houses two guests and you sleep in your polar sleeping bag with a mattress, pillow and linens. The tents are naturally heated by the 24-hour sunlight and interior temperatures range from 25°F – 68°F (4°C - 20°C).

A Three Glaciers guest tent inside: double bed, mural, rug
THREE GLACIER CAMP
sleeping tents
Two made-up single beds inside a Three Glaciers guest tent
THREE GLACIER CAMP
twin beds
Inside a guest tent: a leather armchair, a rug and a washstand
THREE GLACIER CAMP
guest tent
The Three Glaciers lounge tent: sofas, a coffee table and a TV
THREE GLACIER CAMP
lounge
Staff serving guests at a long dining table at Three Glaciers
THREE GLACIER CAMP
meals
A navy ALE container marked SHOWER on the snow
THREE GLACIER CAMP
shower
ACCOMMODATIONS

SOUTH POLE CAMP

Facilities at the South Pole Camp are necessarily more modest than at Three Glacier Camp. Equipment must be lightweight and portable, yet still strong enough to withstand Antarctic conditions. Our tents are full sized and heated and we eat a combination of fresh-frozen meals prepared by our chefs at Three Glacier Camp.

Be prepared for extreme conditions. Temperatures hover around -22°F (-30°C) and the physiological altitude (how high it feels) is roughly 11,000 ft (3,300 m). You may feel the effects of altitude, including shortness of breath and mild headache and it will be cold! However you will find that with the right clothing and a little help from our staff, you will quickly settle in and enjoy life at the bottom of the world.

Camp facilities are designed to provide as much comfort as possible, while minimizing our environmental footprint. Meals are served in a heated dining tent, which is also available for indoor activities and relaxation.

Two guests walking between rows of yellow guest tents
SOUTH POLE CAMP
tents
A guest on a camp bed in a tent warmed by a portable heater
SOUTH POLE CAMP
heated tent
Two guests eating in the South Pole Camp dining tent
SOUTH POLE CAMP
dining tent
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

PLEASE CONTACT

Pricing
Founder
Rob McCallum
rob@eyos.com
Online
www.eyos.com
FOLLOW US
Instagram @EYOSExpeditions
Facebook @EYOSExpeditions
YouTube @EYOSExpeditions
LinkedIn @EYOS