Ski touring is one of our newest, and most exciting, Antarctic activities! We had a chat with our alpine expert, Tarn Pilkington, about what you can expect on your Antarctic skiing adventure! Find out what a day out the southern continent’s slopes is like, what you can do to prepare, and a few tips to get you started on this exhilarating activity
Miss Snow It All chats with Tarn about ski touring:
A typical ski touring day
6AM We’re up nice and early for breakfast and a morning briefing with the guides before we head out. We’ll take some time to discuss the day’s objectives, the anticipated weather, clothing & equipment and any other general planning to ensure the day will be a success!
7AM After breakfast we’ll load up the Zodiacs and head to shore. All our equipment will be placed in the middle of the Zodiacs, and then in either our ski boots or gumboots (depending on the landing and sea conditions), we’ll travel ashore in one or two full Zodiacs to start our day of ski touring!
Once ashore (and probably after getting some snaps of nearby penguins and seals), we’ll move higher further the shore to get our gear organised. Skins are put on the base of skis (or split boards) and we head off in single file up the snow slopes for the first run or to climb a peak. Instruction will be given to those who haven’t toured before and our guides will help hone the skills of the more experienced in the group.
Everyday is different! One landing we may chose to ski tour up a peak, and another we may choose a great looking slope and do a few laps on it. The views are always stunning the higher we get from the shoreline, so even a short ascent will afford us panoramic views and incredible photo opportunities. Then there is the descent. It is hard to describe the feeling of skiing down into a bay filled with icebergs. It takes your breath away!
12PM Back onto the ship in time for lunch, where we’ll rest up in preparation for another landing this afternoon! We may get a chance to take our skis out again this afternoon, or we may spend the afternoon on a Zodiac cruise or perhaps landing with the other passengers to explore the terrain on foot!
In most cases the average outing lasts between 2 – 5 or more hours. This time of year in Antarctica affords us long daylight hours, giving us plenty of opportunities to get out and explore as many peaks and slopes as possible.
On our first days we will also include avalanche rescue training and learning how to use the communication equipment. There will also be training in travelling on glaciers. Most days harnesses will be worn and in certain glaciated areas, the rope may be used the connect us together to safeguard against crevasse falls.
Read more: Interview with an Antarctic snowshoeing guide
Preparing for your Antarctic ski trip
Before you arrive, it’s important to prepare yourself for this activity. Because we go out everyday where possible you will need enough endurance. Skiing and touring are always the best way to prepare, but even in the off-season you can bike, run or row to build up stamina. The fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy the experience.
When we’re on the expedition, make sure you are stretching before and after our outings. Touring can be repetitive on some muscles and joints so well-stretched bodies make for a better recovery and fewer injuries.
You’ll also need to ensure your equipment is up to scratch. When bringing your own equipment, make sure it’s been checked by a trained person before arriving. Whilst we do carry a limited amount of spare equipment and can repair some damaged equipment, you should bring along some essential spares like a binding toe piece or a spare skin attachment etc. Ensure that the boots you intend to wear are well-fitted and worn in before arriving.
Read more: When is the best time go to Antarctica?
Getting started with ski touring
- Ski touring is very straightforward and can be picked up with just a few quick tips and a little instruction from your guide! The ski touring binding is hinged at the front under the foot, so your heel simply lifts as you slide the ski forward. The skin adhered to the bottom of your ski grips the snow, allowing you the slide forward easily without the ski sliding backwards.
- Like any form of exercise, a sensible layering approach to clothing is required. You will carry a small backpack with you on landings and there will opportunity to adjust layers throughout the day. Gloves hats and sunglasses are usually worn all the time.
- When moving uphill, it’s best to move at a slow but steady pace, using shortish strides and moving your opposite leg and arm forward and simply sliding the ski across the surface of the snow. The motion should be as smooth and flowing as possible
- When traversing, stay in the track from your guide, this will make it so much easier! In firmer conditions you may need to kick the inside edge of the ski into the slope and step down with more pressure to get the skin to grip.
- Remember, your guides have many years of experience under their harness and will teach you everything you need to know to ensure a safer and fun outing every time.
If you’d like to find out more about joining an Antarctic ski expedition, contact one of our Expedition Experts, or download our new Antarctic Activity Guide.