Inspired by the Winter Olympics? Level Up your Skiing Skills at the Edge of the World

With the Winter Olympics capturing global attention and audiences rediscovering their love of snow sports, it’s a reminder that skiing can take many forms — from Olympic podiums and alpine resorts to some of the most remote landscapes on Earth.

In Antarctica, skiing and snowboarding are not about competition or speed, but about exploration, connection and experiencing the White Continent from a completely different perspective.

While many travellers associate skiing with traditional mountain destinations, expeditioners travelling to the Antarctic Peninsula can experience ski and snowboard touring where snow-covered peaks rise directly from the ocean and descents begin just metres from penguin colonies.

Aurora Expeditions offers guided skiing and snowboarding as part of its Antarctic activity program, combining small-ship expedition travel with human-powered exploration in one of the planet’s most extraordinary environments.

We spoke with Tarn Pilkington, IFMGA Mountain Guide and Aurora Expeditions Alpine Activities Supervisor, about what makes skiing and snowboarding in Antarctica so unique.

“Skiing and snowboarding in Antarctica is fundamentally different because you’re operating in one of the most remote and pristine environments on Earth,” Tarn explains. “There are no ski resorts, no lifts, no groomed runs — every descent is earned.”

Unlike traditional ski destinations, many Antarctic ski tours begin at sea level. After travelling ashore by Zodiac, expeditioners transition from lifejackets to skis or snowboards and begin climbing toward glacier-covered slopes.

“Nowhere else in the world can you step off a Zodiac, put on skis, and climb from the shoreline to a glacier-covered summit,” Tarn says. “You might see penguins near the landing site and whales in the water below while you’re touring — it’s a uniquely Antarctic experience.”

While Olympic athletes push the limits of performance, Antarctic ski touring is about immersion in nature and the shared experience of adventure.

Small groups travel together at a steady pace, guided by experienced alpine professionals who assess terrain, weather and snow conditions each day. The reward is the opportunity to ski untouched slopes in one of the world’s most pristine environments.

“The moment people complete their first Antarctic descent, there’s often a real sense of achieving something they’ve dreamed about for years,” Tarn says. “It really is the best bucket-list ski experience of your life.”

Interest in experiential travel continues to grow, with more travellers seeking active ways to explore remote destinations. Expedition activities like skiing and snowboarding allow expeditioners to connect more deeply with Antarctica’s landscapes while travelling responsibly in a protected environment.

Aurora Expeditions continues to expand its alpine activity program, with plans to increase the number of Antarctic voyages offering skiing and snowboarding opportunities in the coming seasons.

For many expeditioners, skiing in Antarctica becomes one of the defining moments of their journey — not because of competition or performance, but because of the rare privilege of exploring the White Continent on skis.

Ski and snowboard touring is just one of the many ways to experience Antarctica with Aurora Expeditions. From Zodiac cruising and wildlife encounters to Citizen Science programs and guided shore landings, every voyage offers opportunities to explore the continent from new perspectives.

Explore Antarctica voyages, discover expedition activities, or speak with our team to learn more about Aurora’s alpine experiences.