Antarctica Ski Touring Expedition

“the trip of a lifetime!” - Mary C.

Antarctica Ski Touring, Sail & Kayak Expedition

Join an unforgettable Antarctica ski touring expedition that blends backcountry skiing, sea kayaking, polar sailing, and coastal exploration on the Antarctic Peninsula. This guided ski and sail adventure offers both high-energy objectives and relaxed exploration, making it ideal for adventurous travellers of varying experience levels.

As seen in:

Ski the Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula offers one of the most unique ski touring environments on Earth. Steep glaciated mountains rise directly from the ocean, creating opportunities for long backcountry descents that finish at sea level. Our Antarctica ski touring expedition explores this dramatic landscape by sailboat, allowing the team to move between remote fjords, islands, and untouched mountain terrain. Each day we select ski objectives based on weather, snow conditions, and group ability. For experienced backcountry skiers, the chance to ski the Antarctic Peninsula combines true expedition travel with world-class glacier skiing in one of the planet’s most remote wilderness environments.

ANTARCTICA Hiking

Trip Details

Destination

Antarctic peninsula

Season

December through January

Duration

11 Days

Next available dates

Trip Type

Liveaboard

Difficulty

3/5

Price

€ 16,000 Euros p/p

Escape To The End Of The World

Antarctica is vast, remote, and unlike anywhere on Earth. Glacier-carved fjords, dramatic mountain faces, and abundant wildlife create the ultimate setting for a true polar expedition.

To maximize time in the field, we skip the Drake Passage and fly directly to King George Island before boarding JR Tolkien, a purpose-built expedition schooner designed for accessing remote terrain and protected anchorages along the Antarctic Peninsula.

Over 11 days, this Antarctica ski touring expedition, kayak and sail expedition allows you to:

  • Ski tour untouched slopes rising straight from the sea
  • Kayak among towering icebergs and along glaciated coastlines
  • Sail through protected fjords and narrow channels
  • Cruise by Zodiac to penguin colonies and historic landing sites
  • Spot seals and humpback whales in the Southern Ocean

With two experienced polar guides leading every landing and activity, guests can choose their level of participation. Strong ski tourers can pursue rewarding backcountry objectives, while others may opt for kayaking, short hikes, wildlife viewing, or Zodiac excursions to explore Antarctica at a more relaxed pace.

Whether you’re carving turns above the Southern Ocean, paddling quietly through floating ice, or stepping ashore on rarely visited beaches, this expedition offers multiple ways to experience the White Continent up close.

For travellers seeking a rare combination of ski touring, kayaking, sailing, and wildlife exploration, this Antarctica adventure delivers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the planet’s final frontier.

West Greenland Brochure Cover Image

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Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

Trip highlights

multisport expedition

Multisport Expedition

The best way to explore Antarctica is from every angle: ski, sail, kayak, and hike! You’ll sail through a wonderland of fjords, ski across ice sheets and glaciers, paddle between towering icebergs, and walk among massive colonies of penguins. This immersive experience gives you a rare opportunity to connect to one of the last truly wild places on Earth.
rare wildlife encounters

Rare wildlife encounters

Wildlife is never far—expect to see weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals basking on icebergs, seabirds soaring overhead, and penguins breeding, nesting, and raising their young. Witness huge humpback whales breaching just meters from your zodiac, and orcas cruising through the waters in search of seals and other prey.
basecamp on the water

Basecamp on The Water

We’ll live aboard the JR Tolkien, a sturdy and comfortable schooner perfect for reaching unique, hard-to-access destinations. Enjoy a spacious upper deck with stunning views, warm and inviting cabins, and a large dining area where our onboard chef will keep us well fed with hearty and tasty meals.

Activities & Certified Guides

Activities & Certified Guides

With two expert polar guides leading the way, you’ll experience Antarctica up close in a way few ever will. If you do not plan to ski or kayak, there are plenty of opportunities to explore at a more relaxed pace. Zodiac tours allow you to cruise past icebergs, visit penguin colonies, access historic sites, land on rarely visited beaches, or take short hikes.

Itinerary

Meet in Punta Arenas airport – This is an 11 day Antarctica ski trip and multisport expedition that starts and finishes in Punta Arenas. This itinerary is subject to weather and ocean conditions for the duration of the trip.

Meet Punta Arenas airport, charter flight to King George Island. Meet Elsi and the crew and move onboard.
Safety and environmental briefings.

Antarctica day 1

Transit to Yankee Harbour on Greenwich Island. Morning ski and kayak outing. Move across to Livingstone Island afternoon ski and kayak outing.

Yankee Harbour Antarctica

Transit to Gerlache Strait  – Transit to Trinity Island, fantastic skiing and kayaking possibilities on both sides of the Strait 

antarctica day 3
Transit to Enterprise Island – Transit to Enterprise Island. Ski Nansen Island or Harris Peak. Kayak around Enterprise Island and through an iceberg graveyard.
antarctica day 4
Curverville Island – Visit the Gentoo Penguin colony, ski Mount Tenant, kayak the Errera Channel
antarctica day 5
Transit to Paradise Harbour – Transit to Paradise Harbour – Lots of kayaking and skiing objectives exist in this area as well a number fun non activity outings
antarctica day 6
Transit through the LeMaire Channel – Kayak and zodiac cruise Pleneau Harbour, ski Mt Scott.
antarctica day 8
Visit Vernadsky Base – Ski Mount Mill, Kayak the Argentine Islands.
antarctica day 9
Port Lockroy – Visit the English base and gift store. Ski Doumer Island or Mount Jabet. Kayak the Neumayer Channel. Transit to King George Island in the afternoon.
antarctica day 10
Disembark in the am – Fly to Punta Arenas
antarctica day 11 the liveaboard sailboat

Map

Accommodation

ABOUT THE Tolkien

On this Antarctic expedition, we’ll live aboard the J R Tolkien, a beautifully restored schooner that is perfect for voyages in remote polar regions. Tolkien combines comfort, reliability and expedition capability to support unforgettable journeys in some of the world’s most spectacular environments.

Ship exterior

Unwind with your fellow travelers after an epic day of exploration on the spacious upper deck, where we’ll store our equipment, relax, and soak in the stunning views under the vast Antarctic sky.

Ship Cabins

The guest cabins aboard J.R.R. Tolkien are comfortable and thoughtfully designed for expedition travel. Each cabin features two berths, a private ensuite with hot shower and toilet, and a separate wash basin for added convenience. Located on the lower deck, the cabins offer a cozy retreat after a day of exploration, while overhead hatches provide natural light and fresh air. Compact yet functional, they provide everything needed to rest, recharge, and prepare for the next adventure on your Antarctica ski touring expedition.

Ship Interiors

The spacious saloon is the social heart of life aboard J.R.R. Tolkien. Designed with comfort and community in mind, it offers an inviting place to relax, share stories, and enjoy the journey between adventures ashore. Large hatches flood the space with natural light, while generous headroom and wide passageways create an open, airy atmosphere that never feels crowded.

Upcoming Dates

Jan 7-17, 2027

Starting from 16,000 Euros

Full 

JAN 17-27, 2028

Starting from 16,000 Euros

FULL

Jan 17-27, 2029

Starting from 16,000 Euros

Spots Available

What’s included

Not included

Ready to go beyond the ordinary? Apply to join the Antarctica Multisport Expedition today, or download the brochure to learn more.

Weather

During the Antarctic summer, temperatures often climb above freezing during the day, and the calm and sunny conditions are ideal for our Antarctica multisport adventures. December and January offer the best weather and snow conditions for skiing in particular, allowing adventurers to carve through perfect powder or spring corn.

While daily highs range from -10 to +5 degrees Celsius (15 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summertime, the mercury can plunge rapidly when clouds roll in, accompanied by powerful winds. Antarctica’s sheltered bays and channels provide some respite, although expeditioners should come prepared for all weather. It’s this refusal to be tamed that makes Antarctica such a special place.

Activities

This trip is suited for skiers, kayakers as well as those who do not want to ski or kayak, making it the perfect vacation for couples or families looking to do different things while in Antarctica. Generally the skiers will look to go skiing on days when the skies are clear and the visibility is good, however we will try to go skiing at every opportunity. The kayakers are looking for less windy days, and visibility or some wind isn’t a problem. With the skiers and kayakers out on their own adventure the non-activity based guests will have a dedicated zodiac and driver/interpretative guide to take you to penguin colonies, historic sights, go for a short hike or cruise around in a zodiac getting really close to icebergs interacting with incredible wildlife or exploring glacier fronts.

Skiing

Ski touring is almost all done on glaciers, and the peaks are rugged – generally rising to 1000m above sea level. Guests need to be proficient skiers and have previous ski touring experience. With a ratio of 1 guide to 6 guests, we can accommodate differing abilities with multiple ski groups. We will often be roped up as we ascend the peninsula’s glaciers. The conditions can be anything from powder to spring like corn skiing, depending on the conditions of the week.

kayaks

Sea Kayaking is another activity option during the trip. Sea kayak with whales, penguins, leopard seals, and icebergs. Truly immerse yourself in the aquatic world of the Antarctic. Minke whales, humpback whales and orca are regular paddling companions.

hiking 2

Zodiac Tours are another option for those looking for slightly less physical exertion but still want to enjoy all the incredible experiences of the Antarctic. Visiting penguin colonies, historical sites, and tidewater glaciers – you won’t miss out!

FAQs

Usually the summer brings higher pressure and settled weather but be prepared for everything from dead calm and sunny days to blizzard conditions and lots of snow. The average temperature is 0 degrees C during January.

There is satellite communications onboard through satellite phones and Starlink.

Generally no, Antarctica is incredible glaciated. Anything that is really steep is normally very crevassed. We look for fun skiing in the 28 to 40 degree rage.

Yes, of course as long as you have experience in the backcountry as a split boarder.

Yes, the boat has multiple 220 volt outlets. There is plenty of opportunities to charge your electronics.

The Food is excellent.

Meals are hearty and made with local Argentine produce and ingredients as much as possible.
We are happy to cater for vegetarians and other special dietary requirements. Please let us know at the time of booking. It’s a good idea to bring along some of your own dietary substitutes if you have a specialist diet.

Skiers should be of an advanced standard and have completed multiple ski tours to feel comfortable on this trip. You should be able ski tour up about 1000 meters/3600 feet per day and be able to ski down black diamond runs comfortably. You should also have an adventurous spirit and recognize that the weather will influence greatly what we can and can’t do.
No, all guests must bring their own ski and avalanche gear. Guests should be familiar with their avalanche equipment and have used their ski equipment before the trip begins.
Normally the skiing is very good. The conditions can be highly variable, we can be skiing powder, corn snow and everything in between but with a lot of different aspects and terrain to use we can almost always find some great skiing.
Not normally. Being a coastal snowpack with mild temperatures most instabilities settle out quickly.
No, we will take care of all the required Antarctic permits.

Participation in any trip is subject to each participant reading and signing our Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement and any additional waivers that are trip specific (the “Waiver(s)”). If the Waiver(s) are not completed, participation in the trip will not be permitted. PLEASE READ THE WAIVER(S) CAREFULLY! By signing, you will waive or give up certain legal rights, including the right to sue for negligence, breach of contract, or breach of any Occupiers Liability Act or claim compensation following an accident.
The Waivers are provided for review and completion at the time of booking. A sample of our Waiver can be reviewed here.

Reviews

Arthur W Avatar
Arthur W
5 star rating
Unique skiing with great company Skiing in East Greenland with Matt and Ang was a really unique and exciting adventure. Great skiing on corn snow surrounded by miles of sheet ice, imposing landscapes, and not a single other ski group. Some days we skinned directly from the house, some days we dog-sledded, and others by boat. Matt and Ang are incredible guides, hosts, and people and have a knack for making sure that you get the perfect mix of great skiing, cultural experience, and some laughs. Would highly recommend the trip to anyone who likes new ski experiences.
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Claire H Avatar
Claire H
5 star rating
BEST TRIP EVER!! We did this trip with Angela in May of 2024. First off, Angela was an incredible guide. She’s kind, knowledgeable, fun and dialed. Her knowledge of the culture, skiing, navigation of best plan/route is all awesome. Greenland is truly amazing and I highly recommend going with these guys who have such a connection to the place and people. The skiing was also perfect spring corn!!! Don’t think about it too much, just GO!
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Globaltaster Avatar
Globaltaster
5 star rating
All-time Doesn’t get any better than Mestia heli-sking. Everything was epic – the people, the mountains, the snow, the lines, the food and of course the cha-cha
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Thomas M Avatar
Thomas M
5 star rating
Expedition Engineering East Greenland Ski tour Outstanding backcountry ski trip. Our trip was actually went April 2024. Scenery was amazing, ski terrain had everything from easy to as challenging as you could want, conditions for us were mostly corn with some very firm and some powder, getting a ‘taste’ of local culture was cool and the guides, Angela and Matt were great. I had the feeling of sharing an adventure with them rather than being taken on an adventure by them. For lots of other reasons too, would strongly recommend.
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Simon U Avatar
Simon U
5 star rating
Hard to beat I went on EE’s first heli trip to Mestia in early April 2022 (I wasn’t able to select a date this far back in the review, so ignore the April 2024 date) and it was a revelation. If you want the joy of heliskiing in high-alpine ranges, where many peaks are unnamed and the views are as wild as they come – but with the huge added benefit of not being isolated in a lodge but staying in a fascinating historic medieval town with amazing food and locals (and good ski options on down days) – then it’s hard to beat. Add to that experienced, highly professional Canadian guiding, small groups, and top-of-the-range helicopter and it’s a no-brainer.
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Matt R Avatar
Matt R
5 star rating
Once in a lifetime heli skiing experience!! The trip was amazing! Angela and Matt did a fantastic job coordinating everything. The helicopter was new and well maintained. The skiing was phenomenal and everything felt very safe and well thought out. Angela and Matt’s connections with the locals made for an even more authentic and enjoyable experience! Would absolutely go again!!!
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Enrique D Avatar
Enrique D
5 star rating
Magnificent ski touring experience We went there May 2023. If you are willing to rough it a bit, there is no better ski touring experience. Every day we would sail to a glacier terminus into the sea, climb up a peak or two, enjoy sublime unspoilt views on the way to the top, then great powder/corn skiing on the way down.
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Exploration570451 Avatar
Exploration570451
5 star rating
Greenland Heli-skiing – a trip of a lifetime! Actually March 2023, but it wasn’t an option available. Heli skiing in Greenland fulfilled a lifetime ambition for me. It took me three attempts to get there thanks to the pandemic and bad weather shutting down flights. However, when I finally made it, it was truly an amazing experience. Such awesome, large, and uncrowded scenery is second to none. Rising above that though is Matt and Angela’s thoughtful organisation running the expedition with care and great experience. I skied some fantastic long glacier runs, from mountain-top drop off to the frozen ocean’s edge. There were heli-skiing down times, due to the inevitable challenges of the weather, but the sunny days were magnificent.
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Mark N Avatar
Mark N
5 star rating
Trip of a Lifetime – Never using another backcountry ski operation beside them! Short summary: this is the best ski trip I have ever been on. If you love adventures and love to travel you need to come here it is one of the most raw and beautiful places I have been. I went with my father and it was an experience I will never forget. The guides are incredible.Now I will touch on why this trip is so special. Guides: Matt and Angela are the guides. They are also husband and wife. They are some of the sweetest and fun people we have met. Our main guide for the trip was Matt. He was extremely calm safe and fun. Me being 24 years old is always wanting to do extreme and fun things. My mom is very cautious. Matt was nice enough to speak with my mom for an hour walking through all the safety procedures and the risks and how they mitigate them. At no point did I feel unsafe or not in good hands. On these trips you spend many hours with the guides so you want to be comfortable with them. I left seeing Matt as a good friend. Scenery: I like to think I am well traveled and have been many places. In terms of scenery and the rawness of the trip nothing compares. You are in the middle of nowhere and there are not people let alone skiers miles around you. You are by yourself and there is something peaceful about that. It is some of the most beautiful mountains I have seen. I would eat my lunch and look at the mountains and get teary eye because it was so beautiful. My dad and I finished a run and he said this is the most amazing ski run I have ever done (with the biggest smile on his face). We completed a hike to the top of the mountain and did a run all the way to the water. Pictures don’t speak for themselves. You are literally skiing to the ocean.Safety: These are guides they are professionals. They take every precaution necessary. Avalanches are not the biggest dangers. But there are crevasses. We take necessary precautions spacing ourselves out and putting harnesses on. We are not putting ourselves in harms way. You are in the middle of no where so you are not going to go down a dangerous run. There are polar bears. No we never saw one. We do carry a gun in case but the polar bears stay by the ice (where the food is) and we are much higher than that. Food: not my favorite but you’re not there for the food. It’s normal food and at the hotel surprisingly decent. Conclusion: this is one of my favorite trips I have ever been on. The picture from the trip is my Home Screen. I am now begging my dad to do another trip with me with Matt and Angela. My mom would never let me go anywhere she did not do her research on she was very scared for us to do this but was able to get comfortable because of Matt and Angela. Matt and Angela thank you for being such calm and nice people but more importantly for creating a trip I will for always remember and a memory I created with my dad that brought us closer together. I really do get teary thinking about how amazing the trip was. Note: if you can do a private trip. Definitely recommend! Had the ability to use the helicopter to get to amazing areas!
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Paul Lambie Avatar
Paul Lambie
5 star rating
East Greenland Ski touring. We did this trip in April, 2023. Although 2023 was a low snow year we were able to ski from the village every day. We had great weather and the skiing was amazing. Different tours each day were accessed by skinning directly from our accommodation or by snowmobile or dogsled. The trip is based out of Kuummiit, a small and remote village in East Greenland. Matt and Angela are great guides; highly recommended! A very unique ski experience.
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Danny O Avatar
Danny O
5 star rating
AMAZING!!!! In the fall of 2017, I had the oppurunity to experience a magical kayak trip Expedition Engineering in Raja Ampat. It was and will be one of the biggest highlights of mylife. The owners and guides are extraordinary individuals with experience and hospitality that is seldom seen anymore. Both owners have amazing stories and experiences, that make you want to experience more and more trips with them. I am currently planning to go on another Expedition Engineering trip to Greenland to ski, i’m counting down the days for this trip and highly recommend any of the trips they provide.
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Meet your guides

Angela Bueckert Kayaking

Angela Bueckert

ACMG Ski Guide

Angela’s enthusiasm for sharing new experiences with her guests is ever-present. She has been guiding water-based expeditions for over 15 years, and she’s guided sea kayaking expeditions in Iceland, Greenland, Palawan, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Antarctica, and more.

Matt Edwards

Matt Edwards

ACMG Ski Guide

Finding out what’s around the corner or at the top of the next mountain has taken Matt to some of the remotest places on the planet. He’s been organizing and guiding custom adventures for guests all over the world, for over a decade.

Our Sustainable Travel Commitment

At Expedition Engineering we are committed to the conservation and sustainability of the environment we enjoy. Our goal is to help you experience all that Antarctica has to offer and leave it as you found it—a wondrous and unexpected first-time discovery for the next guest.
Benefiting Local Communities

We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint

Reducing our Carbon Footprint

We are committed to benefiting local communities and the ecology in regions where we work

Ready to go beyond the ordinary? Apply to join the Antarctica Multisport Expedition today, or download the brochure to learn more.