“the trip of a lifetime!” - Mary C.
Antarctica Ski Touring, Sail & Kayak Expedition
- Antarctic peninsula
- 11 Days
- 3/5 Difficulty
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.
Trip Details
Destination
Season
Duration
11 Days
Next available dates
- January 17 - 27, 2029
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.
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Trip highlights
Multisport Expedition
Rare wildlife encounters
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
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.
This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an absolute dream come true. Thanks to my wonderful partner, I had the chance to join an incredible group of diverse, nature-loving, slightly crazy people who will stay in my memories forever — and who knows, maybe I’ll meet some of them again someday!
Huge thanks to Matt & Angela, the owners, and Peter, our guide, who had everything under control at all times. Not once did we feel unsafe. Because of them, we skied on top of glaciers with breathtaking views, kayaked through crystal-clear turquoise waters between icebergs of enormous size and unbelievable shapes — each one completely unique.
We were surrounded by thousands of penguins everywhere: on land during ski tours, in the ocean while kayaking, and while navigating through the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the wonderful ship Tolkien J.R. Whales followed us, seals lounged lazily on icebergs without a care in the world, and the water shimmered in a turquoise blue I’d only ever seen before in the Caribbean — except this time, it was Antarctica.
A massive thank-you to the entire crew who kept us safe, warm, on course, and unbelievably well fed. The chef deserves special mention — the food he created in that tiny kitchen, on a constantly moving sea, still amazes me.
This unforgettable expedition wouldn’t have been the same without the amazing people who joined it. I will always remember each and every one of you.
Special thanks:
• Matt — for staying cool when we lost our kayak 😁
• Angela — for your endless energy and that wonderful smile – WALK 🫡
• Peter — for keeping us safe while exploring untouched terrain 🔝
• Steve — for the incredible photos 📷
This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an absolute dream come true. Thanks to my wonderful partner, I had the chance to join an incredible group of diverse, nature-loving, slightly crazy people who will stay in my memories forever — and who knows, maybe I’ll meet some of them again someday!
Huge thanks to Matt & Angela, the owners, and Peter, our guide, who had everything under control at all times. Not once did we feel unsafe. Because of them, we skied on top of glaciers with breathtaking views, kayaked through crystal-clear turquoise waters between icebergs of enormous size and unbelievable shapes — each one completely unique.
We were surrounded by thousands of penguins everywhere: on land during ski tours, in the ocean while kayaking, and while navigating through the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the wonderful ship Tolkien J.R. Whales followed us, seals lounged lazily on icebergs without a care in the world, and the water shimmered in a turquoise blue I’d only ever seen before in the Caribbean — except this time, it was Antarctica.
A massive thank-you to the entire crew who kept us safe, warm, on course, and unbelievably well fed. The chef deserves special mention — the food he created in that tiny kitchen, on a constantly moving sea, still amazes me.
This unforgettable expedition wouldn’t have been the same without the amazing people who joined it. I will always remember each and every one of you.
Special thanks:
• Matt — for staying cool when we lost our kayak 😁
• Angela — for your endless energy and that wonderful smile – WALK 🫡
• Peter — for keeping us safe while exploring untouched terrain 🔝
• Steve — for the incredible photos 📷
Would highly recommend Engineering Expedition!!!
Would highly recommend Engineering Expedition!!!
Itinerary
Day 1
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.
Day 2
Transit to Yankee Harbour on Greenwich Island. Morning ski and kayak outing. Move across to Livingstone Island afternoon ski and kayak outing.
Day 3
Transit to Gerlache Strait – Transit to Trinity Island, fantastic skiing and kayaking possibilities on both sides of the Strait
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6 & 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Accommodation
ABOUT THE Tolkien
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
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
- Charter Flight Punta Arenas to King George Island (Antarctica)
- 10 nights onboard JR Tolkien
- All meals on board the ship
- All shore excursions from the ship including zodiacs
- Expedition Guide Services – Ski guides and Kayak Guides
- Kayaks and Kayaking Equipment
- Port taxes and charges imposed by government authorities
Not included
- Flights to and from Punta Arenas
- Single Supplements
- Visas, passport and vaccination charges and airport departure tax
- Hotels and meals not included in the voyage itinerary
- optional excursions not included in the voyage itinerary
- Laundry, personal clothing, medical expenses, personal travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges and phone/email charges
- Emergency evacuation charges
- Medical Evacuation Insurance
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.
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.
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.
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
What sort of weather can expect?
Is there communication onboard the boat?
There is satellite communications onboard through satellite phones and Starlink.
Do we ski really steep slopes?
Are Split boarders welcome?
Yes, of course as long as you have experience in the backcountry as a split boarder.
Can I charge my electronics onboard the boat?
Yes, the boat has multiple 220 volt outlets. There is plenty of opportunities to charge your electronics.
What is the food like onboard?
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.
Do I need to be an expert skier?
Is the ski gear and avalanche gear provided?
What is the skiing like the Antarctic?
Is there a high avalanche risk?
Do I need a Visa to enter Antarctica?
Are participants requried to sign waivers to come on your trips?
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
Meet your guides
Angela Bueckert
ACMG Ski GuideAngela’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
ACMG Ski GuideFinding 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
We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint
We are committed to benefiting local communities and the ecology in regions where we work