Antarctica Ski & Sail

Journey to the Last Great Frontier — Antarctica ski touring is unparalleled

Remote beyond imagination and breathtaking in its scale, Antarctica is a world apart — a landscape of towering ice, dramatic peaks, and extraordinary wildlife thriving at the edge of the Earth. Ski touring in Antarctica stands apart from any other mountain experience — peaks surge straight from the ocean, delivering breathtaking summit-to-sea descents in complete, untamed wilderness.

Your Destination

Vast and untamed, Antarctica is a world apart — jagged peaks rising from the sea, wildlife thriving in raw, elemental beauty.

Over 11 unforgettable days, we trade noise and routine for vast silence and raw beauty. Sail through deep fjords sculpted by ancient glaciers, ski untouched slopes that fall toward the sea, and kayak through otherworldly icescapes where icebergs rise like floating cathedrals.

We avoid the Drake Passage entirely, flying directly to King George Island where our expedition begins aboard Elsi, a purpose-built schooner designed for exploration in the planet’s most isolated waters.

Penguin colonies bustle along rocky shores. Seals rest on drifting floes. Humpback whales surface in the cold, clear waters of the Southern Ocean. Every day delivers a new perspective on this pristine wilderness.

Whether you’re drawn by the exhilaration of carving lines above the ocean or the quiet wonder of coastal exploration, this expedition offers a rare and profound way to experience the Antarctic Peninsula. For seasoned adventurers seeking the ultimate frontier, there is nothing more powerful — and no better way to explore it.

The Skiing

Ski touring in Antarctica is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Mountains rise directly from the sea, offering dramatic summit-to-ocean descents in a setting of absolute wilderness.

Our goal is simple: ski whenever conditions allow. The Antarctic Peninsula presents a wealth of compelling objectives, from rolling glaciated summits to steeper alpine lines. Weather, snow stability, and group ability will guide our daily decisions and determine which peaks we pursue.

Snow conditions can vary throughout the expedition. Spring corn is often our prize, though powder days are always possible. Much of the terrain is glaciated, and we travel roped during ascents, combining safe glacier travel with unforgettable descents overlooking the Southern Ocean.

The Kayaking

Exploring Antarctica by kayak offers a completely different perspective. Paddle silently between sculpted icebergs while penguins dart through the water and seabirds wheel overhead. The scale, the stillness, and the clarity of the landscape create a truly immersive experience.

Each outing is shaped by weather, sea state, and group preference. Distances and routes are flexible, allowing us to tailor the experience and make the most of conditions.

Additional Exploration

Beyond skiing and kayaking, we take full advantage of the surrounding wilderness. Zodiac excursions allow us to weave through iceberg-filled channels and approach towering glacier faces up close. We’ll visit thriving penguin colonies and, where possible, step ashore for short hikes to historic sites and research stations.

These varied activities create a rich and balanced expedition — combining physical adventure, extraordinary wildlife encounters, and meaningful immersion in one of the most remote environments on the planet.

Program Details

Location

Antarctica

Mountain Range

Antarctic Peninsula

Terrain

Alpine, Glaciers, Couloirs

Season

Jan 7 - 17, 2027

Airport

King George Island

Starting Rate Per Guest

16,000 Euros

Antarctica Skiing
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Elsi Yacht

Our Antarctic journey unfolds aboard Elsi, a 38-metre expedition schooner designed for serious offshore exploration. Launched in 1986 from a German shipyard, she was originally built to train sailors in demanding conditions before undergoing a significant modernization in 2013. In the years that followed, she supported humanitarian projects in some of the most isolated regions on Earth.

Today, Elsi operates in polar waters, expertly navigating both Antarctica and the Arctic. Strong, seaworthy, and thoughtfully appointed for comfort, she allows us to venture far beyond traditional routes and access truly remote coastlines few ever reach.

Amenities

Ship Exterior

After full days of skiing, paddling, and coastal exploration, the spacious upper deck becomes our gathering place. Here we organize gear, share stories from the day’s adventures, and take in uninterrupted views beneath Antarctica’s vast, open sky. It’s the perfect setting to unwind while glaciers glow in the evening light and seabirds circle overhead.

Cabins & Accommodation

Life onboard is comfortable and welcoming. Guests stay in heated twin-share cabins with upper and lower berths, or in select triple cabins. Three shared bathrooms — each equipped with a shower, sink, and toilet — ensure convenience while maintaining the vessel’s expedition character.

Interior Spaces

The interior is warm, functional, and inviting. A generous dining salon serves as the heart of the ship, where our onboard chef prepares satisfying, nourishing meals after long days outside. For those who want to stay warm while still taking in the scenery, the heated pilothouse offers panoramic views in total comfort — a cozy retreat when polar weather rolls in.

Our Antarctic journey unfolds aboard Elsi, a 38-metre expedition schooner designed for serious offshore exploration. Launched in 1986 from a German shipyard, she was originally built to train sailors in demanding conditions before undergoing a significant modernization in 2013. In the years that followed, she supported humanitarian projects in some of the most isolated regions on Earth.

Today, Elsi operates in polar waters, expertly navigating both Antarctica and the Arctic. Strong, seaworthy, and thoughtfully appointed for comfort, she allows us to venture far beyond traditional routes and access truly remote coastlines few ever reach.

Amenities

Ship Exterior

After full days of skiing, paddling, and coastal exploration, the spacious upper deck becomes our gathering place. Here we organize gear, share stories from the day’s adventures, and take in uninterrupted views beneath Antarctica’s vast, open sky. It’s the perfect setting to unwind while glaciers glow in the evening light and seabirds circle overhead.

Cabins & Accommodation

Life onboard is comfortable and welcoming. Guests stay in heated twin-share cabins with upper and lower berths, or in select triple cabins. Three shared bathrooms — each equipped with a shower, sink, and toilet — ensure convenience while maintaining the vessel’s expedition character.

Interior Spaces

The interior is warm, functional, and inviting. A generous dining salon serves as the heart of the ship, where our onboard chef prepares satisfying, nourishing meals after long days outside. For those who want to stay warm while still taking in the scenery, the heated pilothouse offers panoramic views in total comfort — a cozy retreat when polar weather rolls in.

Small Groups, Big Experiences

Powder Guides is a unique team of professional ski guides who leverage their vast experience and expertise to lead clients on unparalleled backcountry skiing adventures across the globe. 

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