Mountaineering

????️ What Is Polar Mountaineering?

Polar mountaineering is a technical hiking and climbing experience offered on a small number of expedition voyages. It involves ascending steep snowy slopes, climbing glaciated terrain, or reaching minor summits using specialist gear such as:

• Crampons

• Ice axes

• Harnesses

• Ropes

• Helmets

Participants climb in small, guided teams under the supervision of professional mountaineering guides trained in polar safety.

More demanding than hiking or snowshoeing, mountaineering is designed for travellers seeking a serious physical challenge and the chance to step into the world of high-alpine exploration in the polar regions.

???? Where Mountaineering Is Offered

Mountaineering is typically offered in Antarctica, especially on voyages that visit:

• Snow-covered peaks and glaciated coastal ranges

• Remote mountainous areas of the Antarctic Peninsula

• Regions with suitable terrain and safe weather conditions

In the Arctic, select operators occasionally offer high-altitude trekking or peak ascents in:

• Spitsbergen (Svalbard)

• Mountainous coastal stretches of Greenland

Whether in the Arctic or Antarctica, locations are chosen based on safety, snow stability, weather, ice conditions, and wildlife regulations.

???? Who Mountaineering Is Designed For

Ideal for:

• Adventurous travellers seeking a more advanced, physically demanding activity

• Experienced hikers with good endurance

• Travellers comfortable with climbing steep snow slopes

• Anyone wanting to experience a high-alpine environment with specialist guides

• Those eager to access summit views and remote terrain inaccessible to standard shore excursions

Not suitable for:

• Guests without a good level of fitness

• Anyone uncomfortable with heights, steep terrain, or physically intense activities

• Travellers with limited mobility

• People who prefer gentle, low-impact excursions

Mountaineering is considered a challenging activity and is recommended for fit and capable participants.

???? What to Expect on a Mountaineering Excursion

✔️ Group Size & Guidance

Mountaineering groups are intentionally small to ensure safety, usually:

• 6–12 participants per outing

• Rope teams led by highly trained guides

• Full safety briefings and equipment checks before departure

Guides are certified in alpine travel, rope systems, glacial safety, and polar field operations.

✔️ Equipment Provided

Operators typically supply:

• Crampons

• Ice axes

• Harnesses

• Ropes

• Helmets

• Additional safety gear

Guests should bring:

• Warm, breathable mountain layers

• Waterproof/windproof outerwear

• Supportive, waterproof boots

• Sunglasses or glacier goggles

• Backpack with water and layers

✔️ Terrain & Difficulty

Terrain may include:

• Steep snow slopes

• Glacial traverses

• Short technical climbs

• Ridge walks

• Small summit ascents

Routes vary in difficulty depending on weather, snow conditions, and group ability.

✔️ Duration

Most mountaineering excursions last 3–6 hours, depending on the objective and conditions.

✔️ Scenery & Highlights

Expect dramatic views of:

• Jagged peaks and glaciated valleys

• Vast snowfields and towering ice formations

• Icebergs floating far below the climb area

• Remote elevated terrain rarely visited by humans

• Wildlife sighted from afar, such as seabirds or seals on shorelines

The sense of wilderness and accomplishment is unmatched.