Arrive in Punta Arenas and transfer to your hotel. H,B.

Spare day in case of delays or lost baggage. Free time to ensure you have all the supplies you need and to explore Punta Arenas. H,B.

Expedition briefing, final preparations and equipment checks with information on our flight arrangements, the current weather and what to expect on your arrival in Antarctica to ensure nothing has been missed. We talk through our/Antarctica’s environmental policy and how we can ensure this pristine environment is maintained. The rest of the day is free to explore the city.
H,B.

Flight to Union Glacier.If the weather conditions in both Punta Arenas and the Union Glacier permit, we fly by a Russian jet powered Ilyushion-76 aircraft over Tierra del Fuego and out across Drake’s Passage, towards the frozen lands of Antarctica. This is a five hour flight and there will be an opportunity to visit the flight deck for some incredible views. On arrival on Union Glacier we erect our tents and enjoy a good meal. (C,B,L,D)

Acclimatisation on nearby peaks and final preparations (C,B,L,D)

If we have not flown the previous day, we fly by Ski aircraft to Mt Sidley, a flight of about 550miles (885kms). This is situated on the far west of Antarctica in the Executive Committee Range. During the flight you will begin to get an understanding of the vast remoteness of Mt Sidley After unloading the aircraft, we establish camp and rearrange our loads ready for the journey ahead. (C,B,L,D)

There are a variety of possible ascents routes from the easy slopes on the North side to a steeper route up the west ridge via Bennett Saddle. The final choice will be made by the team and your guide. The climb from base camp to the summit involves about 2250m of ascent.

From base camp carrying our gear between rucksacks and pulks/sleds, we ascend alpine style via two camps. Although the glacier is never steep, these can be tough days due to hard ‘sastrugi’ (wind scoured snow flutings) and mushroom formations. The team may ski to the lower camp and then on foot with crampons, will be roped together as should be the case on any glacial terrain. On arrival at camp we build snow walls to protect us from the wind, the snow is easily sawn into blocks and folk quite often become quite creative during down time as sculptures start to form! A toilet area is created so that contamination is kept to a minimum and all removable waste can be taken off the mountain (yes, including human waste that quickly freezes). (C,B,L,D)

Return to base camp. If the weather has been kind we can use up our spare days can be used for an optional ascent of Mount Waesche or other satellite peaks (C,B,L,D)

Return to Union Glacier Camp. Fly back to Union glacier to celebrate our achievements.

Weather permitting the Ilusion will arrive to take us back to the warmth of Punta Arenas.

This is the first possible date for your return International flights to depart Punta Arenas. However, due to the nature of flights on and off Antarctica we strongly advice you book your alterable international return flight for four days later than the planned departure date from Antarctica. It is easier to bring them forward on arrival into Punta Arenas than trying to change them whilst on the ice!