Q & A

What physical requirement does it take to do the Crossing expedition?

A person in good health should do well a general medical examination is required.  The participant can to large extent determine the physical activity he/she takes part in but still they become part of an expedition team with sharing work benefits all.   

Are there age restrictions?

ALE, the flight operator from Punta to Union Glacier have a minimum age requirement of 16 years but there is no upper limit, good health and medical check is required 

Will I be cold?

During the expedition, the temperature is likely to range from -10C to -35C.   Despite this low temperature the cars, clothing, sleeping bags and tent’s make it so that you seldom be feel cold and risk of cold weather injuries are very small if people follow basic instructions.   This time of year, we have 24-hour daylight, sun is strong from above and reflections from the snow below.  The air is very dry which makes managing yourself and the equipment much easier than in more humid cold and darkness.   We wear clothing in layers, inside the cars you normally wear a light jacket but ad a thicker one when you step out.  The tent’s all have double layers which capture the warmth from the sun and keep it inside, this holds especially well for the smaller tents which also benefit quickly from a person inside.  There are basic procedures we will show you and ask you to follow. 

How do I cross Antarctica?
  • The first and most famous crossing to succeed was “Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition” in 1956 to 1958 with Sir Vivian Fuchs and his team crossing from Ronne Iceshelf to Ross Iceshelf with support from Sir Edmund Hillary that brought fuel and supplies from Ross Iceshelf for Fuchs and his team. 
  • Crossing is normally defined by starting from one coast line to another via South Pole.   The coast line is defined by where the coast line would be if there was no ice, where land under the iceshelf is higher than the ocean level.  Depending on starting and ending points the theoretical distance can vary greatly, from about 1700km to 5000km and even more However,m some areas between the coast and the plateau are “blocked” by steep mountains or big crevasse areas and the Antarctica Treaty agreement also limits access to other areas and cost of logistics can also limit options.  Currently there are basically only two access points for NGO’s for accessing deep field Antarctica; from Punta Arenas to Union Glacier or from Cape Town to Queen Maud land. 
  • Additional to Sir Vivian Fuchs a small number of skiers have successfully crossed Antarctica going between Ronne Iceshelf and Ross Iceshelf via South Pole.   Other and longer distance crossing have taken place with dog sleds, skiers using kites and few our our Arctic Trucks vehicles have double crossed Antarctica between Fimbul Iceshelf and Ross Iceshelf.   But no vehicles have crossed between the two big Iceshelf Ronne and Ross since Sir Vivian Fuchs although number of vehicles have come close since then but not fully completing the last bit to Ronne.   
  • Tragically, British polar explorer Henry Worsley gave his life in 2016 during his attempt to be the first skier to cross unsupported pulling pulks with hundreds of kilos over very difficult terrain, in high altitude and extreme cold. 
What driving skills are required?
  • All our cars are automatic with normal setup of steering, brakes and etc.  However, there is many extra equipment and considerations that need to be factored in depending on surface and weather conditions.   To name some: 
  • Choosing and maintaining the right air pressure in the tires can be vital for being able to continue and without damaging the tires. 
  • When driving in complete whiteout people need to learn how to set and trust the instruments in similar fashion as pilots do. 
  • The surface can sometimes be very rough and the driver needs to select a driving line through this remembering the surface that is under the vehicles and where/how each wheel will cross it and at the same keeping the correct heading.    This challenges all sense especially in the sastrugie areas.   and at the same keeping the correct heading.   
  • Even more challenging is when snow condition offer limited flotation and traction, this can require skills that normally is only acquired with years of special snow driving experience although car enthusiast with a lot of driving experience tent to acquire and learn big part of these skill fairly fast with good instructions.       
  • In normal conditions, good part of the route can be driven by most people following simple instructions.   It is surprizing to most how quickly they get into their comfort zone of handling the Arctic Trucks vehicles outside the extreme areas.   
What type of cars can drive in Antarctica?

Around scientific bases, which have snow free gravel roads or prepared snow roads, there are various 4x4 vehicles and trucks like Unimoc in use.   When it comes to drive outside this you find in some areas patches of hard packed snow or blue ice that normal 4x4 can drive on.  But outside of this, normal 4x4 vehicles are useless,   

How many times has it been done before?

The first party to attempt a crossing of Antarctica was led by legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton in 1914. Famously, his expedition ship became trapped in the frozen sea before they were able to set foot on mainland Antarctica. 

In 1955-58 Sir Vivian Fuchs and Sir Edmund Hillary led the successful Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition which crossed the continent in a convoy of tractors and belted vehicles. 

It was only in 2012 that another vehicle expedition by EWR– this time using two Arctic Trucks 6-wheeled vehicles and one 4x4 vehicle – did the first double crossing of Antarctica starting from the Iceshelf below Novo airbase to Ross Iceshelf 3100km each way with a team of 5.  During this expedition the team supported number of skiing expeditions. This was followed by two expeditions in 2013 with E7 on one Arctic Trucks 6x6 and one 4x4 did another double crossing the same route and another Arctic Trucks team supporting Walking With the Wounded and Maria Leijerstam cycling challenge crossed Antarctica the same route on one 4x4 and one 6x6.  

As of March 2016 only 23 people, ever, in the whole of history, who have made a complete crossing of Antarctica by vehicle, of this 12 people were in Vivian Fuchs teamBy completing a crossing of Antarctica by vehicle, you will be joining a very select club of historic polar travellers. 

What fuel is used on the cars?

The vehicles use a high-grade aviation fuel called ‘JET A1’. With little lubrication added this fuel works safely in our diesel engine but freezes at a much lower temperature than any other type of fuel. The engines themselves comply with the latest European emission standards, meaning that emissions are relatively very low and our vehicles are much more fuel-efficient than heavier belted or tracked vehicles commonly used in Antarctica. 

How do I get a permit to travel to Antarctica?

Arctic Trucks is issued a permit through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the UK. This enables anyone travelling to Antarctic with us to do so under this permit. There is no need for you to apply for your own permit, no matter what nationality you are. 

How high is the Antarctic Plateau?

Much of the Antarctic Plateau is at an altitude of over 2500meters (8200 feet) with the highest points reaching 4892meters. During the crossing we will briefly go over 3000 meters, high enough that some people may get some altitude sickness. Most people will notice the effects of altitude when they first arrive on the plateau but will acclimatise quickly. Drawing on their own significant experience, Arctic Trucks personnel will be able to offer the best advice on how to avoid altitude sickness and the expedition will carry an oxygen concentrator in case of need.   

Why is travel to Antarctica expensive?

Antarctica is maintained as a completely pristine environment. There is no permanent population on the continent and no infrastructure. Outside of the national science programs, any activity in Antarctica must have completely self-sufficient logistic support. All supplies needed, from building materials and communications equipment, to food and fuel must be transported into the continent (and later entirely removed). This is a very costly process. 

For example, in order to operate a single aircraft for a single Antarctic season, there must be a runway prepared, communications personnel, accommodation for pilots and mechanics, spare parts and fuel shipped or flown in from all over the world plus, of course, the numerous staff who work unseen to keep the operation safe.  Doing anything in Antarctica is a massive undertaking with many inherent risks and this is why it is expensive

Will I be at risk of frost bite?

Despite the low temperatures, the heated vehicles, protective clothing, sleeping bags and tents mean that you seldom feel cold and the risk of cold weather injuries are very, very small.   During the Antarctic summertime there is 24-hour daylight. Strong sunshine is common and the air is very dry which makes managing yourself and the equipment much easier. Arctic Trucks will provide you with a thorough briefing about the signs, symptoms and common causes of cold injuries before departure. Preventing cold injuries requires constant vigilance and care but incidences are very low. In the event that you do contract a cold injury, treatment is swift and effective so that you are unlikely to suffer any serious or long-lasting after effects. 

What type of clothing do I need?

Probably less that you would imagine! Arctic Trucks will be able to offer detailed advice about what clothing you should bring and will check that you have everything you need before setting out on the crossing.  

Generally speaking you should prepare three layers of clothing; a thermal base layer (merino wool leggings and top), an insulating mid-layer (fleece leggings and jumper), a windproof shell (goretex jacket and overtrousers) and a down jacket to go over the top. Arctic Trucks will also provide a list of accessories, such as waterproof gloves, goggles, socks and headwear that it is advisable to bring with you. 

How cold does it get?

Temperatures vary enormously from place to place in Antarctica, and from month to month. Antarctic summertime is the only season it is possible to travel and it is very brief, beginning in mid-November and lasting until the end of January.  

Temperatures at the coast at the height of summer may hover just below freezing on a still, clear day but will most normally be somewhere around -20°C. Temperatures will drop with altitude as we ascend to the Antarctic plateau and will frequently fall to lows of -40°C. On windy days the temperature feels much colder. 

What about the altitude?

Much of the Antarctic Plateau is at an altitude of over 2500meters (8200 feet) with the highest points reaching 4892meters. During the crossing we will briefly go over 3000 meters, high enough that some people may get some altitude sickness. Most people will notice the effects of altitude when they first arrive on the plateau but will acclimatise quickly. Drawing on their own significant experience, Arctic Trucks personnel will be able to offer the best advice on how to avoid altitude sickness and the expedition will carry an oxygen concentrator in case of need

What about toilets and washing facilities?

At every camp Arctic Trucks staff will pitch a comfortable toilet tent. There is no running water but the camp-potty style toilet is comfortable and hygienic (with dry flush), as well as ensuring minimum environmental impact. 

Without running water, facilities are basic but hot water and privacy can be provided in the camp in the evenings for washing. 

What wildlife will we see?

One of the distinctive features of the Antarctic Plateau which make it such a unique place is the complete lack of any life whatsoever. Conditions in this region of the world are so extreme that life of any variety struggles to survive. There are no birds and no mammals up here. Dig down into the snow and you will not find so much as a bug, or a fly, or a scrap of moss. Even bacteria is rare! 

What is defined as a ‘crossing’?

Crossing a continent means travelling between opposite coasts – right?  

Yes - but in Antarctica it isn’t always that simple. The problem is that there is a lot of coastline to choose from in Antarctica, meaning that a ‘crossing’ can vary in length from just under 2000 km to well over 6000km!  

In addition, it can sometimes be hard to pinpoint exactly where the coast is. The edge of the Antarctic landmass is often buried under a thick layer of ice and adjoined by floating ice-shelves and frozen ocean. Standing at an Antarctic coast very rarely means standing next to open water.  Fortunately scientist have ways to determine the coast line and we only count crossing from starting at the coast line to the coast on the others side via South Pole. 

The crossing expedition we offer crosses between Ronne Iceshelf and Ross Iceshelf with a stop at South Pole. This route is approx.1850km and in Mach 2016 it has never be fully* completed by vehicles and only a very few skiers and kiters have. 

*two Arctic Trucks vehicle expeditions and the Moon Regan expedition came close finish a full crossing but missed about 40km to enter the Ronne Iceshelf

How many times has it been done before?

The first party to attempt a crossing of Antarctica was led by legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton in 1914. Famously, his expedition ship became trapped in the frozen sea before they were able to set foot on mainland Antarctica. 

In 1955-58 Sir Vivian Fuchs and Sir Edmund Hillary led the successful Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition which crossed the continent in a convoy of tractors and belted vehicles. 

It was only in 2012 that another vehicle expedition by EWR– this time using two Arctic Trucks 6-wheeled vehicles and one 4x4 vehicle – did the first double crossing of Antarctica starting from the Iceshelf below Novo airbase to Ross Iceshelf 3100km each way with a team of 5.  During this expedition the team supported number of skiing expeditions. This was followed by two expeditions in 2013 with E7 on one Arctic Trucks 6x6 and one 4x4 did another double crossing the same route and another Arctic Trucks team supporting Walking With the Wounded and Maria Leijerstam cycling challenge crossed Antarctica the same route on one 4x4 and one 6x6.  

As of March 2016 only 23 people, ever, in the whole of history, who have made a complete crossing of Antarctica by vehicle, of this 12 people were in Vivian Fuchs teamBy completing a crossing of Antarctica by vehicle, you will be joining a very select club of historic polar travellers. 

How physically fit do I need to be?

As long as you are generally fit and healthy, you should have no problem taking part in the expedition. Due to the challenging nature of the journey, everyone participating in the crossing will be expected to help out with daily tasks including setting up and dismantling the camp, packing the vehicles, and any digging that becomes necessary. Each individual can largely determine for themselves how much physical activity they undertake – but the journey is surprisingly demanding on fitness. It takes a lot more than just sitting in a vehicle! 

Before departure, we ask everyone to complete a medical questionnaire. A medical check or an approval from a medical professional may also be required. This is to ensure that the Arctic Trucks staff travelling with you will be adequately provisioned and prepared to deal with any medical issues that may arise. 

What medical provision is there?

Most Arctic Trucks personnel have a high level of emergency medical training and all expeditions are accompanied by at least one member of staff with advanced qualifications such as Paramedic or Wilderness First Responder status. All expeditions carry a comprehensive medical kit including a wide range of antibiotics and pain relief drugs. 

Arctic Trucks has 24 hour access to a doctor at Union Glacier and or Novo airbase for consultation via satellite telephone. The doctor at the airbase also has a well-equipped surgery for immediate medical care should a situation arise. 

What if something goes wrong?

Arctic Trucks has detailed emergency response plans for a wide range of scenarios. All Arctic Trucks expeditions have 24 hour Search and Rescue cover which will provide immediate medical evacuation should it be needed. In most scenarios a casualty would be transported back to either Union Glacier and onward to Punta Arenas if needed or Novo airbase and onwards to Cape Town if needed, as quickly as possible. 

Are there age restrictions? 

Currently, only those aged 16 or over may travel to Antarctica. This is regardless of whether or not they are accompanied by their parents or have parental consent to travel. 

There is no upper age limit for travel to Antarctica but you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire and to have a medical check before travel. 

Can I change my dates of travel to Antarctica? 

Although we make it look easy, getting to Antarctica and travelling within the continent is extremely difficult logistically. There are a limited number of flights into and out of Antarctica each season and demand for space on these flights from national science programmes as well as private visitors is very high. Arctic Trucks works closely with the two flight operator but once the dates of flights have been fixed, we have no ability to change them. We cannot postpone or delay flights to wait for anyone who is late – so it is important to be on time for flights! 

It is also worth noting that all activity in Antarctica is governed by the weather. Arctic Trucks and the flight operators work hard to ensure that programmes run to schedule but safety is always the first priority. Anyone travelling to Antarctica must be prepared to experience weather delays which may last for a day or two, occasionally longer. If the weather is bad, travel is not possible. 

Will the expedition have an environmental impact?

Antarctica is a unique and pristine environment. It is protected under the Antarctic Treaty System which governs and regulates all activity in Antarctica. Arctic Trucks is a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and as such is committed to upholding the highest standards of environmental protection. 

Arctic Trucks has enormous respect for the Antarctic environment and ensuring that our journeys leave no trace of their presence underpins everything that we do. Everything we take into Antarctica is brought back out with us again (including food and human waste) and despite the fact that the tyre tracks we leave behind us in the snow are erased by the next blizzard, each year we strive to use only the exact same routes in order to further minimise any potential aesthetic environmental impact. 

Arctic Trucks takes environmental protection very seriously and will not tolerate any practise that endangers the wonderful landscape we are privileged to operate in. We ask that all our guests listen carefully to any instructions regarding environmental protection and follow all the guidelines with care

How is the environment protected?

Arctic Trucks is a committed member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) which is continually developing self-regulatory guidelines for the protection of the Antarctic environment. 

Arctic Trucks has generated a detailed environmental impact assessment of all its activities in Antarctica which has been submitted to and vetted by both IAATO and the Polar Regions Unit of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (which issues the permit that allows Arctic Trucks to operate in Antarctica). The Environmental Impact Assessment influences all of Arctic Trucks’ operating procedures, from ensuring vehicles are maintained to such a high standard that the risk of leaks and potentially messy repairs in the field is minimal, to ensuring all waste is removed from expedition and field party campsites.  

Can I call home or access the internet while I am in Antarctica?

The only satellite telecommunications system that provides coverage over all of Antarctica is Iridium. Coverage is generally good but it can be difficult to find a signal at certain times of day – particularly at the higher latitudes. 

All Arctic Trucks vehicles carry Iridium satellite telephones. These are used for daily communications to report the position and wellbeing of each and every vehicle in the field. Although logistical use takes priority, anyone travelling with the vehicles is welcome to use the satellite phone to make short calls once a day. However, you will be expected to pay for the cost of these calls and will be invoiced accordingly on return. Arctic Trucks can advise on the airtime rates for satellite calls in advance (around $1.50 per minute). 

If you anticipate needing to be in more regular communication with home, we would suggest that you hire or buy your own satellite telephone and airtime plan to bring with you. Arctic Trucks can provide support in advance to help you select the right equipment and airtime. This option can be surprisingly inexpensive. 

The bandwidth available through Antarctic satellite communications is very limited, meaning that even very small, low resolution images take a long time to send and transferring video files is next to impossible.  If sending images and/or video files of your journey is important to your experience, there are some options available using alternative equipment that can be sourced at extra cost. Please ask us if this is of interest but be aware that the costs involved are considerable.