I don’t know about you, but skiing the globe’s southern most continent has been a dream of mine ever since I saw a slide show given by snowboarder John Griber here in Jackson about 6 years ago. The problem is though, it is so expensive to get there and the logistics can be a nightmare for the inexperienced expedition planner. Enter Doug Stoup (be sure to check out his resume) and IceAxe.TV’s, 2009 Antarctic Ski Cruise.
See…Doug is a very experienced expedition leader with previous trips to Antarctica under his belt and after getting a taste of what the continent has to offer for skiers, Doug has decided to charter a boat, hire ski guides and offer the ski trip of a lifetime to every backcountry skier who is interested in an unmatched adventure.
Leaving Ushuaia, South America on November 4th, the 61 cabin, fully stocked, Clipper Adventurer will set out across the Drake Passage (renowned for its nasty weather,) and sail for two days on its way to the Antarctic Peninsula. For the next 6 days, a fleet of 10 inflatable Zodiacs will shuttle groups of skier’s to the mainland for some of the most amazing skiing the earth has to offer. The terrain varies from 2000′ ski lines right off the shore, to 5000′ descents on some of the larger peaks located on the peninsula. This trip is fully supported and catered to you, so all you have to think about is skiing and having fun. Doug will plan ski tours around your objectives and will ski all day and night if that is your wish. And in a place and time where the sun is up nearly all day and night, this very well may be the wish of many of the people on board the ship.
Not up for skiing on a particular day or maybe your significant other isn’t a die hard skier but wants to join the trip? Well, there are plenty of interesting things to keep you occupied, including the humorous penguin rookeries, watching whales breach right off the bow of the ship, trekking on unconquered glaciers that few humans have been on or visiting one of many historical landmarks that line the coast. The 2009 Antarctic Ski Cruise has something for everyone and you don’t have to be a hot-shot skier to enjoy in the fun.
I got a chance to catch up with Doug at Outdoor Retailer last week, because I’ve been seriously considering signing up for this trip. From what I’ve been told, this is 
one of the easiest and cheapest ways for a person to ski on Antarctica. And in case you are wondering, Doug isn’t really making a dime off this trip and vows that his goal with it is to make skiing in Antarctica available to everyone. He’s already thinking about a trip to South Georgia Island next year and than back to Antarctic the year after that. As for Doug himself, super cool guy that knows his stuff and is very personable, and his passion for adventure shows when he speaks.
Though the trip is filling up fast, Doug stated that there are about 24 berths still available. While most are Main Deck Twins, there are still a few Deluxe Twins and a Suite open in case you want something with a bit more space. Prices for the remaining spots range from $6990 to $9600, which includes nearly everything you will need on the trip including meals, guides, shuttles and lodging in Ushuaia before the trip. About the only thing not included in the price is your travel to and from Ushuaia. Like I said, it’s not cheap, but is pretty much cheaper than any other ski trip to Antarctica one could put together…without all the headaches.
If you are thinking signing up, join the club, because Doug said that he is constantly getting inquiries about it from all over the word and the remaining spots are filling up fast. Visit IceAxe.TV for more information, or contact Doug to find out more. Tell him TetonAT sent you!!!
S!