Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides offers you more than the classic routes: we're a team of innovative high mountain guides committed to our vocation.
We offer you a rare journey, a marriage of sea and peaks in one of the most remote, breathtaking corners of the planet: the Antarctic peninsula and its myriad glacial islands.
We, at Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides have 32 years of experience organizing expeditions in all corners of the world, from the highest summits to the most isolated niches. We have already led 4 ski expedition in the Peninsula: 2012, 2015, 2019, 2022.
Our expedition boat Marama is an aluminium boat, 101 feet long designed for polar navigation and its team is specialized in Antarctic trips. The skipper has sailed for more than 20 years and he knows the region like the back of his hand.
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides do not subcontract any of our trips, we design them, then we lead them with our team of guides who specialize in far-flung expeditions.
In our spirit of discovery and adventure, we are thrilled to embark with you on this expedition that is as exceptional as it is remote.
The spirit of the trip :
More than a trip, this ski cruise is an adventure in the biggest sense of the word. While everything is planned, nothing is guaranteed. Our principle is constant adaptation to the unpredictable world of sea and ice. Our anchorages may vary from the itnerary, as the wind changes constantly and we will have to modify our plans to maintain safety. This is a modern odyssey, venturing humbly amid forces bigger than ourselves. The rewards of engaging with these powers of nature are huge.
Conditions could be difficult on the yacht or on land. There could be strong winds or sea-sickness and a strong team spirit is needed to ensure the journey unfolds well. Life onboard runs according to some rules to which we have to adapt. Maintaining good spirits and a sense of humour are vital assets for the success of this type of expedition.
Ian has come with us in December 2022 and will be able to talk with you about his experience of the trip and the spirit of this exceptionnel journey. Feel free to get in touch with Mr Ian Moller in San Francisco at: stewart.378@gmail.com.
Pierre Schmidt, the leader guide, who has led 4 ski expedition in the Peninsula to be reached on what's app +33 6 08 54 43 29.
Technical level :
The summits we will climb are not very difficult, but you must be a good skier and mountaineer, and have excellent fitness. Slopes are up to 45 deg in short sections. All the terrain is glaciated, and it will be useful to know crevasse rescue techniques, z-pulleys for example. Every member of the group must be capable of helping in case of a fall. There will be camping for a few nights in a total autonomy.
No sailing experience is necessary, but giving a hand is always appreciable. A strong mindset to affront all aspect of this trip is an asset.
Physical level :
Very good fitness is vital. We will do daily average altitude ranges of 1000m and 5 - 7 hour per day. We will need to pull a sledge loaded with a tent and food, to reach some more remote summits. This will demand extra effort from you.
The weather can also be harsh and energy-sapping.
Life of group :
A 20m yacht has limited living space and life onboard runs according to some rules so that each person can keep their small amount of personal space. Observing these rules is vital to ensure the success of communal life during a long voyage. So is good humour, having an open spirit and giving mutual support during difficult moments.
The Ushuaïa-Antarctic passage can unfold on rough seas, making life onboard less pleasant. Even then, it is important to maintain good humour. Everyone will be asked to pitch in with daily tasks onboard, including the washing-up and to maintain the cleanliness of common areas.
Modification of the program :There is no program set in stone, other than constant adaptation to the prevailing conditions. Our knowledge of the area lets us choose the best summits given the weather on the day.
Guides:
Two high mountain guides (alpinism state qualified).
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides founder Pierre Schmidt will be one of them.
Extra information:
Your will receive a document with full information sent out 31 days before departure.
The Boat :
Aboard the yacht Marama, a graceful 101feet aluminium-hull vessel. Marama is perfectly equipped for this type of expedition and offers all the required safety and comfort. Find out more on the site www.club-croisiere.com
Meal :
Meals are prepared on board by the crew. While we are on land, we will cook ourselves using freeze-dried ingredients in camp, and eat picnic lunches prepared onboard. You should bring your own muesli bars and treats.
To reach some summits, we will need to sleep in tents and haul our camp on sleds which we pull ourselves. There are no porters.
Material:
The equipment list (ANTARCTIC gear list) you should have will be sent out to you at the time of the inscription
plus:
1 shovel
1 probe
1 sleeping-mask
1 inflatable mat square for sitting on
1 pair of waterproof gloves
1 headlamp
Material provided : North Face tent, sledges, ropes, tranceivers, stoves, cooking gear, satellite phone, VHF radio