Antarctic Loppet – Antarctica’s first cross-country ski race

Date: 14th Dec 2025 (Departure to Antarctica)
Location: Union Glacier Camp, Antarctica (79°46′S 82°52′W)
Technical information: 10, 20, 50 km CT
Facebook: @Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions 
Website: www.antarctic-logistics.com
Instagram: @antarcticlogistics

Cross-country skiing has a long and storied heritage in Antarctica. Amundsen’s team was the first to reach the South Pole and their skiing ability was a key element to their success. In celebration of Antarctica’s rich skiing history, ALE (Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions) is proud to found the first Antarctic Loppet. ALE’s exclusive travel itinerary offers guests the opportunity to learn from specially curated lectures, compete in the timed Antarctic cross-country skiing events, and have time to soak in the unique sights of the interior of Antarctica.

Antarctic Loppet Race Course

There will be a 10K, 20K, and 50K courses. The 10K and 20K courses run adjacent to our camp in Union Glacier. The 50K will traverse the stunning Driscoll, Schanz and Schneider glaciers.

More course details coming soon.

Climate at Antarctic Loppet

The interior of Antarctica has a cold, dry, windy climate. Average mid-season temperatures range from -15°C to -1°C . On a sunny windless day it can feel quite warm but, when the wind blows, you will be glad of warm layers and a wind jacket. 

Aerial view of Union Glacier Camp

How to get to Antarctic Loppet

Guests have to provide their own travel to Punta Arenas, Chile. From there ALE charters a private Boeing 757-200 to fly guests from Punta Arenas, Chile to Union Glacier, Antarctica. Wheeled aircraft land on our blue-ice runway, a glacial area that remains snow-free due to katabatic winds.

Travel Tips for Antarctica

  • Antarctica is bright and the sun shines 24 hours a day! Quality eyewear is essential to prevent snow blindness. You must wear Sunglasses or goggles outside at all times. We recommend non-metal frames with a 100% UV protection.
  • ALE takes biosecurity seriously. All equipment taken to Antarctica should be cleaned thoroughly to remove all soil and organic material. 

Johanne (Jo) Chabal skate skiing in 3GR.

Antarctica Facts

  • Antarctica is the coldest, highest, windiest, and driest continent on Earth
  • The Antarctic continent is a land mass covered with ice up to 13,000ft (4km) thick.
  • With all islands and ice shelves, Antarctica is nearly 1½ times the size of the USA, twice the size of Australia, and 58 times the size of the UK. It covers about 5.5 million square miles (14 million square kilometers).
  • ALE (then ANI) was the first to land a wheeled aircraft in Antarctica in 1987, and  the first to fly tourists to the South Pole in 1988. Learn more about ALE’s history here.
  • Union Glacier camp operates during the Antarctic summer (Novemeber through January) and is dismantled at the end of each season.Learn more about our Union Glacier camp here.