Cross-country skiing in Roald Amundsen’s trails on Antarctica
paid content by Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions
Silently posed at the bottom of the world, Antarctica has been the inspiration for adventurers and explorers since the beginning of recorded history. Having no native people to call its own, Antarctica’s story is told through the histories of the individuals who have braved its unknown territory – Terra Incognita. Shifting ice sheets, expansive plateaus, and hidden crevasses create harsh realities while exploring its interior. A key component to the success of expeditions to the coldest, driest, and windiest continent is cross-country skiing.
Amundsen’s race: On skis to the south pole
Most notably is Roald Amundsen team’s successful journey to the South Pole. Reaching their destination on December 14, 1911, Amundsen wrote in his journal “So we arrived and planted our flag at the geographical South Pole. Thanks be to God!”. After safely returning to their base at Framheim, Amundsen’s team concluded their nearly two-year journey. Amundsen along with hundreds of other historic and current expeditions have relied on cross-country skiing as an integral way of traversing Antarctica.
The first Loppet on Antarctica
To celebrate the long and storied heritage of cross-country skiing in Antarctica, Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE) is proud to launch its newest experience: The Antarctic Loppet. This six-day experience boasts three events of varying distances (10K, 20K and 50K), traveling through the extraordinary scenery of the Ellsworth Mountains. The event will be open to all cross-country skiers seeking to challenge themselves. Participants will also learn about Antarctica’s ‘Heroic Era’ and be a part of modern Antarctic sporting history. 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 take part in guided excursions to some stunning Union Glacier locations. Personal ski time and a celebratory event round out this experience which honors cross-country skiing as an important aspect of Antarctic history.
“Since our start in 1985 as Adventure Network International (ANI), ALE has pioneered the Antarctic adventure industry. We are the most experienced private operator on the continent with an impeccable safety record, a strong environmental ethic, and a desire to share the White Continent with other passionate explorers.” – Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions
