Arctic Ocean
Last Degree to the North Pole
2017, from the 1st of April to the 16th of April.
“A place where all roads meet, a convergence of the imaginary, the
North Pole is at the axis of rotation of the Earth. At this point, all
longitudes coalesce, all time-lines meet, and the hours fuse together. All
directions are South…………. This is a mystical, mythic point whose
meaning outstrips the imaginations ability to grapple with it.”
That was my journal entry, on the 16th of May 1994, the day when I finally reached the
North Pole for the first time after a 76 days trip on the icepack with a friend. Since I have
returned more than a dozen times to the North Pole.
Many have dreamt, perhaps with trepidation, of one day reaching the North Pole, but
few have ever been able to realise the desire to reach this fabled place.
However, thanks to the enormous experience of the Russians in Arctic logistics, it is now
possible, for a small number of hardy souls to be able to experience a unique voyage to
one of the furthest reaches of our planet, at a not too exorbitant cost.
It is proposed to transport the intrepid voyagers to the 89°, or ultimate degree, via
Svalbard. The first staging point will be Longyearbyen in the heart of Svalbard, from
where both Amundsen and André started for their expedition.
A specially chartered plane will then transfer the party first to Franz Jozef Archipelago
and from there to a temporary drifting station (Barneo) on the Arctic Ice pack, in the
proximity of the 89th degree.
Note that some major changes have been made for the next season dure to logistiucal
problems and that we are still waiting for a confirmation for keeping the departure point
at Longyearbyen. The alternative starting point could be Murmansk with a first step at
Franz Jozef Archipelago on the way to Barneo. From there the group will set out on foot
to cover the remaining 110km to the North Pole. Each member of the group will be
provided with a sledge, which will contain the articles necessary to sustain them for the
next 7 to 9 days. The sledge will weigh in the region of 35kg.
We will set up our tents every night, on the floating ice, in the midst of the spectacular
Arctic landscape: the midnight sun, the compression ridges, open water channels
between perpetually moving ice floes, as air temperatures fluctuate between –20°C and
–30°C. This is a universe that I love profoundly, and I will guide you through it, so that
you too can partake of the glories of this icy world, and experience at first hand the secret
joy of Polar exploration.
Summary
• What makes this polar trek unique?
• Qualifications and training
• Description of the polar trek
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Cost
Dates & Itinerary
Equipment for the journey
Additional requirement
What makes this polar trek unique?
As a seasoned IPGA affiliated Polar guide (co-founder of the International Polar Guides
Association (IPGA), having completed record-breaking Arctic and Antarctic crossings, I
have had the time and the experience to be able to select the best and highest performing
technical equipment to support your journey. In my work as I mountain guide
(UIAGM/IFMGA) I see time and again that the failure to complete an expedition because
of equipment deficiencies is extremely frequent. In order to reduce any external reasons
for not achieving the goal, I have developed an equipment kit containing articles of
apparel and other, tested personally by me, and which contributed to the success of my
own expeditions. (See Chapter “Equipment for the journey”)
Experiencing a challenging adventure, with reassurance and confidence in one’s
equipment can make all the difference to the mental state allowing you to relax and enjoy
fully this absolutely amazing trek on the middle of the Arctic Ocean.
At night we will enjoy the atmosphere of a common mess tent for dinner before retiring
to sleep in private individual tents.
Qualifications and training
This particular polar trek is for people who are in good shape, and who are eager to push
themselves physically and mentally. Though the skiing is quite demanding, it does not
require significant skill (it is very much like walking with skis on). You will need to have
very good cardiovascular endurance and the ability to pull a heavy sled (between 30-40
kilos) for several hours at a time.
The polar trek will encounter very cold conditions, and living in such cold conditions 24
hours a day can be very challenging. You will have to be able to regulate your body
temperature so that you do not get too cold or too hot while you are skiing.
Being rested before the departure and following a regular training and
preparation during the last three months will help you to make the
expedition more enjoyable and safer.
How to conduct a proper training?
A regular training will have to be conducted between 2 and 4 times a week:
• Jogging: 45min - 1h30
• Biking: 1h30 - 3h
• Active walking (if possible with up and downhill): 2h - 4h
• Swimming: 30min - 1h
The regularity and the variety of the training program are important. Even if you don’t
have enough time during the week, two sessions during the WE will be sufficient. For
those who practice activities such indoor biking or rowing, remind that a session has to
be conducted on a daily basis and for a minimum of 20min.
Please contact us with further information if needed.
Description of the polar trek
Long days, changing weather conditions and difficult terrain are part of the journey. The
last degree trek is an adventure in every sense of the word. Traveling across the dynamic
polar pack ice requires patience and agility, not to mention a flexible attitude to deal with
the many diversions that pop up over the course of each day. From open water "leads"
and thin ice passage to large pressure ridges of ice, there are many obstacles on this polar
trek that make reaching the North Pole all the more satisfying.
The journey begins at Longyearbyen in Svalbard, an old coal mining place well above the
Arctic Circle at 78 degrees North: A place which has become a centre for outdoor
adventure and polar science.
We will first review the all equipment to make sure that every single thing will be
embarked in the sledge and off course make a last test of the equipment in the field
around Longyearbyen. Safety procedures and all aspects of the trek will also be reviewed.
Note that we are still waiting for a confirmation for the departure, which could take place
at Murmansk. This will be confirmed in the coming months and as soon as we will get
the information on this logistical point.
Depending on conditions and the time of our arrival we'll either set up camp or strap on
our skis and sleds and head off toward our goal, the geographic North Pole.
Skiing 7-10 hours a day over the dynamic pack ice, we'll encounter many challenges and
breathtaking scenery. If conditions are good, our route will take us across large pans of
flat ice that present few obstacles. When conditions are less than ideal, we'll have to
maneuver around or across open water "leads" and over pressure ridges that can range
from 1-5 meters in height
To ensure that you have the best possible experience, we'll help you with all aspects of
your pre-expedition preparations, from choosing the right clothing to learning how to
pack your sled.
Cost: (Longyearbyen- Longyearbyen or Franz Jozef
Archipelago – Franz Jozef Archipelago (to be
confirmed)):
! 34.000 EUR.
(The full payment has to be done prior December 05th,
2016. After this date, the logistic company in charge of
the flights will require an extra of 2000).
Please note that this price is for a minimum of 4
participants. Note that a special quotation can be
provided for 1 to 3 participants.
The price includes all transportation and accommodation north of Longyearbyen
as well as all the equipment (as described here before) provided by us.
The price does not include personal equipment as described here before.
It does not included return airfare ticket to Longyearbyen, accommodation and
meals in Longyearbyen, expenses related to alterations to flight ticket due to an
unexpected late return, and insurance for the trip.
A deposit of 5.000 Euros has to be paid as soon as possible to secure the seat in
the flight to Barneo (seats are limited).
The full amount has to be paid at last by the 1st of December 2015.
Details for the payment will be communicated as soon as the
inscription is confirmed.
Dates & Itinerary
! Arrival at last on the 1st of April (often late night) in Longyearbyen (Svalbard Norway). Accommodation at the “Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg” Guesthouse located
next door our warehouse at 5 min walking from the centre of Longyearbyen.
! 02d & 3rd of April in Longyearbyen: Training and last checking of the equipment.
! Day 1: (04rd of April): flight Longyearbyen – Barneo (drifting station) on a
dedicated airplane ‘Antonov 74’ following by an immediate departure on the ice.
! Day 2 to 9: ski polar trek to the North Pole, with overnight on the ice. Flight back
to Barneo by helicopter MI8.
! 13 or 14th of April: flight back to Longyearbyen.
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! Return flight to Oslo (in transit to your final destination): 15th of April (often early
morning) or later (not before the 15/04 in case of delay from Barneo flight).
We advice to get the possibility of changing your schedule (your ticket flight) in
case of a change of date due to a quicker return from Barneo.
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Equipment for the journey
General equipment description
If the equipment is basically the one commonly used in the mountains, some additional
requirements for a cold trip like this are necessarily to be included as specific jackets and
warm hat, adapted gloves and mittens or a good face mask with a wind protection. This
will be explained here under.
With respect to skis and footwear, we will use newly customized boots with soleintegrated binding (developed for my own expedition). This new system is much
technical, warmer, more durable and more comfortable than other brands of the market.
The boots, the skis and the ski poles, the synthetic sleeping bags (-25/30°C) and the
closed-foam mattresses (two regular) will be provided.
We have comfortable and big geodesic tents especially made for such an expedition (two
people per tent), specific sledges (which can be rapped together and be used as a
catamaran) and pulling belt, stoves (MSR Whisper light) and cooking gears.
All boiling water and meals will be prepared by the guide in the comfortable mess
pyramidal tent which will welcome the group for all dinner and breakfast. This warm
tent will be the place for spending a nice evening all together after the harsh and solitary
day walking on the ice.
General equipment provided for the group
Carabiners (2).
Snow pegs - 3 per tent.
Stoves and kitchen equipment.
Shovel, one per two tent
Fuel (Coleman-white gas).
Fuel cans.
Thermometer and meteorological measuring devices.
Map: (we are going straight north all the time)
GPS: Polar guide (bring your own if you wish)
Compass: Polar guide (bring your own if you wish)
Repair kit: provided but bring a few personal items, sewing kit, etc.
First Aid: provided but not sophisticated.
So please, bring medication, etc. for personal use.
Gun/Ammunition: Polar guide
Signal pistol: Polar guide
Iridium satellite telephone: available.
The cost is as follow: 3 EUR / minute.
Spare equipment: Alain Hubert
Personal options
Camera, Diary, Writing utensils, pencil, book (don’t imagine you will get much time left
for reading...), etc.
General equipment provided for each participant
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1 Google mask with additional wind screen protection for the nose
1 pair of wool mittens
1 pair of polar fleece mittens
1 pair of wind proof outer mittens (only membrane without any leather or
whatever additional layer)
1 pair of very big warm mittens (in case of stressed cold temperature or problem)
Sleeping bag(Haglofs Zensor Nordic Winter)
2 mattresses (close cell foam – 14 mm each)
1 sledge small size (custom made – see picture)
1 pair of skis with a large synthetic skin integrated in the sole of the skis on the
compression zone
1 pair of polar boots (custom made (@Extreme Planet) with integrated binding –
see picture)
1 thermos: 1.2 liters (for hot drinks, unbreakable).
1 stiff clothes brush: to brush off snow and frost in the tent.
Personal equipment:
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Bivouac shoes to be used in and around the camp. Put woolen or closed-foam
innersoles inside.
1 windproof mittens: should be big and have room for two pairs of woolen / fleece
mittens inside - Can be provided by Alain Hubert.
1 pair of wool mittens or polar fleece mittens (Note that protecting hands are very
important and that ski-gloves are not allowed) - Can be provided by Alain
Hubert.
2 pair of under-gloves in polar fleece.
1 wind jacket (Anorak) Large with good length and hood (Gore-tex, Microfiber or
cotton can be used).
1 wind pants: same as for the jacket. Pants with suspenders and a high waist are
recommended.
1 down jacket: thick and large, with hood.
1 thin puff vest (type primaloft synthetic fabric) or polar-windproof vest: not
required, but nice for cold days when skiing.
1 polar or fleece jacket (200 gr): used in the camp or to wear on extra cold days
when skiing.
2 long thermal underwear: free choice of your favorite type of underwear, but two
sets are required.
2 or 3 pair of thin inner socks: to be used inside the boots and directly against
the skin. It will dry quickly in the tent.
Vapor barrier sock: normal plastic (strong shopping bags or equivalent). Take
along 10-15 plastic bags to pull on top of the thin inner sock to prevent moisture
from reaching the boot.
2 pair of thick socks: to be wear on top of the vapor barrier liner.
1 thick hat: wind proof insulated hat.
1 thin hat: thinner hat for warmer days.
2 balaclava: can also be used as a scarf (1 spare when the first is frozen).
1 long “Buff”
1 Google mask (in addition of the one provided)
2 sunglass: choose any you like (one is spare).
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1 sun cream Sun Block.
1 lipstick Sun Block.
1 spoon: strong type (no plastic).
1 eating bowl: roomy, preferably insulated, plastic only (metal is prohibited)
1 big cup: insulated cup.
Hygiene: tooth brush, toiletries, etc.
Small bags: bring some light kit bags for personal equipment and clothing to keep
your sled tidy.
1 knife: own choice of Leatherman tool, pocket knife or normal knife.
Toilet paper: one roll per person.
1 night bottle (optional): half liter plastic bottle (Nalgene).
Individual warm hand bag (to put into the mittens in case of very cold
temperature ) : 20 x per person.
Personal medication if required
Misc.
Food: about 900 gr per person per day.
We will bring food for 8 days. If any of you feel like having extra snacks, bring them if
you wish. If anyone has allergies or special needs, please let me know well in advance.
• Breakfast.
(I assume that you all like muesli).
Muesli w/ milk powder or pemmican and mash potatoes (optional)
Raw sugar
Milk powder and cacao
Tea or coffee.
• Lunch.
Tea for hot water (thermos). If you would prefer having energy powder, please bring it
with you: it won’t be provided.
Home made compressed biscuits rations or choice of bars and biscuits
Belgian Chocolate : 100 Gr per day.
Cheese (150 Gr per day).
• Dinner
Freeze dried dinner (prepared dried food without any additive).
Mash potatoes with mixed ground cereals.
Some classical dried food packs will also be available
Instant soup (2/person/day).
Everyone should bring a cake (small cake, put in plastic box, tape up) or whatever you
want for celebrating at the North Pole.
Weights expected to be carried per person:
The total weight will be about 35 kg. (The weight decreases by about 1
kg/day!)
Additional requirement
Please Note: A medical certificate will be required from all participants,
attesting to the fact that they are physically fit enough to undertake the proposed
journey. Evidence of travel insurance to cover medical risks should also be
presented. The organizers cannot take any responsibility for any harm to
participants arising from their lack of physical condition prior to undertaking the
proposed expedition.
Please Note: Every participant must have rescue travel insurance (like EuropeAssistance or equivalent). A copy of the contract has to be showed prior the
departure of the expedition. Most of the travel insurance only covers your travel
until Longyearbyen.
Under request, we can provide a personal rescue insurance for the duration of
the trip (please ask for information as a pick up by helicopter is very expensive)
Please Note: Despite the fact that we will guide this trip to the best of our
ability, it is important to emphasize that this expedition cannot be compared with
normal organized travel, and that special conditions apply.
It is also important to make clear that accident and injuries can occur and that all
parties join at their own risk, and participate in the full knowledge of these facts.
All participants must sign a waiver stating that they fully understand this and
that they participate on this trip at their own risk.
Please Note: As Air travel from Oslo to Longyearbyen could be a bottleneck;
you should book your ticket well in advance and make sure that your ticket might
be changed in case of weather delay or quicker return at Longyearbyen.