Ushuaia

12-DAY ANTARCTICA SKI CRUISE

Backcountry Skiing

What you'll do

Embark on a 12-day Antarctic expedition with Powder South, exploring untouched slopes and majestic peaks. Sail aboard the advanced Sylvia Earle vessel, equipped for comfort and safety. Engage in daily skiing or trekking activities, Zodiac excursions, and wildlife observations, including penguins and whales. Led by UIAGM-certified guides, this journey offers an unparalleled adventure in one of the planet's most awe-inspiring wildernesses.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina

Arrive in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Ushuaia is the last major population center before leaving the mainland and venturing into the waters of the Beagle Channel and toward Antarctica. It thus represents the "end" of civilization as we know it. Our local partners will pick you up and bring you to your hotel. Here, you can rest and take some time to explore the city. Enjoy a welcome dinner and an overnight stay in Ushuaia. (If possible, we recommend arriving in the morning so you have time to get ready for the big adventure ahead.)

Day 2 – Embark on the Sylvia Earle

Board the state-of-the-art expedition vessel Sylvia Earle. Set sail down the Beagle Channel, taking in breathtaking views of rugged landscapes. the spectacular scenery of this channel was also described by the young naturalist Charles Darwin, who in 1833, explored these remote waters. In his travel notes he wrote, “It is almost impossible to imagine anything more beautiful than the beryl blue of these glaciers, and especially in contrast to the matt white of the upper expanse of snow.” The observation of these lands and their creatures helped shape his ideas about evolution. Even today you can share the same awe and wonder that Darwin felt almost two centuries ago.

Day 3 - Into the Southern Ocean

Begin your journey across the legendary Drake Passage, that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, located between Cape Horn (the southernmost tip of South America) and the South Shetland Islands, about 160 km north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Prior to the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914, the Drake Passage was a crucial trade route for ships wanting to pass between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As the Sylvia Earle heads south, enjoy onboard briefings, wildlife identification workshops. Indeed, the abundance of plankton and krill in these waters attracts a wide range of marine life. Among other species, you may spot albatrosses and petrels soaring alongside the ship. This is a time to settle into expedition life and get oriented with the polar environment.

Day 4 – The Antarctic Convergence

Continue your voyage through the Drake Passage, crossing the Antarctic Convergence where cold polar waters meet warmer northern currents—often a hotspot for marine life. Keep watch from the observation deck for humpback, fin, or even sperm whales. The day also includes gear checks, safety drills, and optional lectures from the expedition team.

Day 5 – Charlotte Bay and Bluff Island

Charlotte Bay, known for its stunning glaciated scenery and iceberg-filled waters, and Bluff Island, offering dramatic cliff faces, provide incredible backdrops. Ski or trek untouched terrains, exploring pristine snowfields. Explore via Zodiac, navigating icy channels for close encounters with seals and whales. Visit bustling penguin rookeries, observing thousands of these charismatic birds. Finally, enjoy scenic hikes across the raw, beautiful landscape, capturing unforgettable views of this unique polar wilderness.

Day 6 – Nansen and Enterprise Islands

Discover the raw beauty of Nansen Island and Enterprise Island, quintessential Antarctic landscapes. Nansen is named after the famous Norwegian explorer, this island offers glacial landscapes perfect for skiing and hiking, with large colonies of Gentoo and Adelia Penguins. Enterprise Island is famous for the striking wreck of the SS Guvernøren, a whaler that burned down in 1915, a testament to its industrial past. Here, in addition to penguins, you can spot seals and whales. Today you can ski or trek through pristine, snow-covered terrain, experiencing the deep silence of the polar environment. creating unforgettable moments in this remote wilderness.

Day 7 – Ronge Island and Cuverville

Ronge Island, a pristine land nestled in the Errera Channel, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding glaciated peaks and majestic glaciers. Its pristine snowfields make it an ideal place for skiing and trekking.Cuverville Island, a true wildlife haven, particularly renowned for being home to one of the largest colonies of Gentoo penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula. The islands' rocky shores and secluded coves are perfect for Zodiac excursions, which provide close-up views of the dramatic coastline and the occasional seal resting there. Also, visit Almirante Brown Station, an Argentine scientific base (active only in summer). Although its main function is research, a visit to this station offers a glimpse of the human presence in this remote environment and provides an interesting contrast to the wilderness.

Day 8 – Brabant Island and Chiguano Bay

Brabant Island, the second largest in the Palmer archipelago, is a mountainous wilderness where you can ski on pristine slopes or trek through nature. Nearby Chiguano Bay offers breathtaking scenery for exploration. Here, in the nutrient-rich waters, you can keep an eye out for incredible marine predators such as majestic killer whales and powerful leopard seals, often spotted hunting or resting on the ice floes. Visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky Research Station – a crucial Antarctic research station, famous for its role in the discovery of the ozone hole. One of the station's most famous and unusual features is the Faraday Bar, considered one of the southernmost cafes in the world.

Day 9 – White Wilderness Traverse

Venture deeper into the Antarctic Peninsula with a full day of ski touring or trekking across untouched snowfields and dramatic coastal ridgelines. Depending on conditions, your guide may lead you to a remote glacier or a wildlife-rich landing site for up-close encounters with penguins or seals. Scenic Zodiac cruises through ice-filled bays offer additional exploration options.

Day 10 – Final Footprints on the Ice

On your last full day in Antarctica, enjoy a final outing—either an iconic ski descent or a panoramic hike with views stretching across the icy continent. Wildlife sightings may include whales, seabirds, or curious seals. Wrap up with a reflective Zodiac ride and farewell toast aboard the Sylvia Earle as you prepare for the return across the Drake Passage.

Day 11 – Farewell to Antarctica

Begin your return voyage across the Drake Passage, reflecting on the incredible experiences and wildlife sightings. Enjoy final lectures, wildlife watching, and time to relax aboard the Sylvia Earle as you head back toward Ushuaia.

Day 12 – Arrival in Ushuaia & Expedition Conclusion

Disembark in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world (12 PM). Say goodbye to your guides and fellow travelers as your Antarctic expedition comes to a close, leaving you with unforgettable memories and stories to share.

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

100% Guaranteed Departures

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Flexible Changes

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

100% Guaranteed Departures: Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.
Flexible Changes: Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.
Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance: Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance

Medical and luggage insurance

Travel cancellation insurance

UIAGM IFMGA Guide

Skiing Instructor

All meals

Lectures on Antarctic history, biology, geology and politics

Access to onboard amenities, including sauna and lounge areas

Zodiac cruises and shore landings

11 nights aboard the Sylvia Earle expedition vessel

Flight

Visa (if applicable)

Extra accommodation

Transport from airport

Transport to airport

Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”

Tips

Personal equipment

Pre & Post activity food

Pre & Post activity accommodation

Guide expenses (meals and lifts)

Expenditure of personal nature

Accomodations

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Sylvia Earle Vessel

A cutting-edge vessel designed for polar exploration. Features include the ULSTEIN X-BOW® for smoother sailing, dedicated skier Zodiac, glass atrium lounge, sauna, and luxury amenities. Cabins are typically twin, with king-size beds available upon request, and they are well-appointed, offering comfort and safety throughout the journey.

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Albatros Hotel

Warmly decorated rooms offer complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Room service is available. Guests can enjoy free continental breakfast and parking. The hotel also features an airy restaurant/bar, an exercise room, and a spa with a hot tub, sauna, and massage services. Rooms are typically twin, with king-size beds available upon request.

Guides

Joaquin Oyarzun

Joaquin Oyarzun is the Executive Director and Co‑Founder of Powder South Heli‑Ski Guides. A former Olympic speed skiing racer on the World Cup circuit, he later became a professional ski instructor with ENSA in Chamonix. He has climbed and guided numerous Andean peaks—including multiple Aconcagua summits—and participated in Himalayan expeditions. He speaks fluent Spanish, German, French, and English, and leads Powder South, Chile’s premier heli‑ski operation offering remote, world‑class heli‑skiing adventures.

Rodrigo Mujica

Rodrigo Mujica is an IFMGA/UIAGM–certified mountain guide, Director and Co‑Founder of Powder South Heli‑Ski Guides. With over 40 years of guiding experience, he has led expeditions to Denali, Aconcagua, the Himalaya, Patagonia and Antarctica. He also founded Aventuras Patagonicas, a high‑altitude guiding company. Rodrigo oversees Powder South’s heli‑ski programs in the Chilean Andes, ensuring professional safety and unforgettable terrain for skiers worldwide. He speaks English, French and Spanish.