Terrain and Weather
Most of this journey across South Georgia Island will traversing snow-covered mountains. There is a distinct possibility that we might encounter fierce winds of up to 100 kilometers (60 miles) per

Early morning call after a night on the ice. (Antarctica - Photo by Sue Werner)

hour, as well as rain and snow. The trek will be physically demanding, but no technical climbing skills are required. If the winds are too high on the alpine passes, our guides may elect to turn back and retrace our steps to the starting point in King Haakon Bay. Depending on weather conditions, our alpine crossing may be forced to stop short in Fortuna Bay or Possession Bay, just short of our goal in Stromness.

Each person will be required to carry his or her own pack, which will contain all clothing, survival equipment, a tent and a share of the group's food, stoves and fuel. The pack will probably weigh 15 to 20 kgs (30 - 45 pounds). If the weather is favorable, the crossing may take only two days. However, we have allocated four days for the crossing to allow for the possibility of bad weather.

Experience Required
With these conditions in mind, you will need:

• Experience in travelling roped-up in heavily crevassed alpine terrain.
• At least two winters cross country skiing experience, including experience in carrying a heavy pack on skis and camping in the snow.
• Ability to carry a 15 to 20 kg pack for 4 days, for up to 10 hours a day.
• Above average fitness.
• Significant outdoor experience in extreme weather conditions, such as high alpine, Himalayan or general mountain terrain.
• Your own personal equipment, including three-pin skis (stepped or with skins), backpack or rucksack, gaiters, crampons and ice axe.
• Above all, a healthy degree of flexibility, recognizing the possibility that our crossing could be thwarted by weather conditions.

If you are intending to make the alpine crossing, you will need to provide us, at the time of booking, a reasonably-detailed resume describing your alpine climbing, skiing and other relevant outdoor experience.

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