How do I reserve my trip?
Book Now or call us at +1-530-582-1246.
You may place your deposit via check, wire transfer, money order or with a Visa or MasterCard credit card. A 5% service charge applies for credit card processing.
If you mail a check with your trip application, your place will not be reserved until the check has cleared through our bank.
Please Note; a 50% deposit is required upon booking to reserve your place. The final balance is payable 115 days prior to your departure date.
What is the weather like?
The weather in Antarctica is extremely unpredictable. Heavy rainfall is unusual; strong winds are relatively common, so it is important to pack accordingly. The average temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula during the summer months range from approximately 23º – 41º F. The weather in Ushuaia is a bit warmer but also has the wind and rain characteristics of the Antarctic weather systems.
You say the weather can be pretty unpredictable. What happens if there are delays?
If any trip must be delayed due to bad weather, cancelled or delayed transportation, sickness or any other situation for which Ice Axe Expeditions cannot make provisions, all costs incurred during such delays must be borne by trip members.
I am traveling alone. Can Ice Axe provide me with a roommate?
Ice Axe will do their best to accommodate all passengers traveling alone by finding the best roommate match possible. Some flexibility may be necessary. If we are unable to find a suitable roommate then you will be invoiced for a single supplement price.
What if I need to cancel?
All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received up to 110 days prior to departure are refunded less an administrative fee of $500 per person. If cancellation is received between 108 and 54 days prior to departure, the deposit is forfeited. Please note that for cancellations received within 54 days prior to departure, all deposits and tariffs are forfeited. If cancellation occurs within the 54-day period and full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid monies are due immediately. For these and other reasons mentioned below, you are strongly encouraged to obtain trip cancellation insurance. Prices quoted are based on group participation and no refunds will be made for any part of the program in which you choose not to participate.
How does the travel insurance work?
We always encourage folks to purchase TRIP CANCELLATION insurance in addition to the mandatory medical evacuation insurance. We require that you have at least $100,000 in medical evacuation insurance. Your insurance policy should cover hazardous sports and we recommend that your policy cover search and rescue. Since we cannot confirm each client’s policy individually, it is your responsibility to make sure your policy will cover you while you participate in your activities of choice on the expedition.
For US citizens, we recommend the Travelex Travel Select Insurance with the Adventurer Pak upgrade. You will have a choice of purchasing it with or without the cancellation coverage–so make sure to select the one that gives you the coverage that you need. Other commonly used companies include Global Rescue and World Nomads.
You are welcome to seek out other insurance options, as these are only recommendations. When selecting a policy, please make sure they insure a) the region of Antarctica, b) ski mountaineering-which involves the use of ropes, crampons, ice axes and is a guided activity. Ski mountaineering is not considered the same as skiing by many insurers, and you need to confirm that they will cover this activity.