On May 10th 1916 Sir Ernest Shackleton arrived on the north-west coast of South Georgia after his epic 17-day boat journey from Elephant Island. Ahead of him, rising to over 10,000ft, stretched a range of mountains that many people believed were impenetrable. In crossing those mountains he not only saved his men, but also brought this spectacular sub-Antarctic island to the public attention.
We aim to follow Shackleton's famous journey on ski, from King Haakon Bay to the abandoned whaling station at Stromness. Sailing from Stanley (Falkland Islands) aboard the expedition yacht Icebird, we expect the crossing to take five to seven days.
After reaching Stromness we will visit the former whaling station at Grytviken, Shackleton’s final resting place, and then continue along the coast of South Georgia to ski tour amongst its wild mountains and visit some of its breathtaking wildife sites.
We are putting together a team of six skiers to join us on this historic adventure. If you are interested in joining us, please contact us.
The Shackleton Crossing of South Georgia... Follow in the footsteps of Shackleton by following his epic crossing of South Georgia! South Georgia is one of the most remarkable places on earth. Steeped in colourful history, this remote mountainous island is home to a breathtaking amount of wildlife. During this expedition we hope to follow Shackleton's route across the island, as well as explore some of the island's other glaciers and mountains on ski, in addition to visiting some of the island's remarkable historic and wildlife areas.
We shall meet in Stanley in the Falkland Islands, and after a day of preparations sail east to South Georgia. Depending on weather, we hope to land at King Haakon Bay on the south coast, where Shackleton commenced his famous traverse of the island. The traverse should take four to five days, and if conditions allow we hope to ski some of the summits along the route.
Icebird will pick us up at the abandoned whaling station of Stromness, where Shackleton finished his traverse. We shall then sail along the north coast of South Georgia, making landings as the weather allows. There are numerous glaciers and bays that we can explore on ski, and colonies of King and Macaroni penguins to visit, as well as the abandoned whaling station of Grytviken.
Day 1: Arrive in Stanley. Meet team and spend night on Icebird.
Day 2: Day in Stanley. Prepare equipment and practice glacier crossing and crevasse rescue skills.
Day 3-6: Sail to South Georgia across the South Atlantic. This usually takes 4 to 5 days.
Day 7-8: Arrive in South Georgia and sail towards King Haakon Bay.
Day 9-14: Crossing of South Georgia via Shackleton's route.
Day 15-16: Rest day, then ski from Maikviken to Grytviken.
Day 17-18: Exploration and ski tours in Cumberland Bay.
Day 19: A day at the King Penguin colony in St Andrews Bay.
Day 20-30: Exploration and ski tours in the Salvesen Mountains in SW South Georgia.
Day 31-35: Return to Stanley (Falkland Islands).
Day 36: Depart Stanley.