South Pole Camp

When the great Polar explorers, Amundsen and Scott, arrived at the South Pole a century ago, there was only the sound of the wind and an endless expanse of white stretching in all directions. Today the South Pole is a crossroads for modern adventurers and polar science.
The camp is situated about 0.6 miles (1 km) from the Geographic South Pole Marker and Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station. A flagged route marks the path between camp and the Pole.

Accommodations
The tented camp at the South Pole is designed to provide as much comfort and security as possible given the extreme environment. Guests on overnight experiences will sleep in Arctic Oven tents. These double-walled, heated tents are designed to withstand Antarctic conditions. Padded sleeping mats and pillows are provided to use with your sleeping bag.

Weather
Be prepared for extreme conditions. Temperatures range from -31° to -13°F (-35° to -25°C) and the physiological altitude (how high it feels) is roughly 11,000 ft (3,300m). You may feel the effects of altitude, including shortness of breath and mild headache and it will be cold! One of the experienced medics accompanies all South Pole Flights and is ready to assist you should you have any issues with the cold or altitude. With the right clothing and equipment, you will quickly settle in and enjoy life at the bottom of the world.

Meals
Meals are prepared by one of the talented chefs and served in a large heated dining tent. This main tent is the center of activity for the camp is open to expedition groups and guests to enjoy together.

Toilets
Toilet facilities are housed in a tent. All waste is returned for proper disposal in Chile. No shower facilities are provided at South Pole Camp.

Activities
While camping at the South Pole you can participate in activities, mingle with teams who have skied to the Pole, or simply relax and take it all in. Choose from a variety of morning and afternoon activity sessions, with opportunities to visit the South Pole Markers, South Pole Visitor Center and Amundsen-Scott Station; lectures on Antarctic themes; DVD presentations; and games and activities organized by the guides.

Communications
South Pole Camp maintains daily communication with less remote camps using satellite phone and email communications. Guests can make outgoing satellite phone calls using our Iridium handsets. Pre-paid phone cards can be purchased before arrival.

Power
South Pole Camp is solar powered and limited charging facilities are available in the main tent for guests. Two types of outlets are available: USB and 120V A/C (North American Type A or B plugs). Ensure your batteries are fully charged prior to arrival, you have back-up batteries on hand, and you leave any unnecessary electronics behind. Please be courteous of your fellow climbers and do not leave electronics plugged in overnight.

Time
The sun rises and sets only once a year at the South Pole and you will have 24-hour daylight throughout your stay. The South Pole Camp schedule will operate on the same time as Punta Arenas, Chile, where our flights originate. You may find yourself keeping odd hours as the team coordinates activities with those of Amundsen-Scott Station (NZ-SP time UTC+13).

South Pole Camp Time
= GMT (UK time) -3 hours
= Eastern Standard Time (NYC time) +2 hours
= Pacific Standard Time (LA time) +5 hours.

South Pole Asma #5
The South Pole has been designated as an Antarctic Specially Managed Area (ASMA #5) to conserve the environmental, scientific and historical values of the area. A management plan directs all activities in the Area and specific guidelines apply to all non-governmental visits. Please cooperate in respecting visitor guidelines during any time you may spend at the South Pole.