Union Glacier Camp is the only facility of its kind in Antarctica. The full-service private camp operates during the Antarctic summer (November through January) and is dismantled at the end of each season. The camp not only provides accommodations to guests on guided experiences but also serves as a logistics hub, supporting private expeditions and National Antarctic Programs.
The camp is located in the spectacular and remote southern Ellsworth Mountains, on the broad expanse of Union Glacier. It is only accessible by air and all guests take their first steps in Antarctica here, on a naturally occurring blue-ice runway.
Camp is located 1,859 miles (2991 km) from the southern tip of Chile and a short flight from Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica. Neighbors at the South Pole are just over 600 nautical miles (1138 km) away.
Accommodations
The camp can house up to 70 guests in the dual occupancy Clam Tents. These double-walled sleeping tents are designed to withstand Antarctic conditions with a high-tech nylon covering and durable aluminum frame that opens up like a clam shell. They are also incredibly comfortable to live in with large doors and a tall interior that allows you to stand upright and move around easily (16 ft x 8 ft or 5 m x 2.4 m). Tents are naturally heated by the 24-hour sunlight up to 60°-70°F (15°-21°C) but also have a wooden floor underneath to provide insulation from the snow and solid footing. Each guest is provided with a cot, mattress, pillow, linens, towels, and wash basin.
Weather
The Antarctic climate is generally cold, dry, and windy. Even though it is summer, the temperatures remain below freezing at all times. Camp is typically less windy than other areas, such as the blue-ice runway, and temperatures range between -12° to 30°F (-24° to -1°C). Please keep in mind conditions can change rapidly and wind chill can make temperatures feel colder. You must bring everything on our required clothing & equipment lists so you are prepared for all conditions.
Meals
The dining tent is the heart of camp and serves as a gathering place for all guests. You’ll have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world embarking on everything from a Mount Vinson summit attempt to a Ski South Pole expedition. You’ll get to mingle with staff, who speak 15 different languages, and may have the chance to talk to scientists working on a variety of research projects.
Talented chefs utilize a fully equipped kitchen to create fresh-cooked meals, baked goods, and fantastic desserts. You’ll be surprised at the range of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses that are able to be flown in regularly from Chile. A variety of hot beverages, soft drinks, juices, and water are available. Chilean beer and wine are served in limited quantities with dinner.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at set times. In between meals, self-serve snacks and beverages are always available. All meals are served buffet style and vegetarian options are available upon request. If you have made special dietary requests, please introduce yourself to the kitchen staff when you arrive in camp. Due to the remote location of the camp and distance from advanced medical care, chefs are unable to cater to those with severe food allergies.
Showers & Toilets
While at Union Glacier Camp, you’ll have access to communal showers and toilet facilities. In keeping with the mission to set the highest possible environmental standards, the camp tries to minimize the amount of residue (grey) water generated as well as the fuel used to melt snow in Antarctica. Disinfectant hand gel is provided in the dining tent and in all toilets and guests are asked to limit shower use to every 2-3 days to conserve water. Washbasins are available if you don’t want to take a full shower. Many guests bring pre-moistened towelettes such as Wet Wipes to use in between showers. Towels are provided in your tent and body wash is available in all shower stalls but you should bring any other toiletries with you. Laundry service is not available.
All human waste is removed from Union Glacier Camp, which requires liquid and solid waste to be kept separate for ease of transport. For men, a stand-up urinal is provided in addition to a sit-down toilet. For women, two sit-down toilets are provided, one for liquid waste and another one for solid waste and toilet paper. During the night, some guests prefer to use a “pee bottle” in their tent. Staff will show you the container where you empty your pee bottles next to the toilet facility. Don’t forget to bring your pee bottle with you when you leave camp. On vehicle excursions, guides will also have a portable toilet you can use in emergencies.
Activities
You can be as active or relaxed as you like while at Union Glacier. Each morning after breakfast, meet to discuss the options and organize activities tailored to the weather and your interests. A variety of group excursions available, and there plenty of activities you can do on your own around camp. Take a walk, cross-country ski, or try out one of the fat tire bikes on the groomed 6 mi (10 km) loop. If you’re looking for something more low-key, check out a book, movie, or game in the polar library.
In the evenings, guest lecturers will host engaging talks on a variety of topics from polar history to glaciology. Many will share photos and stories of their own expeditions to remote parts of Antarctica and beyond. Please respect camp quiet hours between 10pm and 7am.
Communication & Power
Satellite phone cards are available for purchase with US cash. Please note that you are charged per attempted transmission, not per connection. You can ask for a satellite phone in the Communications Office during specified hours and can make calls from our phone booths or your own tent. Please do not use satellite phones in communal areas like the dining tent.
Limited charging facilities are available in the dining tent and feature two types of outlets: USB and 120V A/C (North American Type A or B plugs). Ensure your batteries are fully charged prior to leaving Punta Arenas, you have back-up batteries on hand, and you leave any unnecessary electronics behind. Please be courteous of your fellow guests and do not leave electronics plugged in overnight.
Transportation
The camp has a fleet of specially adapted vehicles for ground transportation, snow clearing, and runway maintenance. These include two 4×4 and three 6×6 passenger vans, several tractors, Tucker Sno-Cats, industrial snow-blowers, skiway groomer, and a number of snowmobiles and sleds.
