North Pole Last Degree Ski Difficulty: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate

A last-degree ski to the North Pole is a serious expedition best suited to adventurers with solid fitness. Previous experience in extremely cold environments and a familiarity of being on expedition is an advantage.

Cold is the biggest hazard on this expedition, and while your guide will help you plan and manage this, you should be comfortable taking care of yourself and aware of cold management strategies.

While no prior ski experience is required (the motion is essentially walking on skis on flat terrain, so the skiing itself isn’t hugely technical), it is an asset if you do have some basic cross-country ski experience.

A climbing/trekking background is also a strong asset.

It is important that you are very physically fit and healthy, and you can dedicate time to specific training in the lead-up to your expedition. You will be required to ski in extreme temperatures for up to 8-10 hours per day, as well as assist the team in camp tasks before and after your skiing day.

While a North Pole ski is not technical or high-intensity, it does require stamina, and you will need mental and physical perseverance. Being in top shape will also ensure you enjoy your ski, feel good throughout, and get the most out of the experience.

It is vital that your training closely simulates what you will be doing on the expedition. Traditional gym workouts or general fitness plans aren’t targeted enough. Instead, you need to emulate long physical days (8 hours +) using the same muscle groups that you will use skiing.

We recommend that you:

• Start specific training at least 3 months in advance
• Train at least 5 days a week for an hour or more
• Focus on high-volume but low-intensity training (lots of long sessions that build endurance and perseverance)
• Ski touring and tire-dragging workouts are ideal.
• A good goal is to be able to comfortably hike 1,500 vertical feet per hour with 6-8kg, 15lbs day pack
• Schedule a few weekends when you can do two or more full days back to back. Multi-day hikes with good elevation are ideal.

Mindset and mental preparation are integral to your success on any expedition.

You should:

• Be prepared to be away from home/work for 3 weeks with long periods of being out of range
• Be prepared for extreme temperatures and conditions, which can be physically taxing and exhausting
• Have a desire for rugged adventure travel
• Be flexible to plans changing quickly and able to adapt with positivity
• Be open to receiving and deferring to guidance, support, and advice from your guides/expedition leaders (even if you are an experienced adventurer)
• Be comfortable having open conversations with your guides
• Be able to work well in a team environment. Not only by being supportive and respectful of fellow teammates but also by working hard in the interest of the whole team (for instance, carrying equal weights, helping with camp tasks, etc.)
• Be humble, respectful, and considerate under pressure