Expedition Beta & Route
Duration & Season: April 13 – April 27 (15 days)
Continent: N/A – The middle of the Arctic Ocean!
Country: Departs from Longyearbyen, Norway
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Conditions: Temperatures -20°C to -40°C & 24hr daylight
The North Pole Last Degree Ski stages out of Longyearbyen, Norway, where we meet for gear checks and spend a few days training and practicing key skills in Svalbard before flying onto the ice.
The ski itself covers the last degree and is short in duration (approximately 60 nautical miles or 112km) but high intensity. You can expect to ski for about 8-10 hours each day, pulling a heavy sled before setting up camp and resting.
It takes approximately one week to reach the North Pole.
Route:
As a ski across moving sea ice, the Last Degree North Pole doesn’t have a fixed route and changes from season to season and even day to day. Part of the adventure is navigating the ice drift and cracks in the ice, which lead to open leads of water that we must traverse around to reach the North Pole at 90° North.
Special Considerations:
Special Considerations:
- Cold management is vital on this expedition and requires state-of-the-art polar apparel and equipment
- Self-sufficient expedition towing sleds with supplies
- Navigating obstacles to find suitable routes through pressure ridges and around open water.
- Ice drift
It is very important for you to know that this expedition is true adventure travel in every sense of the word. Given the seasonal variation and the nature of sea ice, there is a significant chance that the trip won’t proceed as expected (or even at all). Expect delays at the very least and be prepared for them—this is not the exception; it is the rule.
Participants must be ok with this uncertainty when they sign up for the expedition. This environment, the infrastructure that the subcontractors put in to make this trip possible, and the nature of the trip are all constantly changing. We will do the best we can to manage all of these situations and move forward with the expedition, but nothing can be guaranteed.
Any expenses above and beyond what is outlined in our “What’s Included/What’s Not Included” section arising from delays, 3rd party infrastructure, season cancellations, etc., are to be covered by you and your insurance.
How to Choose The Right North Pole Expedition
How to Choose The Right North Pole Expedition
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Skiing to the North Pole is an incredible undertaking that very few people achieve. In such a unique, remote, and challenging environment, you want to know you’ve got the best logistics and guidance in your corner so you can focus on the goal!
Numerous operators offer North Pole expeditions, and at times, it can feel overwhelming and hard to distinguish what the notable differences are between them, especially when they are all offering the same thing.
We encourage you to do your homework whenever you are mountaineering or, in this case, polar exploring so you feel 100% confident in your choice of expedition company. You need to be supported in terms of safety and benefit from the best logistics, which will, in turn, enable you to focus on your goal while letting them take care of the rest.
Look for quality and experience in your guides and leadership. Assess a company’s reputation and ‘care factor.’ When you are skiing across the Arctic, you don’t want to feel like just another traveler!
Safety & Success
Your safety and success are the top priorities, in that order.
An expedition company should invest heavily and plan extensively for your safety. Look for safeguards and redundancies, and feel free to ask lots of questions about your operators’ safety policies and expedition philosophy.
There are nuances to Polar Expeditions that need to be planned meticulously.
For example, did you know you need to consume an average of 5,500-8,000 calories a day whilst skiing to the Pole, and you may still lose weight!? (The average adult diet at home is 2,000 – 2,500 calories a day) so good quality, high density food isn’t just a nicety, it’s a necessity. But it’s also a delicate balancing act that relies on skill and knowledge because you’ll also be hauling everything you and your team need in your sleds and every ounce of extra weight matters. Food might seem like a basic part of planning any expedition, but an operator’s approach and attention to detail to these finer details will give you clues as to how they strategize and approach your North Pole ski.
Leadership
Your guide/s need to be seasoned Polar experts with proven track records. Their strategy should be highly detailed, conservative, and well-planned, which will give you the best opportunity for success.
For instance, your guide should be able to effortlessly navigate the polar expanse, troubleshoot hazards and obstacles like open leads of water in the most efficient way, keep the team moving when the going gets tough, be on top of cold management (for both themselves and you!) at all times. Not to mention be instantly aware and at the ready to manage a lost polar bear who may have wandered a bit far from the coast!)
Skills Clinic & Training
To further increase your safety and success, it is important that your chosen operator dedicates ample time in your itinerary to refresh and practice your polar and skiing skills and techniques before you head out onto the ice.
CTSS schedules a comprehensive skills clinic in Svalbard before you fly to Barneo to ensure you feel confident, safe, and competent. Of course, your guide will continue to be on-hand throughout the entire expedition as you refine your skills and efficiencies and coach you to the successful completion of your goal.
Marginal Gains - The small things add up!
Have you heard of the “Marginal Gains” philosophy?
The idea is that by capitalizing on every little hidden advantage, 1% here, 1% there, gains quickly compound into a huge overall improvement.
CTSS prides itself on this kind of innovation across all of our expeditions, including the North Pole Last Degree Ski. We optimize both the big details, like guiding staff all the way through to the tiny comfort details, like food and tents.
People may dismiss these as ‘soft,’ but in fact, we invest in them because they are highly strategic.
Does an operator have strong values?
This is sometimes a little harder to identify as it’s more a feeling than a sales pitch, but you should get a feel for a company through their little interactions, their care factor, their attention to detail, their corporate social responsibility, and their responses to you.
Polar Expeditions can be high-risk and stressful, so pick an operator who has strong core values and a team mentality that aligns with yours. When things get challenging, you can rely on open lines of communication, knowing they will do what they can to support you and keep you safe.
It is this team cohesiveness that flows through to each individual and helps everyone achieve their goal.
Preparation & Prerequisites
Experience Level
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.
Physical Training:
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:
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
North Pole Advice from Mike Hamill
A Personal Welcome to 'Climbing the Seven Summits' Last Degree North Pole Ski from Mike Hamill
The North Pole wasn’t reached until the early 1900s, and since then, only a minuscule percentage of humans have set foot on that point. Of that handful, only a tiny fraction of them have done it under human power, and with the dramatic loss of the Arctic sea ice, who knows how many more will have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?
A last-degree ski is one of the final frontiers and the opportunity to be a true explorer. The Arctic is also a very challenging environment to operate in, both from a logistics point of view and a participant point of view. Everything from flying onto the ice runway of the seasonal Barneo Camp, where we stage our skis, to managing the cold takes detailed planning.
My advice is to view these unique complexities and see them as part of the greater adventure and goal. Just getting into the Arctic and the 89th parallel is a massive achievement.
This is a very dynamic and extreme environment, and everything is fluid, so it’s important to know there are no guarantees when committing to this expedition.
Of course, we will do our absolute best to keep this trip on schedule with no hiccups, but the reality is that things are likely to deviate from Plan A! We need all of our team members to be prepared for this and to roll with the punches while staying positive. You’ll have a much more enjoyable trip that way.
We look forward to traveling to the ends of the earth and sharing this amazing experience with you. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that very few intrepid souls are afforded! We are sure that you will love the experience.
Sincerely,
Mike Hamill
North Pole Travel Guide
Expedition Meets in: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway
Currency: Norwegian Krone
Population of Svalbard Approximately 3,000
Official Language: Norwegian
Season: Annually in April
Things you Need to Know:
Tourist Visas
Uniquely, while the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, located in the High Arctic, is part of the Kingdom of Norway it is an entirely visa-free zone meaning anyone can live and work in Svalbard.
However, you might need a visa to transit/stopover in mainland Norway. Make sure this is a double-entry visa so you can return to mainland Norway/the Schengen area after your trip to Svalbard. Speak to your travel agent to understand what your visa requirements are.
Even if you are an EU citizen who normally travels to Norway using just your European ID card, you must still bring a valid passport to prove your identity. Everyone travelling in and out of Svalbard must be able to prove their identity with a passport and they check in numerous times before you get on the plane.
Getting there
While Svalbard is geographically closer to the North Pole than to Norway, it is not as difficult or inaccessible as you might think. It is surprisingly straightforward and easy to get there with regular flights from Oslo and Tromsø. Svalbard only has one airport at Longyearbyen and flying time from Oslo is 3 hours, 2 from Tromsø.
Norwegian airlines has approximately 3 weekly flights to Longyearbyen throughout the year which increases in peak season, March – August. SAS airlines has daily flights to Longyearbyen throughout the year, via Tromsø. In peak season, the number of flights increases to several flights per day, some of them directly from Oslo. These can however be at odd times and you may find yourself arriving at midnight or needing to layover in Oslo to meet your connecting flights. It is still worth booking these flights early as they can fill up quickly.
There is no boat service or ferry service to Svalbard except for the cruise ships.
Getting Around in Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen is only small so you can walk around downtown easily. There are no street names here, just 40km of paved roads. During the Polar Summer, you can borrow bicycles at the Tourist Information Centre. There are two taxi companies who can also get you around town, into the valley, to the airport and Nybyen and a car hire company called Arctic Autorent which is located at the airport.
The airport shuttle is extremely convenient as it stops at all the hotels and guesthouses and corresponds with all arrivals and departures. You need to pay in Norwegian kroner or by credit card as the shuttle does not accept foreign currency.
They say there are are more snowmobiles than people, and it’s the main choice of transport during the winter for the locals.
How to Dress in Svalbard
It’s important to dress appropriately in the High Arctic with frostbite being one of the most common injuries in Svalbard. The weather can change very quickly at any time of the year. Strong winds make the actual temperature lower than the measured temperature. You can expect the average temperature for the summer months (mid-May to September) to be around 3 – 7 ˚C.
Bring a warm parka, windproof jacket and woollen underwear, as well as mittens and a hat. The terrain in Svalbard is uneven and rocky so you will need waterproof and solid walking shoes/mountain boots. In the summer, snow and ice melt leads to increased levels in rivers and streams so if you plan on any hikes, bring rubber boots and/or gaiters for crossings.
You can buy clothes and other equipment at the many sports stores in town at tax-free prices.
You should also bring indoor shoes/slippers or warm socks. It is tradition to take off your shoes when visiting someone’s home and when entering hotels/accommodation, shops and offices. This dates back to the when coal mines were in the middle of the settlement and by taking off your shoes, you avoided dragging coal dust into the houses, hotels and shops. Most places who request you to take off your shoes offer slippers.
Safety in Svalbard
Safety while travelling in Svalbard is a little different to other destinations – The climate is rough, the weather can change rapidly and polar bears outnumber people.
Good preparation and a conservative approach is key in order to maximise your enjoyment in Svalbard whilst minimizing these risks.
It is critical if you are venturing out of town to go with professional and local tour operators. Arctic Guides are well qualified to take care of your safety. They are able to assess weather conditions, avalanche risk, ice conditions, polar bea risk and a range of other factors. Further, guides leading tours outside of the safe zone in Longyearbyen always bring the required equipment for polar bear protection, as well as long range communication systems.
Keep in mind that you should not venture out from the settlements in Svalbard without being properly equipped or qualified. In Longyearbyen there is a safe-zone within which you do not have to carry any equipment for polar bear protection. You can get a free copy of the safe zone map from the tourist information office in Longyearbyen. In fact, it is illegal to leave town without a gun (and knowing how to use it!) It is also illegal to kill bears unless it’s absolutely unavoidable.
It’s an old custom to leave your home unlocked in Svalbard (& crime is almost non-existent here) so if a bear shows up unexpectedly you always have somewhere to retreat but chances of running into a bear in town are extremely low! If a bear is spotted anywhere near people or town it is usually chased away by helicopter and EVERY effort is made to avoid encounters.
There is a public hospital in Longyearbyen but everyone has to pay for consultation/admission at the hospital. This also applies to citizens of the Nordic countries. It is important to have appropriate trip insurance with medical coverage in case you need to receive medical treatment.
Things to Do in Svalbard
Most people like to extend their trip a little bit (3-4days) after their expedition to do some sightseeing in Svalbard as there’s lots to see and do.
Summer Activities include:
- Dog-sleeding (on wheels!)
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Wildlife viewing
- Biking
- Boat trips (best for seeing Polar Bears)
- Visit Barentsburg & Pyramiden
- Coal mine tour
Money & Tipping
Being part of Norway, the currency in Svalbard is Norwegian Krone (NOK) but you don’t really need much cash as everyone takes credit card. (If you are travelling from outside of Europe, make sure your card has a chip and a 4 digit pin – ideally a VISA or mastercard as these are accepted everywhere) If you need cash, you can take some out at the Longyearbyen Centre. There is no where to exchange money so you either need Kroner or credit card.
Svalbard is exempt from VAT and all goods are tax free!
Tipping is not common in Norway but of course, will be appreciated. People working in the service industry make a decent wage, meaning they aren’t reliant on tips to subsidize their income so keep it for exceptional service. There isn’t a standard amount to tip but rounding up your bill to the nearest 10 or 100 NOK is a great way to show your gratitude.
Tipping your Last Degree Expedition Ski Guide is customary but optional.
Adapters
Norway uses the standard Euro plug socket with two round prongs so you can use adapter types C or F. You might like to consider purchasing a reliable universal adapter that gives you all the options. Also it’s VERY important to note that Norway operates on 220V. If this differs from your home, buy a voltage converter to avoid frying your devices! For instance the standard voltage in the US is 120V and some older devices won’t handle a 220V supply.
We suggest bringing a power strip with you (that you will leave in Longyearbyen while on expedition) if you have multiple devices you would like to charge meaning you’ll only need one adapter.
Tap Water
Tap water in Norway is always safe to drink and the local water in Longyearbyen is filtered from the lake and is excellent quality, so fill up your reusable bottle and enjoy!
Staying Connected & Wifi
Wifi is readily available in Svalbard and almost every cafe and restaurant will have access points and hotels in Longyearbyen offer free wifi and have fairly speedy connection considering you’re in a remote part of the world! If you have a Norwegian SIM card or roaming, you will also have service on your phone.
Vaccinations
Travellers going to any destination should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters. These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.
Consult your doctor or travel clinic in your home country for updated information on immunisations specific for Norway.
Consider getting a vaccination for rabies which has been recorded in foxes, seals and reindeer in Svalbard.
Classic North Pole Expedition
$7,995 USD
Annually; April 3 - April 30th
Our classic 3 Peaks expedition is one of our most popular programs with so much incredible Himalayan climbing in a relatively condensed timeframe at a great price. It’s one of the best bang for buck trips you can take when it comes to climbing hours!
You start your adventure by meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal. Here we will do thorough gear checks, have team briefings, pack and organise our gear for the climbs head.
Following our time in Kathmandu we fly as a team to Lukla to start the trek. We land at the Hillary runway at roughly 9,000ft/3,000m. From the moment you land in Lukla you will be at altitude. It’s important to take it easy and let your body adjust to the altitude naturally.
You will love the famed Everest Base Camp trek which is perhaps the best and most iconic trek in the world and should be on everyone’s bucket list. What makes the beauty and excitement of trekking in this majestic land even better is being part of the lovely and hospitable Sherpa culture. Sherpa are known the world over for their graciousness and generosity.
Enjoy spending time visiting famous cultural and religious sights on our way through this scenic valley in the shadow of the world’s highest mountains. Our slow acclimatization schedule means there is plenty of time to explore landmarks like the famous Tengboche Monastery where you can stop by to visit a High Lama and receive a blessing, take time to explore the famous Namche Bazaar – the Sherpa capital or have a beer in the world’s highest pub. Passing by countless Tibetan Buddhist stupas and chortens, you will feel the rich culture of Tibetan Buddhism come alive.
We choose to implement a slow acclimatization schedule, not just so you can take in the sights and sounds of the valley but to ensure you enjoy your trek and climbs and feel great throughout.
Altitude isn’t something to be feared; it’s achievable for most people but it is a process which can’t be rushed. Generic treks that move too quickly often have disgruntled, unwell people because their bodies are struggling to adjust.
You will trek alongside an actual Everest summit team who you will also climb your first peak of Lobuche with. In fact, Lobuche is such a great, scenic climb (offering similar terrain & climbing to Everest, albeit at lower altitude) that all of our Everest climbers make the ascent of Lobuche en route to Everest base camp as one of their acclimatization rotations.
From Lobuche you continue your trek to Everest Base Camp where you can celebrate with a 2x night visit to Base Camp Proper staying at CTSS’ famed camp. Here you will also have the opportunity for additional training and ice climbing in the lower part of the Khumbu icefall and a free day to unwind and explore.
Leaving Base Camp the action heats up as the climbing continues. Crossing the legendary Khumbu glacier, traverse into the remote Pokalde base camp – an awe-inspiring bowl of Himalayan expanse where you will prepare for, and stage your next climb – Pokalde.
Following your ascent of Pokalde, you will cross into the Imja Tse valley for a climb of world famous Island Peak, the culmination of your 3 Peaks expedition and the highest altitude climb of the three.
Following your summits, enjoy the descent back down the valley, taking in your achievement in this remarkable corner of the world before flying back to Kathmandu and onward home.
Itinerary:
- Apr 3 Team Arrives
- Apr 4 KTM Day
- Apr 5 Fly to Lukla/Phakding
- Apr 6 Trek to Namche
- Apr 7 Rest
- Apr 8 Trek to Tengboche
- Apr 9 Rest
- Apr 10 Trek to Pheriche
- Apr 11 Rest
- Apr 12 Trek to Lobuche base camp
- Apr 13 Trek to Lobuche High Camp
- Apr 14 Move to Lobuche High Camp
- Apr 15 Acclimatize
- Apr 16 Summit and descend Lobuche BC
- Apr 17 Trek to EBC
- Apr 18 Rest at EBC - Training
- Apr 19 Trek to Lobuche
- Apr 20 Trek to Pokalde HC via Kongma La
- Apr 21 Climb Pokalde & descend to Chhukung
- Apr 22 Trek from Chhukung to Island Peak BC
- Apr 23 Climb Island Peak return Chhukung
- Apr 24 Trek Chhukung to Pangboche
- Apr 25 Pangboche to Namche
- Apr 26 Namche to Lukla
- Apr 27 Lukla flight to KTM
- Apr 28 Fly home
- Apr 29 Contingency day
- Apr 30 Contingency day
Our expeditions are designed to be fully inclusive, except for some services/items of a personal nature like flights, gear, insurance. Here’s a detailed list so you know what to expect
Included in the 3 Peaks Expedition:
- Leadership, strategy, climbing oversight including full support for a summit attempt
- Climbing Sherpa to assist with carrying personal gear
- Full expedition logistics, weather forecasts, etc
- Climbing permits for Lobuche, Pokalde & Island Peak
- Training and skills refresher clinics at Lobuche &
- Everest Base Camp
- Domestic flights to and from Lukla
- In country transport associated with the program itinerary
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation in Nepal including hotels and teahouses (twin share)
- 2x nights accommodation at Everest Base Camp proper
- Welcome dinner & meals throughout the expedition
- Access to medical and communications gear
- Mountain camp infrastructure and logistics including tents
- On mountain meals
Excluded in the 3 Peaks Expedition:
- International flights to Kathmandu, Nepal
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Associated travel expenses including: Visa, Passport,
- Reciprocity Fees, Vaccination Charges, Excess Baggage
- Optional excursions not included in the itinerary or additional days before or after the scheduled program
- Personal climbing equipment, clothing, toiletries etc
- Personal sundries including but not limited to; non-team meals while in Kathmandu, personal snacks, specialized high altitude climbing food, alcoholic beverages, laundry services, medical expenses, gratuities, 3rd party internet, email or phone charges, bottled water, specialty coffees
- Sherpa tip pool
- Guide tip (customary but optional) Costs incurred as a result of events beyond the control of CTSS above and beyond the normal expedition costs
- Required trip insurance policy (for trip cancellation, interruption, rescue & evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.)
- Unused Contingency Days at the end of your program: CTSS covers one night in the hotel in Kathmandu on your return. If you decide to stay longer in Kathmandu beyond this night, those costs are your responsibility. We highly recommend that while you should plan to be away from home for the entire duration of the expedition including contingencies days, you book a flexible return airfare so you can move your flight forward if you don’t use all of the contingency days or push it back as you need.
Explorer's Grand Slam
EXPLORER'S GRAND SLAM
What is the Explorer’s Grand Slam?
The Explorer’s Grand Slam, often referred to as the Adventurer’s Grand Slam, is the challenge to complete ALL of the famed Seven Summits as well as ski to both the North and South Poles.
It is one of the most coveted adventure achievements on earth and only a tiny handful of people have ever completed this feat. (Approximately 70!)
It was first achieved by David Hempleman-Adams in 1998.
The Explorer’s Grand Slam is a huge undertaking that will challenge you mentally and physically. You must be in top physical shape and be able to persevere in the face of intense hardship and discomfort. You will be subject to brutal cold, storms, extremely high altitudes, punishing load carries, and likely the best and most memorable experiences and people of your life!
What Order Should I Complete the Explorer’s Grand Slam in?
The beauty of the Explorer’s Grand Slam is it has a natural progression that suits a beginner adventurer all the way through to more experienced climbers meaning that while monumental, it is a goal that can be held by anyone.
There are lots of ways to tackle the Explorer’s Grand Slam and the progression you take will depend on your individual situation (time constraints, financial constraints, family/life/work situation) Everyone is different and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Most climbers tend to tackle this goal starting from easiest to hardest, from lowest altitude to highest, and by trying to group expeditions by region. For instance, new climbers can start with smaller, shorter expeditions like Elbrus and work their way up to bigger, more committing climbs. These trips will give climbers an indication of how they will do on the more serious climbs and at higher altitudes. The financial and time burdens of these smaller expeditions are also less onerous than Mount Everest or Vinson Massif.
More experienced climbers might tackle the goal by grouping climbs in regions and capitalizing on prior climbs as training and acclimatization for the next one. For instance, they might go directly from Everest to Denali earlier in their goal as it suits their schedule/world travel plan.
Climbers will always have different opinions about which peaks are more serious and which should be tackled first, but ultimately, the order is up to each individual.
Here is a general progression that you might consider:
How long does it take to complete the Explorer’s Grand Slam?
Completing the Explorer’s Grand Slam can take as little as 1 year and as long as a lifetime to complete. The amount of time that it takes you depends on how much (or how little) time you have, your financial resources, and your work/home/life/family situation.
CTSS can help you plan your goal to meet your needs whether you are going for a new ‘World Record’ or chipping away at it over a decade.
How Much Does The Explorers’ Grand Slam Cost?
To complete the entire Grand Slam from start to finish is a solid financial, physical and time commitment. The total cost depends on how you approach the project, your experience level and climbing style.
The most cost effective way to tackle them is to join us our regularly scheduled team expeditions but you can also customize your timeline by doing private expeditions that suit you. You should be budgeting at least $135,000 as a starting point, not including gear, travel, insurance etc.
Committing to multiple expeditions or your entire goal also enables CTSS to give you a discount so feel free to chat to us about price and how we can help save you money.
Special considerations on gear: To be economical, we recommend taking a smart approach to buying your gear for the Explorer’s Grand Slam. Most of the gear you buy can be used for many, if not all of the expeditions, so make sure to capitalize on these efficiencies while purchasing gear.
Please talk to us about this & check out our Gear Guide for more information.
Prior Experience & Prerequisites for the Explorers Grand Slam
The Explorer’s Grand Slam is a great progression goal meaning you don’t need prior experience to get started.
It does however help to have a solid background in alpine, ice, and rock climbing techniques, a familiarity with cross country skiing and be very physically fit.
Mentally; you should be comfortable with being away from home/work for weeks/months at a time, have the desire for ‘rugged’ adventure travel, be able to manage stress effectively, be open to guidance and able to work well in a team environment.
Here are the skills that you will master on the smaller peaks which you will need to be successful on the larger expeditions;
- Ropped glacier travel
- Rigging for glacier travel with a sled
- Cramponing
- Ice axe techniques
- Self arrest and team arrest
- Crevasse rescue
- Fixed line ascension; using a harness, ascender (jumar), ascender carabiner, primary safety (lobster claw) for descending or traversing while passing other climbers of anchors
- Rappelling
- Snow, ice and rock anchors
- Running belays
- Altitude illness awareness
- Camp setup
- GPS use and route finding
- Rest step
- Pacing
- Packing a pack
- Layering clothing
Training for the Explorers’ Grand Slam
Completing the Explorer’s Grand Slam is difficult even for extremely fit individuals. If you have the desire to tackle this goal, having top notch fitness over a long period of time is a must. Further this needs to be a high level of ‘climbing specific fitness’ and aerobic capability and strength.
It is vital that your training closely simulates what you will be doing on the mountain. Traditional gym workouts or general fitness plans aren’t targeted enough. While some of the expeditions are easier than others or require different types of fitness (rock climbing, carrying heavy loads etc) generally the best way to get fit for climbing is to climb. There is no substitute for getting out there and the more you climb the more prepared you will be for an expedition.
As a general rule climbers need to be able to carry heavy loads or pull heavy sleds for six to ten hours per day for multiple days in a row. Summit days on most of the Seven Summits consist of 3000-5000ft (1000 – 2000m) of elevation gain over ten to twenty hours of climbing. Outside of climbing, the most effective way to train is to undertake day hikes and multi day hikes of long distances at least once a week for five to ten hours at a stretch.
For success you should:
- Be able to start training specifically at least 6 months in advance of your first departure
- Have the time to commit to training 5-6 days a week
- Be comfortable hiking 1,500 vertical ft per hour with a 20lb pack.
- Concentrate on High Volume but Low Intensity training.
- Remember that high altitude climbing is more about endurance than short, quick bursts of power.
- Remember that high altitude climbing is more about endurance than short, quick bursts of power.
Rest is also an important part of training. Make sure you taper off and rest several days before leaving on an expedition, because travel and jet lag can take a toll on the body. Most importantly don’t overtrain to exhaustion before you begin, or risk injury before the climb!
We have found that climbers who are the most successful work with specific mountaineering coaches who map out a specific training regimens for the mountains that suit your schedule and lifestyle.
6x Reasons to Choose CTSS
Safety
Your safety and success are our priorities in that order. We make conservative decisions, plan redundancies and all our guides have wilderness medical training, safety & rescue plans & access to doctors 24/7 to help keep you safe.
Value for $
We keep our overheads low to pass savings on to you. We are proud to offer the best service for the most competitive price, without skimping on safety or taking shortcuts with logistics, staffing and infrastructure.
Holistic Approach
Our service goes far beyond the mountain. Think of us as your climbing coach, we’ll be there from start to finish to prepare, debrief and plan your progression as a mountaineer, whether your goal is a single summit or the Seven.
Guides & Team
Guides can make or break your climb. We hand pick the most qualified, tenured, tested and personable guides and Sherpa in the world. Owner and mountaineer Mike Hamill personally oversees the management of each expedition.
Our Values
We care about you, our people and the planet and we walk our talk by donating a percentage of every expedition to Tiger of the Snows fund which supports outdoor tourism workers all over the world and following strict Leave No Trace principles amongst other initiatives.
Success
We have an unparalleled summit success rate. How? We do it in a myriad of ways; like a great chef’s secret sauce, we've fine tuned the recipe over decades but most importantly, we believe in you & your ability to achieve your goals and are invested in putting you on top.
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The word trust comes to mind when I think about CTSS and why I will continue to engage them in future. When undertaking activities as serious as mountain climbing you need people you can trust, not to just make the good times happen but who have your back if things go bad.
- Scott G, Australia
Testimonials
Explorer's Grand Slam Inquiry Form
Lobuche Single Rooming Teahouse Upgrade
Single rooming option
$1,250 USD
We are happy to organize single rooming accommodations and a tea house upgrade for you throughout the expedition. If you snore or are easily awakened by others that do snore, this might be a great option. We feel that having a single room helps climbers stay healthy and adds a bit of comfort and personal space that can go a long way on a long expedition like 3 Peaks. If you would like a single rooming option please let us know. Please note that tent accommodations on Lobuche, Pokalde & Island Peak are double-occupancy for warmth and safety.
We stay at some of the nicest teahouses in the Khumbu valley throughout our trek to keep you healthy and to provide you with comfort. Many teahouses offer room upgrades which may include an en suite bathroom and more space, whereas our normal rooms generally have a shared bathroom and shower for an added fee.
City Tours & Nepal Extensions
Nepal is one of the world’s most popular destinations. With incredible landscapes and rich culture, once there, it is truly worth seeing as much of the country as you can.
We can seamlessly organise a variety of fantastic customised excursions and extensions for you either prior to, or after your expedition.
Contact Us for any requests you have so we can plan them seamlessly for you
Pre Trip Full Day Kathmandu Cultural Tour
$200 per person
Kathmandu is one of the most exciting, culturally rich cities in the world. Unique, and overflowing with sights, smells, sounds and tastes, it’s both chaotic and charming. A city of true contrast which needs to be experienced to be understood. During our Kathmandu Cultural Tour an English speaking guide will show you the best history and culture the city has to offer.
Paragliding in Pokhara (Annapurna Region)
Take in the spectacular views of the Himalaya whilst paragliding over Lake Pokhara. Nepal offers some of the best flying in the world with low lying valleys, high cold mountains and natural rising thermals that you can share with the hawks! You can fly with world class pilots tandem or stay longer and benefit from the wealth of experience and get your international license in Nepal. Spend a few days at the Lake and truly unwind with a change of scenery.
Trek the Annapurna Circuit or Sanctuary Walk
On a mission to tick off the best treks in the world? Why not take advantage of your fitness and experience the Annapurna region with either the Sanctuary Walk (Slightly shorter and slightly lower altitude) or the Annapurna Circuit (Slightly longer and crosses the 5,416m Thorong La pass into the Mustang region)
Jungle Safari in Chitwan National Park
One of the greatest drawcards of Nepal, Chitwan National Park is a World Heritage Site that protects 932 sq km of forest and grasslands and is arguably the best place in Asia to view wild game including horned rhino, monkeys, deer and over 500 species of bear. If you are lucky you may even spot a leopard, sloth or elephant or even the elusive Bengal tiger!
Visit the Upper Mustang
To trek in the Upper Mustang is a very rare privilege and has only been open to non-Nepali’ for just over 15years. Here you will experience a way of life of true mountain people, who for hundreds of years had very little contact with the rest of Nepal and retained their rich cultural heritage. In many ways, visiting the Upper Mustang is similar to Tibet as geographically it is a part of the Tibetan plateau.
Lobuche Family & Friends Options
We welcome you to invite friends and family to join your Lobuche.
The benefits are:
- Sharing the joy of this once in a lifetime experience with your loved ones
- Lessening the time apart
- Putting your family at ease as they get a firsthand understanding and empathy of the nature of your expedition and goal
Lobuche & Everest Base Camp Trek
$5,495 USD
The Everest Base Camp trek is widely heralded as the best trek in the world and for good reason; it’s beautiful, challenging yet achievable, and incredibly scenic. Roughly 40 miles/70 km you will trek through lush green pastures, blossoming Rhododendron forests and the most spectacular mountain terrain in the world.
Adding 2 extra days to the usual Everest Base Camp schedule family and friends are welcome to stay with you the entire time and relax at Lobuche Base Camp while you climb (time apart is minimal)
Following your ascent you will journey together into Everest Base Camp Proper at 17,600ft/ 5,500m where, being affiliated with an Everest climbing expedition, your friends and family are also able to enter and spend 2x nights within Base Camp, something the vast majority of trekkers never experience.
This allows them to get a sense of the Everest Base Camp scene, community, and what goes into an Everest expedition. If they are feeling good, they have the added option to join our climbing clinic or scale Kala Pathar the morning they leave Base Camp for stunning views of the Everest Massif, Lhotse, and Nuptse.
You descend back down the valley together before flying home.
Additional Nights at Base Camp:
If you, your friends and family want to stay at Base Camp longer than 2x nights we can add additional nights for $350/each
Everest Base Camp Executive Luxury Trek & The Gokyo Extension are also available to you, your family and your friends.
This is a sample itinerary only. Your actual daily schedule will be strategically planned to account for the best weather and summit windows etc. We begin our expedition in Kathmandu, Nepal before flying to Lukla in the Khumbu Valley to trek to Lobuche Base Camp. Our climb ends in Kathmandu where CTSS will cover one night accommodation. We recommend booking a flexible return airfare.
- Apr 3 Team Arrives
- Apr 4 KTM Day
- Apr 5 Fly to Lukla/Phakding
- Apr 6 Trek to Namche
- Apr 7 Rest
- Apr 8 Trek to Tengboche
- Apr 9 Rest
- Apr 10 Trek to Pheriche
- Apr 11 Rest
- Apr 12 Trek to Lobuche Base camp
- Apr 13 Acclimatization Trek to Lobuche High Camp
- Apr 14 Move to Lobuche High Camp (optional - family and friends are welcome to stay in the better equiped Base Camp if they prefer)
- Apr 15 Rest Day
- Apr 16 Climbers summit, family & friends rest day
- Apr 17 Trek to EBC
- Apr 18 Everest Climbing Clinic & Explore BC
- Apr 19 Trek to Pheriche
- Apr 20 Trek to Namche
- Apr 21 Trek to Lukla
- Apr 22 Fly Lukla to KTM
- Apr 23 Fly Home
- Apr 24 Contingency Day
