From the South Pole to Hercules Inlet.

The South Pole classic, reinterpreted.

The South Pole is one of those legendary places - similar to the North Pole or Mount Everest - that captured the world's imagination for decades before it was ever reached. Standing at the southernmost point of our planet, in the heart of a vast ice-covered continent, is an unparalleled experience - one that few others can match.

On our journey, we follow in the footsteps of the early explorers - but with a modern twist: we use kites. This allows us to cover distances of up to 200 kilometers per day. Kiting is also the reason why our starting point is the South Pole - the katabatic winds flowing north from the pole propel us toward our destination at Hercules Inlet.

Highlights

  • Travel to Camp Union Glacier, the southernmost adventure camp in the world

  • Embark on one of the longest polar expeditions in existence

  • Travel through the heart of a vast continent, almost entirely covered in ice

  • Use kites to be agile and fast

  • Starting point is the South Pole

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Expedition Essentials

Date:  29 November 2026 - 12 January 2027

Special: Exclusive ski/kite expedition with 1 to 2 participants

Trip duration: 4 - 5 Weeks

Approach/Return: Arrival via Punta Arenas (Chile) continuing on to Union Glacier (Antarctica). We then reach the South Pole, where we start our expedition towards Hercules Inlet. The distance from the South Pole to Hercules Inlet is approximately 1200 km.

Requirements: This is a challenging and lengthy expedition with skis, complete with sledges and a tent. Physical health and fitness are required as well as team spirit and expedition experience.

Equipment: Ulrich Expeditions will provide you with most of the expedition equipment. Thomas Ulrich has perfected many parts of the equipment himself.  As an expedition participant, you will be equipped by Ulrich Expeditions in the same way as the very top polar exploreres are today. You only need to bring a few items of equipment yourself. Ulrich Expeditions will provide you with a detailed equipment list.

Prices (target price per person 2026)

  • 1 participant: CHF 240’000

> price for more than 1 customer upon request

Included in the price: The above sum includes flights, hotel accommodation, permits and meals in accordance with the travel program. 

Not included: Personal equipment (according to the material list). Personal health, accident and evacuation insurance for the polar region.  Cancellation insurance. Additional costs due to postponements and/or delays due to external circumstances (e.g. weather or flight delays). Additional, voluntary activities.

Expedition Details

To the South Pole. Our journey will take us via Punta Arenas in South America on a special plane to Camp Union Glacier on the Antarctic continent. A smaller plane will take us to the South Pole. This is the start of our expedition: we have about 1200 kilometers to cover across the largest expanse of ice in the world.

Flying with the wind. From the South Pole, at an altitude of about 2800 meters, we will kite to Hercules Inlet, almost at sea level. The route runs roughly along 80° west longitude. With our kites, we are powered by nature, sometimes gliding with the wind across the icy continent. When the conditions aren't favorable for kiting, we continue on skis.

Reaching Hercules Inlet. We cross the Till Mountains at 85° south latitude, leaving the polar plateau behind as we continue toward Hercules Inlet. We expect to reach our destination in about 25 days, though the duration of the trip can vary significantly depending on the conditions. We will be picked up by plane and flown back to Union Glacier, from where we will return to Punta Arenas.

Please note: For this trip, you should be able to snow kite or learn the skill from Thomas. The determination to complete such a challenging journey is essential. Participants must be able to handle the mental strain of being in the world's largest ice desert, often pushing their limits and enduring windless stretches when the daily distance covered may only be 20 kilometers. Temperatures as low as -40° Celsius are possible.

“From 2800 meters down to nearly sea level: With our kites, this can be great fun.”

“A true mental and physical challenge, making this trip all the more rewarding.”