Pack your swimsuit

To reach the North Pole, crossing water - the Arctic Ocean - is inevitable. Between the pack ice and the mainland lies the MIZ, or Marginal Ice Zone. This transition zone presents unique challenges for every expedition: It is characterised by a mix of ice floes and open water, creating a dynamic and ever-changing environment. You have to be prepared for anything: wide cracks, thin ice that won’t hold, shallow pools of water and much more. If you can’t go any further on skis, it’s time to get in the water - so always bring your swimsuit. But beware: the Arctic Ocean is one of the coldest in the world. Specialized training is essential to prepare for the unexpected, including how to react if you break through thin ice.