North Pole Last Degree Ski Expedition (111 km ski expedition).

PAYMENT POLICY
A deposit of €5,000 is due at time of registration to reserve a space on the expedition.
A full payment is due 60 days prior to the expedition start date.

CANCELATION POLICY
Refunds will not be issued for cancellations made less than 60 days prior to the scheduled date.

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Trip overview

Longyearbyen (Swalbard) - Barneo Ice Camp - North Pole - Barneo Ice Camp - Longyearbyen (Swalbard)

Why go there?

Experience skiing expeditions in the midnight sun to the Geographical North Pole. These are the very rewarding tours for those who can accept camping in tents and appreciate wilderness. In April the climate is at its best with temperatures ranging from -30C to -20C. With an aircraft we will bring you from Spitsbergen to the Ice Camp situated at the latitude approx. 89 grad. North. Well-trained skiers will walk to the Pole with skis and pulks pushing through the pressure ridges, crossing the frozen leads and experience the feelings of the real Arctic explorers. The starting point for them will be chosen in accordance with weather and ice condition to guarantee the arrival to the North Pole on the appointed day. For ski fans, who prefer to spend a night in a warm place we suggest ski tours in the vicinity of the Ice Camp during the day and rest at night in the heated tents of the Ice Camp. They also have a great chance to witness a rich activity of the camp, share the camp with world-class skydivers, scuba divers or Arctic explorers. They will fly to the Pole with a helicopter. On the Pole all parties will have a celebration and contemplate the exploits of those who succeeded or failed to reach the place on the Earth where all meridians unite. From the Pole a helicopter and a plane will bring the travelers back to the civilized world.

Good advice

Ski expedition to the North Pole - is a complex mission that demands on a good physical and psychological preparation. It is always better to enjoy the trek than to suffer of it. In order to estimate your abilities and prepare yourself better, you should to know what to expect.

Physical exercises:
You are going to walk on skis or afoot (depending on the ice conditions) for 8-10 hours daily for 6-8 days. Besides, you have to pull 30-40 kg expedition sledge with equipment, fuel, and food. The ice surface is mostly rugged, making smooth and comfortable sliding pretty unlikely.

Consult your doctor before making up a decision about expedition to the North Pole.
Previous experience of the tours, ascents, expeditions and winter camping are highly reccomended.
Doing various winter sports would be very helpful.

Changes and amendments may apply to the programme, depending on the weather, ice or other conditions. It is important to consider possible delays or alterations, and take them with patience. We strongly recommend you to acquire insurance against full or partial cancellation of the expedition.

Important: Each expedition to the North Pole is the ultimate adventure full of random factors. Though we are making all possible efforts to accomplish every expedition, 7 Summits Club reserves the rights to change or cancel an itinerary due to weather and / or ice conditions, group fitness, political situation, strikes, wars, revolutions, terrorism and / or other factors beyond its control. Such changes are to be made in our customers’ interests and with regards to their safety. 

North Pole Expeditions. Terms and Conditions

1. General Provisions

The Arctic Ocean is one of the most inhospitable regions on our planet. Logistics problems are enormous; the weather ferocious and unpredictable, ice condition is unstable. Distances are immense, facilities scarce. Safety and self-sufficiency are the paramount rules. We acknowledge and respect this. It is our obligation to warn to all clients that they like us and everyone else attempting to function in this extreme environment, are at the mercy of forces more powerful than any of us. A tight time-schedule in connection with the North Pole expedition is often unwise. Despite the expected period of calm dry weather, windstorms and blizzards as well as changes of the ice condition are a major threat to flights and groups en route. Delays of days and even weeks must be anticipated. Changes and amendments may apply to the program, depending on the weather, ice or other conditions. It is important to consider possible delays or alterations, and take them with patience. We strongly recommend buying an open date return ticket for your trip. This allows for greater flexibility in your time control. 

Our flight to the Polar region takes about 2.5 hours. We always make sure that the weather conditions are suitable for safe aircraft and helicopter operation for the journey in both directions. We keep permanent radio contact with the world-famous Barneo Ice Camp, and are awaiting for THEIR PERMISSION to depart. The aircraft crews are also in touch during the whole flight duration. 

On board of our charter flights clients are required to respect the authority of the chief pilot and comply with his instructions. While at Barneo Ice Camp, field operations manager is given authority and responsibility for the safety and comfort of all clients. During field expeditions, 7 Summits Club's lead guides are delegated similar responsibility for all participants of the expedition in their care. 

By arrival at the Barneo Ice Camp we are even more dependent on the arctic weather. Storms and unfavorable ice conditions may easily interrupt aircraft or group departs. Considering safety matters most seriously we reserve the right to make any necessary changes in the itinerary up to the full cancellation of the expedition on the final stage should the situation require this. 

Construction of the ice runway and Barneo Ice Camp — is a sophisticated logistic and technical process, which requires huge precursory work to be done. It incorporates coordination of the several air carriers' schedules, along with other involved organizations all over the country including high-ranking officials from The Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Defense and Federal Security Service. Logistic operation of the ice runway and Barneo Ice Camp construction begins long time prior to the expeditions start; for example, fuel purchase and its supply to the Arctic take place during the previous summer. That is why 7 Summits Club has to follow its Refund and Cancellation Policy in all customer relations. We strongly recommend that all our clients should carefully read these Terms and Conditions and purchase an insurance against full or partial cancellation of the expedition as a protection against an unforeseen situation leading to interruption of your expedition. 

2. Booking and Payments

2.1. To book a place in the expedition, the client has to send us an application for the participation in the desired expedition. This application should be sent well in advance, as we have to prepare many licensing documents along with visa support (if client goes via Russia ). 

2.2. Application should contain the following information: 

— name and dates of the expedition; 
— client's full name; 
— date and place of birth; 
— gender; 
— citizenship; 
— contact phone number and e-mail 
— passport number and period of validity 
— clothes/footwear sizes 

2.3. After receiving your application, we will return a written confirmation of initial place booking and send an invoice for deposit payment. If, by the time of your application, we do not have places for the dates you specified, we will advise alternative dates, if it is not possible, we will cancel your booking with explanations of the reason for denial. If the dates are agreed, the deposit should be paid within 3 days from the invoice issue. Place in the expedition would not be secured until the deposit is paid. In case the cancellation of booking or participation was made by client, a deposit is not refundable. After receiving deposit, we will inform that booking has been made and confirm expedition itinerary. 

2.4. Large discount is applicable to the programs, which are booked and fully paid before December 1st (See rates and dates page). For programs, which are paid after December 1st, the following scheme will be applied: An advance payment of 50% (if invoice does not state otherwise) of the total cost should be paid by 1 st December. The full cost is due and payable by 1 st February. In case of late booking the total expedition cost should be paid flat by 15 th March (only if the places are available). Other terms of payment may be discussed in each individual case. All the payments are to be made in Euro. 

2.5. If the money for participation in the expedition has not been transferred according to terms stated in the paragraphs 2.3 and 2.4 of the present Terms and Conditions, 7 Summits Club reserves the right to cancel booking and retain the payments, received by that moment, except the cases, when such changes have been agreed with authorized 7 Summits Club representative. 

3. Cancellations, Changes to Itinerary and Refunds

3.1. Should 7 Summits Club for any reason (including but not limited to insufficient number of participants by the beginning of expedition, organizational problems caused by strikes, terrorism, wars, acts of God, and other situations beyond 7 Summits Club control, which bear potential threat to life and wellbeing of participants) cancel an expedition prior to the scheduled day of departure, all money received from the client or the client's booking agents up to that time will be refunded to the client or the client's booking agents within 10 working days of such cancellation without further obligations on 7 Summits Club's part. This will be the limit of 7 Summits Club liability and we will not be responsible for other consequences of the cancellation as well as for further expenses incurred by the client or client's agent, including non-refundable airline tickets, special clothes and equipment purchase, visa and passport fees and other expenses. 

3.2. Expeditions to the high latitudes are extremely dependent on the ice and weather conditions. 7 Summits Club makes every effort to follow planned expedition itinerary, however we cannot accept responsibility for changes, caused by the factors beyond our control. In these situations 7 Summits Club reserve the right to change expeditions' itineraries, dates and routes without warning and further obligations to the clients. It is understood that such decisions will be made in the best interest of all clients and with regard to safety of all expedition members. Participants have no right to any refund or other considerations in the event of these inevitable itinerary changes. Rescheduling does not represent cancellation of the expedition by 7 Summits Club. We will make any effort to ensure our clients' expectations were met. However, to avoid problems caused by the changes in itinerary we strongly recommend buying an open date ticket for your trip back to the place of residence. 

3.3. 7 Summits Club leaders and guides will do all their best to solve any possible issue for the good of the group and expedition on the whole. If, during the expedition or 3-day advance period, a responsible 7 Summits Club representative (whether Captain, Field Manager or Guide) would decide that the client is not capable of participating or continuing the expedition without jeopardizing the life or health of other participants, or 7 Summits Club personnel — agency reserve the right to cancel or discontinue client's participation in the expedition. In this case, 7 Summits Club will make any effort for client's safe return to the Barneo Ice Camp and further to Longyearbyen ( Spitsbergen ) at the first chance, but no compensations will be made. Payment for all the unscheduled flights, arising as a result of the aforesaid matter, should be made by client to 7 Summits Club within three days after the expedition close. 

3.4. Should the client or the client's booking agents cancel their booking prior to 1st December, 7 Summits Club will reimburse the sum received from the client or client's booking agents by the afore-mentioned date, except non-refundable booking deposit. 7 Summits Club will refund the balance within 14 workdays from cancellation. 

3.5. Should the client or the client's booking agents cancel their booking after 1^st December, no refunds will be payable by 7 Summits Club. All inquires related to cancellations or refunds should be received in writing.

3.6. Prices quoted are based on group participation and no refunds will be made for any part of the program in which the clients choose not to participate, including any helicopter flying time. 

3.7. 7 Summits Club agents and representatives other than authorized personnel are not entitled to promise any compensation to the clients. Such oral promises do not commit 7 Summits Club to anything. 

4. Prices and rates

4.1. All the prices are given in Euro. 

4.2. Trip rates are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change prior to departure. Substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates, and price of fuel, services and labor sometimes increase the cost of trips arrangements significantly, and we reserve the right to alter our prices accordingly, presenting a written notice to our booking agents or/and clients. 

5. Liability

5.1. 7 Summits Club, its owners and employees assume no responsibility or liability for any political, meteorological, climatic, or other event or for the services of transportation companies, contractors, or other principals for which we act as agents. Due to the nature of the destination it is normal to encounter flight delays and/or changes of itineraries, in the event of which all additional expenses will be borne by the client. 

5.2. 7 Summits Club accept no responsibility for any accidents, injuries, diseases, death, loss of property and other damage caused to the members of the expedition and clients or by the members of the expedition and clients to the third persons, if this damage or loss was caused through no fault of 7 Summits Club or happened as a result of knowing violation of the Accident Prevent (Safety Measures) Regulations, which are in force in Russian Federation, by the members of the expedition or the clients. Before the departure, our representative will introduce everybody with Safety Measures. All clients have to sign Waiver.

5.3. In case of medical problems, requiring evacuation, using aircraft transportation and other expenses, client holds all responsibilities for such expenditure. All participants have to acquire insurance enough for covering medical aid and evacuation expenses. 

5.4. 7 Summits Club strongly urges the individual clients to obtain appropriate insurance coverage. Client's baggage is at owner's risk entirely. 

5.5. All legal inquires and Claims from the clients or the client's booking agents should be addressed to VICAAR's office in St. Petersburg in writing within 14 days after the expedition ending otherwise no claims will be accepted by VICAAR. 

5.6. By forwarding application and deposit, client certifies that he / she has fully read and understood these Terms and Conditionsand does not have any mental, physical or other limitations or disability that might carry a potential risk for oneself or other participants.

Tips guidelines (important information!)

You entrust your life, health, your time and money to the guides. And the guides take this responsibility for you and for the success of the whole trip. They are doing this 24 hours per day. 15-20 USD per day is expected as the normal amount of tips for the Guides and the staff of the program. If you liked everything about the trip, please don't forget to thank them. You can give the tips directly to the Main Guide and he will distribute it among the staff; additionally, you can thank specific staff members.

Necessary travel papers (documents)

Visa Requirements:
Citizens of the European Union and countries with whom Norway have signed a visa waiver agreement do not require a visa for stays of fewer than 90 days. Please check with the Norwegian authorities or your travel agent.

You will need to provide to us the following documentations:

- copy of your passport
- 2 passport photographs
- copy of your outdoor experience and resume
- completed medical questionnaire
- medical and rescue insurance with coverage of 100,000 Euro

Health and medical insurance

To participate in this expedition you need to be physically fit, have a strong mental stamina and be capable of strenuous exercise for several days duration and for up to 8 hours of walking and setting up a camp after a long day.

Expedition members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire. You also need to visit your primary care physician for a full medical examination. This information will be reviewed only be the expedition leader and our medical adviser and we guarantee a full confidentiality.

You require to have full travel, medical and rescue insurance to the value of 100,000 Euro.
You require to have a personal trip cancellation insurance.

Weather

Temperatures typically range from -20°C to -35°C, and it is beneficial if you have experienced such conditions before. Additionally, the weather can be very windy, so it is important to account for the wind chill effect. In April, daily temperature fluctuations in the Arctic are minimal. The sun does not set but also does not rise high above the horizon.

Internet, phone

Satellite phone

Personal gear

GEAR LIST
General Information

- Each item on the list below is required unless specified to be optional
- If seasonal fluctuations impact the requirement for an item on your list, it will be specified
- All other items are required regardless of the forecast to ensure your well-being, as weather and conditions can change quickly
- Ask our manager any question regarding the specific gear item


TRAVEL ITEMS

- Day Pack
45 - 55 L
This pack can be used as a carryon bag for the trip and then during the expedition.

- Expedition Duffel Bag
An approximately 150-liter expedition-ready duffel bag used to transport all gear. All items need to fit securely into the duffel bag.

- Casual Travel Clothes
We recommend wearing clean clothing while traveling and before and after your trip. It's a good idea to pack a comfortable variety of outfits.


TECHNICAL CLOTHING

- Baselayer Bottom
2 pairs of thermal bottoms: lightweight and medium weight. Fabric: wool, wool blend, synthetic or polyester. No cotton.

- Baselayer Tops
2 thermal long sleeved tops: one light weight and one medium weight. Fabric: wool or synthetic. No cotton.

- Softshell Pants
Non-insulated, stretchy softshell pants that should fit comfortably with your baselayer bottoms.

- Hardshell Pants
These must fit over your thermal under layers and softshell pants. These must be non-insulated, lightweight, waterproof and have full zips on the side.

- Insulated Synthetic Pants
Fabric: Synthetic or Down. Medium weight is ideal. These should fit over your thermal under layers. These must have full zips on the sides.

- Polartec Fleece Pants and Jacket

- Midlayer Top
A midweight, lightweight fleece layer for use over baselayers. Hoods are optional but recommended. Very light down jackets can also suffice as a midlayer.

- Softshell Jacket
This breathable, wind-and-weather resistant jacket is a key part of a mountaineering layering system. A hooded model is highly recommended. This layer must fit well over your midlayer top and baselayer top.

- Hardshell Jacket
A non-insulated, fully waterproof shell jacket with a hood. This layer must fit comfortably over your baselayer, midlayer, softshell, and potentially a lightweight insulated layer.

- Lightweight Insulated Jacket
You may use this as a layering piece or as stand-alone insulation when appropriate. Down or synthetic insulation. Down is more packable and lighter weight, and synthetic insulation will retain warmth when wet.

- Down Parka
Expedition style parka should be heavily insulated with high-quality down fill (800-fill or more) and must have an insulated hood. It should fit comfortably over the rest of your upper body layers. Down sweaters or light puffy jackets will not be sufficient.

- Expedition Down Parka
An 8000 meter rated, expedition ready parka.

- Expedition Down Pants
Must be heavily insulated and must fit over all other layers, with a weather proof outer shell fabric.

HANDWEAR

- Lightweight Liner Gloves
Lightweight wool or synthetic liner gloves.

- Softshell Gloves
Midweight, lightly insulated gloves. Leather-palm construction is recommended.

- Insulated Shell Gloves
One pair of warm shell gloves with insulated removable liners. We recommend models with a durable leather palm.
These need to have room in the fingers to not be constructive and cut off warmth and circulation to your fingers. More room in the gloves is better than less.

- Expedition Mittens/ 8000 mitts
These must fit over your medium weight liner gloves and your heavy weight climbing gloves without constriction. Larger is always better than smaller. These down mitts serve as a backup in case you drop a glove or your hands are simply too cold in the heavy weight gloves and need a warmer option (gloves plus mitts).

- Hand Warmers and Foot Warmers (Optional, but recommended)
Bring enough pairs to get you through the expedition but not more as they are heavy to carry up the mountain. If you are bringing the Hotronics electric foot warmers you will likely not need the chemical warmers. Note: chemical hand warmers use oxygen to burn so do not work well at high altitude and the foot warmers in the boots do not really work at all on summit day.

HEADWEAR

- Buff Neck Gaiter
- 2 Balaclavas: one heavyweight and one lightweight
- Hat for sleeping, wool or fleece fabric is recommended
- Expedition hat, must be from Windstopper fabric
- Facemask
- Glacier Glasses
These must be the high quality darkest lenses you can buy (Cat 4) and have full coverage around the eyes to block all light.

- Sunglasses (Optional)
These must be high quality dark lenses.

- Ski Goggles
High-quality goggles for sun and wind protection at altitude.
These must be the darkest lenses you can buy (Cat 4). If your goggles accept multiple lenses, bring one super dark lense and one clear or high light transmission yellow for low-light/high wind conditions.

Note: If you need prescription Glacier Glasses contact the manufacturer for options well in advance of your trip.


FOOTWEAR

- Liner Socks
4-5 pairs of liner socks.

- Wool or Synthetic Socks
4 pairs of medium to heavy hiking socks. These must fit over your liner socks if you plan to wear liner socks.

- High Altitude All In One Boots
Boots rated for 7000-8000 meter

- Down Booties
Down or synthetic insulated camp booties for use inside the tent and sleeping.

- Base Camp Boots (optional, but recommended)

EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT (rented for you and included in the price)

- Expedition Tent 1 per 2 people
- Touring Skis
- Ski Poles
- Expedition Sleds
- Sleeping Bag for -30 Celcius
- Sleeping Pads
- Gas Stove and Gas

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

- Sleeping Bag Liner

- 2 Non-Locking Carabiners
- Water Bottles
2 one-liter wide-mouth hard-sided water bottles.

- Cooking Bowl
Should fit up to 3 cups of water

- Spoon and Fork
- Knife
- Water Bottle Parkas

2 insulated water bottle parkas that fully cover your water bottle with closing lids.
We recommend the Forty Below Bottle Boot or the Outdoor Research Water Bottle Parka.

- 1 Liter Stainless Steel Thermos
- One Insulated Mug
- 0.5 Nalgene Bottle (Optional)
- Pee Bottle
Collapsible or hard-sided 1 liter Nalgene models.

- Pee Funnel For Women
Optional. Practice is needed for the use of this item.

- Sunscreen
Should be with a high zinc content and sweat resistance. This must be 40 spf or higher.

- Lip Balm with SPF 40+

- Small Pocket Size Camera (Optional)

- Solar Panel (Optional); Power Bank

- Medical Kit
Should include: blister kit, low dose aspirin, Band-Aids, wound closure strips, triple antibiotic ointment, basic repair kit, scissors, Diamox (acetazolamide, 125mg) for AMS, nifedipine (for pulmonary edema, time release), dexamethasone (for cerebral edema, 4mg), antacids, NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, anti-diarrheal, duct tape, ear plugs, Antibiotics (upper respiratory such as Azithromycin and a gastro-intestinal such as Ciprofloxacin), melatonin, Asthma medication if you use it (Advair), cold and flu medication. Prescription medications in consultation with your doctor.

- Toiletry Bag
Should Include: toilet paper, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, shampoo,
trek towel (compact and quick drying), and any personal medications or prescriptions. Choose a quantity appropriate for the length of your trip.

- Snacks
We recommend assortments of hard candies; chocolate; dried fruits; special athletic foods such as energy gels (Gu); electrolytes (Nuun); Clif Shot Bloks; energy bars; protein bars; trail mix nuts.

1. We have the biggest record of orginizing many commertial technical and altitude expeditions.
2. Our guides are highly experience with guide work on many serious climbs all over the world.
3. We offer the best accommodation and food conditions. Your personal needs any special kinds of food will be considered.
4. You can contact your personal advisor in the gear issue for free consultation. Plus free delivery of your personal rented gear to base camp.
5. We offer the scheme of discounts for loyal clients.