Splitboarding in Antarctica: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Antarctica was the world’s last discovered and is its least populated, polluted and explored continent. Heading here for a splitboarding adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

While only a small portion of the massive and glaciated continent is available for exploration, there is still plenty to see. Heading up the aforementioned Mount Vincent is among the most popular. The trip takes between 10 days and two weeks and is quite an experience. Skin to the top of the continent before plunging back down on your connected snowboard.

For those looking for an even more intense challenge and to go where few others have gone before, some guides offer kite splitboarding programs to the south pole. The trip is extremely difficult, fairly dangerous and takes 20 days.

Still for adrenaline junkies and avid adventurers, it is the ultimate challenge. Having only been reached 108 years ago, there is still no easy way to get to the southpole, which is why arriving on a splitboard is among the best ways to go it.

Stunning scenery

Antarctica is an eerily beautiful place. In the areas frequented by splitboarders, there is very little sign of human life. It is almost like being on another planet. This means unimpeded views of the peninsular mountains, glaciated continental plateau and deep blue ocean all along the way. Enjoy long hours of daylight and odd angles of the sun too as you explore this immaculate place.

Climb one of the Seven Summits

Rising to 4,898 meters (16,066 feet) in elevation, Mount Vinson is the highest peak in Antarctica and one of the world’s Seven Summits. Climbing to the top of the mountain is a sustained challenge, but not technically very difficult. Low temperatures and difficult logistics make good planning and thorough preparation imperative.

Splitboard and sail

Since it is very difficult to camp on Antarctica and there are no shelters in the wilderness, many splitboarders opt to sail and board around the continent’s main mountainous peninsula. This is the most comfortable way to go, allowing you to make various incredible runs all along the continent while enjoying a hot shower and some creature comforts on the boat in the evening. Get more mileage out of your Antarctica trip with a sailboat.

During the summer months, which is the only time when it is possible to visit Antarctica, average daily temperatures are generally between -20°C and -5°C. Snowstorms are also not uncommon during the summer

Most trips to Antarctica will begin with a flight into Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ) in Punta Arenas, Chile. From here guides will arrange transport via seaplane to Antarctica.

Most trips are priced in US dollars or Euros.

December to February