FAQs & ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Toyota and Ford base vehicles, very heavily modified for purpose at our factory in Iceland. See Vehicles & Capability.

No. Our vehicles are specially built for Arctic Trucks Polar by our sister company in Iceland, Arctic Trucks. However our input to design and modification is a fundamental function of our MO.

Yes, subject to having a national driving licence, conditions being acceptable, undertaking a competence evaluation and under supervision of one of our highly experienced guide personnel.

It is recommended before undertaking any major expedition. Training does not only include driving but also operations in/around camp and in case of emergency.

Yes, reasonably so given potential outside temperatures. It is still necessary to wear proper polar clothing inside the vehicles. We try to always leave one seat “free” to allow better warm air circulation throughout the cab.

• Ideally two, sometimes three, depending on platform used, plus one ATP person.
• Every vehicle includes at least one of our highly experienced guides.

No. however:

• A medical form IS required and, at our or your insurers’ discretion, may need to be signed off by a doctor.
• If you have any doubt about your fitness you MUST get your doctor’s opinion about travel to the deep field.

• Pre-exiting conditions are usually issues for insurance purposes, it is imperative that such conditions are declared.
• A dental check is crucial pre-departure.
• Note: expeditions may be some days travel away from the nearest possible treatment.

• Not overly so. At altitude (the Antarctic Plateau is over 3,000 m ASL) very fit people can struggle to acclimatise more than the averagely fit. However, a sensible level of personal fitness is advisable.
• We try to plan expeditions so that acclimatisation is part of the process/itinerary.
• A decent degree of normal physical fitness is usually acceptable as a minimum requirement.
• A strong mental attitude (and fortitude regarding sleep and tiredness) is a useful trait.

• A staff member, trained to at least Wilderness First Responder level, travels with all expeditions and missions.
• Many of our staff are employed out-of-season within the Icelandic SAR community; as such their training is rigorous and exemplary.

• Yes. Critical.
• Insurance must be in place to cover at least US$1m for emergency evacuation.
• Ordinary travel insurance should be in place for travel to/from our jump-off point/s.
• Cancellation and delay insurance is strongly advised.

Per individual contract however some base items are as follows:

• A deposit will be required at contract signature.
• Funds once committed are non-refundable.
• Dates and arrangements are always flexible in the field, however we do our absolute utmost to stay on schedule.
• Booking, Medical, Waiver and Proof of Language form/s will be required from all participants before the expedition can be confirmed.

• Unfortunately refunds are impossible.
• We strongly urge insurance to cover such instances.

Delays when travelling in the high latitudes should be expected. Weather is especially capricious and many other factors can delay, halt, change or, indeed, advance progress and plans. Whilst all parties do their best to avoid any schedule changes, clients should ALWAYS arrive at the jump off city at LEAST 72 hours prior to any scheduled departure into the deep field and return dates from the deep field should always be regarded as highly flexible.

• A suggested clothing list will be provided.
• Layers are essential!

Usually by aircraft departing from Punta Arenas, Chile, or Cape Town, South Africa. Other “jump off” points are possible.

Yes, absolutely; such discussions are important and welcome.

Yes, absolutely (as far as it concerns our involvement). It is important that we are involved early in the planning process.

As much as possible. Two years is not unusual.

Yes. We do all permitting through our Competent Authority, the UK FCDO. All our activities must comply with such permit, including the use of drones where allowed.

• Drone use MUST be separately permitted (not always guaranteed)
• Each drone flight is subject to ad hoc approval by our Expedition Head Guide.

• Drones may not be flown in areas where their use is sensitive or forbidden.

Yes. Often very expensive. The nature of accessing and travelling in such places in relative comfort is necessarily so.

Yes. Our guides are mostly Icelandic but their second language, in which most are fully fluent, is English.

We do our utmost to make it so. Because we travel at greater speed and with far greater efficiency – and do not use normal diesel fuels – our emission levels are many times less than travelling by tracked or belted vehicle. ALL waste – everything including all human waste – is removed from the deep field. We leave no trace, except our footprints and wheel tracks, which are rapidly erased by the wind.

ALL waste – everything including all human waste – is removed from the deep field. We leave no trace, except our footprints and wheel tracks, which are rapidly erased by the wind.