Last Updated on September 16, 2022
Ever wonder how to arrive the North Pole instantly? Here are a few ideas. You can ski to the North Pole, fly to the North Pole by helicopter, and even swim in the Arctic Ocean. You might also enjoy the idea of ice walking on the ice at the North Pole. You can also try your hand at ice fishing or scuba diving. Whatever your plan is, you’ll find ways to arrive at the pole without waiting.
Skiing to the North Pole
The journey to the Geographic North Pole begins from the coasts of Russia or Canada, usually at Cape Arktichevsky, Ward Hunt Island, or the Canadian Arctic. Skis are the preferred mode of travel, but dogsleds or skidoos are also available. There are several things to consider before setting out for the pole, though. A ski expedition can take months to complete. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
First, the North Pole is located in the middle of the frozen ocean, with floating pack ice that is often thin and moves by 90 degrees. This makes getting to the North Pole difficult as the terrain is very varied. Some parts are covered with open water, while others are porridge-like ice. Then, there are pressure-ridges up to seven metres high, a result of two ice masses colliding. Lastly, roaming polar bears present a threat.
A ski north expedition requires about eight hours of skiing per day and includes snow walls to protect from wind. The group spends four weeks on the ice, and the temperatures can drop to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. But, it’s worth it. The cold temperatures can make the journey even more challenging. That’s why a ski trip to the North Pole is a challenging but rewarding experience. With the right gear and a great guide, it will be a lifetime memory for you and your family.
In case you don’t want to take a ski trip, you can opt for a helicopter ride instead. The distance between the pole and the ice station is only 60 miles. You can also get there by air, and it takes 20 to 40 minutes. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you can always join a race. For a cost of about EUR10,000, you can opt for a sightseeing flight instead.
To get to the North Pole on skis, there are several options. The Last Degree ski expedition, which is the most popular, is the most extreme and raw experience. A total journey to the Pole takes about two weeks, and you will join a select group of people who’ve successfully reached it on skis. This expedition was organized by Borge Ousland, a Norwegian polar researcher who first encountered the Arctic Ocean in 1990 and began an expedition with the Norwegian Polar Institute in 1994. During his time on the ice, he measured the thickness of the ice.
Helicopter travel to the North Pole
It may seem like an impossible dream, but this is now a reality thanks to helicopter travel to the North Pole. This expedition was the first-ever to take place in a helicopter, and the pilots, Colin Bodill and Jennifer Murray, were on a mission to set a new record for flying the world in a single day. Nevertheless, the trip was met with some unexpected challenges. First, it would be incredibly dangerous to fly stationary relative to the Earth and Sun. In addition, there are a large number of safety considerations, including pilots dying in helicopter crashes.
The first step in flying to the North Pole is to find a company that can offer this service. The company MI-8 helicopter is a great choice for a first-timer because they can take small groups to the North Pole for much less money than charter flights. Flights to the North Pole start at $500. Air Events offers flights from Berlin, Germany, and other international destinations. You can book a flight through their website.
Another major reason to consider polar air travel is the cost of jet fuel. Since jet fuel is so expensive, these flights can save airlines a substantial amount of money. This money could be passed on to their passengers. Helicopter travel to the North Pole could also drastically cut the time it takes to fly between New York and Hong Kong, which is already among the longest flights in the world. In other words, this route would save passengers time and money, and make it easier for people to travel to far-flung places.
For a more adventurous trip, you can choose to fly from Borneo, where your base camp will be. From there, you will be helicoptered to a point between 40-50 km from the North Pole. Then, each member of the group pulls a light sled loaded with supplies, allowing them to sleep in a more comfortable environment. Unlike serious expeditions, this trip is much shorter, and the tents will be of higher quality and the cold during the day will be less intense.
Ice walking on the ice at the North Pole
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the North Pole, this is your chance to get as close to the North Pole as possible. This icy wonderland is the home of Santa Claus and is one of the last places on Earth that haven’t been explored. Due to the harsh environment, many explorers have died trying to reach the pole. The HMS Terror crew set off in 1845 to explore the Northwest Passage, but never returned. The ship wreck was discovered last year in a bay in the Arctic.
The sea ice is typically 2 to 3 meters thick, but this varies drastically with the climate and weather conditions. While global warming is partly responsible for the recent sudden reduction in ice thickness, the cause of the drop is not entirely known. Reports predict that the Arctic Ocean will no longer have any ice at all in summer. A trip to the North Pole will give you a unique perspective on this icy wonder.
To reach the North Pole, you need to be fit, as the ice is extremely thin. This is why many expeditions end early. In fact, the Arctic is no longer safe as the main logistics provider, Canada’s Air Force, has ceased flying there. Moreover, two polar explorers died last year when they fell through thin ice. If you are planning to walk the ice at the North Pole, make sure to be prepared for all kinds of weather conditions.
Swimming in the Arctic Ocean
The first open water swim to the Geographic North Pole was accomplished in 2006 by Lewis Pugh, who covered 1 km of -1.6 degrees Celsius water in 18 minutes and 50 seconds. He was accompanied by the great-grand nephew of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, who skied alongside him during the swim. The swim occurred during the lowest Arctic sea ice accumulation in recorded history.
The Arctic Ocean is so deep that the temperature can drop below -minus 60°C–in just six months. But that isn’t the most difficult part of the expedition. The Russians set up a base at Barneo, which is about 60 miles from the pole and equipped with helicopters to ferry them there. The Russian team planted a titanium Russian flag on the pole in an effort to mark the spot where the first man walked.
The Arctic Ocean is a deep, cold and salty body of water. Its top layer is relatively flat and stable, but it has a rough surface. Its constant heating and cooling causes the ice to drift and form large ridges and blocks of jumbled ice. The ocean can be as long as two-storey buildings, and crossing these obstacles will be no small task.
The polar ocean is usually covered by an ice pack that covers it for around 10 months of the year. The top surface water level is approximately twenty-five centimeters (7.9-inches) deep, and snow will cover the frozen ocean for about 50 cm (12.7-inch) high at that time of year. So, how can one successfully swim in the Arctic Ocean to reach the north pole immediately?
About The Author
Wendy Lee is a pop culture ninja who knows all the latest trends and gossip. She's also an animal lover, and will be friends with any creature that crosses her path. Wendy is an expert writer and can tackle any subject with ease. But most of all, she loves to travel - and she's not afraid to evangelize about it to anyone who'll listen! Wendy enjoys all kinds of Asian food and cultures, and she considers herself a bit of a ninja when it comes to eating spicy foods.