Across the Northern Patagonian Ice Field
The Northern and Southern Patagonian Ice Fields are the two largest ice caps in South America. In fact, the southern one is the world’s third largest ice cap after Antarctica and Greenland; the northern one is somewhat smaller. Both lie in the heart of the Andes, in the exposed area between Puerto Montt and Puerto Natales. I have traversed both glaciers (the Southern Ice Field in 2003 and the Northern in 2009) – and this is one of the most amazing areas I’ve ever explored. The weather can be extreme, with strong winds and rain, but the landscape, the mountains and the light are truly unique and always beautiful.
In November 2010 we will organize a guided crossing of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field. The expedition will be led by Bengt Rotmo, a renowned Norwegian Polar Guide who made the crossing with me in 2009. Bengt has previously guided full-fledged expeditions to the South Pole, across Greenland and along the Northwest Passage – as well as across the Northern Patagonian Ice Field.
On this expedition there will be a maximum of six participants, plus the guide. In terms of difficulty this can be compared to a Greenland crossing. The expedition is expected to take between three and four weeks.
