SEATTLE — Polar adventure specialist Quark Expeditions has introduced new hiking and trekking options for guests traveling on Ultramarine.

The company says modern-day explorers will have the opportunity to walk alongside polar experts for an innovative and immersive experience. Ultramarine has two twin-engine Airbus H145 helicopters and 20 quick-deploy Zodiacs, so guests of all fitness levels, ages and areas of interest can take advantage of hiking and trekking adventures to remote areas of the Polar regions.

“Setting foot where few humans have ever walked is part of the magic of exploring the Arctic and Antarctic,” said Alex McNeil, Director of Expedition Experience and Innovation for Quark Expeditions.

Quark has been offering hiking opportunities in the Polar Regions since 1991.

“Guests frequently speak of the excitement that hits them when they step onto the snow-and ice-covered sites of Antarctica or the remote tundra of the Arctic,” says McNeil. “They breathe in the polar air, feel the terrain beneath their feet, and observe the polar landscapes up close…and in that moment they know they’ve truly arrived in one of the great wilderness frontiers of the planet. Thanks to our game-changing new ship Ultramarine, we’ve expanded our adventure options to include multiple styles of hiking no one else offers.”

He notes that the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s 2022 Industry Snapshot ranks ‘hiking/trekking/walking’ as No. 2 on the list of 10 Hot Trending Adventure Activities, so Quark is right on trend.

Quark Expeditions’ hiking and trekking options include …

Quark Expeditions Three Arctic Islands: Greenland; Ocean Atlantic; Anaguvfilik | Credit: Nicky Souness

HIKING

Guided hikes are offered at multiple levels from beginner to advanced, ranging from short jaunts to the top of lookouts or visits to see wildlife to longer walks of several kilometers over ice, rock and snow. Hiking excursions may last from two to three hours with plenty of time for photographs of wildlife, learning moments from experienced guides, “or just time to stand back and admire the incredible polar surroundings.”

Quark Expeditions Alpine Heli Trekking Antartica | Credit: Hugo Perrin

HELI-HIKING

Ultramarine’s twin-engine helicopters transfer guests to the start of the most scenic hiking routes of Southern Greenland and then pick them up at the endpoint of the route. Each guided heli-hiking departure is tailored to guests’ personal needs and level of ability and interest.

ALPINE HELI-TREKKING

Quark Expeditions’ expert guides take guests on active adventures high up in the Antarctic Peninsula. Small groups of adventurers board one of Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters for a trekking excursion in an area only safely accessed by air. Stunning views of remote ridgelines, glaciated terrain, and snow-topped peaks await.

Credit: David Merron

ICE SHEET EXPERIENCE

Quark Expeditions’ Ice Sheet Experience allows guests to disembark from their helicopter, and walk on the second-largest ice mass on the planet, the Greenland Ice Sheet.