Union Glacier Camp

It can house up to 70 guests on dual occupancy Clam Tents. These double-walled sleeping tents are designed to withstand Antarctic conditions with a high-tech nylon covering and durable aluminum frame that opens up like a clam shell. They are also incredibly comfortable to live in with large doors and a tall interior that allows you to stand upright and move around easily (16 ft x 8 ft or 5 m x 2.4 m). Tents are naturally heated by the 24-hour sunlight up to 60°-70°F (15°-21°C) but also have a wooden floor underneath to provide insulation from the snow and solid footing. Each guest is provided with a cot, mattress, pillow, linens, towels, and wash basin.

TIME

Even though operates in 24-hour daylight, Union Glacier Camp time is the same as Punta Arenas, Chile, where the ALE flights originate. The rest of the field camps at Mount Vinson, South Pole, and the Emperor Penguin Colony also operate on this same time.

Union Glacier Time

= GMT (UK time) -3 hours

= Eastern Standard Time (NYC time) +2 hours

= Pacific Standard Time (LA time) +5 hours.

Amundsen-Scott Station, located at the South Pole uses New Zealand Daylight Time (GMT +13 hours).

MEDICAL – Union Glacier Clinic

At Union Glacier Camp we maintain a basic medical clinic staffed by doctors and medics who specialize in emergency, high altitude, and remote medicine. The clinic is equipped to treat minor illnesses or can be used to stabilize more serious conditions until the patient can be medically evacuated. We are equipped to defibrillate, manage fractures and soft tissue injuries, and give IV fluids and drugs. We do not have surgical, x-ray, or transfusion facilities.

MEALS

The dining tent is the heart of our camp and serves as a gathering place for all of our guests. You’ll have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world embarking on everything from a Mount Vinson summit attempt to a Ski South Pole expedition.

Our talented chefs utilize a fully equipped kitchen to create fresh-cooked meals, baked goods, and fantastic desserts.

SHOWERS & TOILETS

While at Union Glacier Camp, you’ll have access to communal showers and toilet facilities. In keeping with our mission to set the highest possible environmental standards, we try to minimize the amount of residue (grey) water we generate as well as the fuel we use to melt snow in Antarctica. We provide disinfectant hand gel in the dining tent and in all toilets and ask that guests limit shower use to every 2-3 days to conserve water.

POWER

Limited charging facilities are available in the dining tent and feature two types of outlets: USB and 120V A/C (North American Type A or B plugs). Ensure your batteries are fully charged prior to leaving Punta Arenas, you have back-up batteries on hand, and you leave any unnecessary electronics behind. Please be courteous of your fellow guests and do not leave electronics plugged in overnight.

EQUIPMENT RENTAL

Renting equipment in Antarctica saves you the cost and hassle of international shipping. Snowmobiles, generators, and small pulks are the most frequently requested items, but we can also provide camping equipment, skis, and more. All items must be requested well in advance.

MECHANICAL SERVICES

Our fully-equipped workshop can tackle almost any maintenance, repair or fabrication task. Equipment includes welders (mig/tig/arc), lathe, plasma cutter, and crimper for hydraulic hose manufacturing.

Our team of mechanics and operators have extensive experience working in Antarctica and other cold, snowy environments. They are true MacGyver’s and can get almost any engine running again.

GUEST COMMUNICATIONS

We have a dedicated team of ICT experts on staff at Union Glacier Camp to coordinate flight and field communications. Our Antarctic team stays in regular contact with our Punta Arenas and Salt Lake City operations via email and satellite phone.

There is no mobile phone coverage in Antarctica. Guests can purchase satellite phone cards with US cash and use ALE handsets to make phone calls while in Antarctica. Calls can be made from our phone booths or personal tents. Satellite internet access is for ALE operations only.

In an emergency, family members may contact our offices in Salt Lake City and we can forward a message to individuals in Antarctica. However, we will only give out information about a guest to individuals who are listed that guest’s Personal Information Form.

Clam Tents

These double-walled sleeping tents are designed to withstand Antarctic conditions with a high-tech nylon covering and durable aluminum frame that opens up like a clam shell. They are also incredibly comfortable to live in with large doors and a tall interior that allows you to stand upright and move around easily (16 ft x 8 ft or 5 m x 2.4 m). Tents are naturally heated by the 24-hour sunlight up to 60°-70°F (15°-21°C) but also have a wooden floor underneath to provide insulation from the snow and solid footing. Each guest is provided with a cot, mattress, pillow, linens, towels, and wash basin.

These double-walled sleeping tents are designed to withstand Antarctic conditions with a high-tech nylon covering and durable aluminum frame that opens up like a clam shell. They are also incredibly comfortable to live in with large doors and a tall interior that allows you to stand upright and move around easily (16 ft x 8 ft or 5 m x 2.4 m).