Iceland Challenge (old)
06
TEAM SIZE
06
06
DAYS
07
L1
LEVEL
L1
L2
PROPOSED ROUTE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
CONDITIONS DEPENDANT
ICELAND
FIRE & ICE CHALLENGE
MISSION: to complete a 60km, 3-day traverse of the Langjökull glacier, followed by 2 days of exhilarating activities and incredible Icelandic sights
Few places offer more opportunities for thrilling adventure than Iceland. The Fire and Ice Challenge is designed to combine a serious polar expedition with two days of volcanoes, white water and stunning scenery at the best time of the year for an Iceland visit.
The mighty Langjokull, the ‘Long Glacier’, is the second-largest glacier in Iceland at 935km2. This level two Shackleton challenge will start with a three-day traverse of the glacier, covering 60km of majestic landscape and icy terrain, experiencing true isolation and developing your skills in pulk hauling, navigation and camping out on the snow and ice in sub zero temperatures. After completing your expedition, you will be taken to the magnificent Torfhús Retreat hotel in the heart of Iceland's Golden Circle, where you will be treated to a blend of relaxed eco-luxury and authentic Icelandic style. Torfhús will be your base for the next three nights, from which you will travel around the island experiencing a range of challenges including descending into a dormant volcano, white water rafting and horse riding (exact activities are weather dependent).
64°39.021’ N
20°09.056’ W
SC.L2.ISL.22
ROUTE
ICELAND
2022 NOW SOLD OUT
6 PLACES LEFT
07.05.23
—13.05.23
£9,995
6 PLACES LEFT
£???
15.05.22
—21.05.22
6 PLACES LEFT
£5,995
26.03.23
—31.03.23
6 PLACES LEFT
£5,995
02.04.23
—07.04.23
DAY 1
Upon arriving at Keflavik airport, Reykjavik; you will be met by Shackleton guides and our local support team, and transported to the edge of Langjökull glacier. From here you will ski a few miles before setting up camp for the night, enjoying a filling meal of expedition rations before bedding down ready for the Challenge to start in earnest the following day.
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
ITINERARY
Set in the heart of Iceland’s Golden Circle, Torfhús Retreat was founded on the idea of creating an extraordinary and luxurious environment for visitors to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the Icelandic countryside. In keeping with its surroundings, the hotel promotes the use of natural resources and has a completely sustainable energy system.
The retreat comprises a total of 25 traditional houses, each crafted from local stone and reclaimed wood, combining historical ethos with modern day comforts. Each house has it’s own or shared basalt stone pool, the ideal spot to watch the northern lights.
The area sees ample geothermal heat which enables the retreat to maintain numerous greenhouse farms in which to grow their own seasonal produce, striving to use local Icelandic ingredients whenever available to create innovative gastronomy.
Located just south of the Langjökull glacier, the Torfhús Retreat is the ideal base after the three day expedition, providing relaxed eco-luxury in an area of outstanding natural beauty, while action packed activities are still within easy reach.
Set in the heart of Iceland’s Golden Circle, Torfhús Retreat was founded on the idea of creating an extraordinary and luxurious environment for visitors to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the Icelandic countryside. In keeping with its surroundings, the hotel promotes the use of natural resources and has a completely sustainable energy system.
The retreat comprises a total of 25 traditional houses, each crafted from local stone and reclaimed wood, combining historical ethos with modern day comforts. Each house has it’s own or shared basalt stone pool, the ideal spot to watch the northern lights.
The area sees ample geothermal heat which enables the retreat to maintain numerous greenhouse farms in which to grow their own seasonal produce, striving to use local Icelandic ingredients whenever available to create innovative gastronomy.
Located just south of the Langjökull glacier, the Torfhús Retreat is the ideal base after the three day expedition, providing relaxed eco-luxury in an area of outstanding natural beauty, while action packed activities are still within easy reach.
TORFÚS RETREAT
LOUIS RUDD MBE
DIRECTOR OF EXPEDITIONS
Louis Rudd MBE is a record-breaking polar adventurer, former Royal Marine Commando and SAS soldier. He is the first and only person to have traversed Antarctica twice using human power alone and has reached the South Pole three times from different coastal starting points. Louis has covered more than 3000 polar miles on skis, with multiple extreme cold-weather tours in Northern Norway with the special forces. He has guided expeditions on a 1100-mile crossing of Antarctica and a 350-mile crossing of Greenland. He is also a military Arctic warfare instructor, a military ski instructor, a qualified army patrol medic, and a military snowmobile instructor, with additional training in crevasse and avalanche rescue. A member of the Explorers Club and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Louis has written of his journeys to date in his autobiography ‘Endurance’.
WENDY SEARLE
EXPEDITION MANAGER
Wendy is a polar explorer with experience in Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Antarctica. In 2020, Wendy became only the seventh woman in history to complete a solo, unsupported journey from Hercules Inlet to the geographic South Pole. She has also completed a full traverse of Greenland and trained extensively in Finse. In addition to her own trips, Wendy has extensive experience in planning and managing other major expeditions – she was the expedition manager for Louis’ record-breaking Spirit of Endurance Expedition in 2018. Wendy also has a wealth of knowledge about the history of polar exploration and scientific research at high latitudes.
LEADERS
We work with some of the very best polar guides, ensuring the highest possible safety, tuition and expertise on every expedition. Every Shackleton Challenge has at least two highly-qualified guides, led by Director of Expeditions Louis Rudd – between them they have accumulated thousands of miles on foot in polar regions. You will have several interactions with the guides prior to departure, as they advise on pre-trip training, the kit you’ll need and what to expect when out in extreme environments.
HOW TO BOOK
DEPART
120 days prior to departure you will be required to settle the remaining balance. One final kit check and your Shackleton Challenge starts here.
PREPARE
In the months leading up to your departure you will receive your kit list, training programme and detailed itinerary. You will also have scheduled catch ups with your Expedition Manager and Director of Expeditions, Louis Rudd to ensure you are ready for the Challenge ahead.
CONFIRM
To confirm your booking, you will be required to pay a deposit of 15% of the cost of the Challenge
GET IN TOUCH
Fill out an enquiry form below and our Expedition Team will be in touch to organise a suitable time for an initial call. You will then be passed onto the Expedition Manager, Wendy Searle, once you have decided which challenge is the one for you or your team.
FAQS
We hope to answer any questions you might have on our frequently asked questions page, however if you cannot find something in particular, please do not hesitate to get in contact with our Expedition Team.
NOT INCLUDED
International flights to and from Reykjavik
Extra beverages and snacks in Torfhús Retreat
Personal clothing
Personal travel insurance
Personal medical kit
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INCLUDED
Personal Shackleton Challenges Jacket
All travel and hotel transfers in Iceland
All activites
Hotel stay at Torfhús Retreat
All meals in the hotel and on expedition
Expedition safety, medical, communication and navigation equipment
Expedition sleeping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, liners and mats) during expedition
Expedition gear (boots, skis, poles, pulk, pulk harness)
Discount on Shackleton clothing and at selected partners
Tailored training plan
Access to Shackleton Expedition Manager
Nutritional advice and planning
Personal kit consultation
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FIND OUT
MORE ↓
Sign up to our Shackleton Challenges Newsletter.
CONTACT OUR EXPEDITION TEAM ->
Book a call with our Expedition Manager, Wendy Searle by clicking the link in the bottom right hand corner.
DOWNLOAD THE PDF ↓
Submit your email to be sent a PDF on our Finse Polar Skills Challenge.
Book a call with our Expedition Manager, Wendy Searle by clicking the link at the bottom of this page.
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