Polar Raid: exclusive experience for Ponant guests
Today, Ponant unveiled Polar Raid, a new experience that will soon be available on a selection of voyages aboard Le Commandant Charcot and reveals its making-of.
Late last spring, Ponant teams set off for the north-eastern coast of Greenland, which was still completely frozen at that time of year. Their mission was to test a new experience and face the challenge of the unique adventure of a three-day, two-night polar raid, unassisted, away from everyone.
Scouting for the Polar Raid: the behind-the-scenes story
This unique expedition was led by Nicolas Dubreuil, SEDNA’s director of operations and polar expedition expert, as well as Greenlandic guide Ole Eliassen. The nine-member team included professional mountain guides, some media representatives, a doctor, and of course experts from Ponant‘s research and development department. Seeking this new polar experience, the group crossed the expanse of sea ice to trek in the snow-capped mountains of Ittoqqortoormiit and camped for two nights in the pristine Arctic wilderness of East Greenland.
Ponant
Ponant-Polar-Raid
Moving on skis, each team member had to pull his or her own sled (pulk), thus carrying all the materials and enough food supplies to cover each adventurer’s needs for several days. Once the camp was prepared, the team took turns guarding it. This mission will also be available to passengers who choose to participate in the Polar Raid.
Ponant-Polar-Raid
Ponant-Polar-Raid
The excursion is designed in line with Ponant’s philosophy, “Explore to inspire,” this exclusive new experience aims to build closer connections between guests, nature and local communities.
The Polar Raid will be available for a very limited number of guests on several polar expeditions aboard Le Commandant Charcot to meet established Inuit communities along Greenland’s east coast: two experiences in 2023 and three in 2024.
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