The North Pole is located on the surface of a frozen ocean at the “top” of the world. Storms, brutally low temperatures and darkness make it difficult, if not impossible, to travel to the pole during winter. For optimal conditions, most polar expeditions depart between March and early June, making April the prime time for a trip all the way north. Most people travel to the North Pole on guided expeditions with experienced adventure tour companies that will give you a list of equipment they provide as well as what you will need to bring.
STEP 1
Travel to Norway, Russia or Canada. Each of these countries has companies that offer trips to the North Pole during April. These countries act as the base for the trip, and you’ll frequently leave from northern cities such as Tromso in Norway, Murmansk in Russia and Resolute Bay in Canada.
STEP 2
Fly to the North Pole. Some companies operate charter flights on small planes and helicopter trips to the pole during April. If you choose this option, bear in mind that you might be rescheduled due to weather. Make sure you have a flexible schedule for arrival and departure from your base country, as April weather can be unpredictable and you might have to wait for good weather before your trip becomes possible.
STEP 3
Take a dog-sledding trip. These trips usually involve three or more days of sledding across the ice and are frequently operated by adventure tour companies. Participants must be in excellent physical condition and be able to camp on the ice in freezing conditions for at least three days. In addition, you will need to care for the dogs and run or ski alongside the sled to help the team avoid fissures and cracks in the ice. Depending on the type of tour you take, you might either fly back to your base country or make the trip back with the dog sled teams. Because the ice pack melts as weather gets warmer, these trips usually have to take place during late March and early to mid-April.
STEP 4
Ski to the pole. A number of skiing options are available for North Pole expeditions, including round-trip expeditions and one-way with flights back. On skiing trips, you will have to be able to pull your own sledge weighing between 25 and 40 lbs., depending on the equipment you bring. Additionally, you’ll have to deal with numerous types of obstacles, including open water and wildlife encounters. These tours will have experienced guides as well as recommendations for training prior to your trip.