How to Get to the North Pole

Maybe you have wanted to go since you were a kid writing letters to Santa, or maybe you just want to be a goofball shouting "I'm on top of the world!" You want to get to the North Pole. It's not easy, but it can be done. Here's how.

Things You'll Need

• Military enlistment
• Passport
• Lots of money
• Computer
• Internet connection
• Cross-country skis
• Snowshoes
• Running shoes suitable for running on snow and ice

Instructions

1. Join the military, preferably the United States forces or the Russian forces. Every once in a while a flight will land on the pack ice, or a submarine will surface at the North Pole. Since the Russians have actually tried to annex the North Pole, expect them to make more visits to their "territory."

2. Contact Voyage Concepts of the UK. They have planned cross-country ski trips and other expeditions featuring dog sledding, helicopters and hot air balloons to get people to the North Pole.

3. Snowshoe up to the North Pole during the winter. Canadian Arctic Holidays organized a snowshoeing and ski expedition to the Pole in April 2007. They have organized trips to the Pole since 1993.

4. Take a nuclear-powered icebreaker to the Pole. Arctic Odysseys offer voyages on board the Yamal from Murmansk during the summer months. The icebreaker trip features a heated pool, basketball court, talks from Polar experts and international cuisine.

5. Run a marathon. The North Pole Marathon, a.k.a. the World's Coolest Marathon, slogs through 26.2 miles at the top of the world every March. Competitors will be taken to the exact North Pole at the end of the race.

6. Float in a hot air balloon over the North Pole. North Pole Adventures, a Russian company, offers this option (and many other special packages) for those who want to do something a little different. They also arrange special packages for honeymooners and those who want to sample vodka at 40 degrees below zero.

7. Fly over the North Pole. This is the most economical way to see the North Pole and the spectacular Arctic scenery. An English-speaking guide will accompany the flight from Dusseldorf. Plus, you get complimentary champagne upon reaching your destination.

Tips & Warnings

• The ice at the North Pole is usually between 2 and 3 feet thick, although clear water sometimes is seen there. The ocean depth is approximately 12,000 feet.

• The North Pole is warmer than the South Pole, but it's still incredibly cold. Winter temperatures can dip down to 45 degrees below zero, while summer temperatures hover around the freezing point.

• Because the North Pole isn't located on a fixed point of land like the South Pole is, it is not unusual for your camp site to "drift" away to the south.

• Polar ice is rumored to be extremely salty and unsuitable for consumption, even when melted. Find some other way to get water if you choose to make the trek.

Resources

• Contact Voyage Concepts here to find out about current polar expeditions.
• Find out about expeditions organized by Canadian Arctic Holidays here.
• Learn more about Arctic Odyssey's nuclear icebreaker trips here.
• Apply for the North Pole Marathon here.
• Plan your trip with North Pole Adventures here.
• Book your North Pole flight here.