Fort Lewis Alumni Invited on Antarctic Ski Trek to Fund Outdoor Pursuits

Fort Lewis College is inviting alumni and donors to a 16-day skiing and trekking expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula in late October to early November 2027 as part of the college outdoor program’s 50th anniversary fundraising push. The trip, organized by the college’s Outdoor Pursuits program in partnership with Ice Axe Expeditions, combines expedition-style sailing with on-ice travel and classroom-free field time aimed at supporting student access to outdoor education.

Participants will begin with three nights in Ushuaia, Argentina, then spend roughly two weeks aboard a charter vessel working their way through sites on the Antarctic Peninsula. Planned stops include Charlotte Bay, Bluff Island, Damoy Point, the Lemaire Channel, the Ukrainian Vernadsky scientific station, and Half Moon Bay. The itinerary promises opportunities for both backcountry skiing and trekking across polar terrain, blending expedition cruising with active travel.

Outdoor Pursuits Director Josh Kling described the trip as a "once in a lifetime opportunity." Seven slots have already been filled, Kling said, and organizers emphasize the dual purpose of the voyage: delivering a rare travel experience while channeling funds back into campus programming. The total cost per participant is about $20,000. Certain cabin upgrades are structured so that part of the surcharge functions as a donation to Outdoor Pursuits programming, with funds targeted to lower barriers for Fort Lewis College students.

For alumni and donors who follow Four Corners Adventure circuits, the trip offers both high-end adventure and concrete local impact. Funds raised will support curriculum, gear, and access initiatives run by Outdoor Pursuits, which serves students with courses, trips, and rental services that are central to Fort Lewis’ outdoor campus culture. Those who travel will not only log polar miles but also contribute to scholarships and programming that enable more students to learn technical outdoor skills closer to home.

The offering comes as Outdoor Pursuits marks its 50th anniversary, positioning the expedition as both a celebration and a fundraiser. Logistics combine commercial expedition experience from Ice Axe Expeditions with the college’s student-centered goals, a pairing meant to appeal to alumni seeking an adventurous way to reinvest in the program.

For readers interested in participating or supporting the program, note that space is limited and confirmed bookings are already in progress. The trip will be a high-cost, high-impact option for donors who want an adventurous trip while directly supporting Fort Lewis College students and the next generation of outdoor leaders.