CORSICA

CHALLENGE 9

WALK THE SPINE OF CORSICA

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Price: £4,995

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Challenge Information (Need doc from Sam)

WHAT YOU'LL DO IN THIS CHALLENGE

Trek 180km along the mountainous spine of Corsica on one of Europe’s most demanding long-distance trails. The GR20 takes you from the island’s northern highlands to its southern forests across knife-edge ridgelines, alpine lakes, and remote mountain passes. It’s a bold crossing that has over 11,000m of elevation over the route. 

 

You begin by meeting your experienced guide at the first gîte where you will receive a brief on the route and prepare your equipment for the route. This is more than just packing right; it’s about stepping off on the challenge with confidence, clarity, and the right mindset. The next day, you start with a baptism of fire, with 1,360m of elevation gain over the first 11km. This is the first sign that this is not a guided stroll. 

 

Over the following 12 days, the route climbs and drops relentlessly, with a total elevation gain that surpasses the height of Everest. You will link high refuges with exposed paths, boulder fields, and steep ascents. From Monte Cito to the Forest of Vizzavona, every section of the route is a new story and asks something different of you. On the trail, nights are spent in mountain dormitories or tents. 

ITINERARY

Itinerary & Cost

Day 1 -Arrival and Preparation:

On arrival at the airport, the Pole to Pole team will collect you to travel to the Pole to Pole Academy where you will meet everyone and carry out some pre-course formalities. 


Day 2 – Equipment Issue and Lessons:

You will receive your expedition training equipment and begin the classroom and practical lessons on how to work in the extreme cold weather environment. 


Day 3 – Skiing Lessons:

Continuation of training focusing on skiing technique. 


Day 4 – Deploy on the Expedition:

After final preparations and a kit check you will deploy on the training expedition with your first night in tents. 


Day 5 & 6 Training Expedition: 

The course will progress with greater distance being skied and more technical training while on the expedition before returning back to the Pole to Pole Academy in the afternoon on Day 6 to de-service equipment.  In the evening, there is a celebration dinner to mark the end of training.  


Day 7 – Departure Day:

Final feedback from the instructors and discussions about the Antarctic specifics and equipment requirements before departing for the airport. 

Itinerary & Cost

Day 1 :

The first day after arriving in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, will be spent meeting your guide and the rest of the team before beginning preparations. You will pack your equipment, learn some of the safety routines, and test out your pulk. 


Day 2:

The beginning of the Challenge. You will load your equipment onto the snowmobiles and drive to the start point of the expedition. On arrival, you will establish camp and re-pack your equipment ready to start in the morning.


Day 3 to 10:

You begin the expedition routine, gradually increasing the daily distance and time on skis. The skiing routine will be 60 minutes of pulk hauling followed by a 5 to 10 minute break to eat and drink. 


The route starts close to the east coast at the Bay of Dunér and you’ll ski onto the sea ice, past the glacier before turning west.  The route will take you over small glacial plateaus, through mountain passes and valleys, and part epic mountain ranges. 


Day 11 & 12:

Return to Longyearbyen and your hotel for a hot shower and some fresh food. Before you celebrate, you will de-service your equipment and assist the guide in the post-expedition shut down.  


Once the admin is done, you can reflect back on the previous 10 days with pride, reflecting on the challenges you’ve overcome and the success you have achieved as part of your team. 


Post Challenge: 

The option to stay in Longyearbyen and experience the culture or to fly home from Svalbard. 

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What's included in this package?

  • Accommodation while in Corsica 
  • Airport transfers in Corsica 
  • Experienced mountain guide 
  • Food while on the Challenge, including train snacks. 
  • Sleeping bag, hiking poles, and backpack. 
  • Porterage for follow-on bags, which you can access on certain nights of the Challenge. 

Plane flying over land

What's not included in this package?

  • Flights to Calvi Airport or Figari Airport 
  • Personal clothing and equipment 
  • Personal Travel Insurance 

FAQs

Full details in the information document.


Frequently asked questions we've received for this challenge from previous challengers.

Still have questions after reading our FAQs? Use the button below to contact us, and a team member will respond shortly.

ENQUIRE

  • Is this for me?

    You do not need any alpine experience to take on the GR20, but you do need to be ready. 


    This is a physically and mentally demanding route. You will hike up to 10 hours a day over steep, rocky, and often exposed terrain. The trail is unforgiving in places, with significant elevation gain, rough surfaces, and minimal facilities. Strong fitness and a commitment to preparation are essential.  


    If you’re ready for it, completing the GR20 is something that few forget. It’s a real accomplishment earned with every ascent, descent, and hard-earned view.  

  • How fit do I need to be for Challenge 9?

    You’ll need strong fitness and the ability to handle long, demanding days on rugged terrain to take on this challenge. No need to be an elite athlete, but you should be comfortable hiking for up to 10 hours a day, with steep climbs, descents, and carrying a day pack in high mountain conditions.