The South Pole Infrared Explorer is the name given a series of experiments to determine the suitability of the South Pole as a site for near infrared astrophysics observations. For the first phase of this project we have constructed a 60 cm telescope and a near infrared imaging spectrometer. With this instrumentation we plan to carry out a program of measurements to test the qualities of the site. We also plan to carry out a survey for faint galaxies. Between December of 1993 and February of 1994 we began to place the equipment at the Pole. Since then, the telescope and instrumentation have survived their first winter of operation. In this paper we describe the experiments and our experiences.