Tea or Cocoa? Fueling the Debate

Posted  03/19/15 in Antarctic History, General Interest, Ski South Pole – Axel Heiberg, Ski South Pole – Hercules Inlet, Ski South Pole – Messner Start

With its hot, filling, rejuvenating qualities, cocoa has been an essential staple on all the major expeditions to the North and South Poles. Men would drink cup after cup of it as a bulwark against the morale and strength-sapping task of trudging across an icy, austere landscape. But explorers have not been unanimous in their [...]

Read More

Russian Climbers Safe on Mount Vinson

Posted  01/14/15 in Mount Vinson, Press Release

Media reports that a group of Russian climbers were lost on Mount Vinson are incorrect. All climbers are safe and well and the group is in regular contact with Vinson Base Camp.

Read More

2014-15 Expedition Update

Posted  01/2/15 in Expeditions, General Interest, Trip Report

It’s January and the 2014 Antarctic Ski South Pole expeditions are closing in on their goal. Here’s a re-cap of who is on the trail and how they’re doing… Route: Novolazarevskaya – Pole of Inaccessibility – South Pole – Hercules Inlet Skier: Frédéric Dion (Canada), Solo Frédéric has completed his epic, solo Antarctic crossing. He arrived [...]

Read More

2014 Science News

Posted  12/29/14 in General Interest, Science

Union Glacier hosts a melting pot of adventurers, explorers and scientists each season. We are excited to welcome research teams investigating a broad range of topics during the 2014-15 season. Learn more about the projects and fieldwork they'll be doing on the ice.

Read More

In the Spotlight - Pachi Ibarra

Posted  12/20/14 in Climb Antarctica, General Interest

One of Chile's top female mountaineers, Pachi has been guiding for over 15 years and the 2014-15 Antarctic season will be her 7th with ALE. Learn more about this accomplished mountaineer and her Antarctic experiences.

Read More

Summer Polar Bootcamp

Posted  11/20/14 in General Interest, Science, Travel Safety & Guiding

ALE Travel Safety Manager, Seth Timpano, attended a week-long Bootcamp in July 2014. But instead of marching drills and push-ups, this Bootcamp focused on satellite imagery in the Polar Regions. We asked Seth about the course and how it could apply to his work in Antarctica.

Read More

Vinson vs. Sidley - How do they compare?

Posted  11/19/14 in Mount Sidley, Mount Vinson

ALE Expedition Manager Steve Jones was interviewed by Explorersweb.com, comparing the climbing experience on Mount Vinson – Antarctica’s highest peak – to the less frequented and more remote Mount Sidley – Antarctica’s highest volcano. Click to read Steve’s interview

Read More

Expert Advice - Exped Essentials

Posted  10/9/14 in Expeditions, General Interest

Deciding what equipment to bring on an Antarctic expedition is no easy task. ALE's Expedition Manager, Steve Jones, provides some expert advice for teams heading onto the ice.

Read More

The single greatest hazard

Posted  10/6/14 in Emergency Response, General Interest

The word ‘Antarctica’ usually brings to mind images of extreme cold and snowstorms, but the single greatest hazard at any Antarctic station is fire. Antarctic holds roughly 70% of the earth’s fresh water, but that ‘water’ is locked away in vast ice sheets that cover the continent. Combine this lack of readily available water, with [...]

Read More

Beacons in Antarctica

Posted  09/19/14 in Communications, Emergency Response, Expeditions, General Interest, Ski South Pole – Axel Heiberg, Ski South Pole – Hercules Inlet, Ski South Pole – Messner Start

Accurate information on the location and status of people and resources under our care is key to ALE’s safety management process. ALE’s safety management process includes: Routine communications Emergency communications Capability for two-way voice communications between base and all sites 24 hours a day Back-up or reserve systems A pre-determined Emergency Response Plan ALE maintains [...]

Read More