Our thoughts may be turning to holidays and the New Year, but for expeditions in Antarctica, it’s another day of snow, wind and marching toward the Pole. Some teams have completed their treks, while others continue skiing south. Arrived at South Pole Sorpolen 1911-2011 completed the second-ever overland expedition from the Bay of Whales to [...]
Vinson Base Camp is officially “Open” and the first guests have arrived. ALE staff flew into the base camp recently to prepare for the arrival of the first climbers of the season. The camp, located at 7020 ft (2140 m) on the Branscomb Glacier, has been unoccupied since the end of last January when everything [...]
Delays are to be expected – as any Antarctic explorer will tell you. Amundsen attempted to set off for the Pole on September 8, 1911 and was beaten back to Framheim by -58F (-50C) temperatures. He waited for 6 weeks before finally departing on October 19. The 2011 South Pole expeditions are now on their [...]
An ancient lake hidden deep beneath West Antarctica’s Ice Sheet may reveal vital clues about climate change and future sea level rises, and uncover new forms of life, according to a group of UK engineers and scientists. Sub-glacial Lake Ellsworth Project (SLE) British Antarctic Survey (BAS) engineers are preparing to head off to Lake Ellsworth, [...]
October 19th 1911. Scott bides his time at Cape Evans, his South Pole departure set for November 1. Amundsen is ready to set-off as soon as the ‘storms and gales’ abate. The race to the Pole is about to begin… A century later the triumph and tragedy of Amundsen and Scott still fascinate and inspire [...]
South Pole expedition fever is high! 2011 marks the centenary of Amundsen’s and Scott’s expeditions to the South Pole. Historic events are top-of-mind and we are proud to support a number of Centenary expeditions. Many expeditions plan to arrive at the Pole either for Amundsen’s or Scott’s Centenary celebrations, paying homage to the courage and [...]
If the word ‘history’ makes your eyelids droop, then think again…A new historic walking circuit in Punta Arenas, Chile brings to life the stories of Antarctic explorers and the role of Punta Arenas as Gateway to Antarctica. For Shackleton Fans
ALE presented a Poster Paper and attended a workshop on Inland Traverses in Antarctica, hosted by the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) in Stockholm on July 31, 2011. Antarctic traverses are undertaken by many nations and there is a growing interest by other countries who wish to develop their capability in this area. [...]
The Sub-glacial Lake Ellsworth Consortium have launched a new website for the Lake Ellsworth drilling project. www.ellsworth.org.uk The website gives a great overview of the project, which will look for life in Antarctic sub-glacial lakes. There are sections on science goals; engineering and logistics challenges; and how the environment will be protected. The site also [...]
Stephanie Taylor has worked in the travel industry for 15 years – and has loved every minute of it. Stephanie joins our Salt Lake City office as Client Services Manager, where her main focus will be working with guests and travel agents. Stephanie graduated with a degree in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality and has extensive [...]