Current changes in the ocean around Antarctica are disturbingly close to conditions 14,000 years ago that led to the rapid melting of the Antarctic ice sheets and a three metre rise in global sea levels. New research published in Nature Scientific Reports found that at the end of the last ice age, Antarctic ocean temperatures [...]
The 2016 Antarctic season marks 50 years since the first ascent of the continent’s four highest peaks by the American Antarctic Mountaineering Expedition (AAME). Mount Vinson, Antarctica’s highest peak at 16,050 ft (4892 m), was first summited on December 18, 1966 by AAME expedition members, Pete Schoening, Bill Long, John Evans, and Barry Corbet. Despite [...]
The Antarctic summer draws a host of unique expeditioners to the white continent every year, each with their own objective and particular method of travel. 2016 is no exception and ALE is proud be the logistics provider for a diverse group of individuals and teams, most of whom aim to reach the Southernmost Point on [...]
The shop is officially open and we’re proud to debut our new assortment of Antarctic merchandise for the 2016 season! These one of a kind keepsakes are exclusively sold at ALE’s Union Glacier Camp, so if you’re lucky enough to receive one, you’ll know it came all the way from the 7th continent. Purchases can [...]
Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE) debuted a new brand mark and website today, just before the start of its 30th Antarctic season. The new logo and website are part of a strategic initiative by ALE to consolidate its retail and wholesale divisions under one brand identity. The company will now offer its guided Antarctic experiences under [...]
ALE uses blue-ice airfields to land wheeled aircraft in Antarctica. These snow-free areas are a cornerstone of our operations. But what are blue-ice fields? How are they formed? And what makes them so special? Blue-ice fields are glacial areas that remain snow-free. Most of the Antarctic ice sheet is covered by snow, since the accumulation [...]
Nick Clinch (b. 1930), leader of the 1966 first ascent of Mount Vinson, passed away on June 15, 2016 in Palo Alto, California. Clinch is regarded as one of America’s most successful expedition leaders. He is the only American to have led the first ascent of an 8,000 meter peak: Hidden Peak (Gasherbrum I, 26,470 [...]
Olivia is one of the first people our Antarctic guests meet upon arrival in Punta Arenas. When she's not breaking glacial ice to serve up pisco sours, she's leading ALE's Guest Services team in Chile to make sure all goes according to plan.
Did you know the IL-76 has two flight decks or that school bus can fit inside it? Learn more about this amazing aircraft and how it's used in Antarctica.
It is with deep sadness that we mark the passing of John Splettstoesser - geologist, polar scientist, devoted Antarctican, and long-time friend of ALE - at age 82.