ALE Mount Vinson Guide, David Hamilton, has 28 years of experience as a high altitude guide in all of the world’s major mountain ranges, with 25 expeditions to peaks over 7,500m and (almost) all the 7 summits 3 or more times.
Al may be the most elusive member of the ALE team and it took a bit of bribery to trick him into giving us an ‘interview’. Al works behind the scenes, overseeing ALE's mechanical services department and without him, Union Glacier Camp wouldn't run. So meet the man behind the machines - and be warned [...]
We're always looking for ways to enhance our guests' experience in Antarctica. Since moving our main camp to Union Glacier in 2010, we've made major investments in infrastructure and equipment. The trend continues this season with three new structures, two major pieces of equipment, a new fleet of cross-country skis, and additional fat tire bikes.
The next best thing to being in Antarctica is reading about it. So we've compiled a list of the top polar stories to keep you cool all year long.
We're not bragging when we say that ALE guides are some of the most experienced and talented guides around. Meet Scott Woolums, who has 30+ years of guiding experience under his belt, including seven Everest summits, 40+ Denali expeditions, and innumerable expeditions to other 'fun corners of the world.'
The glaciated and alpine topography of the Sentinel Range in the Ellsworth Mountains provides excellent climbing terrain for mountaineers with eight of the ten highest peaks in Antarctica being located here. While the majority of visitors to the area come to climb, this region of the continent has plenty to offer adventurers and geologists in [...]
2015 marks the centenary of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. Shackleton's story is one of the most celebrated survival stories of all time and continues to inspire modern day explorers.
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 [...]
2014-15 marks the busiest Antarctic season on record for Mount Vinson ascents.
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.