We've reached the half-way point in the climbing season on Mount Vinson and it's hard to believe the third group of guests are already on the mountain! We caught up with ALE Guide, David Hamilton, for a glimpse into the days ahead and what this group of climbers will experience on Vinson.
The Honourable Alexandra Shackleton, granddaughter of Sir Ernest Shackleton, flew to the interior of the Antarctic continent for the first time with ALE on December 13, 2014.
Seven unique expeditions are en route to the South Pole this Antarctic season. We'll be following their journeys and look forward to hosting all of them at Union Glacier upon completion of their ultimate goals.
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.
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
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.
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 [...]
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 [...]
Love penguins? Want to participate in penguin research? Check out the Zooniverse, a brand new (and very cool) citizen science platform...
The first Automatic Weather Station (AWS) images of the season are in! Upgrades and new weather stations in 2014 will provide flight crews with more and better weather information.