South Pole - Page 4

Lyudmila Korobeshko: Preparing to fly to Antarctica is in full swing. We check all equipment and at the same time divide it (as long as no fights). After all, at the Union we will have to divide it - Volodya and Sasha fly to Vinson, and I will go in the direction of the South Pole. Two degrees is not one degree!

Vladimir Kotlyar: Today, Sasha and Luda introduced me to Russian pilots, board a team of IL-76! Interesting people, both as of  adventure books! The commander and the radio operator Anatoly and Alexei have two hundredth landing on the ice a few days ago, and today we have noted it with an excellent lamb !!! Thank you guys for your hospitality and  for the  great day!

Some views of Punta Arenas

A team of the 7 Summits Club guides arrived to Punta Arenas. We met the Kazakh team. Then we met Christine and her husband, Hannibal. And burrows ...

Photos from the window of the hotel on the Strait of Magellan. Tomorrow we will have a tough day. It is necessary to check all equipment.

 Due to the expansion and opening of the new perspective directions, the office of the 7 Summits Club changes dislocation and moves closer to the center.

New address: Maly Karetny, 10

We hope to finish our moving till December 7th.

In this regard, small delays with answers by mail are possible. But we will try to respond as much as possible to all letters and calls even in the course of moving …

The event will be held on October 13^th  on Thursday, beginning at 20:00. The 7 Summits Club celebrates its birthday and invites you to share the feast of all his friends and those who would like to become a friend. We invite you to our office ul. Bolshaya Pereyaslavskaya, 7. Metro Prospekt Mira.

In the evening we will tell about our key expeditions of 2016, we summarize the results of several months of travel and climbing programs. You will find a meal and attention from the owners.

More Details will be soon

That's how it was a year ago:

We have already written about this wonderful book and noted that the author did exactly what he wanted. Well, the presentation was held in form, which, of course, was also pleasing to him. In the form of a meeting of friends!

Once again pay tribute to the author and his assistants: the book, in the form of the album, is 100% successful. This happen not often.

So, the presentation was held on Saturday 4 April at the Museum of Senkewich...

First of all there were author’s fellows from a trek to the South pole, just friends, also active members of the 7 summits Club: Dmitry Moskalev, Vladimir Lande and Yuri Taidakov. Andrey Belov represented the heroic crew of Il-76 linking the Antarctic base with the mainland.

In addition, Luba and Victor Nikolaevs were here, that all the well-known authorities in the field of mountaineering. And other nice and lovely people. The atmosphere was relaxed and informal, helped by the cozy atmosphere of the Museum and high quality alcohol.

There is no doubt that no one has to regret that visited the presentation. There was much that is so appreciated by the participants of the polar travel - human communication, not in extreme conditions. Everyone heard what they wanted to hear and could get autograph of the author on own copy.

In the spotlight was also the President of the 7 Summits Club Alexander Abramov. He was being very busy with preparation a new Everest expedition, but managed to find the strength to make a short speech. Again, thanks to the alcohol, it proved to be relatively successful.

The 7 Summits Club also represented a world 7 summits record holder Lyudmila Korobeshko (Director of the Company) and professional polar Explorer, our manager Anastasia Kuznetsova.

This is Drambuie – a leading drink of polar explorers, Irina Klimova has taught us that wisdom with humor…

All expedition and presentation photos can be viewed in the large gallery of Jubilee expedition. All 226 pictures, which 46 are from the presentation, and are placed at the end.

http://www.7vershin.ru/photos/all/section_282/

Project Antarctica: Nothing Left to Prove. Hardcover.
by Grishkov Igor (Author), Klimov Sasha (Editor)

Photos:

On the Amazon:

A group of Russian businessmen, members of the Leaders’ Club, set off for the Antarctic on December 20. One of their goals is to draw attention to Russia’s studies of the Antarctic and to test Russian-made communication equipment in extreme conditions.

Expedition participants also intend to hoist the Russian flag at the highest spot of the Antarctic and conduct a series of medical and biological studies. The expedition involves some 200 people and 34 research organisations.

* * *

PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA VLADIMIR PUTIN: Good afternoon. Can you hear me?

LEADERS’ CLUB PRESIDENT, AGENCY FOR STRATEGIC INITIATIVES NEW BUSINESS DIRECTOR ARTEM AVETISYAN: Yes, we can hear you. The Leaders’ Club expedition welcomes you to the vast expanses of the Antarctic.

VLADIMIR PUTIN: Thank you. Hello, everyone.

I remember you were telling me about this expedition in Moscow, and bearing in mind that your expedition is of a national scope, I would like to recall that our compatriots Faddey Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev pioneered Antarctic exploration.

Besides, next year, I believe, we will be marking 60 years since the first Soviet expedition to the Antarctic. Thus, overall we have significant experience in this exploration. This is a very interesting, unique part of the planet.

Unfortunately, not everyone who wanted to take part in the expedition managed to do so. Only yesterday, I spoke to my aide Andrei Belousov. He is disappointed he could not join you because of his workload, though he had the necessary training.

I am glad that you have managed to bring this expedition to fruition. I know you have planned many events and many people are taking part in this work.

Could you please remind us of what you intend to do, including the testing of Russian-made radio and video communication equipment.

ARTEM AVETISYAN: Mr President, we are actually testing the equipment now. This is the first ever TV link-up between Moscow and the Antarctic. Nobody has ever done it before.

This was made possible thanks to Russian engineers. A large part of the equipment we are using was made in Russia.

We have set camp here, 16,000 kilometres from Moscow, and tomorrow we are setting out to the highest peak of the Antarctic to hoist the Russian flag there.

We have representatives of medium size businesses here from various sectors of the economy, and our goal is not only to hoist the Russian flag, but also to test Russian equipment at the peak.

We will also conduct a series of medical and biological experiments to study human sensitivity to hypoxia at high altitudes. We also plan to collect water samples from the highest peak of the Antarctic. They say it is the cleanest water in the world, and we believe it can extend human life.

Also, it is no secret that for a year now the Leaders’ Club has been making sample purchases. Now we have made a sample purchase here in the Antarctic and found a discrepancy: tourists here are taken around by Russian pilots on board legendary Russian Il-76 craft. However, the travel agencies are foreign, and the aircraft servicing companies are also foreign, while the number of tourists is significant – around 6,000.

We would like to create Russian tourist infrastructure to popularise Antarctic travel in our country. If you do not mind, Mr President, we would like to discuss this with you in Moscow, and if you support the idea, the Leaders’ Club is willing to take on the job.

VLADIMIR PUTIN: Fine, let us do that.

Naturally, wherever you go you always find areas where you can apply your creative and business-like approach. I never had any doubt about that. See, you have found something even in the Antarctic. How are you planning to see in the New Year?

ARTEM AVETISYAN: We should be at an altitude of some 4,000 metres on New Year’s Eve, so we intend to contact Russian entrepreneurs in all the remote areas of Russia. That is actually why we brought all this equipment. We have a Russian-made radio station that we will also be testing. And we will be wishing everyone a happy New Year.

VLADIMIR PUTIN: I see.

I would like to wish you good luck and all the best in the New Year, success in your work and in reaching the peak. Please pass on my best wishes to all the expedition participants.

I know that about 200 people are involved in your work and 34 research organisations have been supporting it in one way or another.

Please convey my best wishes to the marine and aircraft crews. I wish you all the best. Happy New Year!

ARTEM AVETISYAN: Thank you, Mr President. Happy New Year to you!

VLADIMIR PUTIN: All the best! Good-bye and good luck!

Hello! This is Alex Abramov from Antarctica. Today we plan to start to the High camp. We turned almost all their tents, collected products and so on ... packed as horses. And now, after half an hour we will begin to climb in the upper camp, High camp. From which tomorrow, about 9:00, we should start to climb for the summit. Weather is good, favorable ... so all is well. Goodbye! Next link will be .... It is not known when. So Long!

Alex Abramov sent some pictures from Punta Arenas

The whole team of the 7 Summits Club Antarctic expedition gathered at last. Everybody is happy and joyful. It is obvious that everything will continue to be well and good!

Tomorrow it will be a busy day, we have to pack up all things and go to the Island Magdalena to communicate with the penguins.

Today we walked to Punta Arenas:

Alex Abramov,
Dmitriev Sergey,

Kharazova Irena,
Belkovich Vladimir,
Merkulov Ivan,
Merkulov Evgeny,
Tommas Pelland,
Utvenko Alexander,
Janczarski Pawel,
Zimin Youri,
Kravt Evgeniy...

Alex start of a new season in Antarctica. He is flying to Punta Arenas for its preparation. It will be three groups of the 7 Summits Club...

7 summits, Hello! Dima Ermakov from Punta Arenas. Yesterday, early in the morning we arrived here from Antarctica. The weather is fine, the sun shines. Today almost all the participants departed, except me. Our expedition is over. Antarctica will not surprises us more this year. The 7 Summits Club has completed its work on the Ice continent this season. With two successful expedition on Vinson, one Last Degree, and one of the volcano Sidley. So we have a fine finish. We are happy and glad that soon we'll be seeing family and friends.

Best Regards! Dima Ermakov, a guide of the 7 Summits Club

Seven Summits Club, Hello! This Andrey Filkov from the camp Union Glacier, from Antarctica. Today, December 31,  the local time is still 18 hours 48 minutes. Here we come together: the team of climbers from the expedition on Sidley, which has just ended, and the expedition to Vinson, which is still held under the leadership of Dima Ermakov. We are gathered here today to celebrate the New Year, which was going along our great country ... We started to celebrate at 10 am local time, when the New Year has come to the Far East. And we continue, passing the cities of our country Russia.

New Year greetings to all our friends, all our friends! Anyone who has followed our expedition, Thanks a lot ! Best wishes !

Pictures from this season:

Seven Summits, hello! This is Dima Ermakov from the South Pole. We're OK, yesterday we reached the South Pole. Today we went on an excursion tour of the Base (Amundsen-Scott). It was interesting, of course. Now we are “sitting on the suitcases”, waiting for a plane that can not fly yet because of the weather in Union Glacier. We rest, take pictures. Everything is fine. Best regards!

Seven Summits, hello! Dima Ermakov from Antarctica. Today it was the second day. The first day as we landed, we went a little bit, .... Yesterday we passed 15 km. Now we have morning, today we will have a third day running. All participants feel good. In general, we are all normal. Weather until favors. Cold, true, but then the sun shines all the time. Hello!

Hello! Dima Ermakov from Punta Arenas. Today, all the members have arrived, finally. Our expedition practically already begun. Tomorrow we will have introductory briefing. All products , all things, everything is ready, packed and purchased. Actually we are sitting on suitcases .

If all goes well, the day after tomorrow we will fly. Weather make us happy. Pilots are flying almost every day. So I hope it will be all according to plan and we come in time. All is well, Hello! FromPunta Arenas, Dmitry Ermakov.

Pictures from Vitaly Simonovich, who this year climbed Mount Vinson, Mount Sidley and made Last Degree  to the South Pole. Real master of photo !

Vladimir Shataev: secrets of the mastery of the legendary climber.

The legendary mountaineer domestic Vladimir Shataev came Received Yoki.ru personally than not a little surprised. It's no joke, our guest this "Snow Leopard". The idea is we must have to go to him at the meeting, armed with a tape recorder and camera. However, Vladimir Nikolayevich, a modest man, democratic, open and "star does not suffer from the disease." Conversely, a lively interest in what is happening and willingly share their experiences, memories and experiences.

Vladimir Nikolayevich, we know that your "mountain" experience includes 46 years of almost continuous practice. And how you came to climbing?

When I was 15 years old, I lived with my aunt in Kislovodsk and every day saw Elbrus. Of course - this spectacle thrilled boyish imagination, I found a partner and we both went to the foot of the mountain. Imagine that we had nothing with him except the blankets. When three years ago, I traveled by car to the places he himself was surprised. It is unclear how we as children were 70 kilometers without equipment. But the fact remains that at the breaking point we reached the glacier, though it nearly killed crossing a river. When we returned back, I'm his friend said that up to 25 years of age must climb Elbrus.

After this incident, I was seriously interested in rock climbing , began to study books. Realizing how difficult and dangerous this sport. By the time I was seriously engaged in athletics came in "Spartacus" and got a ticket to the base in the Caucasus. As a result, in 1922 I already had two climb Elbrus . And then have dragged on, eventually I became an instructor.

As you consider how much of modern Russian youth is interested in climbing?

Judge for yourself in the Soviet Union officially climbing involved 35,000 people. Today, such statistics are not, in my estimation are constantly traveling to the mountains around 5,000 climbers. And - this is a high-level athletes who are on the shoulder 6A level and above. In fact - they are elite.

But, unfortunately, they have about 40 years. That is, those who came to climbing back in the old days. Young people too. The last two or three years, the interest appears to be enhanced. Moreover, that the different committees allocate funds for the development of mountain sport. Therefore znachkisty and dischargers have the opportunity to travel to the mountains.

True, climbing still can not now be called a mass sport. The main problem is that actually stayed bases. Only in the Caucasus remained the camp. For young people had all been available, voucher worth 30 rubles. And now the system is completely destroyed, it is not restored.

However, for example, in Moscow there are about 20 clubs, where you can practice and mountaineering and climbing.

By the way, what is the difference between rock climbing and mountaineering?

Paradoxical. But those who engaged in rock climbing, mostly rocks themselves do not even see. Previously, indeed often the competitions among the climbers, athletes climbed to the natural topography. And now everything is being done in the halls, on the artificial surface.

Climbers imagine this can not. They need the mountains, a real relief, and nature. In addition, climbing expensive, because the necessary equipment. The same backpack, ice pick, crampons, all worth serious money.

p align = "justify"> climbing all over the world called sport climbing. In some countries, like France, it is taught as a separate discipline. Indeed, children like to climb, why not develop and does not pay for the benefit of the child.
Vladimir Nikolaevich, saying that you have conquered all "seventhousanders?

I have a 113 number in the "Snow Leopard" (laughs)
("Snow Leopard" - is official and an extremely rare title in mountaineering. For him the assignment it was necessary to conquer the all seventhousanders the former Soviet Union: Communism peak, Lenin, Victory Korjenevskaya. Then he added another of Khan-Tengri).

And outside the Soviet Union, where were you?

I was at eight-two.: Shisha Pangma and Everest. Also, I involuntarily participated in the program climb to the highest point of the continents: Everest in Asia, Elbrus in Europe, McKinley in North America, Aconcagua in South America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Kosciusko in Australia and Vinson in Antarctica. Of these I have left to conquer only Vinson, though hard to get to Antarctica, this requires 30 thousand dollars.

Interestingly, the man leads in the mountains? "What kind of feelings he feels, being on top?

Some special feelings on the top of the conquered rarely feel. Usually not before. Although, if itineraries lighter lucky with the weather and see from the height of all this beauty, it certainly touches the heart. It would be desirable for an hour or half to stay there and watch. This gives a charge of vivacity that his missing almost a year.

Why do people go to the mountains ... all individually. One way to overcome this yourself, others want to demonstrate their power, others seek escape from the routine and bytovuhi that surrounds it. Fourth, for example, in the mountains can guide the groups, but in life to be ordinary clerical and invisible people. In the mountains, it changes, it is the head, depends on him a lot, almost every step. Not by accident earlier among climbers had a lot of physicists, chemists, scientists. People dumb distant from real life. Those who took a mountaineering school, many life situations are more easily overcome. Indeed, in the mountains, they face challenges that require a momentary solution: have the tent set and the food is cooking, and washing, and negotiate with the drivers of cars.

Sounds in the mountains ... What are they?

Silence. Than the quieter the better. I remember one of the most wonderful moments when we go on-Shisha Pangma. I left the base camp along a small mountain stream in which trout splashing and just two o'clock sat in that silence.

You meet a strange? Yeti, for example.

There are also strange, and luck, which then settle in mountaineering folklore. And that's not Bigfoot , or UFOs are not met.

Extreme situations are? After all, the group may consist of climbers to the preparation of various levels ..

Extreme sports in the mountains - it is a natural situation. Any bad weather, storm, already fraught with troubles. Security depends on the manager. Sometimes "gornyashka" (mountain sickness) is such that people have to bear. From lack of oxygen a person can be either a lack of energy, apathy or irritability.We had a case where people just sat down and decided not to go any further, I had to take his backpack and get to follow her footsteps. It is true, then he crossed himself and walked to the summit - 6100

And what more difficult to climb or descend?

Fifty-fifty, although some believe that to go down harder.

What's in your future plans?

Just a few days we will travel to Turkey on Ararat . This will be My sixth ascent of the famous mountain.

On this expedition Yoki.ru tell our readers a later date.

Vladimir Shataev:

Born May 1, 1937

Awarded:
The medal "For Labour Valour - 10/05/1972 city (№ 165197);
The Order of Honour - 01/09/1990 city (№ 1524514);
Medal "Veteran of Labour" - 5/22/1985 city;
Medal "For the glory of Ossetia" - June 1995;
Commander of the Order "Edelweiss", 1 st degree (№ 09);
Anniversary medal "Golden Jubilee of Mount Everest (Nepal).

Began athletics in 1955 - two-Union junior record in the relay 4 ? 800 meters.

Went to the mountains in 1959: the first peak in the Caucasus - Gumachi (3,805 m).
Graduated from high school instructor in 1961 at the climber camp "Dzhantugan"

Currently, public office: President, Union of mountaineers and rock climbers from Russia on Feb. 7, 2000, Executive Secretary of the Mountaineering Federation of Russia with 20 November 1993, Executive Secretary of the Eurasian Association of Mountaineering and Climbing on December 1, 1996. Member of the Board of the International Union of climbing Associations (UIAA) - 1997-2000.

Next week President of Russia Vladimir Putin will officially visit theRepublicofChile. According some information he with President Chili Pinera will fly toAntarctica. No comment yet.

Season Wrap from ANI.

ANI was delighted to welcome the President of theRepublicofChile, Sebastian Pinera Echenique, to Union Glacier today. President Pinera has a strong interest inAntarcticaand has made several visits to the continent but this was his furthest trip south (79S) and the first to the extreme edge of the Chilean sector (80W).

The visit is one of several that, according to Pinera, "...symbolize our deep commitment as a country to the Antarctic continent.Chileis going to strengthen its presence and its contribution so that this continent can enable us to address the future and develop science and tourism.” The President has made similar visits to the Antarctic Peninsula with the Presidents ofUruguayandEcuador, all of whom are members of the Antarctic Policy Counsel (CPA).

Part of the purpose of this visit to Union Glacier is for the President to see potential locations for a new Chilean station in the area, to be operated by the Fuerza Aerea de Chile (FACh). During a recent visit toLondon, President Pinera signed an agreement to strengthen scientific cooperation between the British Antarctic Survey and the Instituto Antartico Chileno (INACH).

During his stay at Union Glacier, President Pinera visited the FACh summer camp and met several of our ANI team. He was welcomed in particular by ANI's Operations Manager and our Chilean staff. It was great day for them and a great day for ANI. We’ve gained greatly over the years by visits from Chilean scientists from a number of research institutes, and look forward to continuing cooperation with them.

---

The ANI Ski South Pole Messner team has arrived at the South Pole and other expeditions supported by ALE/ANI are closing in. It's been a tough go for many. Early season conditions were cold and windy, with very hard travel surfaces. A number of teams broke sled runners, skis, or tent poles and had to make field repairs of their equipment. South of 85S through to 88 10S, teams on both the Hercules Inlet and Messner Start routes have encountered enormous sastrugi that has slowed their progress. Veteran ANI guide, Hannah McKeand, reported very high, close packed sastrugi, the worst she has seen in years. Not surprisingly, the rough terrain, wind and accumulated long days of skiing are starting to take their toll with many teams reporting aches and pains. But spirits are generally good and despite feeling tired, the teams keep working away to close the gap on the Pole.

ANI SKSP-Messner - Hannah McKeand and Eero Oura

Congratulations to ANI guide Hannah McKeand (UK) her teammate Eero Oura fromFinlandwho have arrived at the South Pole! The two arrived on January 9, after a strong and steady expedition, covering 12-14 nm per day. Like other teams they have had to contend with broken sled runners, the hard, rough surface and enormous sastrugi. They were happy to cross 88S on December 30 and even happier to reach 88 38S and 'very very flat ground'. Hannah has now completed her sixth South Pole expedition, re-confirming her distinction of skiing to the South Pole more times than anyone else.

More about ANI SKSP-Messner

Aaron Solo AcrossAntarctica- Aaron Linsdau

Aaron's goal was to be the first American to ski solo from the coast ofAntarcticato the South Pole and back without aid, resupply or shelter. He set off from Hercules Inlet on November 1, hauling a heavy sled and facing very cold, windy conditions which slowed his pace. Equipment issues and illness further delayed his progress. Unfortunately the slow start meant that he has had to give up the return trip and he is now focused on reaching the South Pole.

Webpage: blog.aaronlinsdau.com/

Ice Ski 2012 - Solo to the South Pole - Vilborg Gissurardottir

Vilborg is only eight days or so from reaching the South Pole. The Icelandic skier began her 730 mile (1170 km) trek at Hercules Inlet and has been methodically chipping away at the mileage, hitting her 20 km (12.4 miles) goal day in and day out, despite the conditions and changes to the Antarctic surface. Vilborg is skiing solo and will be the first Icelandic woman to ski to the South Pole. Her expedition aims to raise awareness and money for Life Benefit, a charity that aims to improve gynacological facilities and services for women and their families during pregnancy, delivery and post-partum.

Webpage: www.lifsspor.is/blogg/ (Icelandic)

Ice-Walk - Roland Krueger

Roland Krueger skied to the South Pole with a Hvitserk expedition in 2005. Now the German expeditioner is skiing the Messner-Start route solo, unsupported, and unassisted. Roland has kept up his mileage despite a broken sled runner, huge sastrugi, and route finding challenges. Between 85 and 87S he traversed east to avoid the sastrugi, found himself in a crevasse field and had to work back west onto a safer route. He's now out of the sastrugi, approaching 89S and looking forward to reaching the Pole!

Weblog: explorerslog.mobi/xlog/index/509

Richard Parks

Wales' rugby hero Richard Parks was the creator of the 737 Challenge and was the first person to climb the highest mountain on each of the world's 7 continents and stand on all 3 poles within 7 months. He returned toAntarcticathis season to ski solo, unsupported from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole. Richard was delayed heading toAntarcticawhen his equipment didn't arrive in time. Fortunately a friend tracked down the shipment in aUKwarehouse and hand carried most of his gear toChile. He was able to borrow a sled from ANI, fly intoAntarcticaand begin his trek on December 18. Richard kept a positive attitude and has been skiing a strong 17-18nm per day since then, aiming for a 35 day expedition. His daily ANI updates range from "All good" to "Long day, but a good day" or for a change, "Really good day". His January 01 blog entry describes a particularly tough day where he fought his way through wind and white-out, wanting to 'pull the plug' every step of the way, then ends with this summary, "I am shattered. Sometimes mountains, the outdoors, nature, gives you an experience that just hits a little deeper than normal, that was one today it was an awesome experience."

Webpage: www.richardparks.co.uk

Cycle South - Eric Larsen

Polar Explorer Eric Larsen has previously skied to both the North and South Poles, including guiding a trip for ANI in 2008. He was hoping to complete the first bicycle traverse from the coast ofAntarcticato the South Pole and back to raise money for the Davis Phinney Foundation and their efforts to use bicycles to help improve the lives of those who live with Parkinson's. www.davisphinneyfoundation.org/giving/donate/ Unfortunately, after just eight days, he had to make the difficult decision to turn around and head back to the coast.

"I had been making steady progress south (20-25nm per day) for the past eight days and travel has been difficult but not impossible...as I started to calculate my mileage south of 85 degrees, I realized that due to an increased amount of climbing, headwinds, and consequently sastrugi and drifts, my daily mileage would realistically be closer to 10 nautical miles per day. At that rate, my chances of making the pole before my food ran out (as well as the end of the season) would be zero - meaning a costly extraction by ALE somewhere before the pole. Now I've taken a lot of chances in all kinds of shapes and forms but this was not a chance I was willing to take. I cried in my tent for a long time when I finally decided.

I made one last attempt at biking south before crashing in the soft snow, I yelled and screamed and punched my fist in the snow. I was exasperated. Then, I got up and looked around. The wind had picked up substantially, but all around there was just snow. Just like always.Antarctica. I laughed to myself. This was not the first time that this icy place has turned back an expedition."

Webpage: www.ericlarsenexplore.com

Ski Last Degree

Several ANI and other groups are skiing the Last Degree to the South Pole this season. Teams on this challenging expedition are dropped off at 89S and ski 60nm (110km) to the South Pole, pulling sleds with all their supplies and camping out on the polar plateau. We would like to send our congratulations to the teams who have completed their expedition and our best wishes to those currently in the field.

More about ANI Ski Last Degree

ANI ClimbAntarctica- Ralf Laier

Most people visitAntarcticaonce. Some come back for a second visit. And then there are those - like Ralf - who can't seem to stay away. Ralf completed an ANI Ski Last Degree expedition to the South Pole in 2010 and fell in love with the pristine beauty of the continent. He returned with ANI in 2011 to climb and explore theHeritageRange, achieving 10 first ascents in three weeks. Now he is back for a third season inAntarctica, with more first ascents and pristine peaks. On his 2012 tick-list were Mt Allen andMountLiptak, which he summitted with ANI guides Todd Passey and Pachi Ibarra.

More about ANI Climb Antarctica

First photos from Alex Abramov