In search of snowy peaks, breathtaking ski runs and graceful rock and ice formations, Caro North, Guillaume Martina and Mark van den Weg ventured on an expedition to wild Antarctica. They had an equally wild adventure that kept pushing them to their limits for four weeks.
The trip to Antarctica attracted Mammut Pro Team athlete Carol North and mountain guide Guillaume Martina in unfamiliar terrain. Hoping to find, climb, climb, and descend countless snow-covered islands on the northern tip of Antarctica, you stepped onto the deck of your sailing ship in Ushuaia, Argentina.
The first part of the trip was tough. Accompanied by mountain guide Daniel Coquoz, the two skippers Caroline Theoret and Mark van den Berg as well as the photographer Laurent Bruchez and the filmmaker Jaques Vouilloz, the notorious Drake passage had to be crossed. Without much sailing experience, the ocean road between the southern tip of South America and the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula already demanded a lot from the athletes.
The South Shetland Islands were reached four to five days later on the open sea. The search for snowy peaks, breathtaking ski runs and graceful rock and ice formations could begin.
Impressive pictures of the expedition
The power of arctic nature
It was easy to find the objects of desire, but the pitfalls of the Antarctic weather made the athletes run out of time. Icy winds and heavy rainfall not only made it impossible to go ashore, but especially the implementation of the planned projects. According to the skipper's professional assessment, the icebergs that were floating around were mostly too dangerous for ice climbing, since the movements of the icebergs and the risk of calving could only be poorly assessed. The poor visibility made it particularly difficult to climb and ski in the snow-capped mountains.
For example, while the Alps are documented very precisely, there is hardly any detailed map material about Antarctica that could have been used even in difficult visibility conditions. The only option was to wait and go ashore with the slightest hope of improvement and try it. The wait paid off, because as soon as the bad weather could come, it could also change. The crew should be rewarded.
The unique Antarctic experience
As soon as the clouds disappeared, the team opened a paradise for extreme athletes. A dangerous paradise, where the athletes had to trust even more in their own skills and equipment. The optimally equipped team around Mammut Pro Team athlete Carol North succeeded in both and was rewarded with impressive pictures and even more unique experiences.
"It was a unique experience."
Carol North
Even if only four days of expedition brought good weather, the expedition was a success Carol North: «The experience was unique. Going ashore and skiing your first tracks in the snow, paddling among penguins, walking among seals in a snowstorm, going ice climbing or traversing the Drake Passage was incredible.”
Although she would have liked more time to climb and dreamed of going on a mixed route, she was grateful to be part of this expedition.
"Our ski tour on an island that only consisted of one mountain, during a very short weather window - that was certainly a moment that I will never forget."
Carol North
The result is fascinating images, deserted landscapes and snow-capped mountains against a surreal backdrop of ice and sea.
The expedition route
Start in Ushuaia, Argentina. Crossing through the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands (Greenwich Island, Livingston Island and Deception Island). Then continue to Trinity Island Enterprise, Videla Range, Lemaire Channel and return from Mount Jabet back to the starting point in Ushuaia.
The crew
Caro North, Guillaume Martina, Daniel Coquoz, Caroline Theoret, Mark van den Berg, Laurent Bruchez, Jaques Vouilloz.