Polar regions: between conquest, history, and fascination

Faced with vast white expanses and extreme temperatures, polar expeditions constantly push human limits. Legends such as Amundsen, Shackleton, and Paul-Émile Victor paved the way, and their names remain engraved in history. But today, new adventurers brave these frozen territories for science and personal challenge. At Expeditions Unlimited, we support the most committed expeditions in accordance with safety, caution, and environmental regulations.

The poles, the last bastions of pure adventure

Polar explorers have braved extreme conditions to reach uncharted territories, some meeting tragic ends, while others continue their quest for exploration.

In 1914, Shackleton attempted to cross Antarctica with his ship, the Endurance. Trapped by ice, he and his crew survived for months on the ice floe.

Roald Amundsen, master of the Far North and the first man to reach the South Pole in 1911, made good use of Inuit techniques and sled dogs. His meticulous approach to the environment enabled him to beat his rival Robert Falcon Scott, whose expedition ended tragically.

Paul-Émile Victor, a pioneer of polar expeditions and an iconic figure in French exploration, dedicated his life to the polar regions. In 1936, he set sail for Greenland and lived for several months with the Inuit, adopting their way of life. His numerous expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic contributed to a better understanding of these extreme territories. In the 1970s, he warned of the fragility of these ecosystems in the face of human activity.
Jean-Louis Etienne, French scientist, adventurer, doctor, and explorer, was the first person to reach the North Pole alone in 1986, pulling his sled over 1,000 kilometers by himself. Today, he continues to promote the study and preservation of the poles..

© Matthieu Tordeur
 

Essential gear for surviving extreme cold

Withstanding the cold has never been a matter of bravery alone: it's a question of preparation, knowledge, and technology. From the pioneers of polar exploration to today's adventurers, equipment has undergone a veritable revolution. How has gear evolved since the expeditions of the past?

From ultra-resistant tents to Gore-Tex and sometimes heated clothing, we take a look at the advances that make life easier for today's adventurers. This is the question we are constantly studying in order to advise and accompany you on your most challenging expeditions.

Gore-Tex textiles, breathable membranes, and integrated heating systems have transformed the way we live in extreme environments. Ultra-resistant tents withstand intense winds, sleeping bags retain body heat, and every gram of equipment is designed for efficiency, safety, and comfort.

At Expeditions Unlimited, we test, compare, and select these innovations so that every adventurer can push their limits without compromising their safety. Our mission: to support you in preparing for your most challenging expeditions, whether it's a trek across the ice floes, a ski tour in Antarctica, or a crossing of Greenland.

Scientific expeditions are changing the world

Beyond human achievement, these polar missions are essential for research. Climate, biodiversity, melting ice: each adventure provides crucial data.
On the frozen lands of Greenland, in the heart of the Antarctic continent, or on the drifting ice floes of the Arctic, expedition teams collect unique data that would be impossible to obtain otherwise. Temperatures, ice composition, CO₂ concentration, variations in ocean currents, changes in flora and fauna... Every measurement, every core sample, every observation in the field sheds a little more light on how our planet works.
These missions are privileged witnesses to the climate change currently underway. They observe the accelerated melting of ice caps, the migration of species adapted to the cold, and the transformation of ecosystems. By linking scientific knowledge to the realities experienced in the field, they transform research into human experience and stories of exploration.

© Jérôme Brisebourg / Brecht De Meulenaere
 

Experience your own polar adventure

What if you too could follow in their footsteps?

Polar adventures are no longer the preserve of explorers of yesteryear. And great explorations are no longer confined to history books.

Expeditions Unlimited is the only French-speaking organization and probably one of only three or four polar specialists in the world that now offers the opportunity to experience an expedition worthy of the great explorers, on your own scale.

Whether you want to take on a personal challenge or experience total immersion, we will assist you with the preparation, logistics, and safety of these rare and exceptional expeditions. 

Reaching the geographic South Pole on skis manhauling is a legendary adventure, a journey of self-discovery and absolute silence on the ice. Few people have reached the South Pole on skis. This short expedition allows us to reach this legendary point. Led by a highly experienced polar guide, we pull our sleds in sometimes extreme weather conditions.

Cross Greenland from west to east in the pure tradition of the pioneers, to feel the raw power of the polar ice cap and the Arctic. We experience a unique polar adventure along the Arctic Circle, skiing a total of some 550 kilometers in a raw and fascinating natural environment. Team spirit is essential for this extraordinary expedition.

Reaching the geographic North Pole on pulka skis manhauling in a rare and challenging expedition to reach this ever-shifting point. We need determination to get there, pulling our heavy sleds between compression ridges and battling the transpolar current.

We dream of returning soon, as current geopolitical conditions do not allow it. We remain at your side to imagine and prepare your next Arctic expedition together, such as our crossing of the Northwest Passage.

Follow us for more adventures!

Join our Expeditions Unlimited community on Instagram and Facebook so you don't miss out on any of our upcoming expeditions, and contact our specialists to discuss your polar projects, deepen your knowledge of the polar regions, or simply submit your ideas. Our polar pulka skiing and snowkiting courses are here to help you get started!

© Marc Planchon / Sébastien Royer / Christopher Shand