Polartec Challenge Expedition Schedule
Andrej Stremfelj (SLO)—First Ascent of NE Face of Chomo Lonzo (7790m).
Stremfelj is one of the top European alpinists and teamed with Slovenian partners Marko Prezelj, Matic Jost and his wife Marija Stremfelj with whom he made the first married ascent of Everest in 1990. He will attempt to climb to the middle virgin summit at 7790 meters. This is one of the most beautiful unclimbed gems in the Himalaya, a stunning peak with no easy route to the summit.
PC Advisory Board Chairman Stephen Venables comments, “Andrej is one of the giants of Himalayan climbing and his team is heading for one of the great dream climbs—Chomo Lonzo. We were almost unanimous in voting the Slovenian expedition our number one winner for 2002. The mountain is one of the most beautiful in the world and the team—well, the Stremfelj-Prezelj partnership is simply legendary.” Start Date 9/15/200.
Mike Bearzi (USA)—First Ascent of unattempted East Face of Gyachung Kang (7795m).
The secret face of Gyachung Kang lies in Tibet, just off the Washburn/National Geographic Everest map and at just under 8000 meters, the peak has only seen four ascents. The proposed new route is at the head of the unexplored Quitar Glacier which lies in a hanging valley which has only ever been seen from a distance. Bearzi plans to climb the route with one partner, Bruce Miller in pure light and fast alpine style.
American alpinist Jack Tackle explains, “This trip exemplifies the true spirit of alpine style climbing. It is a bold project on a big unclimbed face. The plan to accomplish this route requires commitment and vision. Few apply their skills to the art of opening new routes alpine style on big Himalayan peaks. I see this objective as a cornerstone for future development of big walls in the Himalaya done in a light and fast style.” Start Date 6/1/200.
Middy Tilghman (USA)—Northern Barrenlands Wildwater Expedition.
A team of two elite whitewater kayak racers proposes an expedition into an unexplored region of Northern Canadais Barrenlands, using their unique skills and equipment to push the limits of self contained exploration. The northern tundra is one of the less hospitable places on earth, and the proposed route follows the passage searched for by natives and early European explorers. Tilghman and Andrew McEwanis training and expertise in these sleek modern day crafts should allow them to cover the 1200 mile distance without support.
Arlene Burns adds “It’s an honor to be supporting a genuinely youthful team—two expert paddlers, alone in the arctic wastes of the far north. Both Tilghman and McEwan embrace the spirit of the Polartec Challenge as they explore this area in a Spartan style using modern day versions of a native craft—the kayak.” Start Date 6/1/200.
Andrew McLean (USA)—Arcs Over the Arctic—Baffin Island by Kite and Couloir.
Accomplished skier and author Andrew McLean will lead a small group onto the frozen fjords of Nunavut /Baffin Island using steerable traction kits to explore possible first descents of couloirs between the massive rock walls. McLean used traction kites on a recent trip to Antarctica and is excited about the potential of these kites—also called NASA Wings—in revolutionizing self supported arctic travel. As Baffin has both exceptional terrain for ski mountaineering and terrific winds, the team will be able to travel during times of high wind and ski new lines during calmer weather.
Mark Jenkins reflects, “this is one of the most beautifully conceived expeditions I’ve ever heard of. Wind is often the mountaineers greatest nemesis, and yet by ingeniously combining ancient sailing concepts with aerospace technology, these men may well harness the great howling, employing it to advance rather than destroy an expedition.” Start Date 4/20/200.
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