Filmed and Edited by: Temujin Doran (StudioCanoe)

Union Glacier camp is a seasonal, remote field camp in West Antarctica. It is one of my favourite places in the world, due largely to the wonderful people that run and pass through the camp.

I have been lucky enough to work there several times, and this short film is a guide to the camp and some of the people who work there.

For more information about the camp please visit – antarctic-logistics.com/camp/union-glacier-camp/

ANTARCTIC PIONEERS

In 1985, there was no practical way for a private traveler to reach Antarctica except by ship. The challenges of flying into the Antarctic were formidable. Distances from nearby continents were great, weather problems daunting, and fuel unavailable for private individuals.

Despite all the odds, in 1985, two Canadian mountaineers – Pat Morrow and Martyn Williams – joined with seasoned Antarctic pilot Giles Kershaw from Britain to plan and organize an ascent of Mount Vinson for a group intent on being the first to scale the “Seven Summits”, the highest peak on all seven continents. Having conquered the summit, the trio realized that the strategy they had developed to reach their goal could be used to assist others and Adventure Network International, the predecessor to ALE, was born.

More than 30 years later, ALE is the most experienced and capable private operator in the interior of Antarctica. We have carried thousands of passengers, using large aircraft operating out of Punta Arenas, Chile, to ice runways at Patriot Hills and Union Glacier. We have supported virtually every expedition that has crossed the continent on foot, by vehicle or by aircraft. We have supported major science projects and overland traverses. We continue to improve our services and logistic capability. We offer a range of Experiences that showcase the best of the icy continent and cater to every type of adventurer. And we continue our mission to set the highest possible environmental standards and to use best practices.