THE STIKINE ICEFIELD PROJECT

Starting May 9^th Borge and Vincent will walk and ski across challenging Stikine ice field. The Distance on the ice will be around 170 km and total duration of the journey will be 4 weeks. They will need to use kayaks to reach the ice and will turn them into sleds for skiing. The Stikine Icefield is often cited as North America’s version of Patagonia. The ice field is spectacular with many impressive spires, most famously Devil's Thumb. 

THE ITINERARY

Borge and Vincent will leave for Alaska beginning of May. They will establish themselves in Juneau in order to get their equipment ready. Then, their plan is to be dropped off by a boat in Sawyer, located in the Northern part of the ice field. The starting point on the ice is estimated to ca. 57°55’N and 133°09’W. There, they will begin the ascent up to the plateau, and cross the glacier from North to South. They will exit the glacier in LeConte Bay at around 56°49’N and 132°20’W, then paddle back to the town Petersburg.

THE FACTS

Alaska's southernmost ice field, Stikine – coordinates 57°04’N 132°13’W, is one of the three biggest icecaps in Alaska. Its southern location and relatively low elevation make it vulnerable to changing climate. It is demanding and dangerous, located on the Alaska-British Columbia boundary in the Alaska Panhandle region. The Stikine is North America’s version of Patagonia; spectacular with many impressive spires, most famously the Devil's Thumb.

THE COMMITTMENT

Glaciers are in fast decline due to rising temperatures, causing threat of long-term sea level rise. They are crucial as a fresh water source for millions of people worldwide. This is why glaciers need to be better known, considered and protected. The world needs to find technical and political solutions to the environmental crisis. This expedition will be an incubator to that process, a visual example and a window to what is happening. To achieve this, they will seek to combine Børge's considerable polar experience with Vincent's youth and determination. Bringing knowledge and inspiration to a larger audience will be an integral part of the project.

The public will be able to follow the expedition real time at: 

#icelegacyproject   www.icelegacy.com

About the Legend and the Successor: two extraordinary adventurers 

Borge Ousland – The Legend 

"Borge Ousland is undoubtedly the most experienced living polar explorer," National Geographic Adventure. 

With more than 20 years of record-breaking Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, Norwegian Borge Ousland became the first explorer to complete a solo expedition to the North Pole without resupplying. As a Nansen and Amundsen heir, he was also the first to cross the Antarctic continent alone. Borge is also a renowned photographer and documentary filmmaker who has already received numerous international awards for his films and expeditions. 

Vincent Colliard – The Successor 

"Vincent Colliard is a young adventurer, energetic and with a strong character, who has the unique ability to forge ahead when anyone else would give up." Borge Ousland 

Frenchman Vincent Colliard, 28 years old, is an experienced adventurer, having participated in expeditions across Norway, Patagonia, Alaska and the Himalayas. In 2010, he was a crewmember aboard "Northern Passage" with his mentor Borge Ousland during the historic first expedition/circumnavigation of the Arctic Ocean ever completed in a single season. Once again with his mentor, he completed the first crossing of Nordauslandet glacier in Spitsbergen in 2012.

Alaska's southernmost ice field, Stikine – coordinates 57°04’N 132°13’W- is one of the three biggest icecaps

About Alpina & Ice Legacy

By supporting the IceLegacy project by Borge Ousland, the only man to have crossed the North and South poles alone, and Vincent Colliard, young adventurer and Borge Ousland's partner, Alpina Watches wants promote the protection of the glaciers, an environmental and climate issue that is dire yet little known, yet of enormous importance for the future of our planet. 

The project combines athletic prowess, human adventure and the sharing of knowledge about the polar environment with as many people as possible, so that future generations may enjoy the fascinating and priceless legacy of glaciers and icecaps: believe, preserve, transmit. 

Borge and Vincent will measure their effort with the Alpina Horological Smartwatch. The watch will measure the distance covered, their steps, calories burned and sleep profile during the entire crossing.  The watch will also wake them up when their body is most ready for their effort.