Børge Ousland and Vincent Colliard are closing in on a major milestone in their sled journey across Canada’s northernmost island. Now on Day 33 of their journey, the pair are climbing onto the Prince of Wales Ice Cap — the third and final ice cap on their 1,100km unsupported ski crossing of Ellesmere Island from north to south.
The expedition, now over a month underway, has challenged their extensive polar experience, first with deep snow and more recently with rugged, rocky terrain. In the past week, a storm on Day 30 brought strong winds and heavy snow, prompting the pair to take their first full rest and repair day. Conditions improved the next day, allowing them to resume the journey south.
It still looks like winter on the high ice caps of Ellesmere Island, although the temperature is warmer. Photo: icelgacy.org
Sverdrup Pass success
The duo had a “very good day,” reported their expedition liaison, Lars Ebbesen. “They passed Sverdrup Pass on a flat and good surface. All the snow lately gave them a good base to ski on.”
The pass, known for its often rocky surface, could have proven a time-consuming obstacle, had fresh snow not covered it.
Ousland and Colliard are making good progress. Photo: icelegacy.org
Poised at the edge of the Prince of Wales Ice Cap, Ousland and Colliard are steadily advancing toward one of the last great firsts in polar exploration. After descending the ice cap, their planned route will trace the frozen Makinson Inlet and Bentham Fiord, before weaving through a succession of ice fields and glaciers en route to Ellesmere Island’s southernmost tip, King Edward Point.
