This was my 13th season working in Antarctica and my 11th working for ALE. I was ‘on contract’ for 92 days and spent 68 of these in Antarctica. I was at Vinson Base Camp during start-up and close-down and climbed Mt Vinson once, guiding ALE clients during V1 (early December). This was my 22nd ascent of the peak.

During the season my time was split roughly equally between working at Mt Vinson and working at Union Glacier. The guide team has now grown to more than 20 people and there are a wide variety of tasks to be done at several different locations.

Spending time in Antarctica is a unique experience and I am looking forward to returning next season to be part of the ALE staff team and welcome a new group of guests to the white continent.

David Hamilton 01/02/2017