Spectre Trans-Antarctic Expedition

The primary objective of this ambitious expedition was to carry out technical Alpine-style first ascents in the Organ Pipe Peaks in the Queen Maud Mountains of Antarctica, the most southerly rock spires on the planet. On the outward journey a flight from Union glacier camp to the optimum start location was followed by travel with power-kite to the mountains. The intended target of the S spur of Spectre (2020m) was deemed to unsafe in the conditions encountered, but a new route was completed on the N face and NW ridge of Spectre, involving about 750m of climbing. They also made a route on the N face of the unnamed first spire of the Organ Pipe Peaks which they named Alpha Tower. The return journey to Union glacier was completed by power-kite. The total distance travelled under kite power was 1,650km, with only 60km of man-hauling.