Expeditions designed to ignite the human spirit.
Our Mission
Our mission is to offer once-in-a-lifetime worldwide adventure travel experiences for adults of all nationalities. These outdoor recreational excursions are designed to ignite the human spirit on memorable, inspiring trips from the Arctic to Antarctic, and every point in between. With stellar operational capabilities, world class guides and exceptional staff, Ice Axe Expeditions is uniquely positioned to create and deliver expeditions to remote regions where clients realize their dreams of adventure travel.
The Ice Axe Difference
For over two decades, Ice Axe Expeditions has offered life-changing experiences that our customers never forget. We travel to places of natural beauty with engaging people who are looking for adventure in regions many may not even know exist. Ice Axe Expeditions is an award-winning adventure travel company which pioneered human-powered experiences in some of the most remote corners of the globe.
At the helm of Ice Axe Expeditions is one of the world’s leading polar explorers, Doug Stoup. Secluded rugged peaks have always been a home-away-from-home for Stoup, who started his career as a distinguished expedition guide in the late 1980’s. Stoup is a visionary who continues to push the limits of global expedition, advocacy of protection of polar environments and education of today’s youth on the importance of protecting the planet.
Meet our team.
The team behind Ice Axe Expeditions is a tight-knit, highly experienced group of professional guides, operators, and expedition specialists who work collaboratively to deliver extraordinary adventures in the world’s most remote places. As a small, dedicated business, they prioritize quality over scale, bringing hands-on involvement, deep expertise, and genuine care to every single trip. The result is a level of leadership, safety, and personal connection that’s rare in modern adventure travel.
Doug Stoup
Doug has numerous firsts to his name and has skied to both the North and South Poles more than anyone on the planet. He continues to push the limits of human endurance while raising funds for charities, collecting scientific data for climate change scientists, and leading disabled adventurers to the polar environments.
Ashleigh Stevens
With a background that spans wellness, design, and operations in the ski and outdoor industry, Ashleigh brings the heart and soul to the Ice Axe experience. She shapes every guest journey with intention and warmth, ensuring each expedition is not only impeccably run, but deeply memorable from the first touchpoint to the last run.
Elite experts. Unforgettable journeys.
With stellar operational capabilities, world class guides and exceptional staff, Ice Axe is uniquely positioned to create and deliver expeditions to remote regions where clients realize their dreams of adventure travel.
Meet our GuidesTogether We Go Further — Building Real Expeditions, Real Impact.
Our brand and expedition partnerships are the backbone of what makes Ice Axe Expeditions more than just a travel company — they’re a network of shared vision, trust, and capability that allows us to operate in the world’s most remote, challenging corners. Through collaboration with like-minded brands, nonprofits, and field partners, we combine resources, expertise, and ethics to deliver safe, high-quality, and environmentally responsible adventures.
Brand Partners
Philanthropy Partners
Expedition Partners
Insights from the Edge
Dive into the world of Ice Axe Expeditions through our blog, where our expert guides and team share behind-the-scenes stories, expedition tips, and insights from some of the planet's most remote and inspiring destinations.
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At Polar Velocity: Doug Stoup | Good People Interview # 20
Published in Medium.com September 3, 2020 Read complete article: www.medium.com/good-people-dinners/at-polar-velocity-doug-stoup-gp-interview-20-d2f00a492ba
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The Purpose and Planning Behind a Polar Expedition
Published in Means & Matters August 24, 2020 Read complete article: www.meansandmatters.bankofthewest.com/article/inspiration/the-purpose-and-planning-behind-a-polar-expedition
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Watch: Fireside Live Chat – Episode 4 Recording from June 18th
If you missed Episode #4 of the Ice Axe Fireside Live Chat series: our Founder & President, Douglas Stoup, hosted...
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Watch: Fireside Live Chat – Episode 3 Recording from June 11th
If you missed Episode #3 of the Ice Axe Fireside Live Chat series you can watch the recording below. Our...
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Watch: Fireside Live Chat – Episode 2 Recording from June 3rd
If you missed Episode #2 of the Ice Axe Fireside Live Chat series you can watch the recording below. Our...
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Watch: Fireside Live Chat – Episode 1 Recording from May 28th
Our team at Ice Axe Expeditions is excited to launch the ‘Ice Axe Fireside Chat’ series! Below is Episode #1...
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BREAKING NEWS: Entire North Pole Season Cancelled for the first time ever due to Political and weather reasons at Barneo Ice Camp
For the first time in 18 years, the North Pole expedition season at Barneo ice camp has been canceled. That...
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Ice Axe Expeditions Announces Membership with 1% for the Planet
Truckee, California – Ice Axe Expeditions joined 1% for the Planet, pledging to donate 1% of annual sales to support...
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The Ice Axe Foundation Launches the Ice Axe Impact School
Truckee, California – October 1, 2018 – The Ice Axe Foundation is proud to announce the launch of the Ice...
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Introducing the Ice Axe Impact School
Ice Axe Expeditions and the Ice Axe Foundation are proud to announce the Ice Axe Impact School. A dream of...
Read the StoryFrom Our Clients
“I visited Kazakhstan in February to ski with Ice Axe in the birthplace of skiing - the Altai Mountains at the intersection of Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, and China. It is a remote zone boasting the jagged peaks of the Tien Shan near Almaty to the sparkling, flowy terrain of the Altai. At Altay Mountain Lodge, we found steep tree skiing, pillowed glades, and plenty of cold pow that lasted all week. All this with the world’s best ski dog, Belka, who is always up for another lap. An unforgettable adventure that makes me smile. Very nice! ”
Sara D., Lake Tahoe, CA
Kazakhstan 2026
“Ice Axe Morocco delivered the best African Skiing experience! Powder, dust on crust, spring corn and huge terrain. Plenty of stoke and a great time in Marrakesh.”
Matthew B., Salt Lake City, UT
Morocco 2026
“Our trip to the Altai Mountains with Ice Axe Expeditions was incredible. It doesn’t get more remote and off the beaten path than this. The yurts were very comfortable and warm—a perfect contrast to the cold outside. We explored a different area every day, always finding untouched powder and fun pillow lines. What made the experience even more special were the people and the food—both exceeded every expectation.”
Toby R., Snowmass, CO
Kazakhstan 2026
“You can’t ski the 7 Continents unless you ski Africa…and the Ice Axe Morocco trip is the right way to do it. It’s an amazing blend of exotic culture and skiing. And the Sahara Sand Skiing add-on is a must! The night in the desert camp, watching sunrise, and skiing the dunes is unforgettable.”
Rob S., Albuquerque, NM
Morocco 2026
“This has been a bucket list trip for more than a decade, and it delivered beyond expectations. The landscape and animals are straight out of a documentary. Everyone - guides, crew, fellow travelers - make the experience incredible. And skiing Antarctic pow on a bluebird day, just the icing on the cake.”
Peter C., Vancouver, BC, Canada
Antarctica 2025