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
“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
“My Antarctic trip with Ice Axe really exceeded expectations. Well planned, flawlessly executed and awesome vibe with an outstanding ship, crew and guides. The landscapes and skiing were as stunningly beautiful as I'd hoped.”
Ron K., Canada
Antarctica 2025
“Trip of a lifetime that Ice Axe not only takes you there, but makes it one of the best experiences by setting ski lines that end on penguin beaches surrounded by glaciers in the most jaw dropping scenery. Anyone that skis or snowboards needs to go on this trip.”
Meg R., Erie, CO
Antarctica 2025
“This was the best trip I have ever been on. Every day was superbly organised and full of fun. The atmosphere was amazing, everyone was so friendly, warm and open. And the guides were literally living legends of skiing and mountaineering. I had time of my life and all I want now is another trip with Ice Axe Expeditions.”
Marina C., Surrey, UK
Antarctica 2025
“This trip blew my mind. Antarctica is beautiful and truly wild and untouched landscape, and I got to snowboard on it. The Ice Axe team and the Ocean Albatros crew were really shining on this trip. I never felt uncomfortable on any of the carefully picked terrain, and the lines were fun enough without adding too much risk. My guide kept us moving at a great pace and got us some great runs. The crew of the ship are truly amazing people who really went out of their way to make us comfortable. And don’t even get me started on the amazing food. If you have the opportunity to go on this trip with this team and ship, you should do it, you won’t regret it.”
Luis R., Seattle, WA
Antarctica 2025