This week at Gatehouse…

Gatehouse Welcomes Polar Explorer Alex Hibbert: An Unforgettable Journey Into the Arctic

This week, Gatehouse School was honoured to welcome Alex Hibbert, one of Britain’s leading polar explorers, to speak to our pupils about the realities, challenges and wonders of life in the world’s coldest environments. His visit was nothing short of extraordinary. Through breathtaking photographs, gripping storytelling and moments of humour, Alex transported the children deep into the Arctic and Antarctic – sharing lessons not only about exploration, but also about resilience, character and the importance of adapting when things don’t go to plan.

A Record-Breaking Start: The Greenland Ice Sheet

Alex Hibbert began by recounting his first major expedition: an ambitious crossing of the Greenland Ice Sheet with his teammate George. Immediately after university, the pair set out to ski from the east coast to the west coast – a journey of more than 700 miles across an ice cap over 3 km thick.

But this was only half their goal. To break the world record for the longest unsupported polar journey, they had to turn around and ski all the way back again, carrying everything they would need for over 100 days without any resupplies. Their journey took 104 days, including a brutal final nine days with no food after their buried depots couldn’t be found. Their success launched Alex’s career and demonstrated the extraordinary endurance required for long-range polar travel.

The Dark Ice Project: When Plans Change

Years later, Alex prepared for a new and daring winter expedition known as the Dark Ice Project – a near-full-darkness journey from a remote Inuit community toward the North Pole. The team arrived in Greenland ready to depart, only to discover the night before that a catastrophic storm had shattered the sea ice and washed away their route. The expedition had to be postponed.

But rather than return home, Alex and his team chose to stay and create something entirely different and unexpectedly meaningful.

Life With the Inuit: Tradition, Trust and Dog Sledding

Remaining in the village of Qaanaaq, Alex and his team learned traditional Inughuit dog-sledding, working closely with local families and buying twenty Greenland dogs from the community. They built their own sleds by hand, trained alongside hunters and gradually formed deep friendships based on mutual respect, cultural exchange and shared adventure.

Travelling across frozen fjords, narrow coastal ledges and vast stretches of sea ice, the team experienced the Arctic as the Inuit have for generations. The pupils were fascinated by Alex’s descriptions of language learning, traditional clothing, hand-sewn fur ruffs, and the remarkable strength and character of working sled dogs.

A Heroic Rescue on the Ice

One of the most powerful moments of Alex Hibbert’s talk came when he described a near-fatal incident on a frozen fjord. While travelling between villages, his teammates James and Anastasia – and all ten of their dogs – fell through a hidden section of thin grey ice.

What followed was an act of extraordinary bravery and quick thinking.

Cold-shocked and fully submerged in the freezing ocean, James and Anastasia hauled themselves out onto firm ice using the sled ropes. Instead of retreating, they immediately turned back toward the water and began rescuing the dogs – pulling them one by one from the icy hole, including two that had slipped beneath the ice sheet.

Every dog survived. Every team member survived. The children were deeply moved by this moment and the profound bond between people and animals that made the rescue possible.

A Powerful Message for Gatehouse Pupils

Beyond the thrilling stories, the themes of Alex Hibbert’s talk resonated strongly with our pupils and our school values:

Resilience – carrying on through storms, hunger and exhaustion
Adaptability – turning a cancelled expedition into a life-changing cultural experience
Courage – facing freezing water, polar bears and months of darkness
Teamwork – trusting others with your safety
Respect – for the environment, for different cultures and for the animals who work alongside humans

His message was clear:
The greatest adventures often begin when plans go wrong.

Gatehouse Pupils Interview Alex Hibbert

After the assembly, a group of Gatehouse pupils had the special opportunity to interview Alex directly. They asked thoughtful and well-prepared questions, demonstrating real curiosity about exploration, science, survival and culture. The conversation was insightful, engaging and a testament to how inspiring his visit had been.

Q & A Highlights

What advice would you give to children who want to become explorers or adventure photographers?

Focus on learning as many skills as possible. Science, geography, English and languages are especially valuable. When you’re older, charities offer grants to help fund your first expeditions.

Did you play sports when you were younger?

Yes – cross-country running, rugby and white-water kayaking. These helped build endurance and resilience. Now I train through triathlon to stay prepared for expedition work.

Did your time with the Royal Marines help you?

It helped physically and mentally, but I realised the military path wasn’t right for me. Exploration offered the freedom and purpose I wanted.

What did you hope to be when you were in primary school?

I didn’t know exactly – just that I didn’t want a “normal office job.” I loved animation but quickly realised I wasn’t patient enough to make it a career.

Which school subjects are most useful for your work?

English (for writing and communication), science (for understanding weather and the human body), geography (for landscapes and navigation) and languages (for working respectfully with local communities).

How do you keep going when journeys become extremely tough?

Sometimes it’s impossible to quit due to cost or danger. Other times, you push on because you don’t want to look back and regret giving up. You focus on small steps, one day at a time.

What would you tell your younger self?

Don’t expect life to follow a straight plan. Be flexible – your biggest opportunities may come from setbacks.

What is your next big expedition?

A major Antarctic journey from the coast to the Southern Pole of Inaccessibility and onwards to the South Pole, potentially breaking the record for the longest unsupported polar journey.

For Parents: Explore Alex Hibbert’s Work

Alex Hibbert has written several books and produced documentaries about his journeys, experiences and the science and culture of the polar regions. Parents interested in supporting his work – or introducing children to more of his adventures – are warmly encouraged to explore and purchase his books via his official website (at a special reduced rate) or via online retailers.

They offer both inspiration and a deeper understanding of the extraordinary world he shared with us.