On Christmas Day 2025, Ian reached the Geographic South Pole after 40 days skiing solo and unsupported along the Messner Route. These are the numbers behind the journey.

  • About 930 km skied, including detours, on the 911 km Messner Route from the Ronne Ice Shelf to the Geographic South Pole. Land's End to John o' Groats is 970 km in a straight line
  • 40 days on the ice, well inside the 50 days he had planned for
  • Day 18 reaching Thiel Corner, around five days ahead of the operator's plan
  • 25.7 km his average daily distance from day 14 onwards, against a target of 20 km
  • 29.5 km his best single day, on day 26
  • 112 kg pulk at the start, down to 70 kg at the Pole
  • Minus 32°C the coldest temperature he recorded. The UK's record low is minus 27.2°C
  • 45,000 to 50,000 steps a day, and 5,600 to 5,800 calories eaten

When things went wrong

Nine pieces of equipment failed along the way, from a spare compass and headphones in the second week to a ski that delaminated, a binding mechanism that broke and a damaged solar panel that cut most of his communications. Repairs were made in the tent at night. Five times, Ian chose to slow down: a full rest day as the wind picked up, stopping early with hip pain, routing round a dune field, camping in daylight during a white-out, and easing his pace to protect his body and kit. Each time, he was back to strong distances within a day.

A rare journey

According to the figures Ian shared after his return, 116 people have skied the Messner Route from the Messner Start to the Geographic South Pole. Only 10 have completed it solo, and 8 solo and unsupported. Ian's was the fourth British solo, unsupported completion of the Messner Route. He was also the only skier on the Messner Route in the 2025 to 2026 season.

Thank you

The expedition was entirely self-funded, so every pound donated goes directly to veterans' charities, including The Rifles Benevolent Trust and the Always a Rifleman Programme. Ian's Givewheel campaign raised £30,350, plus Gift Aid. Ian would also like to thank OEG, his charity polar partner, for their support throughout.

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