Thank you for expressing interest in joining me on my expeditions. Unfortunately, due to the high cost and potential risks involved, I tend to only invite people that I know well and trust, as well as those who can contribute something unique to my team. However, if you feel that you have valuable skills or experience, particularly in high altitude or polar environments, please don't hesitate to contact me. I am always open to considering new additions to my team who can bring something valuable to the table.

I completed my A levels at ISETA, a agricultural school near Annecy. Afterwards, I pursued a degree in physical geography at Lyon 3 in France. During my ERASMUS exchange semester in Svalbard in 2008, I had the best six months of my life. After earning my MSc in glaciology from the University of Aberystwyth in Wales, I participated in two expeditions, one in Nepal studying glacial lake outburst floods and another in Greenland. These experiences helped me secure a PhD position at the University Centre in Svalbard, where I spent four years studying surging glaciers.

I never intended to become involved in outreach work while studying glaciology, but I ended up getting the opportunity early on in my PhD at the University Centre in Svalbard. Without any formal training, I found myself sharing the results of my research with journalists, ministers, and even heads of state and royalty. If you want to get started in outreach work, I recommend creating your own opportunities. Talk to your university or institute about your desire to do more outreach, and contact local schools and high schools. Use social media to share your message, but always remember why you want to do more outreach and maintain integrity by sticking to the facts. This builds trust in the messenger. To improve your outreach skills, get used to giving talks to anyone, anywhere. Practice speaking without the aid of slides or images to improve your storytelling skills. Remember, people tend to remember stories and emotions more than numbers or graphs.

I often said that it took me 10 years of training to lead my own polar expedition. And a lot of training went into this. Training for a polar expedition can be a physically and mentally demanding process that requires a combination of physical conditioning, mental preparation, and technical skills. Some of the key elements of preparing for a polar expedition may include: Physical conditioning: Polar expeditions often involve long periods of physical activity in extreme cold temperatures, so it is important to build up your physical endurance and strength. This can involve a variety of activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and strength training. My favorite/worst bit of training involved pulling car tires (up to 3 at my peak!) for long hours, 3 or 4 days of the week. Physically and mentally draining but incredibly efficient. Technical skills: Depending on the specific nature of the expedition, you may need to develop technical skills such as ice climbing, avalanche safety, and winter camping. We also often have to take rifle handling courses in the Arctic. Mental preparation: Polar expeditions can be mentally challenging, so it is important to develop mental resilience and the ability to cope with difficult situations. This may involve practicing mindfulness and stress management techniques, as well as building a strong support network of friends and family. Teamwork: Polar expeditions often involve working closely with a team, so it is important to develop good communication and teamwork skills. This may involve practicing team-building activities and learning to work effectively with others. In the end, the success or failure of the trip is all down to the team. One often has to trust their teammate with one's life. Planning and logistics: Planning and preparing for a polar expedition can be a complex process, so it is important to pay attention to the details and make sure you have all of the necessary gear and supplies. This may involve working with a professional guide or organizer to ensure that you have everything you need.

I have, but not alone! Watch this space as next year in early 2023 I'll have the joy of telling you more about them :)

Right here: https://www.heidisevestre.com/media

Certainly! Outreach is a top priority for me, so I welcome any opportunity to share a meaningful message. You can find more information about me as a speaker on this website: https://www.heidisevestre.com/speaking