Alain Hubert
Polar explorer and environmental advocate
Alain Hubert is a Belgian polar explorer known for his groundbreaking Antarctic expeditions and contributions to climate science.
As an explorer, I want to share what I discover in these polar regions and I know that it’s impossible to do that alone.
Alain Hubert
To the ends of the Earth
Alain Hubert is a renowned polar explorer, civil engineer and environmental advocate.
His polar expeditions go beyond personal achievement, often incorporating scientific research. In 2002, he co-founded the International Polar Foundation aimed at supporting polar scientific research and promoting awareness about climate change and solutions.
A journey of extremes
Hubert’s remarkable career includes numerous groundbreaking expeditions.
In 1994, he became the first Belgian to reach the North Pole, completing a 76-day journey on skis. He set a world record in 1997–1998 for the longest crossing of the Antarctic continent by foot and ski, covering 3,924 kilometres in 99 days with his late expedition partner Dixie Dansercoer. This journey showcased innovative travel techniques, including the use of power kites for propulsion.
Hubert’s impact extends beyond his expeditions. He is a frequent public speaker, sharing his experiences and insights on climate change and environmental issues. His work has been recognized by many honours, including the Georges Lemaître International Prize for services to science in 2003; the Geographical Award from the UK’s Royal Geographical Society in 2015; and the Belgica Gold Medal from the Royal Academy of Sciences of Belgium in 2023 for his contribution to polar science and exploration.
Hubert continues to divide his time between Antarctica and Belgium, furthering polar research and climate change awareness through his foundation and ongoing expeditions. His body of work exemplifies the powerful connection between exploration, science, and environmental stewardship. One of his most significant contributions to polar science is the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica research station, the world’s first zero-emission polar research facility, which he initiated and constructed with the International Polar Foundation.
Hubert became a Rolex Testimonee in 1999. As an explorer, he has worn the Rolex Explorer II on numerous expeditions, as he describes: “It works all the time, wherever I go, even in bad weather conditions, it works. And on an expedition, it’s what I need. I can’t rely on any device that could cause problems because our main focus is navigation. I can’t lose my way. Otherwise, I am lost.”