Hannah is a Guinness World Record holding polar guide and expeditioner and, a highly respected expedition consultant, public speaker and an award-winning travel writer.
She is the founder of Polar Expedition Training LLC and has most recently been working as the South Pole Area Manager for the United States Antarctic Program where she lead the scientists and support staff of the Amundsen Scott South Pole Station on behalf of the National Science Foundation’s Antarctic Support contract.
Hannah at the South Pole
In 2006 Hannah McKeand set a world speed record for skiing solo and unsupported to the South Pole, a journey of 690 miles that she completed in 39 days, 9 hours and 33 minutes. She went on to completed six expeditions to the South Pole and over 6000 miles of Antarctic sled-hauling, more than anyone else in the world today. She has also undertaken expeditions on the Arctic Ocean, Greenland, South America, Egypt, Libya, Sudan, Namibia, Afghanistan and the Amazon and she has sailed around the world. She works full time as a polar field guide, logistics consultant, and motivational speaker.
AWARDS
2006 - Guinness World Record - Fastest Solo Unsupported Inner Coast to South Pole
2007 - Sue Ryder, Woman of the Year Award
2012 - Guinness World Record - Most Expeditions Inner Coast to South Pole - Six
2018 - AITO Travel Writer of the Year Award ( Under 1500 words)
“I can’t say enough good things about Hannah. Besides being one of the most experienced polar explorers of our time, she is a consummate teacher - helpful, patient, thoughtful and methodical. Her course materials are comprehensive and immediately useful.
— Doug Tuminello - Solo South Pole attempt 2016