American Polar explorer Eric Larsen talks with Helen Dalley about battling cancer, climate deniers and new adventures.
Record-breaking explorer and author of On Thin Ice: An Epic Final Quest into the Melting Arctic, Eric Larsen leads no ordinary life. He’s faced challenges on an off expedition, including illness, and adverse weather but through it all he’s stayed positive and focused on his next great adventure.
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Where are you currently travelling and what trips do you have planned next?
I’m currently camping with my wife and kids in Utah. We’ve been making our way across the desert and canyonlands, stopping at Lake Powell and Grand Staircase-Escalante. We’ve done a really fun hike through two slot canyons that were very narrow and required us to squeeze and twist through many very small gaps.
In January, I’ll spend a few weeks in northern Minnesota leading my polar training courses, while in February and March, I’ll be on an expedition in northern Canada on Baffin Island, then in April, I’ll head to the North Pole. There are a few other shorter adventures mixed in there, too.
Your two children have obviously inherited your love of travel and exploring.
Yep, we’re an outdoor family and spend a lot of time camping and travelling to new places. My kids definitely enjoy the freedom that comes from being outside, too. We also try to visit different cities and expose them to different places, cultures, and ideas.
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Tell us about 2023 and what you’ve been focusing on
After battling a brutal cancer and treatment, 2023 has been a year of recovery. I was able to return to guiding, leading my polar training courses, and scoping out a new fat biking adventure in Svalbard.
Larsen with fellow explorer Ryan Waters
You wrote a book, On Thin Ice: An Epic Quest into the Melting Arctic, that covered your remarkable journey back in 2014. Do you enjoy writing?
I love writing but it’s hard for me. The effort to write just one sentence is like trying to loosen a rusty bolt – it takes a lot of effort! Nevertheless, I’m currently in the process of writing about my cancer experience and the insights I used from expeditions to help me through all the hardships.
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In 2010, you became the first person in history to successfully complete expeditions to the South Pole, North Pole and the summit of Mount Everest in a continuous 365-day period. How do you feel about that achievement now?
I’m still surprised that I was able to pull the entire expedition off. There were so many obstacles along the way. I also feel that it was a privilege to see those places while pushing at the edges of exploration. Of course, in the grand scheme of things, it’s just an arbitrary adventure and there are many things that have much more value.
In 2006, you completed the first-ever summer expedition to the North Pole. What stands out about that experience? Is it something you’d ever do again?
That was a very cutting-edge expedition that required a significant amount of planning and preparation. I think one of the things that stands out most is how much we had to simply figure out, because no one had done a North Pole expedition in summer previously. I’m not sure if I would do it again, simply because I’m not sure I possess the same risk tolerance.
As a polar explorer, how do you feel about global warming? What would you say to the big multinationals who continue to carry on as normal and climate deniers who insist climate change isn’t a thing?
Imagine if Mount Everest suddenly disappeared… that’s what’s happening to the Arctic Ocean and most people don’t think twice about it. It’s sad to think that a place I’ve grown to love may be forever changed. For the deniers, either you believe in the fundamental principles of science, or you don’t. Global warming is a phenomenon caused by humans and we have the ability to fix the problem.
You’ve given countless motivational lectures to schools, universities, non-profits, and corporate groups. Can travel and adventure be a unifier?
Yes, I think the beautiful thing about adventure is that you can be interested regardless of your background, politics or whatever. I’ve had so many positive interactions over the years. It doesn’t matter if it’s kindergarteners or CEOs, they all walk away with some new perspective.
Out of all the places you’ve travelled to, which has left the most lasting impression?
I mean, that’s kind of like picking a favourite kid! I love so many places for different reasons. The Arctic and Antarctic are so different from one another, but both are beautiful and harsh. I love the Himalayas and the culture there too.
You offer training and lead expeditions for wannabe explorers. Tell us about that
My training programmes are basically a master class on everything you need to know to plan, prepare and execute a modern winter expedition. Obviously, it doesn’t happen all at once and I offer several levels for those interested. Basically, I try to cover not only the what but also the how and why. I want to make sure that people understand the techniques and rationale behind what we’re doing as well, whether it’s proper dress and layering to navigation and camp set-up.
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You’re now 52, so it may be a little early to ask, but what do you think is your legacy, and how would you like to be remembered?
My goal is to be honest and sincere. I try to be original in my pursuits and most importantly be a good dad.
Do you think you’ll still be exploring in 10, even 20 years or will there come a time when you’re ready to take a step back from it all?
I’m doing a lot more guiding than I used to. I still have some big expedition ambitions but I’m more focused on lifting others up than pursuing my own goals. I’ll always be outside and exploring in some form, but it’s hard to say what that will look like down the road. If there’s one thing I know about myself, however, it’s that I’m able to pursue unique ideas that provide fulfilment.
