CHALLENGES FOUNDATIONS
Challenges Foundations is a world-class expedition preparation programme designed to inspire, prepare and equip Shackleton’s clients for the Challenge. Included as part of all our Challenges, the programme is delivered via a combination of personal consultations, online webinars and unique experiences by Shackleton’s expert performance partners in endurance, expeditions and extremes.
Shackleton has partnered with global institutions Loughborough University and Royal Geographic Society, alongside industry leaders Science in Sport, Calo and X to deliver a unique and impactful preparedness experience.
HEAD OF PHYSICAL TESTING
A performance scientist based at Loughborough University, Steve oversees elite testing for athletes and expedition clients alike. With a Master’s in Physiology, Steve translates cutting-edge sport science into actionable insights. He leads the Athlete Performance Day, providing data-driven clarity to guide every element of your physical preparation.
Head of Physical Training
One of the world’s foremost expedition and endurance coaches, with over 10,000 hours of 1:1 coaching experience. Gus has prepared hundreds clients to perform in extreme... Read More
Head of Equipment
A specialist in technical gear for polar and extreme environments, Rhodri consults on and sources elite-level apparel and equipment for some of the world’s most demanding expeditions... Read More
The Foundations Programme is built around a tiered Levels System -
Discover, Explore, and Pioneer
- designed to align your preparation with the intensity and complexity of your expedition. Each level offers a progressively deeper engagement with Shackleton’s team of experts across physical training, performance testing, equipment, and mindset. Your level is determined by the Challenge you are undertaking, but can be upgraded at any time to increase the support, personalisation, and ambition of your preparation.
// DISCOVER
This entry-level tier introduces the fundamentals of expedition preparation: structured physical training, expert insights, and optional performance testing. It’s designed to help you build confidence, understand your baseline, and develop the mindset for what’s to come.
Included with:
Finse Polar Skills Challenge, Svalbard Dog Sled and Snowmobile Challenge, Arabian Desert Challenge, Himalayan challenge, Winter Mountain Skills Challenge, Alpine Skills Challenge.
// EXPLORE
Explore delivers a more advanced level of preparation – combining tailored coaching, regular expert check-ins, and access to elite-level testing. It’s ideal for clients undertaking longer, more physically demanding, or more remote expeditions.
Included with: Lofoten Midnight Sun Challenge, Finse Hut to Hut Challenge, Finse Expedition Challenge, Mont Blanc Summit Challenge, Greenland Ice-Sheet Challenge.
// PIONEER
The Pioneer tier is a full-scale, bespoke performance experience. It includes physiological testing, access to our professional coaching platform, and direct consultation with our team of experts to ensure you’re operating at your peak.
Included with: Last Degree Challenge, Polar Pioneers Challenge, Vinson Summit Challenge.
Foundations is not only included with Shackleton Challenges — it is also available to purchase as a standalone product. Like any item in our expedition-grade apparel range, it is designed for purpose: to equip those preparing for high-stakes environments or pursuing peak performance across physical and mental domains.
Whether training for a future expedition or simply looking to push your personal limits - Foundations provides the structure, system, and expert support to get you there.
The Foundations Programme is delivered through the official Shackleton Challenges App - your central hub for preparation. From training plans and kit lists to performance data, consultation bookings, and challenge information, everything is seamlessly integrated in one place. The app also includes real-time weather updates, travel guidance, and curated local recommendations to ensure you’re fully prepared - and fully inspired.
