FOUNDATIONS
WORLD-CLASS EXPEDITION PREPARATION PROGRAMME
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.
YOUR FOUNDATIONS JOURNEY
Once you have secured your booking, we will send your welcome pack with inspirational reading material for your challenge. You will also receive access to our Shackleton Challenges App, where all the documents & booking forms will be for your upcoming adventure.
1. Your Journey Begins
Once you have secured your booking, we will send your welcome pack with inspirational reading material for your challenge. You will also receive access to our Shackleton Challenges App, where all the documents & booking forms will be for your upcoming adventure.
Once you have secured your booking, we will send your welcome pack with inspirational reading material for your challenge. You will also receive access to our Shackleton Challenges App, where all the documents & booking forms will be for your upcoming adventure.
2. Initial Foundations Consultation
Our Head of Challenges Foundations, Max will have a consultation call with you to discuss the app in further detail and assist you with navigation of each of the sections and discuss your personal goals for the foundations journey in more detail.
3. Physical Testing & Training
Depending on the Challenge you are undertaking, our Head of Training, Gus will devise a personal training plan for you to ensure you are truly prepared physically in the lead up to your Challenge.
You will also be given the opportunity to book onto one of our Athlete Performance Days. This takes place at Loughborough’s world-renowned Elite Athlete Centre, where clients train in a high-performance environment alongside top-tier athletes. The day provides detailed insight into your physiological profile and assists Gus in optimising your programme. Testing includes Strength & Conditioning, Performance Physiology, Environmental Stimulus
Depending on the Challenge you are undertaking, our Head of Training, Gus will devise a personal training plan for you to ensure you are truly prepared physically in the lead up to your Challenge.
You will also be given the opportunity to book onto one of our Athlete Performance Days. This takes place at Loughborough’s world-renowned Elite Athlete Centre, where clients train in a high-performance environment alongside top-tier athletes. The day provides detailed insight into your physiological profile and assists Gus in optimising your programme. Testing includes Strength & Conditioning, Performance Physiology, Environmental Stimulus.
In partnership with nutrition experts Science in Sport and CALO, you'll receive tailored guidance on how to fuel effectively—both while training and during the expedition itself. Enjoy exclusive discount codes and access to one-on-one consultations to optimise your performance.
4. Fuel for the Challenge
In partnership with nutrition experts Science in Sport and CALO, you'll receive tailored guidance on how to fuel effectively—both while training and during the expedition itself. Enjoy exclusive discount codes and access to one-on-one consultations to optimise your performance.
Prior planning & preparation of your gear is essential for any successful expedition. You will have a consultation with our Head of Equipment, Rhodri Lewis who will walk you through the specific kit list for the Challenge & he will answer any questions you may have. Rhodri is a leading expedition equipment expert who consults, tests and procures apparel and functional gear for operating in the extremes.
5. Prepare Your Kit
Prior planning & preparation of your gear is essential for any successful expedition. You will have a consultation with our Head of Equipment, Rhodri Lewis who will walk you through the specific kit list for the Challenge & he will answer any questions you may have. Rhodri is a leading expedition equipment expert who consults, tests and procures apparel and functional gear for operating in the extremes.
The Royal Geographic Society is a world leader in exploration and supporter of historic expeditions like Shackleton. You will have the opportunity to enjoy an evening at the Society with a drinks reception, explore expedition artifacts from all over the world and immerse yourself in over a century of exploration history.
6. Enrich your Inner Explorer
The Royal Geographic Society is a world leader in exploration and supporter of historic expeditions like Shackleton. You will have the opportunity to enjoy an evening at the Society with a drinks reception, explore expedition artifacts from all over the world and immerse yourself in over a century of exploration history.
Rhodri Lewis
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. With a background working alongside Norwegian Special Forces and record-breaking explorers, he ensures every item in your kit is expertly selected and configured for your challenge.
Steve Harris
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.
THE FOUNDATIONS TEAM
Tiered Support for Every Challenge
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.
Build confidence. Establish your base.
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.
DISCOVER
Enhance performance. Strengthen resilience.
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.
EXPLORE
Fully personalised preparation.
Push your limits.
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.
PIONEER
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.
Preparing
for an
expedition?
Your Digital Basecamp
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.
Download the app
