Swipe to the right

5 of the Harshest Environments on Earth

28 December 2020 No comments

On an early January morning with howling wind and sleet, it can be hard to imagine that there is anywhere colder than the UK. However, as bad as it may seem, there are some brutal environments out there with plunging temperatures and savage weather.

These environments are also home to some of the most beautiful landscapes and fascinating nature, with many creating perfect conditions for the sports we love. Fortunately, the gear we stock was designed to withstand some of the harshest weather nature can throw at it and nowhere will test it more than these destinations.

Antarctica

With wind speeds that top 320km/h, temperatures that plummet below -89°C and precipitation levels that match the driest of deserts, it's safe to say that a holiday in Antarctica is like no other. This rare setting allows for a theatre of larger-than-life natural dramas to unfold in front of you during your journey. Observe as penguins, seals and whales go about their daily life and you glide among them – not yet afraid of humans. Even amateur photographers will achieve some incredibly special snaps of wildlife and scenery.

Our guide to insulated clothing has plenty of useful pointers to get you started on choosing the right equipment for such a trip.

Lake Titicaca

This remarkable lake unites desolate altiplano, with the fierce peaks and fertile valleys of the Andes. The rich green of the sun-trapped islands contrasts with the freezing dirt farms. Despite its coldest temperatures, that can reach -8°C, Lake Titicaca shimmers a distinctive deep blue, and its gem-like islands and gentle shores make for an agricultural paradise. This natural wonder can chill one with its sheer presence, let alone actual climate. It is a stunningly beautiful place and is a must-see on any holiday to Bolivia or Peru.

Iceland

Home to some of the worlds most awe-inspiring geography and landscapes, Iceland is a must-visit for those with a passion for the outdoors and environment. With 11% of the country covered by glaciers, spectacular geysers, and hot springs for swimming all year round, there is plenty to see in the beautiful country. For those interested in some outdoor activities, there is excellent Ice Climbing to be found with frozen waterfalls in the winter and climbable glaciers for summer trips. However, with temperatures dropping to -10°C and sometimes below, it’s important to make sure you are kitted up correctly.

Layering systems are key to keeping warm and dry, check out our buying guide to help build the right system for you.

Alaska

With seventeen of the twenty highest peaks in the U.S. being located in Alaska, some of the worlds best (and most extreme) winter mountaineering, climbing and backcountry skiing can be found there. Depending on where you are in the state, temperatures can range from -18 to -35°C through the winter months and weather conditions in the mountains can be extreme. If you are thinking of heading to the mountains, it is almost essential to take a trained guide to navigate you through any of the 100,000+ glaciers.

With some of the best mountaineering in the world, our mountaineering guide offers comprehensive details on how to choose the right clothing for your trip to Alaska.

Yabuli, China

"Sun Mountain Yabuli", by Ski China, licensed under CC BY 2.0

Yabuli ski resort in North-East China is known by many as one of the worlds coldest. With temperatures regularly exceeding -30°C through the winter months, and temperatures of -60°C and below when wind chill is taken into account, it’s fair to say it’s pretty extreme skiing. The temperature is in fact so cold that ‘snow’ quite often falls as ‘ice chips’ which can make for a pretty unique experience.