SOUTH POLE EXPEDITION 2023

The Finnish South Pole 2023 expedition is formed by Poppis Suomela, Kustaa Piha, and Anders Brotherus 

Poppis Suomela serves as the expedition leader and Polar guide. Poppis has previously skied unsupported to the South Pole and is trained as an official polar guide (Polar Guide IPGA).

Kustaa Piha and Anders Brotherus are experienced adventurers embarking on their first ski journey towards the South Pole.

The expedition first travels to South America in Chile. From Punta Arenas, the journey continues to the Antarctic in mid-November! From the Union Glacier base, the expedition proceeds to the starting point for skiing. The actual skiing segment begins on November 22, 2023, weather permitting.

The expedition follows the classic Hercules Inlet route to the South Pole, covering a distance of 1130 kilometers. The journey is expected to take around 50 days. During the skiing, the expedition will receive three material resupplies. The plan is to reach the South Pole in early January.

Welcome to follow the progress of the expedition!

Meet the Team

  • Poppis Suomela

    Polar Explorer and Polar Guide

    Poppis Suomela is an experienced polar explorer and the 12th person in the world who has skied unassisted to both the North and South Poles.

    An experienced hiker and skier, Poppis works as a leader of this expedition and certified guide, (International Polar Guide Association registry #36, the only accredited Finnish guide).

    In addition to organizing ski trips and various treks to arctic regions of the world, Poppis is also a professional photographer focusin on human interactions with nature. Through his company, ToThePole, Poppis supports filming projects that require work in demanding winter conditions.

    Instagram @poppissuomela

  • Kustaa Piha

    Explorer

    Kustaa is an experienced hiker and nature enthusiast who is making his first ski trip to the South Pole. He has tested his survival skills in harsh conditions before, including in adventure sports competitions.

    Kustaa also brings long experience in business, active investing, and scientific study and holds master’s degrees in medicine, political science, and business administration. He has a strong interest in helping others and building lifelong friendships and values the close relationships he has built. During this trip, Kustaa will play the role of the expedition’s doctor.

    Instagram @kustaapiha

  • Anders Brotherus

    Explorer

    Anders is an experienced hiker and has made many long-distance trips around the world. He has previously traveled to Antarctica, but this will be his first ski expedition to the South Pole.

    When he isn’t engaging in long-distance expeditions or joining teams under harsh conditions, Anders has experience in developing municipal waste management and in the engineering industry. Formally trained in business administration, Anders also has a passion for charity work.

    Instagram @andersbrotherus_