My Story
Dominic Renshaw’s epic world first 1,600 km ski and climb adventure
Rated 5 stars
★★★★★
My Journey:
I’ve lived a life most people only dream about. I’ve stood on the summit of Kilimanjaro, Mera Peak, Denali, and the North Side of Everest. I’ve skied well over 70 weeks of my life, worked as a ski instructor, and done specialist one-to-one South Pole expedition training in Norway. I’ve completed countless climbing courses in Scotland and, for more than 16 years, owned an adventure company where I’ve done just about everything — wing walking, rafting the Grand Canyon, bungee jumping, skydiving… you name it, I’ve probably done it.
My mantra has always been simple: Dream bigger than you ever thought possible, then go and live that dream.
That dream led me to The Triple Crown of Antarctica — a world-first unsupported expedition. Ski from Hercules Inlet through brutal crevasse fields to the base of Mount Vinson, climb the continent’s highest peak, descend, and then ski all the way to the South Pole. No one has ever done this exact continuous journey unsupported. It was supposed to be the ultimate culmination of everything I’ve trained for and believed in.
Then the knee injury stole it all. I first felt something wrong 13 years ago while skiing in Alpe D’Huez.
I pushed through it for years. But almost three years ago, scans finally showed the truth: a torn cartilage in my left knee. Since then, my life has changed dramatically. I haven’t skied for two full seasons. Climbing has been completely off the table. I could only manage gentle exercise, but anything that really pushed me — the kind of effort this expedition demands — would have been impossible.
The last few years were one long, grinding wait. Referred first to Oswestry Hospital, then after a year and a half moved to Birmingham. I sat on the donor cartilage graft waitlist for over a year. At 5’4”, the chances of a suitable match were painfully low. The realistic option was an operation to fill the hole in the cartilage with bone and cartilage taken from elsewhere in my knee.
In July 2026 I had that operation.
Recovery is going well. I expect to be back to 100% by July/September 2027.
Because of that, the whole project has been pushed back 12 months. We are now aiming for the 2028/29 Antarctic summer. Team applications close at the end of 2026, with final selection by 28 February 2027 — or earlier if the right team comes together before then.
Not being able to ski or climb hit me harder than I ever expected. My gear sat unused. Friends and clients headed off on adventures while I stayed behind. The freedom I once took for granted — pushing hard in the mountains or on snow — was gone. It was quietly devastating.
But here’s the truth:
This expedition is happening. Come hell or high water.
I have spent my whole life turning big dreams into reality, and I am not letting this injury write the final chapter. The extra year gives us the time to do it properly — fully fit, fully trained, and fully funded.
If my journey resonates with you — if you’ve ever had a dream knocked down but refused to let it die — I’d be grateful for your support. Whether that’s donating, sharing this story, or even joining the team, every bit helps turn this setback into the greatest comeback yet.
