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Polar Explorer

Since 1992 I've been exploring the Earth's fragile polar regions.

Exploration has been at the core of my instinct. From my inaugural 1992 expedition to Canada's Ellesmere Island, to pioneering new routes through the Transantarctic Mountains to the South Pole, to kite-skiing solo to the iconic peak of Ulvetanna, I've followed the urge to go where others haven't. To explore the path less travelled.

It's what drives me every day of my life.

Book Eric as a speaker here

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IPGA Polar Expedition Guide

Since 2004 I've been guiding ski expeditions and training in the Arctic, Antarctica and Australia. Any opportunity to introduce people to our wonderful ice environments is a privilege that I will forever appreciate.

In 2011, together with a team of guides spanning 6 nations, I launched the International Polar Guides Association, of which I am its President and a Polar Expedition Guide. Polar guiding is an awesome profession, one that combines my loves of adventure and education.

Contact me if you want to join a trip, need help with your own or are interested in becoming an IPGA guide.

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Polar Equipment Designer

Like many of the polar enthusiasts who use my products, I place absolute trust in the ability of my designs to do what's required of them.

Whether I'm guiding a short trip or on a long demanding expedition, I don't want the anxiety of worrying about gear failure or poor performance so I base my design work on a simple credo: Design and build things to perform dependably in the harshest conditions on the planet.

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Polar Expedition Consultant

In the harsh reality of a polar environment there's often only one chance at success. Don't squander that opportunity with guesswork, assumptions or bad advice.

I offer 4 levels of consultation, giving you the opportunity to balance your growing knowledge with my professional advice to create your optimum polar journey.


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Photographs

Most of the images on my website were taken by professional photographers. Martin Hartley, Petter Nyquist, Christian Åslund and Nick Cobbing are widely known for their work in the fields of polar adventure, conservation and science and I've enjoyed working with them immensely.

They all possess the rare ability to render an ordinary moment as an extraordinary event, an ephemeral blur as static motion, a fleeting nuance as an indelible memory.

My sincere thanks to these superlative artists.

+ Photographers

I had the pleasure of having Eric Philips guide me on my successful North Pole expedition in 2005. His ability, professionalism and knowledge all combined to make my experience in the high Arctic one I will treasure for the rest of my life. I have the highest recommendation for Icetrek and Eric as a guide; his ongoing success rate in an environment where others have failed is a testament to his amazing talent.

Matthew McFadyen. Australia (North Pole Extreme 2005)

My name is Tom Smit, in 2004 I went with Eric and some other crazy Aussies on a last degree trip to the North pole. To me it's one of the exceptional things in life I have done, we had a great time and Eric was very helpful arranging good weather! He is a very good guide, experienced and knowledgeable about the Arctic. When you have the chance to do this trip, just do it!

Tom Smit. Netherlands (North Pole Extreme 2004)

I think Eric was born to do this and did a tremendous job in balancing the need to maintain safety, push us to achieve our goal and have a good time. I gained valuable experience and a greater clarity in the direction of my life, good friends, an experience to tell my grandchildren about in 60 years and buns of steel.

Rob Knight. Australia (North Pole Extreme 2007)

Many thanks for your help on the expedition. We finally made it and we really do appreciate the effort you put in to make it happen for us.

Paul Stewart. Australia (South Pole Emperor Odyssey 2014)

You were a consummate professional. Not only do you have the experience and ability – you are also one of the most patient people that I know. Your constant encouragement at all times was appreciated by all.

Paul Lewellen. England (North Pole Odyssey 2012)

Eric is THE person to know when you are planning a trip to North Pole. In an environment where experience counts, it’s better to have the best men in the team! His experience was critical and very helpful when the conditions worsened the day we reached north pole. Last but not least, his breakfast combo is a bomb!! Food is important there ;)

Nacer Ibn Abdeljalil. Morocco (North Pole Exped 2015)
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