Sam Cox Expeditions
What he does
Sam’s expeditions bring together purpose, precision, and performance. From remote polar landscapes to organising unique challenges for Pole to Pole, each journey is designed to test limits, build resilience, and deliver lessons that reach far beyond the expedition itself.
Sam’s expedition career was built on the foundations of his military experience as a Royal Marines Commando. The discipline, planning, and endurance learned during operations in extreme environments later became the basis for his approach to polar exploration and leadership under pressure.
His work focuses on real-world leadership, team performance under pressure, and the discipline required to operate in extreme environments.
If you are interested in joining one of Sam’s future expeditions or training programmes, full details can be found on the Pole to Pole Challenges website. There, you’ll find upcoming events, expedition opportunities, and information on how to participate.
Visit www.poletopole.com to learn more and explore current expedition options.
Why it matters
Every expedition should serve as a method to push performance, mindset, and preparation. Whether training teams in northern Sweden or operating alone in Antarctica, Sam applies the same principles to explore endurance, adaptability, and leadership in uncertain conditions.
These experiences feed directly into his speaking, training, and development work, helping others understand how to perform under pressure and achieve ambitious goals.
Solo Unsupported Antarctic Crossing 2023
In late 2023, Sam Cox undertook a solo unsupported ski expedition across Antarctica. Beginning at Gould’s Bay, he travelled south across the continent, passing over the Filchner-Ronne ice shelf and across the Pensacola mountains
Hauling all of his equipment and supplies in a pulk weighing over 165 kilograms, Sam covered more than 680 kilometres in 31 days, before being medically evacuated due to kidney stones.
Beyond the physical challenge, this expedition also contributed to research on human performance and resilience in extreme conditions through collaboration with the Austrian Space Forum.
The expedition embodied the principles that define Sam’s approach to exploration: disciplined preparation, resilience under pressure, and a constant drive to explore what is possible.
South Pole and Back Solo Expedition 2027
Pole and Back: The Return Antarctic Journey is currently in development as Sam’s next major expedition project. Planned for late 2027, the journey aims to complete a solo, unsupported ski from Berkner Island to the Geographic South Pole and back, a full return crossing of the continent that remains one of the most challenging objectives in modern polar exploration.
The route will begin at Gould Bay on the northern edge of Berkner Island and continue across the Antarctic Plateau toward the Pole and back, covering roughly 2,700 kilometres over 90 days. The expedition will require complete self-sufficiency, with all equipment, food, and supplies carried from the start.
The project is now in its detailed planning and preparation phase, focusing on logistics, equipment testing, and performance research. Alongside the expedition itself, Sam intends to document the journey and share insights into endurance, leadership, and the mindset required to operate in extreme conditions.
At its core, Pole and Back represents the next evolution of Sam’s ongoing exploration of resilience, discipline, and human capability, a test of what is possible through preparation and purpose.
Those interested in following the journey, partnering, or supporting the expedition can register their interest through the contact page.