Reinhold Messner, born in  1944 in South Tyrol, is one of the most influential mountaineers and explorers of our time. As a rock climber, high-altitude mountaineer, and adventurer, he has repeatedly shifted the limits of what was considered possible. For Messner, adventure has always been a cultural expression of life, never driven by records, but by experience, responsibility, and self-knowledge. Messner moved not only in the horizontal, but also in the vertical crossing landscapes and boundaries alike. He became world-renowned through his commitment to traditional alpinism, emphasizing self-reliance, minimal equipment, and ethical responsibility in the mountains. His expeditions were guided by the principle of experience rather than competition.

• 1990: Together with Arved Fuchs, he crossed Antarctica on foot, reaching

the South Pole and traversing the White Continent over 2,800 kilometers.

• He also undertook an expedition across the Arctic together with his brother Hubert Messner, an attempt that tragically did not succeed.

Whether in the world’s highest mountains or its polar regions, Messner consistently sought encounters with limits — physical, mental, and cultural.

As an author and filmmaker, Reinhold Messner documented these experiences and reflections. His books and films explore not only extreme environments, but also the inner landscapes shaped by risk, solitude, loss, and perseverance.

Through storytelling, he transformed personal experiences into a universal narrative about human resilience and the relationship between humans and nature. Today, Reinhold Messner is regarded as one of the world’s most respected and sought-after storytellers. He continues to travel globally, sharing his experiences and advocating for the preservation of traditional alpinism and the authentic spirit of adventure ensuring that it does not fade in an increasingly technologized world.

Languages spoken: English, French

Photo credit: Ronny Kiaulehn

PONANT Photo Ambassador and full-time professional travel and wildlife photographer with 25 years’ experience and over six thousand publications to her credit. Her images can be seen on the pages of thousands of textbooks, travel brochures, calendars, fine art prints, consumer products, U.S. and international magazines, and newspapers. Her freelance, assignment and workshop career has taken her to all seven continents and to over 150 countries. Her 2018 shot of 5-species of penguins in one frame is thought to be the only one like it in the world and is currently the lead image in a campaign to fully protect South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Along with her stock photography business, Cindy teaches digital photography classes, works as a professional photographer & guest lecturer on expedition ships and leads photo safaris around the world. She is past president of the NANPA (North American Photography Association) Foundation Board and is an active Foundation Board member for over 20 years. On average, Cindy is out of the country over 200 days a year. When not traveling, she lives at home with her husband in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA.

Language spoken : English