Liv Arnesen (pronounced “Leave”) is a Norwegian polar explorer, educator, author, and adventurer who has accomplished things once thought impossible.
In 1994, Liv became the first woman in the world to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole, traveling 745 miles across Antarctica in just 50 days. Seven years later, she and American explorer Ann Bancroft became the first women in history to ski and sail across Antarctica, completing an incredible 1,717-mile journey over 94 days.
Liv has also led an unsupported women’s crossing of the Greenland Ice Cap and attempted to climb Mount Everest, reaching within 6,200 feet of the summit before making the difficult decision to turn back because of altitude sickness.
But Liv’s story isn't only about exploration. She has spent more than 20 years teaching and coaching students and has dedicated much of her life to helping young people develop the confidence to pursue ambitious goals. She is also an author and internationally recognized motivational speaker whose adventures have been featured by CNN, BBC, NBC, NPR, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, People, and TIME for Kids.
Through her extraordinary experiences in some of the most remote and challenging places on Earth, Liv encourages students to dream bigger, push beyond their perceived limits, overcome setbacks, and have the courage to turn their dreams into reality.
