1. Leo Houlding – Antarctic Alpinist

From a very young age, Brit Leo Houlding was doing big things. At 18, he became the first Brit to free solo Yosemite’s El Capitan and since then has not relented in his pursuit of incredible feats. After several first ascents in North American and Europe, Houlding turned his attentions to colder climates and less well-known routes. The first of these was a daring 2009 free climb of Mount Asgard on Baffin Island, featured in the film The Asgard Project. More recently, he led a team to the first ascent of a new route up the north-east ridge of Ulvetanna Peak in Antarctica, which was described as ‘the most demanding peak on the world’s toughest continent’! Next time you think it’s too cold to climb, think again!