Max Balkhausen

Expedition Guide, Geology & Glaciology Presenter

Born and raised in a small town in the Czech Republic, Max grew up with a Czech mother, a German father, and a love for the outdoors that has taken him across the globe. He holds a degree in Physical Geography and Cartography with a specialization in glaciology, and has lived and worked extensively in Norway, Svalbard, and continental Antarctica. His professional path as an expedition guide, support crew member, and adventurer has led him through some of the world’s most remote and rugged environments, from ski expeditions in the High Arctic to private journeys in the Yukon, Argentina, and East Africa, as well as research support missions in Antarctica, including at the South Pole.

With a calm, team-focused approach, Max brings a strong mix of technical knowledge, field experience, and logistical know-how to every journey. He is passionate about helping others feel confident and connected in the outdoors, whether on a relaxed walk on the beach or navigating crevassed glacier terrain.

When not exploring the polar regions, Max splits his time between Europe and New York, where his partner lives. He is also an avid mountaineer, hiker, and map enthusiast, happiest when moving through wild landscapes and sharing a good laugh with others along the way.

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