Polartec® Products

Polartec® Challenge
  • Overview

    Every year world-class athletes benefit from the Polartec® Challenge, an international award program encouraging the spirit and practice of outdoor adventure. From the sharp granite cliffs of Southern Africa to heights of the Himalayas, these men and women are dedicated to the pursuit of excitement and discovery. Read their accounts of these incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences and how Polartec® helped them achieve their dreams of realizing them.


    Application Form
    Polartec Challenge Map Logo
    Apex Awards Back
  • Polartec® Challenge Grant Winners

    We have been funding Polartec® Challenges since 1991 with over 100 expeditions around the world!


      Polartec® Challenge award winners include:

    • Climbers, explorers, kayakers
    • 82 people from 16 countries

    To learn more about the grant winners, click below.

    • Jordan Romero’s Seven Summits Quest
      Jordan Romero

      Grant Recipient

      • Jordan Romero

      Jordan Romero from Big Bear, California has climbed the highest peaks on six different continents by age 13. This spring, Romero intends to climb Mt. Everest and later this year, Mt. Vinson in Antarctica. In his attempt to become the youngest person to climb the Seven Summits, Romero has become a role model and mentor to other children, speaking at schools about climbing, exercise and the outdoors. http://www.jordanromero.com


      Polartec® garments used in expedition


    • Two Million Reasons Why
      Greg Hill

      Grant Recipient

      • Greg Hill

      Greg Hill will take backcountry skiing to a new level by attempting to climb and ski over two million vertical feet in 2010. Hill, who set a world record by climbing and skiing 50,000 feet in 24 hours, plans to seek out and explore new ski descents on mountains in Canada, the U.S. and South America over the course of the year. Throughout his quest, Hill will film and document each climb and descent, offering viewers an unparalleled glimpse into the world of backcountry skiing.


      Polartec® garments used in expedition


    • Cycling Silk
      Kate & Mel Grant Recipients
      • Kate Harris
      • Mel Yule

      During their year-long ride from Nepal to Turkey, Harris (a Rhodes scholar with a Master’s from Oxford and M.I.T.) and Yule (an environmental scientist with a Master’s in international development) will use their scientific, environmental and sustainable development training to investigate the natural and social impacts of six unique transboundary protected areas. The goal is to raise awareness about environmental conservation across borders as a peace-building endeavor in transboundary wildernesses along the Silk Road and beyond.


      Polartec® garments used in expedition


  • Application

    The application process is closed for 2010 grants. We are currently accepting applications for the 2011 Polartec® Challenge.


    INTERNATIONAL POLARTEC® CHALLENGE APPLICATION FOR SPONSORSHIP

    Premise: Polartec® Challenge is an international grant program that supports the spirit and practice of outdoor adventure. We assist frugal, low-impact teams who respect the local culture and environment and serve as role models to outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.


    Selection Philosophy: Over the past 19 years, Polartec® Challenge has sponsored the most compelling, passionate, and original adventures. We support diverse, self-propelled expeditions and journeys to remote locations. Applications are evaluated on the basis of their vision, commitment and credibility. Prior winners have explored mountains, forests, caves, rivers, oceans and deserts around the globe by nearly every means imaginable.


    Polartec® Challenge is not the appropriate venue for projects that involve competition or fundraising. For information regarding funding for projects outside the scope of Polartec® Challenge, contact Ruthann Brown at the address below.


    Deadline: November 1st, 2010

    Winners’ Announcement Date: January 22, 2011

    Send completed application to: Polartec® Challenge, Ruthann Brown, 413 Carter Notch Road, Jackson, NH, USA 03846; phone: 978-943-4400; e-mail: brownr@polartec.com


    Computer-written applications must include all the questions just as they appear below, followed by your responses. Do not add any supplementary information or questions within the application. YOUR APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE A DETAILED MAP OF YOUR ROUTE AND A PHOTO OF YOUR OBJECTIVE. Maps, articles, and other addenda that will help us to evaluate your project should be mailed separately.


    POLARTEC® CHALLENGE IS AN EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM. YOU MUST PROVIDE US WITH A COMPELLING, WELL-DOCUMENTED, TYPEWRITTEN APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED.


    ALL MATERIALS MUST ARRIVE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE BY THE DEADLINE.

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