FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is WomenQuest?

WomenQuest is a non-profit educational organization that works to develop self- confidence in young girls and women in their ability to achieve, especially in the areas of physical ability, science and math.

What is Polar Trek 2001?

Polar Trek 2001 is an all-women ski journey to the North Pole from the 88th parallel north of Russia. The two-week long trek will be the first ever by a team of only women from that side of the planet. Part of the mission will be to demonstrate what team work can accomplish. WomenQuest will also put a curriculum on this web space addressing exploration, the Arctic environment, training, and math and science in the field, beginning in December

When is it taking place?

The team will train in Russia in early April, then start skiing to the North Pole in mid-April.

Who's on the team?

The women of Polar Trek 2001 come from all over the States and Canada. They range in age from late 20s to 50, and include teachers, journalists and business women. You can check out their profiles elsewhere on this web site under "The Women."

Will there be dogs?

No, WomenQuest team members will carry all of their gear, equipment, and food for the trek in backpacks and on sleds.

How cold will it be?

Temperatures can easily hit -30 degrees Fahrenheit. There is no "night" as such because the sun never really sets at the North Pole in April.

How many women are going?

There will be 12 women, including two women team captains who have both skied to the North Pole. We still have room for one more woman. Unfortunately, one team member is not able to go because of a recent injury that required surgery.

What will an average day be like?

We rise in the morning, have a warm breakfast of oatmeal, toast, coffee and tea. After cleaning up and filling our Thermoses with hot water or tea for the day, we break camp, back up the tent and ski out. We take a break every, hour or so, to rest or snack. The goal is to travel about 10 miles a day, so we stop late afternoon, set up the tent using our skis and poles, cook the evening meal, communicate with the base back at the ice station, and settle in for the night. The tent isn't heated, so we wear our clothes in our sleeping bags.

Will the women do anything besides ski to the North Pole?

Yes! Polar Trek 2001 has been working with middle school girls to develop a several experiments to perform along the way. Trek members will also gather videotape for a documentary as well as photos for magazine articles. They will also gather air samples for scientists at Michigan State University.

Who's supporting Polar Trek 2001?

WomenQuest has received support from a number of individuals and groups including the Michigan Women's Foundation, the Paula L. Blanchard Foundation, Michigan State University, North Central Michigan College, and the Estate of Buck Person. Polar Trek 2001 is outfitted by Canadian Arctic Holidays of Quebec.

How can I help?

If you're an educator, contact us about your class and things it is interested in. We'll be happy to communicate with your students about what we are doing. Supports can also make tax deductible contributions to WomenQuest.

Where can I get more information?

We will provide updates on this web site. You can also write us at:

WomenQuest
P.O. Box 4821
East Lansing, MI 48826