Australia
The Patrouille Des Glaciers (PDG) is one of the worlds toughest ski mountaineering races. Held every 2 years in the Alps near Zermatt, Switzerland it is an event with military origins and in 2012 a group of British soldiers headed out to take on the challenge - using H2Pro Hydrate to keep their fluids and electrolytes topped up in a very harsh, unforgiving environment. This is what they had to say about their experience:
"Despite having limited time to prepare we used H2Pro during the flight to Switzerland 48hrs prior to the race which undoubtably helped with our basic hydration. During our training day before the race we tested the race concentration to confirm suitability. Not only did the product keep us hydrated during a long and arduous day but I'm convinced it helped us adjust to the altitude and acclimatise quicker. Although the race was stopped due to avalanches I am sure H2Pro mitigated our lack of environmental training and acclimatisation."
Hydration at high altitude can be an issue due to the dryness of the air and sweat losses whilst ski mountaineering can be very high as it requires a lot of clothing to be worn to protect against the elements yet work rates are very high. Having H2Pro Hydrate in the water they were carrying also helped to stop it freezing up in sub zero temperatures.
We will be supporting the British team in 2 years time when they will get a second chance to take on the PDG - hopefully this time without the avalanche risk that cut this years race short.
Lee Shannahan with his H2Pro Hydrate and the Matterhorn in the background:
