Matty McNair facts for kids

Matty L McNair is an amazing American explorer who loves to discover new places, especially in icy, cold regions! She was born in Pennsylvania, United States. Later, she moved to Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, which is on Baffin Island. Matty is famous for her incredible journeys to some of the coldest parts of the world.

Matty's Amazing Expeditions

Matty L McNair has achieved many incredible things during her career as an explorer. She has led teams to some of the most remote and challenging places on Earth.

North Pole Adventures

• 1997: Matty led the very first expedition to the Geographic North Pole that was made up entirely of women. This was a huge achievement!
• 2007: She took part in a special race for the TV show Top Gear: Polar Special. Matty drove a dog sled with Richard Hammond towards the 1996 location of the North Magnetic Pole. Even though they didn't reach the pole first (the other team used trucks!), it was an exciting adventure.

South Pole Journeys

• 2003/2004: Matty led two different expeditions where she skied all the way to the South Pole. This shows her incredible endurance and skill.
• 2004/2005: She completed another ski trip to the South Pole without any outside help. What's even more amazing is that her children, Sarah and Eric, joined her! They became the youngest people ever to ski to the South Pole.

Other Cool Expeditions

• 2000: Matty led a journey across Ellesmere Island in Canada. They traveled through a place called the Sverdrup Pass.
• 2003: She crossed the huge Greenland Ice Cap with her children, Sarah and Eric. They used special ski-kites to help them move, and they also had dog sleds for support.

First American to Reach Both Poles

Matty L McNair is the first American person to ski to both the Geographic North Pole and the South Pole. This makes her a true pioneer in polar exploration!

Books About Her Journeys

Matty has also shared her experiences in a book:

• On Thin Ice: A Woman's Journey to the North Pole (1999)