Monet Izabeth Is Skiing Alone to the South Pole

The next Sunday Reads interview.

A few weeks back I kicked off the Sunday Reads interview series via a chat with writer Bianca Bosker about her new book Get the Picture (which is now a New York Times bestseller ICYMI). My goal with this series is to speak to women who are steadfastly pursuing their dreams — in whatever shape or form they take.

This series is for paid subscribers, but if you cannot afford a subscription just email me and it will be comped.

Today I’m thrilled to bring you my conversation with solo travel expert Monet Eliastam (who you can find more easily online as Monet Izabeth). I’ve known Monet for years, and wanted to bring her into your inboxes because she’s training to become the first American woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole. And … wow. It will be a 40 day solo ski trip and she’ll be pulling all of her supplies behind her on a sled. I’ve been watching her training online and well, I’ll let our conversation tell you the rest.

Monet in warmer climates.

Can you start by telling us what exactly it is that you do?

I normally describe it to people by saying I work in the adventure travel world. I have a presence online which I make money from — on Instagram and TikTok — and I also lead organized group trips in Kenya, Greece, and Nepal (which is where I currently live).

And you're training to be the first woman to ski — you explain it.

Currently I am training to become the first American woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole; which means it will be me alone on skis, pulling a sled with everything that I need to survive, for probably somewhere between 40 and 50 days in Antarctica.

Okay. I didn't realize it was that long.