During a six-week expedition in December 2008 and January 2009 to the frozen, southernmost continent, the two brothers, along with Swiss Alpinist Stephen Siegrist, climbed the West Buttress of Ulvetanna and the West and North Faces of Holtanna. Both Ulvetanna and Holtanna are peaks in the spectacular Queen Maud Land, an area that is eight times the size of Germany and part of Norwegian Antarctic territory.

Ulvetanna, at 2931m above sea level is known as one of the most difficult mountains in the world to climb, while the West Face on Holtanna (2650m) is steep and treacherous.

Equipped with specially made clothing, tents and Suunto Core watches to record altitude, changing weather conditions and assist with compass bearings, the team coped with temperatures as low as -50°C, heavy storms and often unstable weather.

"It was very, very cold", said Thomas Huber, "but despite these extreme conditions our first ascent of the West Face of Holtanna was a gem. 'Eiszeit' ('Ice Age'), was 24 pitches with a difficulty of up to 5.10+ and technically up to A4."

One week later the Hubers and Siegrist ascended Holtana's North Buttress, climbing 'free', which means without using artificial aids and ropes are only used for protection.

Naming the route Skywalk and measuring the total height of the climb with the Core at 450m, Thomas Huber said, "Even though the difficulties were fairly moderate, the beauty of the route cannot be outmatched."

Fine weather in the final days of the expedition meant the team made a first ascent of Ulvetanna's West Face, taking two days to complete the 'Sound of Silence' route.

"Sound of Silence (difficulty 5.11-, technically A2) was the cherry on the cake of what we think is our most beautiful expedition to date. We have tried everything, we have managed everything and we are very happy."

More information at www.huberbuam.de

Photo credits: Huberbuam.de