News
Welcome to my news page. Here is where I list updates on expeditions, sponsors and notable events that I'm involved in.
25-May-2016
Fort McMurray Fires and 'Big 14' Plans
Due to the "overwhelmingly" tragic disaster in my former home city of Fort McMurray, where so many residents and friends have lost everything to the raging fires, I h.. read more
11-Aug-2015
Return to Nepal
A couple of nights ago I arrived back in Nepal, lying on my bed in the dark I was listening to the rain falling softly outside when the sound of someone playing the p.. read more
15-Jun-2015
The Big 14 Challenge continues
After much thought I have decided to once again go back to Pakistan to continue The Big 14 Challenge. I will be heading back to Broad Peak, the 12th highest peak in t.. read more
14-May-2015
Heartbreak in Nepal
The earthquake that would hit Nepal May 12 was at a magnitude of 7.3 in the Dolakha district, the epicenter located in the area bordering Sindhupalchok and Dolakha. .. read more
02-May-2015
After the Earthquake - Annapurna and Beyond
Shortly after writing my last dispatch for the summit push on April 21st, a series of tragic events took place. I will try my best to convey to you everything that ha.. read more
25-Apr-2015
Tragedy Strikes
On April 25th 2015, Nepal was hit with a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that killed some 3,000 people and injured 6,500. Al feels absolutely blessed to have been spared, ha.. read more
16-Apr-2015
What can go wrong, will go wrong
Al knows all too well that things don’t always go as planned. Since arriving on the mountain about a week ago, the team has established camps one, tw.. read more
31-Mar-2015
The Big 14 Has Begun!
After some minor delays due to bad weather, Al arrived safely to the Annapurna base camp in Nepal on March 28th. He and his team of fellow climbers, sherpas and suppo.. read more
27-Feb-2015
2 Weeks to Departure!
In two short weeks Al Hancock will depart on his journey to once again make Canadian history. The final preparations are underway, and on March 14 Al will be boa.. read more
31-Oct-2014
Al Hancock’s “Big 14” Challenge
Over the past seven years, Al Hancock has been quietly making Canadian history. The former journeyman millwright and oil sands maintenance supervisor has su.. read more
24-May-2014
Canadian Climbing History has been made in the Himalayas
On May 18th at 8:39 Nepal time, Monique Richard of Montréal, Quebec and Al Hancock of Edmonton, Alberta summited Makalu the fifth highest mountain in the world.. read more
02-Apr-2014
Namaste from Kathmandu, Nepal
Makalu update… I have been in Kathmandu for the last two weeks and cannot believe how fast the time has gone. I have retrieved my climbing gear out of st.. read more
19-Nov-2013
Expedition Announcement: Let's make Canadian history....
I am excited to announce my first expedition for 2014. I will be attempting Makulu, the 5th highest mountain in the world. Makalu is one of the most difficult mo.. read more
16-Oct-2013
K2 Reflections
I have heard before that when two roads open up to you, always choose the most difficult, the one that will demand the most of you. Frank BiDart once said….. read more
27-Feb-2013
Return to K2
The drum beat of the Mountains are calling me once again and the rhythm is picking up as if it were the sweet sound of thunder. Once again I set my sights back to.. read more
05-Feb-2013
2012: A year in review
2012 was a mixture of highs and lows and at times saturated with tribulation. I was grateful to have been a keynote speaker for 18 speaking engagements. 14 of th.. read more
20-May-2012
Sponsor Announcement
I would like to welcome Remax, Fort McMurray as our latest Sponsor and partner in the up coming expedition to Broad Peak and K2. Together I look forward to taking yo.. read more
19-May-2012
2nd Breakfast Television appearance – May 25th at 7:10am
Join me once again on May 25th at 7:10 am for a live interview on Citytv’s Breakfast Television in Edmonton, Alberta with Ryan Jespersen as he and I share with .. read more
18-May-2012
Exciting New Technology
For the first time ever, track my position on the mountain! Technology keeps evolving every year and I am excited to be integrating some of that cutting edge te.. read more
30-Apr-2012
Major Sponsor Announcement
With much excitement I am proud to announce the partnership of Finning (Canada) as the major sponsor for the upcoming 2012 Broad Peak & K2 Expeditions. I look fo.. read more
29-Apr-2012
2012 Expedition Update
The logistics for the Broad Peak (/app-expeditions/broad-peak) and K2 (/app-expeditions/k2-2012) expedition is moving full steam ahead and picking up speed. My flight.. read more
27-Apr-2012
New video added - Citytv appearance
For those of you who missed it, here's the live interview that I did with Ryan Jespersen on April 9th on Citytv’s Breakfast Television in Edmonton. Addi.. read more
02-Apr-2012
Breakfast Television appearance - April 9th at 7:10am
Join me on April 9th at 7:10 am for a live interview on Citytv’s Breakfast Television in Edmonton, Alberta with RYAN JESPERSEN as he and I share with you, stories f.. read more
22-Jan-2012
2012 Expedition Announcement!
This year, it’s going to be exciting. I will be attempting another two 8,000 meter peaks, back to back. One is Broad Peak, the twelfth highest in the world and .. read more
31-Oct-2011
Two back-to-back 8000 meter summits!
The litmus test of mountaineers is to climb an 8,000 meter peak and add that important accomplishment to their climbing resume. If he or she is successful, they can o.. read more