Antarctic Expeditions: When the Work Begins

Alpina Superclass in DOME-C

Antarctic scientific campaigns typically start in October or November, coinciding with the Southern Hemisphere’s summer. This period is chosen for its longer daylight hours and « warmer » temperatures, which make fieldwork more feasible.

🌡️ Quick Fact: Don’t let the term « warmer » fool you! We’re talking about temperatures averaging around −35∘C (−31∘F).

These frigid conditions are no challenge for our trusted Alpina snowmobiles! They’ve been a reliable fixture on the Antarctic plateau for nearly twenty years, from the former Sherpa 1.4 to the Sherpa 1.6, and now the Superclass 1.2.

Pictured: a Superclass 1.2 in use at the Dome-C station (ph. credits: PNRA / IPEV)

Dome-C Antarctica