Under Antartica
28 11 2025
Val d’Isère is supporting polar science
By joining forces with the Under Antarctica expedition
Val d’Isère is joining forces with an extraordinary expedition: Under Antarctica, the first kite-ski expedition to cross Antarctica, supporting polar science.
A one-of-a-kind scientific and human adventure
Explorer, Matthieu Tordeur and glaciologist Dr Heïdi Sevestre, driven by the same thirst for exploration and knowledge, set off on 3 November 2025 to cross the 4,000 km of this ice cap.
Their mission, under the aegis of UNESCO and supported by the French President, is to map the depths of the White Continent using ground-penetrating radar. The ultimate goal is to better understand glacial dynamics and anticipate the effects of climate change.
With the looming collapse of West Antarctica’s ice sheet and the potential for a 4-metre rise in sea levels, this expedition is both a technical triumph and a powerful platform for raising awareness. It represents a union of adventure, research, and dedication in confronting the challenges of climate change.
Val d’Isère, partner mountains of the Under Antarctica mission
As the only mountain destination to partner in this expedition, Val d’Isère is showcasing its vision of a vibrant, conscious mountain that actively embraces change.
This partnership reflects the values that unite our destination and the explorers: excellence, teamwork, respect for life, and the relentless pursuit of surpassing limits.
“Supporting this expedition is a way of expressing our conviction that mountain regions have a role to play in advancing knowledge and protecting the climate.”
