Val d’Isère Partners With Groundbreaking “Under Antarctica” Expedition To Advance Climate Science
Leading ski resort Val d’Isère, has been named the exclusive mountain-destination partner of “Under Antarctica”, the first-ever 4,000 km kite-ski crossing of the continent led by explorer Matthieu Tordeur and glaciologist Dr Heïdi Sylvestre.
Officially launched on 3rd November 2025, and supported by President Emmanuel Macron under the aegis of UNESCO, the mission will map the Antarctic ice sheet to better predict its evolution and understand threats such as the potential collapse of West Antarctica.
- Matthieu Tordeur is an adventurer and speaker, a member of the French Explorers Society. His adventures have taken him to over 100 countries on every continent. In 2019, he became the first Frenchman and the youngest person in the world to reach the South Pole solo and without resupply. A passionate communicator, his expeditions serve as platforms for raising awareness about climate change. Matthieu is the author of *The White Continent * and the creator of several documentaries for Ushuaïa TV.
- Dr. Heidi Sevestre is an internationally renowned glaciologist specializing in glacier dynamics, tropical glaciers, and Antarctic ice shelves, working for the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme Secretariat. In 2022, she received the Shackleton Medal for polar conservation. A leading voice in climate advocacy, she regularly contributes to documentaries for National Geographic, the BBC, and France Télévisions.
The collaboration launches alongside the resort’s 2025–26 “Preserve Val d’Isère” campaign, supporting its existing programme of ongoing sustainable development initiatives and long-term goal of becoming a zero-litter, low-impact destination by 2030. With 60% of the commune designated as protected natural territory and a rigorous, ongoing Flocon Vert certification, Val d’Isère continues to set a benchmark for responsible, future-focused mountain tourism.
Follow the expedition here: https://www.underantarctica.com/.
