Relay Antenna On Utsteinen Summit

The team installed a new relay antenna on Utsteinen Summit, requiring four climbs from each member in a single day. Since they were working in a biting cold, the installation took the team a full day to finish.

Koen and Marc arrive at the summit for the first time. They would make it back up there three more times that day.

© International Polar Foundation / René Robert
Koen on the crest of Utsteinen Ridge. The ski-doos are at the bottom of the ridge.

© International Polar Foundation / René Robert
Alain carrying the metal structure for the solar pannels, which will be be anchored to the summit.

© International Polar Foundation / René Robert
Alain Hubert taking a short break. The rest of the team can be seen climbing with the help of a fixed safety rope in the background.

© International Polar Foundation / René Robert
The day goes by pretty fast. Carriers continue to bring up parts for the antenna anchor.

© International Polar Foundation / René Robert
Working barehanded despite the biting cold. Work has been slowed down. It will take the whole day to finish the job.

© International Polar Foundation / René Robert
8 pm: The cold is biting, however the team still needs to bring their equipment back down.

© International Polar Foundation / René Robert
On the bottom left are tiny holes in which snow petrels clean their feathers and breed.

© International Polar Foundation / René Robert

Relay Antenna On Utsteinen Summit

Press Officer