Scientists at Antarctica’s Scott Base swapped labcoats for ski gear this weekend, completing a 24-hour skiathon on some of the Earth’s most remote slopes.
The event, held at Scott Base Ski Club near New Zealand’s Antarctic research station, brought together scientists and staff from multiple nations.
Scenes captured by Antarctica New Zealand showcased skiers taking turns on the remote slope, where summer’s perpetual daylight enabled round-the-clock skiing.
Antarctica New Zealand field support officer Stephen Trimble said the unique location provided perfect conditions for night skiing – with some unusual concerns.
“It’s going to look like this at 3am. It’s going to look like this at 6am,” he said.
“We’re actually worried more about sunburn during the night.”
The ski club, which has been operating since 1961, features a nutcracker rope tow system opening the mountain to base personnel.
Antarctic scholar Jessica Macfarquhar said the event offered a welcome break from research duties.
“Everyone here has helped me so much with my science and it’s really nice to just kind of hang out,” she said.
The inaugural event included homemade awards for various achievements, including recognition for completing 100 runs within the 24-hour period.
Trimble said: “If you do crack the 100 mark over the 24-hour period, you get a trophy.
“We also have ‘most nuts cracked’ – so we’re going to keep an eye out for the person that falls off the nutcracker the most.”
Antarctica New Zealand will begin recruiting for next season’s positions from mid-February.