A Season at the Edge of the World – The Bison Antarctic in Action

For the Bison Antarctic, this past season marked its first operational deployment in Antarctica — and a strong confirmation of what it was designed for. The machine is based on a proven vehicle concept: the Bison has been successfully operating in ski resorts around the world since 2008. For Antarctic use, this established platform was adapted to meet the specific demands of polar logistics, long-distance operations, and extreme environmental conditions. 

Ready from Day One 

In late November 2025, the Bison Antarctic arrived at Ultima Airbase, flown in by Ultima Antarctic Logistics using their own cargo aircraft. Once on site, the machine was immediately integrated into daily operations. 

Its role was clear: support snow clearing, maintain trafficable routes, assist logistics operations, and help secure essential movement across the ice. 

“The machine was in operation from the very beginning and quickly became an important part of our daily setup,” Ultima reported. “In Antarctica, reliability is not optional — it is essential.” 

Proven Across Long Distances 

The operating area around Ultima Airbase demands more than short-distance performance. Missions can extend far beyond the immediate base environment, with round trip journeys to the ice-barrier reaching almost 300km. 

Over the course of the season, the Bison Antarctic supported daily operations as well as long-distance logistics work across soft snow, hard ice, and changing terrain. 

“During the season, the Bison Antarctic showed stable and reliable performance across very demanding routes,” Ultima reported. “It gave our team the confidence needed for long-distance missions in a difficult environment.” 

Confidence for the Operator 

In Antarctica, operator confidence is a decisive factor. Long distances, limited visual references, and changing weather conditions require a machine that gives the driver a clear sense of control. 

“The central seat position, the excellent visibility from the cabin, and the good lighting conditions were clear advantages,” the driving team explained. “In an environment with very few reference points, having a great overview makes a real difference.” 

The spacious three-person cabin further supported comfortable and efficient operations, allowing multiple crew members to work together when required. The steering concept also supported precise and controlled handling, helping the operator maintain focus during demanding missions. 

Strength Under Load 

The Bison Antarctic also proved its capability during heavy logistics operations. During the season, the machine pulled up to 30 tonnes (metric) across four sledges, maintaining stable and controlled performance across long Antarctic routes. 

“We used the Bison Antarctic for heavy transport tasks with up to 30 tonnes (metric) across four sledges,” the customer reported. “The machine remained stable, controlled, and reliable.” 

For logistics operations in Antarctica, this combination is essential: pulling power, stability, predictability, and trust. 

Dependable When Conditions Change 

Antarctic weather can change quickly, and reliable machine behavior becomes especially important when visibility and orientation are reduced. 

During one return journey, wind speeds reached around 25 meters per second, and visibility dropped to only a few meters. In these conditions, the Bison Antarctic remained steady, controllable, and dependable. 

“The lighting, traction, and stable behavior of the machine were very important in those conditions,” the customer said. “When visibility is reduced to only a few meters, you need a machine you can trust.” 

Built for Antarctic Operations 

The first Antarctic season provided a valuable confirmation under real operating conditions. The Bison Antarctic supported snow clearing, route maintenance, logistics operations, long-distance missions, and heavy towing tasks in one of the harshest environments on Earth. 

As the Antarctic winter approaches, the machine has been prepared for overwintering — secured and ready for the next operating window. 

The past season was more than a first deployment. It was proof of performance. 

Extreme conditions demand extreme performance. 
At the edge of the world, the Bison Antarctic delivered.