The Antarctic is currently out of winter: it is 'spring', and the usual time of the year for the first re-supply mission after winter. There are currently some 18 hours of daylight every day. Yes, there are strong winds and yes, there are low temperatures and yes, the conditions can change very quickly.
I can't speak for the French operator's procedures, but since this is the same mission that I was on last year there appears nothing unusual about the season, nor the use of AS350 Squirrel helicopters. Shell Management is a wind up merchant of the first degree, and has little or no credence on Rotorheads: AS350's have been used for many years and are ideal for the purpose to which they are put.
Local news reports that the Doctor from DDU has been flown to the site, and all four on board are confirmed dead: a sad end to the first mission of the season
