Mount Vinson, with its 4892m, is considered the highest peak of its continent, the Antarctica. But its difficulty is not credited to its altitude, but to the extreme conditions that reign at this peak of the Seven Summits. Its location in the arctic ice of the Sentinel range lies only 1200 km from the most southern point of our earth. Also the mountaineering history of this Summit shows its resistance to be conquered: After its first ascent in 1966, lots of expeditions failed due to its remote location and the rough environment, which made the Mt. Vinson a difficult challenge for mountaineers.
Even today, with our modern and improved equipment and support from our experienced IFMGA/AMGA mountain guides, Mt. Vinson remains what it always was – a challenge for man and equipment alike. Temperatures under -30°C, heavy storms and peculiarities of the standard route called “Branscomb Shoulder”, like ice climbing, steep snow faces with up to 45° inclinations and an exposed high plateau demand knowledge, fitness and mental strength from those who dare to climb this mountain.
But those who prevail will get rewarded with the pride and knowledge to be amongst the few mountaineers who conquered this special summit. But also the incomparable scenery with its wide glaciers, ice-covered peaks and snow as far as the eye can see will leave a long lasting impression and memory of this remote but incredibly important region of our planet.
Itinerary
-3rd - 3rd day: Arrival in Chile and the Basecamp
DAY -3: Arrival at Punta Arenas Airport, Chile (needs to be at least 3 days before the departure to the Antarctica). Transfer to the individually booked accommodation. DAY -2: Gear check and time to explore Punta Arenas. DAY -1: Pick up of the luggage (max. 25 kg) for the Antarctica, last organizational steps, get-together with the other group members and briefing about the upcoming 1: 4,5 h flight to the Antarctica, landing at the ice-runway of the Union Glacier, first steps on arctic ice followed by transport to the Main Camp. If the weather conditions are favourable, flight in the ski plane to Mt. Vinson Base Camp. Otherwise we will stay in the Camp at Union Glacier and take the flight on the next day. DAYS 2-3: Acclimatization days at Vinson Base Camp at the Branscomb Glacier with short acclimatization hikes, preparation for the ascent, packing of luggage, equipment, food and oil. The upcoming ascent will take place on the standard route (Branscom Shoulder)
4th - 6th day: From Base Camp to High Camp
DAYS 4-5: The time has come. The group is starting from Vinson Base Camp to “Low Camp” at 2.750 m. Usually, the luggage will be transported with backpacks and sleighs. After 4-6 hours, arrival at the Camp which is equipped with big communal tents and sleeping tents. At the next day we do a little excursion to the view point and a little training at the starting point of the fixed ropes.
DAY 6: Ascent under good weather conditions to the High Camp at 3.773 m. The climbing takes 4-5 h (+ appr. 1,5 h trekking to the camp) and is supported by fixed ropes at the steepest slopes with an inclination of up to 45°. All luggage will be carried in the backpacks. The High Camp itself is furnished a little more modest than the spacious Base Camp. The mountain guides will cook simple menus which can be consumed in the tent or in good weather conditions directly at the glacier.
7th - 9th day: Summit ascent Mt. Vinson
DAYS 7-8: Depending on the weather forecast, there will be another acclimatization day at the High Camp. After that we will start the summit attempt. 1.119 m to the summit wait to be conquered. The route leads through the Vinson Summit Valley, over a steep and icy but short slope and the spectacular rocky ridge to the top. Here, the Antarctica lies at our feet: the mountains Mt. Garnder, Tyree, Epperly and Shinn dominate the scenery, surrounded by more impressive Summits in the white landscape. After a short photo-stop we will begin with the descent and arrive at the High Camp after approximately 9-12 hours.
DAY 9: Today we begin our descent on the Branscom Glacier to the Base Camp. Usually, this section can be done within one day. After our arrival at the Camp, we will celebrate our victory with a hearty joint dinner.
10th - 12th day: Return trip to Chile
DAYS 10-11: The weather is determines when we can return to the Camp at Union Glacier. Normally there should be 1-2 days left to explore the picturesque glacier – with the amenities of a hot shower afterwards.
DAY 12: If the conditions allow it, today is our departure day to Chile, followed by transfer to the individually booked hotels and the end of our expedition.
Inclusion
- All organisation for the expedition
- All transfers according to the program
- Flight from Punta Arenas (Chile) to/from the Antarctica with 25 kg free baggage allowance
- Flight to/from Union Glacier to Vinson Base Camp
- Experienced IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
- Safety- and process-organization-meeting before departing from Punta Arenas
- Tent-housing in the Antarctica
- All meals in the Antarctica
- Camp- and group-equipment
- Joint dinner to celebrate the successful climb and ascent-certificate
- Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator
Exclusions
- International flight to/from Punta Arenas (LAN recommended, we will gladly make you an offer)
- Personal insurance
- Personal equipment and clothing (we gladly help to organize adequate polar-clothing, shoes, sleeping bags, etc. under special rates from our sponsoring partners )
- Accommodation and meals in Punta Arenas
- Any possible additional flights within the Antarctica
- Costs for excess baggage
- Fees for satellite phone
- Tips
- All personal expenses
- All costs of services that may arise due to unforeseeable occurrences beyond our control. E.g. natural disasters, flight cancellation, strike, increase of fees, hotel rates or costs of transport, etc.
- All not specifically mentioned included services
Reviews
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Expedition Information
$55,200
Q1, Q4
Vinson
Mountaineering
Fitness Level
4
Technical Level
4
Group Size
4-12
Continent:
AntarcticaCountry:
AntarcticaLocation:
VinsonElevation:
4,892 m / 16,050 ftGPS:
-78.6341 N°, -85.2135 E°