Mt. Vinson

Mount Vinson lies in the aptly named Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains, deep in the interior of Antarctica. It was first summitted on 18 December 1966 and for many years did not see a second ascent due to the logistical challenges of access. In 1985 ANI put logistics in place to support a private expedition to Mount Vinson, opening the door to private travel in the interior of Antarctica. More than 25 years later, Mount Vinson is still one of our most popular experiences!

This trip is graded extremely strenuous. Extremely strenuous trips include skiing and climbing expeditions in the most remote corners of Antarctica, where physiological altitude may exceed 11,000 feet (3350m) for many days in a row, and temperatures may drop below (–40°F / –40°C), with severe wind chill and storms. You will be active for 8-12 hours a day carrying or hauling heavy loads for many days in a row. You must have the physical ability to cover a minimum daily distance and the mental stamina to continue in extreme conditions when you are physically tired. Technical skill, a high level of strength and aerobic fitness, and commitment to a dedicated pre-trip training program are required.

Although Vinson is not technically difficult, it is a serious mountain due to its elevation 16050 ft (4892m), latitude (79°S), cold –25F (-30C) and remoteness.

You should have experience with multi-day peaks, climbing at altitude >14,000 ft (4300m), movement on snow and ice and use of fixed ascenders, as well as knowledge of glacier travel and crevasse rescue procedures. You should expect to carry an expedition pack, containing personal and group equipment, food and fuel, throughout the climb.

All participants are asked to submit a resume of their mountaineering experience so that we can match you with compatible team members, tailor the climb to your skills and experience, and make suggestions for further training.

Your safety is very important to us and we work closely with you to make sure you are well prepared for your Antarctic Experience. All our activities are subject to detailed risk management and contingency planning that allow for the remote and harsh Antarctic environment. Our preparations include detailed emergency planning and equipment to deal with all eventualities.

Our team are known for their experience and expertise and we encourage a culture of safety by providing training and support. Our Union Glacier camp has a basic medical clinic staffed by a doctor and medic who specialize in emergency and remote medicine. We keep a 24-hour watch during our operating season and are ready to respond - day or night - in case of emergency.

We maintain other camp facilities and pre-placed fuel caches in the interior of Antarctica to support our flights. Established procedures and communication protocols and continued investment in equipment and technology all contribute to safe and enjoyable Experiences.

Expect to carry an expedition pack weighing up to 55 lb (25kg) with personal and group equipment, food and fuel. We provide detailed clothing and equipment lists for all of our experiences. If you still have questions after reading our equipment lists and overview just drop us a line and we will be more than happy to help.

Union Glacier Camp
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming at our main Antarctic camp at Union Glacier. You’ll find roomy, double occupancy sleeping tents; a spacious dining hall; fresh delicious meals; and a spectacular setting. You’ll be surprised how comfortable Antarctica can be! Our full-service camp is designed for Antarctic conditions and with best environmental practices in mind. It operates during the Antarctic summer (November through January) and is dismantled at the end of each season.

Vinson Base Camp
Vinson climbers will continue on to our cozy Vinson Base Camp on the Branscomb Glacier. Fresh-cooked meals are served in a heated dining tent, where you can also relax and enjoy conversation or a game of cards. You sleep in mountaineering tents nearby.

Field Camps
Our Emperor Penguin, South Pole, ski expedition, and other field camps are more basic. Equipment must be lightweight and portable, yet still strong enough to withstand Antarctic conditions. We sleep in mountaineering-style tents and eat a combination of fresh-frozen meals, prepared by our chefs at Union Glacier; and de-hydrated meals.
 

Make sure you have a insurance that covers this trip. If you dont have that, we reccomend www.ihi.dk for Scandinavian people.

Imagine yourself on the summit of Mount Vinson, at 16,050 ft (4892m) the highest peak in Antarctica and one of the coveted Seven Summits. Before you the world falls away pristine and untrammelled. Majestic, snow-covered peaks stand guard over vast glaciers below and, in the distance, snow meets sky along a noticeably curved horizon.

To climb Mount Vinson is to challenge yourself on a mountain like no other and to stand atop Antarctica, the least explored continent on Earth. We ascend the Standard Route climbing gentle glaciers, 45° snow slopes, an exposed high plateau and spectacular summit ridge. The rate of ascent and daily climbing plan set by your experienced mountain guide will be geared toward the safety and success of your climb. At the summit the fierce winds, biting cold, storms and delays provide a backdrop that only highlights the vast beauty before you and the sense of accomplishment that comes from achieving the extraordinary.

We will ascend Vinson using the “standard route”. This usually takes from 5-9 days depending on weather conditions and how quickly team members acclimatize. Most groups set two intermediate camps on the mountain prior to attempting the summit. Our rate of ascent and daily climbing plan will be set by our guide to reflect mountain realities and group strengths and will be geared toward the safety and success of our climb. Our climb will be a team effort with each person carrying his or her own personal equipment as well as a share of group gear, food and fuel. At the end of each day, team members will help pitch camp.

Day 1: Fly to Antarctica
Depart Punta Arenas Chile. Fly 4 ¼ hrs to Antarctica by private transport jet. Transfer to ski aircraft and continue to Vinson Base Camp at 7,000 ft (2135m) on the Branscomb Glacier.


Day 2 - 4: Vinson Base Camp to Low Camp
2,300 ft (700 m) of elevation gain, 5 1/2 miles (9 km) of distance, 4-6 hours travel.

From Vinson Base Camp to Low Camp we follow the gradual rise of the Branscomb Glacier. The gentle climb is ideal for pulling sleds allowing us to lighten the loads in our packs. Due to crevasse hazard, we will travel roped together today and throughout our time on the mountain. Depending on conditions, we may overnight at Low Camp (elevation 9100 ft/2880 m) or cache equipment and return to Vinson Base Camp. The following day will be spent acclimatizing at Low Camp, re-ascending from Vinson Base Camp, or continuing our climb up the mountain.

Day 5 - 7: Low to High Camp
3,900 ft (1200 m) of elevation gain, fixed ropes on slopes up to 45°, approximately 6-8 hours travel.

If the weather is good we ascend to High Camp, which lies at 13,200 ft (4000 m). Depending on weather and fitness this may be a 'load carry' or we may stay overnight at High Camp. Our route takes us up the broad mixed spur at the northern end of the Branscomb Ridge and we get fantastic views as we ascend fixed ropes on slopes up to 45°.

High camp is more basic than camps below. We cook simple, dehydrated meals and eat them in our tents or outside if the weather is calm. Our next day is spent resting and acclimatizing at High Camp to give everyone the best chance of summiting the following day.

Day 8 - 10: High Camp to Vinson Summit
Return trip from High Camp — 2950 ft (900 m) elevation gain, 9 miles (14 km) distance, 9-12 hours travel

We make our summit attempt on the best weather day possible as the route is exposed and subject to high winds. The majority of the route is along the Vinson Summit glacier, with a short steeper snow and ice slope and spectacular, rocky, summit ridge. The views from the summit are breathtaking. Mount Gardner, Tyree, Epperly and Shinn dominate the foreground, surrounded by impressive peaks that rise from the vast ice sheet below. Here, at the top of Antarctica, the true scale and majesty of the continent are overwhelmingly apparent. We will take time to savor the experience, record our achievement and take photos, before retracing our steps to High Camp.

Day 11: Descent to Vinson Base Camp
The descent to Vinson Base Camp is usually achieved in one day from High Camp, re-tracing our route down the fixed ropes and along the Branscomb Glacier. At Vinson Base Camp we celebrate our summit with a hearty meal and a toast to our team.

Day 12: Return to Union Glacier Camp
Return to Union Glacier by ski aircraft. At Union Glacier Camp you will enjoy meals prepared by our professional chefs served in our dining tent. There will be opportunities to meet and trade stories with other adventurers and, if conditions allow, to climb and explore the scenic peaks nearby camp.

Day 13: Return to Punta Arenas, Chile
The aircraft from Punta Arenas will arrive with a new collection of avid explorers and you depart for the final leg of your Antarctic experience. Our ANI staff will meet you at Punta Arenas airport and transfer you to your hotel.

NOTE
No two Antarctic experiences are exactly the same. This is part of the excitement and adventure of Antarctic travel. The itinerary above highlights typical activities and experiences. Exact timeline and details will vary from trip to trip. Trip length may vary by departure.

Please anticipate delays and do not plan anything for at least a week after your scheduled return. Allow yourself to enjoy this unique experience without the stress of pending commitments.
 

No two Antarctic experiences are exactly the same. This is part of the excitement and adventure of Antarctic travel. The itinerary above highlights typical activities and experiences. Exact timeline and details will vary from trip to trip. Trip length may vary by departure.
Please anticipate delays and do not plan anything for at least a week after your scheduled return. Allow yourself to enjoy this unique experience without the stress of pending commitments.

• Transfers to and from Punta Arenas airport, Chile
• Briefing with refreshments in Punta Arenas one day prior to departure
• Round trip flights from Punta Arenas to Antarctica
• All flights within Antarctica as shown in your itinerary
• Meals and accommodation while in Antarctica
• Expedition Guide(s)
• Use of recreational equipment at Union Glacier Camp
• A Baggage allowance of up to 55lbs (25kg) on Punta Arenas-Union Glacier flight
   

• Commercial flights to and from Punta Arenas
• Flights within Antarctica, other than those shown in itinerary
• Meals and accommodation in Punta Arenas
• Airport transfers other than in Punta Arenas
• Personal equipment and clothing
• Expenses incurred in Punta Arenas due to delays
• Any excess baggage costs over confirmed baggage allowance
• Cost for the use of satellite phone whilst in Antarctica
• Insurance coverage – personal, medical, evacuation or otherwise