PRICE
$43,995
SCHEDULE
Winter
December 15, 2022 – December 29, 2022
December 26, 2022 – January 9, 2023
DETAILS
16 days
Grade: Advanced
$43,995
Winter
December 15, 2022 – December 29, 2022
December 26, 2022 – January 9, 2023
16 days
Grade: Advanced
Rising high above the Ronne Ice Shelf just 750 miles from the South Pole, Mount Vinson is the highest point on the continent of Antarctica. With a summit elevation of 16,050 feet, it is the fifth tallest of the famed Seven Summits, but due to Antarctica’s severe weather and complex logistics, it was the last to be climbed. An American team led by Nicholas Clinch made the first ascent in 1966, more than a decade after Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary touched the top of Mount Everest. On Vinson, mountaineers brave frigid temperatures and high winds while enduring the rigors of camping on glacial ice. They are rewarded with the experience of a lifetime: a climb through the unearthly beauty of the ice-covered continent, in a season when the sun never sets.
Mountain Gurus’ Mount Vinson expedition ascends the normal route up the Branscomb Shoulder. Our adventure begins with a flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to the blue ice landing strip at the Union Glacier Camp in Antarctica. Another flight takes us to our base camp deep in the Sentinel Range of the serrated Ellsworth Mountains.
We utilize two camps on the mountain above base camp. The terrain above Low Camp can include sections of steep ice and snow, which we climb with the assistance of fixed lines. Gentler slopes on the mountain’s upper glaciers take us to the summit ridge. From the top of Antarctica we gaze out over the 13-mile-long Vinson Massif and some of the most remote and pristine terrain on the planet. Fewer people have summitted Mount Vinson than Mount Everest.
Mount Vinson is a challenging climb. It demands excellent physical fitness, technical climbing skill, experience at altitude and, perhaps most importantly, a mindset to survive and thrive while living far from home in cold and rugged conditions.
That said, we take pride in our ability to provide some of the very best services on the mountain. At Vinson Base Camp we live in comparative luxury. We have an insulated, indoor dining facility with tables and chairs, where we enjoy hearty meals including hamburgers, pancakes, pasta, meat, potatoes and fish. Our mid-season climbing schedule allows us to take advantage of relatively warmer temperatures, minimizing the risk of frostbite and maximizing our chances of success. Our Vinson expeditions are led by an experienced western guide who has personally guided Mount Vinson nearly 20 times with a 100 percent expedition success rate.
Since 2008, we have offered world-class Seven Summits expeditions, high-altitude climbs, and specialized treks around the globe from the Himalayas to the Andes, and from the heights of Africa to the rainforests of the Amazon Basin. We make safety our foremost priority. We employ some of the most talented guides in the industry, and we maintain low client-to-guide ratios to ensure that you enjoy the best possible experience. Our business is rooted in environmental and social stewardship. We also offer a wide selection of mountaineering courses and climbs in the Pacific Northwest through our partner company, Northwest Alpine Guides. To learn more about our services, history and philosophy, please visit: Why Choose Mountain Gurus.
Need help choosing a trip?
Read our Four-Legged Stool blog post for tips on finding the right adventure for you. Each of our expeditions requires a different mix of fitness, technical climbing skill, altitude and expedition experience. We use a simple system to help you find an itinerary that fits your goals and your abilities. The trip you choose should offer you just the right mix of challenge and enjoyment.
Day 1 • Arrive Punta Arenas, Chile
Day 2 • Gear checks
Day 3 • Orientation briefing
Day 4 • Flight to Union Glacier, Antarctica
Day 5 • Vinson Basecamp • 6,900 ft
Day 6 • Carry to Camp 1 • 10,000 ft
Day 7 • Move to Camp 1
Day 8 • Carry to High Camp 12,000 ft
Day 9 • Rest Day
Day 10 • Move to High Camp
Day 11 • Mount Vinson • 16,050 ft
Day 12 • Descend and transfer to Union Glacier
Day 13 • Depart Antarctica
Day 14 • Extra Weather Day
Day 15 • Extra Weather Day
Day 16 • Depart Chile
Expedition begins and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile
Arrive Presidente Carlos Ibanez del Campo International Airport, Punta Arenas (PUQ). We allot an extra day to recover from jet lag and wait for any baggage that may have been waylaid.
* We recommend that climbers arrive in Punta Arenas one extra day before the beginning of the itinerary to accommodate travel delays or lost luggage. Extra expenses incurred during this day (for lodging, food, etc.) are the responsibility of the climber.
Accommodations: Hotel in Punta Arenas
After group introductions we launch into an in-depth gear check. We spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring Punta Arenas.
Accommodations: Hotel in Punta Arenas
Meals Included: Breakfast (B)
After breakfast, we gather for a pre-trip orientation. We then sit down for a slide show and lecture on regulations and other concerns specific to traveling and climbing in Antarctica. Since we will be visiting one of the most remote and pristine regions of the planet, we take care to review Leave No Trace principles. Today we also weigh our gear for the flight to Union Glacier.
Accommodations: Hotel in Punta Arenas
Meals Included: Breakfast (B)
Due to local weather patterns, we will be on call today for our flight to Union Glacier on Antarctica. All luggage not needed on the climb will be left at our hotel in Punta Arenas. After touching down on the ice, we transfer to a smaller aircraft and fly to Vinson Base Camp, weather permitting.
Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner (B, D)
We spend today settling into basecamp and resting from our flights. We sort our gear and pack it onto sleds for our move to Camp 1 tomorrow.
Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
We ascend the low angle Branscomb Glacier to Low Camp, pulling our gear and equipment on sleds to reduce the weight in our backpacks. Since we will be traveling in crevassed terrain, we rope up. Depending on group fitness, route and weather conditions, we may choose to sleep in Camp 1 or cache our gear and descend back to base camp.
Vertical Ascent Climbing: 3,100 feet
Climbing Time: 4-5 hours to Camp 1
Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
A contingency day to accommodate mountain conditions and the needs of the group. If we cached equipment and returned to base camp the previous day, we re-ascend to Low Camp and spend the night there. If we slept at Low Camp yesterday, we spend today resting and acclimatizing.
Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Today we carry a load of equipment to High Camp using fixed lines on a 35- to 40-degree slope. High winds can make this area very cold, even in sunny weather.
Vertical Ascent Climbing: 2,000 feet
Climbing Time: 4-5 hours roundtrip
Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Time and weather permitting, we spend today resting at Low Camp. We will do a moderate hike on the glacier to assist our acclimatization.
Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
We follow our tracks from the previous day, carrying lighter loads to High Camp. After an early dinner and summit talk, we turn in for the night.
Vertical Ascent Climbing: 2,000 feet
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Again, depending on weather, we will try to summit today. The route follows a valley glacier to the summit ridge. A short, steeper section leads to the summit, where we enjoy breathtaking views of the rest of the Vinson Massif and the icy expanse of Antarctica. Temperatures can range anywhere from -60 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit on our 9- to 12-hour ascent. After summiting we return to High Camp for some much-needed hot drinks.
Vertical Ascent Climbing: 4,050 feet
Climbing Time: 9-12 hours roundtrip
Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
After packing up our camp, we descend the fixed lines down to Low Camp. We load our remaining gear onto our sleds and continue back to base camp. Weather permitting, we fly to Union Glacier this afternoon.
Vertical Descent Climbing: 5,100 feet
Climbing Time: 6-7 hours
Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Transfer from Union Glacier to Punta Arenas.
Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast (B)
Extra days to be used if weather or mountain conditions cause us to adjust our flight schedule or climbing itinerary. We may spend these days on the mountain or waiting for flights.
Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Transfer to airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast (B)
Itinerary Notes
Mountain Gurus makes every effort to uphold the scheduled itinerary, although our guides are given discretion to adapt the itinerary for reasons beyond our control or due to the needs of the group. Meal schedule: (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
$43,995
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in the PreClimb information upon reservation.
Note: Please read our Mountaineering Boot and Crampon guide for more information.
* CamelBak-style hydration bladders are not acceptable. They freeze and pop.
Program Location:
Begins and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile
Visa/Entry Information:
A valid passport is required for American citizens to enter Chile. American citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism.
Health & Immunizations:
Immunizations are not required for entry into Chile
Flight Travel Information:
Presidente Carlos Ibanez del Campo International Airport (PUQ), Punta Arenas, Chile
International Departures:
Itineraries reflect the date and time you will need to arrive in country for a program. Mountain Gurus programs begin and end in the country’s destination city. When booking your flight, you will need to account for travel time and crossing the international dateline if needed. It is easiest to give your booking agent the day and time you will need to arrive.
Meals and Food:
All meals are provided as per meal schedule. See itinerary.
Gear:
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your program will be sent to you in the pre-departure packet upon reservation. For your safety and comfort, it is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list.
Climbing Grade: Advanced
As the highest point on the continent of Antarctica, Mount Vinson experiences some of the coldest and windiest weather on the planet. Experience with expedition living is critical to success on this peak. You must know how to take care of yourself while camping in extreme conditions. Be prepared to carry a pack weighing as much as 65 pounds, while pulling a sled weighing up to 100 pounds. Previous crampon and ice axe experience is required. Previous experience climbing fixed lines is recommended.
Prior to the expedition we recommend that you take, at minimum, a mountaineering course and climb other high-altitude peaks. We would be happy to help you prepare for this adventure!
Here’s a suggested progression of climbs before attempting Mount Vinson.
The Branscomb Shoulder Route consists of low-angle glacier walking above base camp, moderately steep fixed lines on snow and ice slopes higher on the mountain, and a ridge traverse to the summit. The climbing itself is relatively non-technical, but climbers must have experience with roped glacier travel and fixed lines. It is important to climb big mountains in locations like Alaska or the Andes before attempting Vinson because Antarctica’s severe weather and remoteness demand strong expedition living skills. If you want to climb Mount Vinson, but don’t yet have the necessary skills or experience, we would be happy to help you prepare!
On Mount Vinson we must carry our own group gear, divided among the team. Be prepared to carry a backpack weighing 40 to 50 pounds on the lower glaciers, while pulling a loaded sled. While moving to high camp, your pack may weigh as much as 65 pounds.
On clear, still days temperatures as high as 70 degrees Fahrenheit have been recorded on Mount Vinson, but that’s an exception. We will encounter severe cold. On summit day, temperatures may range from -20 to -60 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the weather. At night lower on the mountain, temperatures may drop as low as -40 degrees. It is essential that you to follow our gear list and listen to your guides’ advice. Tell your guides if you feel cold or numb.
We recommend that climbers bring a heavyweight down parka and a pair of heavyweight down pants instead of a down suit. The parka-pants combination is more adjustable than a down suit, which may cause you to overheat if you are stuck in it all day.
As noted in our itinerary, you must arrive in Punta Arenas at least two days before we fly to Antarctica. We recommend that you arrive three days in advance in case your luggage is lost or your flights are delayed. You’ll be glad to have the extra time in Punta Arenas because there are no second chances if you miss the flight to Antarctica! If you arrive three days in advance you must pay for the extra night of lodging and any other expenses. We would be happy to book an additional night at the hotel for you.
From Punta Arenas, we take a 4.5-hour flight in an Ilyushin cargo plane to a blue ice runway at Union Glacier Camp. This is one of the most unique experiences of the trip. In Union Glacier, we organize our gear and then board a smaller Twin Otter for the 45-minute flight to Vinson Base Camp, where we land on snow with skis.
To climb Mount Vinson, we must travel to one of the most remote places on the planet. We use the best flight operators in the business, and they do not fly in poor visibility or otherwise marginal conditions. Since safety is our main priority, we sometimes have to wait in Punta Arenas, on the Union Glacier or in Vinson Base Camp for flying conditions to improve. If we are delayed in Antarctica, rest assured that we have plenty of cached food, fuel and medical supplies for any contingency.
As they say, it’s better to be on the ground wishing you were in the sky, than in the sky wishing you were on the ground! We strive to adhere to our itinerary, but our safety is ultimately more important than our schedule.
While we are in Antarctica, satellite devices are our only means of communication. We carry satellite communications gear on all of our expeditions, and you can use these for an extra fee depending on our battery levels. Please be aware that for safety purposes we try to conserve power.
If your friends and family urgently need to reach you, please have them contact our office and we can arrange a call. We will also send out regular updates on team progress. These are an excellent way to keep track of our teams on the mountain. Please explain to your loved ones that communication is more challenging from Antarctica and they may not hear from you as often as with other trips. No news is good news.
Trip delay and cancellation insurance with rescue, repatriation and medical coverage, is required for this expedition.
If you plan to purchase non-scheduled services, bring between $750 – $1,000 USD in cash. Remember, gratuities for guides and camp staff are not included. It is customary to tip guides 10% of the trip cost.