Mount Vinson

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.

After a group introductions we will launch into an in-depth gear check. We will then view continent specific regulations and overviews. (D)

After breakfast the day begins with a trip briefing and orientation. We will then review continent specific regulations and overviews. This will be a combination of lectures and slide shows. Due to the remote nature of this trip we will review Leave No Trace principals. Our gear will also be weighed for our flight to Union Glacier. (D)

We will be on call for a flight to Union Glacier on the Antarctic continent. All luggage and gear that is not needed on the climb will be left at our hotel in Punta Arenas. Due to the weather patterns we will wait for the perfect window to fly. After arriving at Union Glacier, we will then transfer to a smaller aircraft and be flown to Vinson Basecamp, weather permitting. (B, D)

We will settle into basecamp, rest and recover following our journey here. Gear will be sorted and packed onto sleds for our move to Camp 1 tomorrow. (B, L, D)

We ascend the low angle Branscomb Glacier to camp, pulling our gear and equipment on sleds to help lessen pack weight. This day we will be roped together to help prevent crevasse falls on glacier. Depending on the group, weather, or conditions we may choose to cache our gear and descend or camp. (B, D)

This extra day is built in to help accommodate the needs of the group. If we cached equipment the following day we will re-ascend to Low Camp and spend the night, there. Conversely, if we camped at Low Camp yesterday we will acclimatize. (B, D)

We will carry a load of equipment to High Camp. This route utilizes fixed lines on a 35/40-degree slope. High winds can make this area very cold even during daylight hours. (B, D)

If time and weather allow we will take a rest day here. We will do a day hike on glacier to help acclimatize. (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. (B, D)

Again, depending on weather we will try and summit today. The route itself follows a valley glacier to the summit ridge. A short steeper section leads to the summit. From here we will have a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Temperatures can range anywhere from -30 to 0 degrees on our 9-12-hour ascent. After summiting we return to High Camp for some much-needed hot drinks. (B, D)

After packing up our camp we will descend the fixed lines down to Camp 1. Here we will load the remaining gear and equipment in our sleds and make our way down to Basecamp. (B, D)

Transfer from Union Glacier back to Punta Arenas, Chile. Here we will have a celebratory dinner and say our farewells. (B, D)

Transfer to airport for flights home.

These extra days are put aside for any unforeseeable weather or conditions on the upper mountain, as well as flight delays in Vinson Basecamp. While waiting for our flight to Union Glacier we will have time to tell stories and remanence about the climb. (B, D)

Price

$42,000

Deposit and Payments

• $5,000.00 deposit includes a $5,000.00 non-refundable registration fee, due with application.
• Balance due 120 days prior to start date.
• The deposit and balance can be paid by check, wire transfer, or by credit card with a surcharge of 3.9%

Price Includes

• Scheduled land and airport transportation
• Round trip airfare Punta Arenas – Antarctica
• Round trip airfare Union Glacier – Vinson Basecamp
• Hotels in Punta Arenas, Chile
• Tented accommodations
• Scheduled meals during the expedition
• Professional mountain guide
• Checked luggage up to 25kg for flights to/from Antarctica

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 countries 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.