Mt. Vinson - 14 days
Mt Vinson Expedition 4,897m – Antarctica’s Mount Vinson and South Pole Schedule
Climbing Dates Please allow at least an additional two weeks after the expedition end date, as weather and flight delays are not uncommon.
Mount Vinson lies in the southern portion of the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains in Antarctica. At nearly eighty degrees South, it is a mere eight hundred miles from the South Pole. Mount Vinson, at 16,067 feet, has the distinction of being the highest point in our planet’s last great wilderness, as well as being in one of the most inaccessible ranges in the world. In fact, until recently, climbing Mount Vinson was logistically almost impossible. It was not until 2007, when ISG started providing full logistical support for expeditions to the Antarctic interior, that Mt. Vinson was considered more accessible. Aventuras Patagonia Expeditions to Mt. Vinson will be supported by ANI aircrafts. We have been successfully guiding Mt Vinson since we began this program several seasons ago. Climbing Vinson is challenging! The expedition requires a sincere commitment, considering the remoteness of the region. The climate poses a great challenge as well. Mt. Vinson is located in one of the coldest climates on earth, with temperatures ranging from -30F and even -40F below zero. Participants must have experience with winter mountaineering and be in excellent physical condition.
Mt. Vinson Expedition - Itinerary
DAY 1.Group meets in Punta Arenas (Chile). We will pick you up at the airport. Briefing at the hotel, where we will be check your equipment. For dinner we will have the chance to taste the fine Chilean cuisine and wine.
DAY 2 Meeting, weight gear and load Aircraft.
DAY 3 Flight to Patriot Hills by C-130. We will fly with Adventure Network International, the only private organization in the world providing air support to the Antarctic interior.
DAY 4 Orientation day at Patriot Hills.
DAY 5 Flight by Cessna 185 or Twin Otter to Mt. Vinson Base Camp. Set up Base Camp at 7,000′ on the west side of the Ellsworth Mountains.
DAY 6 carry a load to Camp I, at 9,100′. Climb the narrow valley of the Branscomb Glacier. The route ascends with a few crevasses to Camp I.
DAY 7 Move to Camp I. Surrounded by the impressive Mounts Shinn and Gardner and a spectacular view of the summit of Vinson. DAY 8 Move to Camp II at 10,100′. DAY 9 Move to Camp III, at 12,000′. From Camp II the route ascends through the icefall to a broad col between Mt. Vinson and Mt. Shinn.
DAY 10-11-12 SUMMIT! Weather permitting. We allow several days for our summit day which should give us plenty of time to accomplish our goal if the weather isn’t cooperative.
DAY 13 Return to Base Camp (at the latest).
DAY 14 Fly back to Patriot Hills and back to Punta Arenas. End of the Expedition, Fly back home the next day or continue traveling in South America.
Note: This itinerary is intended to be a guideline only, weather days and rest days are always a possibility while on a climbing trip.
Cost Includes
- All flights to and from the mountain from Punta Arenas
- All flights to and from the South Pole (for the South Pole ski tour)
- Support services while in the Antarctic
- All meals while in the AntarcticLodging in the Antarctic
- All groups climbing gear Guide services and fees
Cost Exclude
- $25 Wire Transfer Fee (If Applicable)
- Meals and hotels in Punta Arenas
- Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks
- International round-trip airfare Excess baggage charges and airport taxes
- Personal items
- Evacuation insurance (required by flight service – details in your confirmation package).
- All expenses incurred in the event of early departure (evac fees, transport, extra hotel nights, etc)
