Trip Overview
Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica, stands at an impressive 4,892 meters (16,050 feet) within the remote Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains. Overlooking the vast Ronne Ice Shelf in western Antarctica, Mount Vinson is one of the most elusive and least climbed of the Seven Summits - the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. Its relative obscurity is due to the ext...
Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica, stands at an impressive 4,892 meters (16,050 feet) within the remote Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains. Overlooking the vast Ronne Ice Shelf in western Antarctica, Mount Vinson is one of the most elusive and least climbed of the Seven Summits - the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. Its relative obscurity is due to the extreme logistical challenges posed by its secluded location rather than its technical difficulty. In fact, fewer climbers have reached its summit than Mount Everest, making an ascent of Mount Vinson a particularly rare and prestigious achievement.
The expedition to Mount Vinson is often referred to as the "Key to the Seven Summits," not only because it completes the famed list but also due to the immense effort required to even reach its base. The mountain's remote position within the rugged Ellsworth Mountains demands intricate planning, significant financial resources, and a deep commitment from those who undertake the journey. These challenges make the Vinson Massif expedition uniquely distinguished in the mountaineering community.
Our journey begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the gateway to Antarctica. From Punta Arenas, we board a specially equipped aircraft for a flight across the Drake Passage, landing at the Patriot Hills airstrip—a vital outpost operated by Chile but leased for Antarctic expeditions. From Patriot Hills, a smaller aircraft will transport us to the Vinson Massif Base Camp, located on the Branscomb Glacier, where we set up our initial camp amidst the stark and stunning beauty of the Antarctic wilderness.
The climb itself involves the establishment of two key camps- Low Camp and High Camp-each strategically positioned to allow for acclimatization and preparation for the summit push. Low Camp, situated at approximately 2,750 meters (9,000 feet), is accessed via a moderate climb from Base Camp and serves as our first acclimatization point. From there, we ascend to High Camp, located at around 3,850 meters (12,600 feet), where we prepare for the final ascent. The summit day, while not technically difficult, requires endurance, careful pacing, and an unyielding focus as we navigate the icy slopes to reach the highest point in Antarctica.
The successful completion of this expedition not only marks the conquest of Mount Vinson but also adds a significant achievement to the climbing résumé of those aiming to complete the Seven Summits.
Trip Facts
- Continent / Location: Antarctica / Sentinel Range, Ellsworth Mountains, Antarctica
- Mountain Range / Elevation: Ellsworth Mountains /4,892 meters (16,050 feet) above sea level
- Coordinates: 78°31'31" S, 85°37'5" W
- First Ascent: December 18, 1966, by an American team led by Nicholas Clinch
- Difficulty Level: Moderately difficult (not technically challenging but physically demanding due to extreme cold and remote location)
- Expedition Duration: Approximately 18-21 days, depending on weather conditions
- Temperature Range: -30°C to -20°C (-22°F to -4°F) during the climbing season
- Summit Success Rate: Approximately 85-90% (dependent on weather and logistical factors)
- Nearest Major City: Punta Arenas, Chile (departure point)
- Flight to Antarctica: Approximately 4.5 hours from Punta Arenas to Patriot Hills
- Base Camp Altitude: 2,130 meters (7,000 feet) on the Branscomb Glacier
- Low Camp Altitude: 2,750 meters (9,000 feet)
- High Camp Altitude: 3,850 meters (12,600 feet)
- Summit Day: Typically 10-12 hours round trip from High Camp
- Guide-to-Client Ratio: Typically 1:3 for safety and personalized attention
- Logistical Support: Includes flights, food, fuel, and equipment transport by specialized aircraft and teams
- Climbing Season: November to January (Antarctic summer)
Trip Highlights
- Summit the Highest Peak in Antarctica: Achieve the extraordinary feat of standing atop Mount Vinson, the tallest mountain on the coldest, most remote continent on Earth, at 4,892 meters (16,050 feet).
- Part of the Seven Summits: Successfully climb one of the Seven Summits, a prestigious goal for mountaineers worldwide, and join the exclusive group of climbers who have completed this challenging quest.
- Experience the Pristine Wilderness of Antarctica: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Antarctic wilderness, with its vast ice fields, towering peaks, and surreal light conditions that offer an unparalleled sense of isolation and tranquility.
- Fly Over the Drake Passage: Begin your adventure with a dramatic flight over the Drake Passage, one of the most notorious stretches of ocean in the world, offering spectacular aerial views of the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic Peninsula.
- Land on the Remote Patriot Hills: Touch down at Patriot Hills, a remote Antarctic outpost on the edge of the continent, where the sheer scale and desolation of the landscape become immediately apparent.
- Establish Camps on the Branscomb Glacier: Set up and acclimatize at Base Camp on the Branscomb Glacier, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Ellsworth Mountains, followed by the progression to Low Camp and High Camp.
- Challenge Yourself in Extreme Conditions: Test your physical and mental endurance as you navigate the extreme cold, high winds, and challenging terrain of Antarctica, pushing your limits in one of the most unforgiving environments on the planet.
- Enjoy a High Summit Success Rate: Benefit from the well-established route and professional guiding services that contribute to a high summit success rate, making this a rewarding and attainable goal for prepared climbers.
- Be Part of a Small, Select Group: With only a few hundred climbers attempting Mount Vinson each year, this expedition offers a unique opportunity to be part of a small, elite group of adventurers who have summited this remote peak.
- Contribute to Antarctic Conservation: By participating in a professionally organized expedition, you contribute to responsible and sustainable tourism practices that help protect the fragile Antarctic environment.
Itinerary
Cost includes
Hotel Accommodation /Meeting and Departure Assistance in Punta Arenas:
- Booking of accommodations in a selected hotel in Punta Arenas prior to and after the expedition.
- Personalized reception and assistance upon arrival in Punta Arenas.
- Coordination and support for departure to Antarctica.
All Necessary Flights:
- Flights from Punta Arenas to Patriot Hills in Antarctica.
- Flights from Patriot Hills to Vinson Massif Base Camp (BC).
- Return flights from Base Camp to Patriot Hills.
- Return flight from Patriot Hills to Punta Arenas.
Pre-Departure Briefing:
- Comprehensive briefing on expedition details, safety procedures, and logistical arrangements before departing for Antarctica.
Food and Lodging in Antarctica:
- Provision of meals and accommodation throughout the expedition in Antarctica, including at Union Glacier, Vinson Massif Base Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp.
Group Equipment for the Expedition:
- Provision of essential group equipment, including climber tents, food storage, snow sleds, and other necessary gear required for the expedition.
Climbing Guide, Supporting Staff, and Medical Support:
- Professional climbing guide and supporting staff for the entire expedition.
- On-site medical support, including a qualified doctor.
Luggage Allowance:
- 25 kg luggage allowance on all flights within Antarctica.
Expedition Apparel:
- Provision of expedition apparel, including a jacket, duffle bag, cap, and T-shirts.
Cost Excludes
- Chilean Multi-Visa: The cost of obtaining a Chilean multi-visa, which is required for entry into Chile.
- Flight to Punta Arenas: International flight to and from Punta Arenas, Chile.
- Accommodation in Punta Arenas: Accommodation expenses in Punta Arenas are outside of those booked by the expedition.
- Personal Camping and Climbing Equipment: Costs associated with personal gear and climbing equipment that is not provided by the expedition.
- Extra Expenses in Punta Arenas Due to Flight Delays: Any additional expenses incurred in Punta Arenas due to unforeseen flight delays or other travel disruptions.
- Overweight Luggage: Charges for luggage exceeding the 25 kg limit on flights within Antarctica.
- Insurance Coverage: Personal insurance covers climbing activities up to 5,000 meters, with a minimum coverage of USD 150,000.
- Tips for Guides and Staff: Gratuities and tips for the climbing guides and support staff.
Fixed Dates
| Date | Status | Group Size | Action |
|
15 Days
Start - 2024-12-14
End -2024-12-29
|
Booking Open | 10 PAX | |
|
45 Days
Start - 2024-12-26
End -2025-02-09
|
Booking Open | 10 PAX |
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