Climbing Mount Vinson (4,892m), Expedition from Punta Arenas, Chile to the highest peak in Antarctica
Come with the IFMGA-certified guides of Mountain Madness to the most southerly of the Seven Summits and climb the Vinson Massif, the highest peak in Antarctica, on an expedition from Punta Arenas into the unique wilderness of a seldom seen environment.
Group
21 Days
Jan, Dec
Fit
Intermediate
Highlights
- Reach the top of an elusive peak of the Seven Summits.
- Enjoy the thrill of mountaineering in challenging and exotic terrain.
- Learn valuable insight and techniques from certified guides and experts.
- Join an exclusive group of climbers who have taken on Antarctica.
Description
Rise to the highest point of Antarctica (16,050 feet) and conquer one of the most elusive Seven Summits! This guided mountaineering program into one of the most intriguing and rewarding locations on Earth gives you the rare chance to practice your climbing and expedition skills while exploring parts of the world that are rarely seen!
Antarctica is steeped in mystery. Located at the southernmost reaches of the planet, it is a continent covered in ice. It is considered the world’s coldest desert – even though it consistently boasts sub-zero temperatures, even in the six-month daylight period, it receives very little snow. It is notably mountainous, reaching its high point on Vinson of the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains.
This is where you come in! With careful planning and our experienced and qualified guiding team, you will see the isolated beauty of this remarkable continent on a safe, satisfying, and memorably fun journey to the top of Antarctica!
Beginning with a quick stop in Punta Arenas, Chile, to cover gear check and last minute preparations, you will head onto the incredible southern continent. You will set up a number of camps on and near glaciers, putting your mettle to the test in severe conditions. The weather is best during December and January, but you can still expect volatile conditions during constant daylight. Please note that this trip can only be done in the dates listed below.
We will be in the midst of Antarctica’s expansive beauty. There is generally less than 18 inches of snow during austral summer, so the temperature and strong winds are our biggest challenges. Our final push to the summit includes rewarding mixed climbing, with unforgettable vistas of icy wilderness and mountains. You will even have the chance to see the incredible Tierra del Fuego as you fly in and out of Punta Arenas.
There are opportunities for a bit of technical climbing, but the most important aspects of your experience will be roped glacier travel and cold weather camping. High mountain experience is also recommended. It is considered comparable to the West Buttress of Denali, but its isolation and extreme weather make it a serious undertaking that warrants your utmost respect.
Appropriate planning, both physical and mental, is vital for your success and enjoyment. You should be physically fit and mentally prepared for the sustained excursion. You should also carefully plan travel accommodations as the itinerary to and from Antarctica is always subject to change.
Book this once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica NOW and relish a Vinson expedition from Punta Arenas to scale the tallest mountain on this gorgeous and isolated continent!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
Price details
Price includes:
Guide
Airfare from Punta Arenas to Union Glacier and to Base Camp
Welcome dinner in Punta Arenas
All meals while in Antarctica
All team climbing gear, tents, cooking gear and sleds
All expedition support staff
Price does not include:
International airfare
Chili entry visa and airport fees
Meals and lodging while in Punta Arenas
Personal climbing gear and clothing
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra hotel nights, extra meals, etc.)
Travel insurance with trip cancellation, medical and evacuation policy
All expenses associated with non-scheduled departure
Alcoholic and bottled beverages
Additional costs incurred due to circumstances beyond the control of Mountain Madness
Guide gratuities
Itinerary
Day 1 to 2: Arrival
We will get into Punta Arenas, Chile.
Day 3 to 4: Orientation
Make final preparations, including equipment check with MM guides. Orientation with ALE, for the flight to Union Glacier We will also have time to explore the interesting port city of Punta Arenas. Hotel overnight.
Day 5 to 6: Camp I
Elevation: 7,000 ft / 2134 m. Weather permitting, we make the 4.5 hour flight to Union Glacier and continue to base camp located on the Branscomb Glacier. The flight from Union Glacier to base camp will be on a Twin Otter. Once at base camp we organize our camp and prepare for our ascent.
Day 7: Carry to Camp 1
Elevation: 9,600 ft / 2920 m. Our first day on the trail, we leave supplies at a major bend in the glacier, at 9,600 feet / 2920 meters. Return to base camp.
Day 8: Move to Camp 1
Elevation: 9,600 ft / 2920 m. We set-up camp and begin preparations for moving up the mountain when the team is ready and weather conditions are good.
Day 9: Camp 2
Elevation: 12,400 ft / 3780 m. From camp we move up the steep headwall that rises above camp utilizing fixed lines. Moderate slopes lead to the broad col between Vinson and Mount Shinn where we drop a load of gear at 12,400 feet / 3780 meters and then return to Camp 1. Due to the thinning of the atmosphere at Polar Regions, the elevation here will feel higher and may result in some mountain sickness among team members.
Day 10 to 14: Rest Day, Move to High Camp, Summit Day
Elevation: 16,077 ft / 4898 m. From high camp we traverse about 3 miles and gain about 3,600 feet / 1100 meters on our way to the summit. From the summit we are greeted with outstanding views of the Ellsworth Range, the Ronne Ice Shelf and the vast horizons of the icy continent. We spend the night again at high camp. There are four reserve days built into the itinerary in the event of bad weather or a rest is needed.
Day 15 to 16: Base Camp
Return to base camp. Fly to Union Glacier. Reserve day.
Day 17: Punta Arenas
Weather permitting, return to Punta Arenas.
Day 18 to 21: Fly Home
Depart Punta Arenas and fly home. Days 18 – 21 are reserve days.
Details
More info We have a cuisine of local and regional fare that is at times supplemented with items brought from the US. Please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions. A cook will ensure we have pleasant meals and dining times throughout our journey in Antarctica. We recommend working with a full-service travel agency to coordinate last-minute flights from Antarctica and commercial flights you book from Punta Arenas and Chile. It is necessary to have a flexible time frame for travel – take this into account when planning your itinerary. You will be unable to change your ticket and reservations while in Antarctica, so you may run the risk of severe financial penalties and the loss of your ticket. LAN Chile is the only major airline that flies to Punta Arenas, and booking through them can ease some of the difficulties (they are the only airline to have an office in Punta Arenas). Please do not hesitate to contact us with more information – properly planning, booking, and timing your flights is very important. An equipment list will be sent to you upon booking, but you should be aware of conditional dangers in Antarctica such as dehydration, sunburn, snowblindness, frostbite, and altitude sickness. |
Meeting point We generally meet in Punta Arenas, Chile. Contact us upon booking to confirm our meeting location. |
Equipment you will need to bring
Other gear: Carrying Gear Sleeping Gear Climbing Gear
About the guide
For over 35 years, Mountain Madness has been bringing profound outdoor experiences to trekkers and mountaineers across the globe. We have built a strong foundation of skills and expertise, fueling our passion to impart our wisdom onto other like-minded explorers. Cultivating an enthusiasm for the
outdoors while helping you enjoy the journey and achieve your goals is a dream come true.
Our mission is to provide the best experience possible and to instill a passion for adventure. We value cultural exchange, take pride in facing physical and mental challenges head on, and strive to development wilderness skills that encourage self-discovery without compromising our environment.
Climbing, trekking, and skiing worldwide allows Mountain Madness to guide internationally. Our success and determination have given us worldwide acclaim and reignited our hunger – from Rainier and Baker to Kilimanjaro and Everest, no adventure is too big or too small.
Our guides have extensive training and are AMGA and/or IFMGA-certified guides. We enjoy assisting in all aspects of your trip, from the first conversation to the last goodbye. The collection of activities are endless, with alpinists, trekkers, explorers, mountaineers, and ski tourers on our team. To assist first time explorers and grizzled veterans in finding hidden, everyday wonder is our pleasure.
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