Vinson Massif (trip)
Vinson Massif
- Punta Arenas airport, chile
- Active & Adventure
| from $36,900* per person | 21 Days | November, December |
| Luxury accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Mountain Madness | 12 people max | |
The 16,077 foot summit is the highest point on the continent of Antarctica. For most that have the unique opportunity to join us on this expedition, their definition of wilderness will be redefined. Isolated and starkly beautiful, the icy continent of Antarctica is beyond description and offers an adventure of a lifetime for team members.
We leave Punta Arenas in Chile for the six-hour flight to Union Glacier. Our flight takes us over Tierra del Fuego, past the Antarctic Circle and on to Union Glacier. From there we make a one-hour flight to base camp. With sleds loaded we move up the mountain, establishing two or three camps before our summit attempt. From high camp the final climb consists of moderate snow and ice climbing.
In technical terms our climb is considered moderate, but cold temperatures (minus 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit are not uncommon) and strong winds often increase the challenge. However, during the austral summer there are usually less than 18 inches of snow and 24 hours of daylight contributes to our success on the climb.
After our climb we return to base camp and make arrangements for the return flight to Union Glacier and home. With frequent delays due to poor conditions for aircraft landings and take off, expect delays during the trip. For this reason we have added several days to the itinerary. It is nonetheless strongly advised that you have an additional week beyond our scheduled dates cleared of appointments and work should lengthy delays occur. Trip insurance is required for this trip.
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Locations visited/nearby
Antarctica
0 testimonials about this trip.
3 testimonials about the provider, Mountain Madness:
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Reviewer: Bill Alorets, Glacier Mountaineering Course
“Great trip! Lots of training and summit day was incredible. Lead and assistant guide was always available and incredible patient. I highly recommend Mountain Madness to anyone!”
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Reviewer: Vince Colletti, Basic Rock Course
“I had one of the most amazing weekends of my life and our guide was responsible for that. I can’t say enough words of praise for him, or the staff of Mountain Madness. You definitely have a return customer!”
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Reviewer: Angelina Trujillo, Mt. Baker Slow boat climb
“Thank you! This trip was very successful due to our guides and their support. My limited experience and older age was taken into account on how they managed our group which was the reason for all of our success!”
Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
Itinerary
Day 1-2Arrive in Punta Arenas
Fly to Punta Arenas, Chile. Hotel night on day two.
Day 3
Orientation
Make final preparations, including equipment check and 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 4-5
Fly to Antarctica
Elevation: 7,000 feet / 2134 meters
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 Patriot Hills to base camp will be on a Twin Otter. Once at base camp we organize our camp and prepare for our ascent.
Day 6
Camp 1
Elevation: 9,600 feet / 2920 meters
Move to Camp 1. Depending on how the team is feeling on our first day on the trail, we will camp at a major bend in the glacier, at 9,600 feet (2920 meters) or at a camp around the corner from a moderately steep headwall at 10,000 feet (3048 meters).
Day 7
Moving Up
Elevation: 10,000 feet / 3048 meters
Based on the progress from Day 6, we will either proceed to the camp at 10,000 feet (3048 meters) or carry loads to high camp at 12,400 feet (3780 meters).
Day 8
Climb the Headwall
Elevation: 12,400 feet / 3780 meters
From camp we move up the steep headwall that rises above camp. Moderate slopes lead to the broad col between Vinson and Mount Shinn where we establish high camp at 12,400 feet (3780 meters). 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 9-13
Summit Day
Elevation: 16,077 feet / 4898 meters
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.
Day 14-15
Base Camp
Return to base camp. Fly to Union Glacier. Reserve day.
Day 16
Punta Arenas
Weather permitting, return to Punta Arenas.
Day 17-21
Return home
Return home. Days 18-21 are reserve days.
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