What all is included and excluded?

THE COST OF YOUR TRIP INCLUDES YOUR LAND COSTS (EXCLUDING IN-TOWN MEALS). THIS INCLUDES: All lodging according to itinerary, including double occupancy lodging while in town and group lodging in mountain huts. Breakfasts in town, all meals while on the mountain Group camping and climbing equipment All park/climbing permits Scheduled in-country transportation Airport transfers Certified guides Covid testing arrangements for re-entry into home country (does not include cost of test) THE COST OF YOUR TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE: Flights to/from the city where the expedition begins. Additional nights in hotel outside of the itinerary Airport taxes Visas In-town dinners Immunizations Tips for guides or local staff Travel, rescue, or any other type of insurance Hospitalization or evacuation costs Single supplement charges Excess baggage charges Alcohol Other personal expenses Antigen/PCR Covid test cost The costs of delays or changes to itinerary that are beyond the control of Alpenglow Expeditions or its agents are not included.

What do I need to do to confirm my reservation?

When an expedition is more than 90 days out, we require a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation. Within 90 days we require full payment.

Would you consider doing a custom expedition?

We always consider customs. Custom trips make up more than 50% of our groups. Please reach out to learn more!

While no outdoor adventure can be completely free of risk without losing the essence of the activity, hiring a professional guide is a fantastic way to manage and mitigate this risk. Activities like skiing and climbing have what we call “inherent risk”, which can be defined as a risk that cannot be completely mitigated by a professional. That is part of playing in the mountains. We encourage you to reach out to the office if you would like to discuss this in more detail.

Are Covid vaccinations required?

Covid vaccinations are not required, but highly recommended.

Do I need to purchase Rescue Insurance and Travel Insurance?

We require Rescue Insurance on all of our international expeditions. Rescue insurance will help cover costs in the event that you need to be rescued off the mountain (Ex: Helicopter/medical evacuation). Travel Insurance (which we strongly recommend) can cover issues that would cause you to cancel your trip in advance, like illness. We do recommend Global Rescue who does offer a Comprehensive Travel Protection option to your required Rescue (Evacuation) Insurance.

Can you accommodate for vegetarian or vegan diets?

Yes. Please reach out to our team with the details of your dietary restrictions and we’ll set you up for success.

Where do you get your weather forecasts?

We use a Swiss weather forecasting company. Having a quality forecast for our 8,000m peaks maximizes both our safety and our summit success.

Do you have an expedition doctor?

Expedition doctor, Monica Piris, has been on fourteen 8,000-meter peak expeditions. While Dr. Piris does not travel with our team on all expeditions, she is in 24 communication with our expedition leaders. Dr. Piris also works with each member on his or her pre-acclimatization program.

What is your international expedition cancellation policy?

Please click here to review our international cancellation policy.

Vinson Massif Expedition

Vinson Massif Expedition

Intermediate 15 Days Antarctica

This unique expedition offers an incredible adventure to the remote interior of the frozen continent to climb the tallest peak in Antarctica and one of the storied Seven Summits.

Inquire

Esteban Topo Mena and Alex Honnold on the summit of Vinson Massif

Climber on a guided Vinson Massif Expedition

Vinson Massif Expedition Overview

Towering above the Antarctic Plain at 16,067’/4,897m, Mount Vinson is the tallest peak in Antarctica and the most remote of the Seven Summits.

For many, an Antarctic expedition to Vinson is one of the most memorable experiences in their mountaineering careers. Climbing in Antarctica is nothing short of an adventure, combining an incredible mountain, challenging conditions, and an unshakeable feeling of exploration as you venture into the most desolate continent on Planet Earth.

VINSON MASSIF ROUTE + ITINERARY SUMMARY

After several days of prepping and traveling, our expedition will start at the Vinson Massif Base Camp on the Branscomb Glacier. Sitting at 7,021’/2,130m, we’ll spend two days acclimatizing and preparing to move up the mountain. The first day of climbing will take us across gently rising snow slopes to Low Camp. We’ll be carrying approx. 50lbs that we’ll drop at Low Camp. The next day, we’ll make an acclimatization hike to the fixed lines and do some skills work before spending another night in Low Camp.

Weather permitting, the next day we’ll make our way up to High Camp at 12,400’/3,780m. This is a tough day of climbing, ascending fixed ropes up a steep snow slope until we reach more gradual slopes that will take us the rest of the way. The day will see us climb <3,000’. After a day of rest in High Camp, we’ll make our summit bid.

With an alpine start, we’ll work our way to the summit pyramid before ascending steep snow and ice to reach the West Ridge of the peak. We’ll then take the ridge to the summit where we will celebrate standing atop the highest peak in Antarctica before descending the less technical Eastern Ridge and making our way down to High Camp. One final descent will take us back at Base Camp and looking up at the spectacular mountain we just climbed.

The Alpenglow Approach

HIGH-QUALITY LOGISTICS

Alpenglow Expeditions has partnered with Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE) to provide the highest quality logistics possible. Climbing in Antarctica is a very logistically complicated endeavor, and together we handle everything for you, from the voyage across the Drake Passage to the base camp and mountain infrastructure. All that you need to focus on is putting one foot in front of the other as you take in the incredible views and experience of climbing the tallest peak in Antarctica.

HIGH-QUALITY FOOD

Imported and local foods of the highest quality, combined with a Western-trained cook staff, Alpenglow has the best food on the mountain, ensuring your strength and health throughout the expedition.

SWISS WEATHER FORECASTS

Having a quality forecast for Vinson maximizes both our safety and our summit success. These weather forecasts were originally developed for aircraft traveling at the altitudes that we climb at.

EXPEDITION DOCTOR ON CALL

Dr. Monica Piris has been on fourteen 8,000-meter peak expeditions. She is in daily communication with our teams during the entirety of the expedition and is available for client consultation at any time.

Preparation

Fitness

Climbers must be in excellent physical shape to join this expedition. This is perhaps the most important aspect of high altitude climbing, and cannot be stressed enough. Regular, challenging exercise for many months in advance of departure is the only way to gain the necessary level of fitness that is needed on big peaks. We highly recommend a structured training regime with a gym or personal trainer to assist you in preparing for climbing at altitude. Please contact us for more information on physical training.

Technical Experience

Vinson requires proficiency in basic mountaineering skills such as: Cramponing, walking on snow, crevasse rescue, self-arrest, glacier travel and rope skills, and winter camping experience. It is also important for clients to have experience carrying a heavy pack on glaciated terrain.

Climbers should have experience climbing on several glaciated peaks prior to Vinson, and show an aptitude for dealing with difficult conditions and extreme cold.

Vinson is a challenging peak, the more experience you bring to the mountain, the better. All climbers will be screened by our team to ensure that we are building a strong and qualified team.

Altitude

While altitude experience is not required, having prior experience at altitude is certainly helpful.

Vinson Massif stands high above the vast white landscape of Antarctica.

Client on a snowy ridge during a guided Vinson Massif Expedition

Day 0: Arrive
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile.
Activity: Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile
Sleeping Elevation: 112’/34m
Lodging: Hotel TBD
Meals: None
Day 1: Gear Prep
We’ll spend the day prepping gear as we get squared away to fly to Antarctica. After an expedition brief and re-checking our gear, we’ll be ready to depart the following morning.
Activity: Gear Prep/Expedition Brief
Sleeping Elevation: 112’/34m
Lodging: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 2: Fly to Union Glacier
Weather permitting, today we’ll be flying to Antarctica. A 4.5 hr flight will see us cross the Drake Passage before following the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula to the Union Glacier where a blue-ice runway will serve as our landing strip on the southernmost continent on the planet.
Activity: Fly to Union Glacier
Elevation Gain/Loss: +2,200’/671m
Sleeping Elevation: 2,300’/701m
Lodging: Union Glacier Camp
Meals: Breakfast
Days 3-4: Fly to Base Camp
A short flight from the Union Glacier camp will see us arrive at the Vinson Base Camp situated on the Branscomb Glacier. The Vinson Base Camp is a remarkable setting that gives us our first look at the mountain that we will be questing up. After arriving at base camp we’ll make a short acclimatization hike to help us get acquainted with the Antarctic environment. The following day we’ll pack and prepare our gear to start our push to the summit of Mount Vinson.
Activity: Fly to Vinson Base Camp
Distance Covered: Varies
Moving Hours: Varies
Elevation Gain/Loss: +4,700’/1,433
Sleeping Elevation: 7,021’/2,130m
Lodging: Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Climb to Low Camp
Today marks the beginning of our journey to the summit, as we leave base camp for Low Camp. Sitting at 9,121’/2,780m, it will take us 4-6 hours to reach Low Camp. The climb today will see us cover a gentle snow slope as we carry roughly 50lbs loads between our packs and sleds. We’ll be traveling in rope teams throughout our climb due to crevasse hazard, and this day will help get us into the swing of glacier travel.
Activity: Climb to Low Camp
Distance Covered: 3.5 miles
Moving Hours: 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: +2,100’/640m
Sleeping Elevation: 9,121’/2,780m
Lodging: Low Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Acclimatization Hike + Skills Work
After our climb to Low Camp, we’ll spend the day making another short acclimatization hike to the lower section of the fixed lines to do some skills work and familiarization before we continue onto the upper mountain. If the team is strong and stoked, we might make an ascent of Knutzen Peak, an 11,066’/3,373m sub-peak that takes 5-6 hours round trip.
Activity: Acclimatization Hike
Distance Covered: Varies
Moving Hours: Varies
Elevation Gain/Loss: Varies
Sleeping Elevation: 9,121’/2,780m
Lodging: Low Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Climb to High Camp
Weather permitting, we’ll leave our sleds behind at Low Camp and start working our way towards the upper mountain with the remainder of our gear on our backs. The climb between Low and High Camp is long and difficult, climbing 3,200’/1,000m of elevation gain over a 6-8 hour period. The climb to High Camp (12,402’/3,780m) will see us ascend fixed ropes on steep snow slopes up to 45 degrees before finishing the ascent on the gradual slopes of the summit glacier.
Activity: Climb to High Camp
Distance Covered: 4 miles
Moving Hours: 6-8 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: +3,200’/1,000m
Sleeping Elevation: 12,400’/3,780m
Lodging: High Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Acclimatize and Rest
We’ll spend the day acclimatizing and resting as we prepare for our summit bid.
Activity: Acclimatize & Rest
Sleeping Elevation: 12,400’/3,780m
Lodging: High Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Summit Bid
Today we’ll make our bid for the summit of the tallest peak in Antarctica. An alpine start will see us start up the Vinson summit valley, working our way up the gradual slopes towards the summit pyramid. After a short and steep snow/ice section, we’ll find ourselves on the exposed Western Ridge that will take us to the summit of Vinson. Standing on the summit, we’ll be greeted with incredible views of Mount Gardner, Epperly, Shinn, and Tyree. Gazing down upon the white, frozen landscape of Antarctica, the magnificence and remoteness of the summit will settle in. You’re standing on the highest point on the world’s most desolate continent—if you were looking for an adventure, you found it.
After a short celebration atop the summit, we’ll descend the Eastern Ridge back down to the summit valley and to High Camp. The day will see us climb 3,648’/1,112m over a distance of 6 miles, and will typically take us 9-12 hours.
Activity: Summit Bid
Distance Covered: 6 miles
Moving Hours: 9-12 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: +/-3,648’/1,112m
Sleeping Elevation: 12,400’/3,780m
Lodging: High Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Descend to Base Camp
Today we’ll retrace our steps and descend to the Vinson Massif Base Camp.
Activity: Descend to Base Camp
Distance Covered: 7 miles
Moving Hours: 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: -5,400’/1,646m
Sleeping Elevation: 7,021’/2,140m
Lodging: Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 11-12: Extra Days
Extra days to use for weather delays, acclimatization, etc.
Day 13: Fly to Union Glacier
After a successful summit of the Vinson Massif, we’ll take a ski-plane back to the Union Glacier Camp.
Activity: Fly to Union Glacier
Sleeping Elevation: 2,300’/701m
Lodging: Union Glacier Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Return to Chile
Weather permitting, we’ll once again fly across the Drake Passage on our way back to Chile, marking the end of our Antarctic adventure.
Activity: Fly to Punta Arenas
Sleeping Elevation: 112’/34m
Lodging: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15: Fly Home

Vinson Massif Expedition Packet

Guides

Vinson Massif Guides

Meet some of the guides who you might be climbing Vinson Massif with.

Equipment

Vinson Massif Equipment List

Here’s what you’ll need to climb Vinson Massif

Download Equipment Link

Select a category

Sleeping Bag (-20°)
Rated to -20º F. Choose an 800+ Fill Premium Goose Down bag. Make certain that the sleeping bag is the right length. DON’T FORGET A COMPRESSION SACK FOR THE SLEEPING BAG.
Recommended: Marmot Col -20°
Inflatable Sleeping Pad
72-inch long inflatable pad required. Make sure you also purchase and bring a repair kit + bag for the sleeping pad.
Recommended: NeoAir® XLite™ NXT Sleeping Pad
Headlamps
Please bring two L.E.D. Headlamps. One will be intended as a lightweight backup. L.E.D. headlamps are required. Make sure they have 3+ bulbs. Bring extra batteries. We highly recommend a tilting lamp.
Recommended: Black Diamond Storm 450
Backup Headlamp Recommended: Black Diamond Deploy 325
Two 1L Nalgene Bottles
Two 1 Liter Wide Mouth Nalgene bottles.
Recommended: Nalgene 1 L wide mouth
Compressible 1-1.5L Bottle
Wide mouth compressible 1-1.5 liter bottle. Optional but strongly recommended. Often used as a designated pee bottle.
Recommended: Nalgene Flexible Cantene
Plastic Bowl, Mug, and Spoon
A lightweight and compact cookware setup. You’ll want a plastic bowl, mug and spoon.
Recommended Kit: MSR 2-Person Mess Kit
Lighters
2 BIC Lighters
Coffee
While Alpenglow provides hot drink options every morning, it can be nice to have your own on hand any time you need a boost. With hot water always readily available, having instant coffee packets can give you the energy you need after a long day in the mountains!
Recommended: Alpine Start Original Blend Instant Coffee
Thermos
A fully insulated thermos is optional but recommended for warm drinks that help with comfort, hydration, and safety on cold days in the mountains.
Recommended: Thermos STAINLESS KING™ DRINK BOTTLE 24OZ
Day Pack
Mid-size pack for city days and trekking. Streamlined, neat and lightweight (10-20 liters).
Recommended: Black Diamond Bullet 16 Pack
Climbing Pack: 50-60L
Internal frame pack that is between 50 and 60 liters. Either purchase a matching pack cover, or use garbage bags as liners. Make sure the pack is fitted to YOUR body.
Recommended: Black Diamond Speed 50L Pack
Hydration System
Should carry 70-100 ounces. Must be durable and have a reliable closure system. Recommended: MSR Dromlite 2L with Hydration Tube
Duffel Bags
2 Duffel Bags – At least one bag should be extremely durable, waterproof, and big – between 90L and 120L. You should feel comfortable leaving it in a puddle for several hours. Remember dry clothes are hot commodities in the mountains! Large enough to fit everything you own, plus what you anticipate buying. Two duffel bags are necessary to fit all your equipment for travel (we don’t recommend checking your backpack, best is to put all gear and backpack into your duffel). Once in country, you can consolidate your gear into one duffel and your backpack. It’s common to leave the second duffel with city clothes and other non-necessary items behind in a locked and secure location that your guide will arrange for you.
Note: For ski expeditions such as the Ecuador Ring of Fire, you can replace one of these duffel bags with a ski/splitboard bag.
Recommended: Black Diamond Stonehauler 90L
Ski Socks
Ski socks will keep your feet warm and dry during long tours in the mountains.
Recommended: Smartwool
General Mountaineering Boot
Should be warm single boots that have a stiff sole and accept a step-in crampon. The boots should be comfortable, have adequate wiggle room for your toes, and your heel should not lift more than 1/8 of an inch when walking.
Recommended: La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX
Approach Shoes
Recommended: La Sportiva TX4
Waterproof Gaiters
GORE-TEX® or Schoeller® calf- high gaiters, insulated supergaiters recommended. *Gaiters are not needed if your pants and/or boots have built-in gaiters.
Recommended: Outdoor Research Expedition Crocodile Gaiters (required if your boots do not have integrated gaiters)
Down Booties
You’ll love having a warm, comfortable shoe to slip into when tent-bound. These are optional, but nice to have.
Recommended: Western Mountaineering Flash Down Booties
Base Camp Boots
These snow boots are good for wearing around camp and should be comfortable when you slip into them after spending significant time in your mountain boots.
Recommended Men’s: Sorel Caribou Boot
Recommended Women’s: Sorel Caribou Boot
Hiking Shoes
These light to mid-weight shoes are for everyday use. The ideal shoe is comfortable to wear for multiple days and scrambles decently on rock. A Gore-tex lined shoe stays drier when hiking in rain or snow.
Recommended: La Sportiva Bushido
Heated Socks
These are optional, but highly recommended. Bring 2 sets of batteries. Hotronics boot heaters are another option instead of heated socks, but socks are preferred by our guides.
Recommended: Sidas Sock Set V2 Uni S-1200
Warm Socks
A wool synthetic blend. Pure rag wool socks are not nearly as effective in wicking moisture or retaining their shape and reducing blisters. Bring a few pairs of these socks. NO COTTON.
Recommended: Darn Tough Mountaineering Sock
Hiking Socks
Your everyday sock, good for day hikes, trekking, and in-town. It’s good to bring several pairs of these socks. NO COTTON.
Recommended: Darn Tough Hiking Sock
Liner Socks
A super-thin wicking sock that repels moisture. Liner socks help to reduce the likelihood of blisters. The socks should be thin wool, nylon, or Capilene®. NO COTTON
Recommended: Ice Breaker Merino Liner
Midweight Gloves
These gloves should be full GORE-TEX®, and insulated. These will be the workhorse glove for any expedition.
Recommend: Black Diamond Tour Gloves
or Black Diamond Terminator Gloves
Lightweight Gloves
All-around gloves for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and hiking. These gloves (and similar options) are warm, wind-resistant, durable and have a sure grip. You will rarely take these gloves off. They should be snug-fitting, and have some sort of reinforced palm.
Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Softshell Gloves
Heavyweight Gloves
These gloves should be full GORE-TEX®, with a removable fleece liner (so you can take the liner out and dry it at night). These gloves are used at higher altitudes and are needed to keep your hands dry, and warm. Over the cuff style is desired.
Recommended: Black Diamond Guide Gloves
Liner Gloves
These gloves keep the inside of your mitts or other gloves from accumulating sweat on the inside and turning inside out when you take them off, as well as provide additional insulation.
Recommended: Black Diamond Lightweight Screentap Liners
Goggles
These will be worn on stormy or windy days. Make sure you are getting a snug fit with lenses for bright sun. Ventilation and anti-fog features are desired.
Recommended: Vuarnet Everest Goggles
Neck Gaiter (Buff)
A multi-purpose neck gator that can also be worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible and yet is still comfy.
Recommended: Alpenglow Buff
Sunglasses
Must have dark lenses. Minimal light should come in below, above, or around the sides of the lenses.“Wrap” style is best. Ventilation is important and a retainer strap is very useful (Chums or Croakies).
Recommended: Vuarnet Ice Rounds
Hat
Bring your favorite baseball hat for shelter from the sun. No white under the brim – the reflection off of it from the sun is blinding.
Recommended: Alpenglow Hat
Balaclava
We recommend a tight-fitting balaclava that is worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible, but is comfortable enough to wear for hours.
Recommended: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Balaclava
Beanie
A comfortable, warm well-fitting hat that covers your ears. Make sure that one of your hats fits under a helmet.
Recommended: Black Diamond Levels Beanie
Climbing Pants
Recommended: Rocklock Pants
Trekking Pants
You will spend most of your days in these pants. Choose a breathable and water resistant pant.
Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Light Pants
Insulated Pant
Full-length side zippers are recommended, for throwing on top of all of your layers.
Recommended: Black Diamond Stance Belay Pants
Hard Shell Climbing Pant
Your waterproof bottom layer for extreme weather days. Make sure you have water-resistant zippers, crampon patches + good pockets.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Recon Stretch Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Recon Stretch Pants
Soft-Shell Alpine Pant
You will spend most of your days in these pants. They should be breathable + water-resistant.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Alpine Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Alpine Pants
Hiking Pant
Lightweight, durable, quick-drying hiking pant that will be your day-to-day pant during the expedition
Men’s Recommended: Black Diamond Technician Alpine Pant
Women’s Recommended: Black Diamond Technician Alpine Pant
Mid-Weight Baselayer Bottoms
Fitted, mid-weight and quick drying, this baselayer (or midlayer) will be suitable for ski tours to alpine ascents.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Coefficient LT Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Coefficient LT Pants
Lightweight Baselayer Bottoms
Fitted and quick drying. This piece will be a base-layer that will get you through a wide range of temperatures. This can be 3/4 length bottoms if preferred.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Baselayer
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Baselayer
Accessory Cord
5m of 6mm nylon accessory cord.
Recommended: Sterling Accessory Cord
Prusik
HollowBlock2 or equivalent, OR 2m of 6mm nylon accessory cord.
Recommended: Sterling HollowBlock 2
Shovel
A lightweight metal avalanche rescue shovel. Extendable handle is recommended.
Recommended: Black Diamond Evac 7
Ascender
Should have a large opening for gloved hands, and an easy thumb trigger.
Recommended: Black Diamond Index Ascender
Belay Device
Light, easy to use + simple. Should have teeth/grooves for skinny ropes.
Recommended: Black Diamond ATC Alpine Guide Belay Device
Avalanche Transceiver
A digital transceiver that is simple to use or that you are extremely comfortable using.
Recommended: Black Diamond Recon Avalanche X Beacon
Probe
A strong, lightweight avalanche probe, 260-300cm.
Recommended: Black Diamond QuickDraw Pro Probe 280
Helmet
An easily adjustable lightweight helmet that fits with hat and Balaclava. Make sure this is a climbing-specific helmet. *Climbing helmets are also available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow Expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Vapor Helmet
Mountaineering Harness
Must have belay loop, gear loops and adjustable leg loops so that you can layer up underneath it. Easy to pack, lightweight + comfortable. *Harnesses are also available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Couloir
Mountaineering Crampons
Steel crampons with anti-balling plates are required (so that snow does not build-up in the base of your foot). Make sure that crampons have a heel bail and that they fit snugly on your ski or snowboard boots. Crampons are available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow Expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Sabretooth Crampons
General Mountaineering Axe
One non-technical climbing axe. The tool should be approx. 55cm- 65cm long and comfortable to hold. *Ice axes are also available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe
Locking Carabiner (2)
Small, lightweight locking carabiners are best.
Recommended: Black Diamond LiteForge Screwgate
Non-locking Carabiner (2)
Small, lightweight small carabiners are best, wire-gates are fine.
Recommended: Black Diamond LiteWire Carabiner

FAQs

Vinson Massif Questions

Everything you need to know about climbing in Antarctica

: THE COST OF YOUR TRIP INCLUDES YOUR LAND COSTS (EXCLUDING IN-TOWN MEALS). THIS INCLUDES:
All lodging according to itinerary, including double occupancy lodging while in town and group lodging in mountain huts.
Breakfasts in town, all meals while on the mountain
Group camping and climbing equipment
All park/climbing permits
Scheduled in-country transportation
Airport transfers
Certified guides
Covid testing arrangements for re-entry into home country (does not include cost of test)
THE COST OF YOUR TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Flights to/from the city where the expedition begins.
Additional nights in hotel outside of the itinerary
Airport taxes
Visas
In-town dinners
Immunizations
Tips for guides or local staff
Travel, rescue, or any other type of insurance
Hospitalization or evacuation costs
Single supplement charges
Excess baggage charges
Alcohol
Other personal expenses
Antigen/PCR Covid test cost
The costs of delays or changes to itinerary that are beyond the control of Alpenglow Expeditions or its agents are not included.
: When an expedition is more than 90 days out, we require a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation. Within 90 days we require full payment.
: We always consider customs. Custom trips make up more than 50% of our groups. Please reach out to learn more!
: While no outdoor adventure can be completely free of risk without losing the essence of the activity, hiring a professional guide is a fantastic way to manage and mitigate this risk. Activities like skiing and climbing have what we call “inherent risk”, which can be defined as a risk that cannot be completely mitigated by a professional. That is part of playing in the mountains. We encourage you to reach out to the office if you would like to discuss this in more detail.
: Covid vaccinations are not required, but highly recommended.
: We require Rescue Insurance on all of our international expeditions. Rescue insurance will help cover costs in the event that you need to be rescued off the mountain (Ex: Helicopter/medical evacuation). Travel Insurance (which we strongly recommend) can cover issues that would cause you to cancel your trip in advance, like illness. We do recommend Global Rescue who does offer a Comprehensive Travel Protection option to your required Rescue (Evacuation) Insurance.
: Yes. Please reach out to our team with the details of your dietary restrictions and we’ll set you up for success.
: Imported and local foods of the highest quality, combined with a Western-trained cook staff. Alpenglow has the best food on the mountain, ensuring your strength and health throughout the expedition.
: Climbers must be in excellent physical shape to join this expedition. This is perhaps the most important aspect of high-altitude climbing, and cannot be stressed enough. Regular, challenging exercise for many months in advance of departure is the only way to gain the necessary level of fitness that is needed on big peaks. We highly recommend a structured training regime with a gym or personal trainer to assist you in preparing for climbing at altitude. Please contact us for more information on physical training.
: We use a Swiss weather forecasting company. Having a quality forecast for our 8,000m peaks maximizes both our safety and our summit success.
: Expedition doctor, Monica Piris, has been on fourteen 8,000-meter peak expeditions. While Dr. Piris does not travel with our team on all expeditions, she is in 24 communication with our expedition leaders. Dr. Piris also works with each member on his or her pre-acclimatization program.
: Please click here to review our international cancellation policy.

Vinson Massif Expedition Packet

Testimonials

Alpenglow is the best
“I’ve been climbing with Alpenglow for over ten years. After my first expedition, I knew I’d found the best team. I feel like I’m a member of the Alpenglow family, and have come to know and love many of their guides, office staff, and programs. Alpenglow is truly the best!”
Evan M

Fitness

Technical Experience

Altitude

Alpenglow is the best