Towering above the Antarctic Plain at 16,067’, 4,897m, Mount Vinson is the tallest peak in Antarctica and the most remote of the 7 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 inevitable feeling of exploration as you venture into the most desolate continent on planet Earth.
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 start moving 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. 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 to high camp. The day will see us climb <3,000’. After a day of rest in high camp, we’ll make our summit bid.
An alpine start will see us 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.
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.
The Alpenglow Difference
Qualified Guides
All guides are IFMGA qualified or aspirants working towards finishing their certification. We guarantee our guides are the best in the business, drawing upon years spent guiding in the mountains to give you the best mountaineering experience possible.
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.
