Since first climb in 1985 there are over 450 mountaineers to reach the summit of Vinson Massif and the program remains the most popular of Antarctic trips.
Vinson Massif, at 78°35'S, 85°25'W is 21km (13 miles) long and 13km (8 miles) wide. It lies on the southern part of the main ridge of the Sentinel Range. Named for Carl G Vinson, a Georgia congressman and a major force in 20th century US Antarctic exploration, it was first climbed in December 1966 by a combined group from the American Alpine Club and the National Science Foundation.
You will be flown from Punta Arenas, Chile to Patriot Hills, Antarctica and, if the weather at Vinson is deemed suitable, you may fly out the same day. The final leg of the flight to the Vinson base camp takes about 1 hour and twenty minutes in one of a ski-equipped aircraft.
The mountain itself is not considered technically difficult, though factors such as extreme low temperatures and altitude make it a formidable climb. Applicants must have several years of mountaineering experience that includes peaks over 4268m (14,000ft) and should know the techniques of self arrest, belays, anchors, crampons and how to use an ice axe. A full climbing report and equipment list will be given to all participants.
At base camp, guide will advise you on the current mountain conditions, of any places of concern on the mountain and demonstrate the use of radios already in situ at each camp for your convenience and safety. A full report of the climb and suggested equipment list is available from our office on request.
In the Antarctic mid-summer - December and January the weather is most likely to be a mixture of high winds and light snowfall. Taking into consideration aspects such as fitness, acclimatization, experience and weather, it has taken from as little as 2 days to as much as 2 weeks to reach the summit.
As an average we suggest 10 days from base back to base.
"Vinson Massif" programme will provide you with skills to enable you to discover the beauty and greatness of this geographical point.
Journey Highlights:
Explore the city of Punta Arenas;
Learn skills that will enable you to discover the beauty and magnificence of this;
Leave Patriot Hills Base Camp and attempt to reach the summit of Antarctica's highest mountain.
Duration: 15 Days;
Price From: $26000;
Price Includes:
Not included in the price:
Departure Dates:
09/11/03 16/11/03 26/11/03 09/12/03 (Request Reservation)
21/12/03 28/12/03 05/01/04 18/01/04 (Request Reservation)
Information about prices of additional service we inform you after your request
Commission for tour agencies: 5%
