ROOF OF ANTARCTICA
Once in a lifetime Mt. Vinson 4,897m
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Trip overview
Santiago, Chile – Punta Arenas – Union Glacier –
Vinson Massif Base Camp – Summit – Vinson Massif BC –
Union Glacier – Punta Arenas
An expedition to Vinson Peak is often called the “Key to the 7 Summits”. The mountain itself does not present serious technical problems, but it is very difficult to even reach it. Mount Vinson is very remote and therefore any expedition is very expensive. The rewards is great: climbing the highest summit of Antarctica is an incredible experience in itself and for many the final step to reaching their 7 summits goal.
A trip to Vinson Massif is exceptionally interesting, beautiful and prestigious. So far very few people have done it and for most, it is the highlight of their “7 summits quest”.
Our program starts in Punta Arenas (Chile). From there, a special Ilyushin-76 aircraft takes us to the Union Glacier camp in Antarctica and lands on the ice (with wheels).
From the Union Glacier camp, a small ski-equipped plane brings us to Vinson Massif Base Camp (BC), where we pitch our tents. From here we start the ascent of Mount Vinson, using another 2 intermediate camps before attempting to reach the summit of Mount Vinson, the highest point of Antarctica.
Antarctica is an extremely cold place, even in summer, but as compensation, we will have sunlight all day and night, so 24-hours daylight! You will not need head torches and can save on batteries.
We recommend that you arrive in Punta Arenas (Chile) at least 3 days before the official start of the expedition, so you will be ready for a quick departure to Antarctica. Due to the very unstable weather in the area (we fly over the infamous Drake Passage), our flights cannot be definitely planned in advance; the date and flight time is determined by the weather. Sometimes we leave early, but often there are delays as well. The waiting should not be too long (1-3 days), but rare delays of 10 days have been recorded.
Description of the region:
The Vinson Massif is a part of the Sentinel Range (Ellsworth Mountains), lying in the west of Antarctica and overlooking the Ronne Ice Shelf. Discovered in 1935 by the American explorer Lincoln Ellsworth, it is the highest massif on the continent and the highest peak of Antarctica is Mount Vinson – 16,066 ft or 4,897 m.
Note that the itinerary below is just a guideline. We will adapt it as needed depending on weather conditions, acclimatisation of the team members etc. The flights could be combined on the same day if needed, more time could be spent in some camps or alternatively, the expedition can be much shorter if all goes well and you could be back in Chile ahead of schedule.
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
- Day 8
- Day 9
- Day 10
- Day 11
- Day 12
- Day 13
- Day 14
- Day 15
- Day 16
Arrival to Punta Arenas
Buying food and equipment if needed.
Briefing in the office. Sorting out, packing and weighing the equipment.
Flight to Union Glacier by Ilyushin-76 plane.
Flight from Union Glacier to Vinson Massif Basecamp at 2,150m
Acclimatisation day. Preparation for the ascent
8 hours walk to Camp 2 (2,900 m) with backpack and sled.
6 hours acclimatisation climb to Camp 3 (3,900 m) and return to Camp 2.
Acclimatization Day
6 hours climb to Camp 3 (3,900 m).
SUMMIT DAY
Extra day in case of bad weather.
Descent to BC
Flight from BC to Union Glacier
Flight from Union Glacier to Punta Arenas
Returning Home
More about Antarctica
More about this tour
- Meeting and seeing off in Punta Arenas (PA), Chile.
- Hotel reservations in Punta Arenas.
- Obligatory briefing before the departure to Antarctica.
- Flights PA – Union Glacier (UG) and back by Ilyushin-76 plane.
- Flight from Union Glacier to Vinson Massif and back.
- Food and lodging in Antarctica.
- Group equipment for the climb.
- Climbing guide and supporting staff including a doctor for the whole trip.
- Luggage allowance (25 kg on all flights in Antarctica).
- Team jacket (Polartec&Windbloc) with our logo.
- Two T-shirts with our logo
- Chilean multiple entry visa (when we leave for Antarctica, you are going through immigration and officially leaving Chile and will, therefore, need another visa to re-enter after the climb.)
- International flights to Punta Arenas, Chile (IATA code: PUQ).
- Accommodation and meals in Punta Arenas (we will reserve any hotel you like, but you are responsible for the costs).
- Personal camping and climbing clothing and equipment.
- Extra expenses in Punta Arenas due to flight delays before or after the expedition.
- Extra expenses due to an early return from Antarctica for whichever reason.
- Excess weight, over 25kg (which includes hand luggage!); excess weight is currently charged at USD $ 77 per kilo (!)
- Medical and evacuation insurance covering climbing to 5000m (with at least 150,000USD in coverage)
Important!
The flight times and dates are not fixed and are dependent on the combined weather in Antarctica, the Drake Passage and in Southern Patagonia. Normally the delay is less than 3 days on either side of the expedition, but rare delays of 10 days have occurred in the past, though the changing of main camp position from Patriot Hills to Union Glacier has limited delays a lot.
Any delay will not stop the expedition, but they might start and end later than planned. You should be flexible and should not have vital appointments until at least 2 weeks after the scheduled end of the Vinson Expedition. If you run out of time and cannot join your delayed flight to Antarctica, you will lose your payment and spot and there will be no refund or alternative place on a future climb.
On the other hand, if the weather cooperates and the climbers are doing well, then we might be back in Chile several days ahead of schedule. So, in any case, make sure you have flexible international flights that allow re-scheduling.
Filled in special forms for visiting Antarctica (we will assist).
Chilean multiple entry visa if needed for your nationality.
Luggage allowance for these flights (hand + checked luggage) is 25 kg, excess luggage is $77/kg
Group equipment is divided equally among the members to carry during the ascent.
In Antarctica we stay in strong double tents, 2-3 members per tent.
White gas (4 liters per person) is provided for use in BC and in the higher camps.
Each member must have medical insurance that covers altitude (5000m), 'dangerous sports' and evacuation with a coverage of at least 150,000USD.
Meals in Punta Arenas USD $20-40 per day
Luggage over 25 kg (including hand luggage) – 77USD per kg
Group equipment for Vinson BC (provided by 7 Summits Club)
• Mess tent
• Shared tents in higher camps (2-3 members per tent).
• Cooking utensils (gas-stoves, pots and pans).
• Satellite phone ($5 per minute).
• First-aid kit.
• Solar battery charger.
Group climbing equipment for the higher camps (provided by 7 Summits Club)
• Shared tents in higher camps (2-3 members per tent).
• Cooking utensils (gas-stoves, pots and pans).
• snow shovels
• rope (50 m)
• walkie-talkies
Personal equipment for BC (not included in the price)
• Sleeping bag (rated -40 degrees C/F)
• Sleeping mattress.
• Personal items for washing (wet wipes etc)
• Personal notebook (if needed)
Climbing equipment
• Crampons for shoes with stiff soles (like the G12 model)
• Backpack (50-60 litres)
• Alpine climbing harness
• 6mm cord for prussic knots
• Screwgate carabiners - 4
• Adjustable ski poles
• Thermos flask
• Descender (rappel device)
• Ice-axe (non-technical)
• Camera
• Batteries
• Personal plate/bowl and eating utensils for high camps
Clothes and footwear
• Trekking shoes
• Cold-weather climbing boots (Millet “Everest” recommended)
• Down jacket + down trousers (or down suit)
• Gore-Tex jacket with a large hood
• Gore-Tex trousers
• Polartec Windblock jacket and trousers.
• 2 fleece Jacket “Polartec - 100”.
• Warm underwear - 2 sets
• Polartec gloves – 2 pairs
• Thinsulate gloves
• Thinsulate mittens - 2 pairs
• Warm woollen socks - 4-5 pairs
• Balaclava
• Warm hat
• Polartec Windblock face mask
• UV glasses
• Ski goggles (UV400)
• Gaiters
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