Vinson Massif in Antarctica

Vinson Massif, at 78°35'S, 85°25'W is 21km (13 miles) long and 13km (8 miles) wide, is the highest peak in Antarctica. Located in the Ellsworth mountain range, it was first sighted by American Lincoln Ellsworth and pilot Holik Kenyon in 1935. The first ascent was performed by a combined group from the American Alpine Club and the National Science Foundationin 1966. Although the standard ascent route for Mt. Vinson does not present greater technical difficulties than any other glacier-based climb, it nonetheless requires extensive experience with low temperatures, strong winds and high altitude. The distance (3,500 km. south of the nearest major Chilean city, Punta Arenas) and the ascent itself make this expedition a major undertaking. Our group makes use of the best logistics in the area, provided by Antartics Logistics & Expeditions (ALE) an ex ANI team members fellow, with over 24 years of experience on the white continent. ALE operate in the Antartica continent with 2 Twin Otters and 1 Cessna 185 plus an Illyushin 76 aircraft with 45 seat and 2 tons load capacity permitting long range autonomy in between their bases Punta Arenas and Patriot Hill. They also have communications and safety base at Patriot Hills. These facilities provide a solid foundation for this almost unprecedented adventure and for extraordinarily safe conditions.

Service include

• Professional Bilingual Mountain Guide UIAGM-AMG.
• Ratio Guide Clients 1-4
• All local organization and supervision by KL Adventure Staff
• Lan Chile airline ticket United States & Europe to Punta Arenas and return with 20 kg luggage.
• Flight Punta Arenas – Partiot Hills – Vinson base camp round trip with 20 kg.
• Transfer IN OUT Punta ArenasPunta Arenas 2 nights Hotel double occupancy with breakfast
• All meals during the expedition.
• High quality expedition common gear; The North Face tents, Mountain Hardware and Marmot tents, inflate & isolate mattress, high camp stoves & fuel.
• Radio communication VHF 2 mt.
• First aid kit.
• Satellite phone at base camp on a per minute payment basis.

Service does not include

• All personal climbing equipment gear
• Excess luggage on any flight
• Any cost involve in a early or late departure.
• Any meals and drinks (soda, beer or wine) in Punta Arenas
• Accident and rescue insurance
• Cash for extra expenses
• All expenses during waiting and delay days
• Any other service not mentioned in the list.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1 Reception at Punta Arenas airport, transfer to Hotel. Guide briefing personal equipment checking and re-packing equipment. Group dinner with the Guide. Hotel

Day 2 All equipment must be given to the guide before 09:00 am for weight control and loading. During the morning we have a walking tour downtown Punta Arenas with local Guide. Hotel.

Day 3 Transfer to airport for a four hours flight from Punta Arenas to Patriot Hills. Site orientation, and finalize details for the next day departure to Mt. Vinson base camp. Tent

Day 4 Fly One hour to base camp on Mount Vinson. We try to port equipment immediately to camp 1. Tent

Day 5 Climb to Camp 1 located on Branscomb Glacier at an elevation of 2,850m. Tent

Day 6 Climb to Camp 2 located at 3,000m. Tent

Day 7 Rest day optional carry to camp 3. Tent

Day 8 Ascend to Camp 3 at 3,700m in the pass between Mt. Shin and Mt. Vinson. This phase includes navigating a hanging glacier with seracs and crevasses. Tent

Day 9 Summit day on Mount Vinson. After a 7 hour climb, we reach the summit at 4,820m. To the north we see Mts. Shinn and Eppery, as well as Mt. Tyree, at 4,852m, the second-highest peak in Antarctica. To the south, we view the Nimitz glacier and polar plateau. Begin descent to Camp 3. Tent

Day 10 Descent to camp 2. Tent

Day 11 Return to base camp. Tent

Day 12-13-14- 15 Reserve days. Tent

Day 16 Fly to Patriot Hills. Tent

Day 17 Fly to Punta Arenas and transport to hotel.

Day 18 Transfer to airport for domestic and international flight connection.

Important

• This schedule does not include delays due to climactic conditions. Expeditions should allow for an extra 10 to 15 days on-site when planning for this trip to provide sufficient leeway to cover any unforeseeable weather-related eventualities.

• Any departure dates can be re-scheduled with a minimum of 4 persons