Mt Vinson Expedition

Moving to Camp III

Mount Vinson lies in the southern portion of the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains in Antarctica. At nearly eighty degrees South, it is a mere eight hundred miles from the South Pole. Mount Vinson, at 16,067 feet, has the distinction of being the highest point in our planet's last great wilderness, as well as being in one of the most inaccessible ranges in the world. In fact, until recently, climbing Mount Vinson was logistically almost impossible.

It was not until 1985, when Adventure Network International started providing full logistical support for expeditions to the Antarctic interior, that Mt. Vinson was considered more accessible. Aventuras Patagonicas Expeditions to Mt. Vinson will be supported by ANI aircrafts.

View of the Vinson Massif from Vinson's summit ridge

We have been successfully guiding Mt Vinson since we began this program several seasons ago.

Climbing Vinson is challenging! The expedition requires a sincere commitment, considering the remoteness of the region. The climate poses a great challenge as well. Mt. Vinson is located in one of the coldest climates on earth, with temperatures ranging from -30F and even -40F below zero. Participants must have experience with winter mountaineering and be in excellent physical condition.

Itinerary

Day 01
Group meets in Punta Arenas (Chile). We will pick you up at the airport. Briefing at the hotel where we will check your equipment. For dinner we will have the chance to taste the fine Chilean cuisine and wine.
Day 02
Meeting, weight gear and load Aircraft.
Day 03
Flight to Patriot Hills by C-130. We will fly with Adventure Network International, the only private organization in the world providing air support to the Antarctic interior.
Day 04
Orientation day at Patriot Hills.
Day 05
Flight by Cessna 185 or Twin Otter to Mt. Vinson Base Camp. Set up Base Camp at 7,000' on the west side of the Ellsworth Mountains.
Day 06
Carry a load to Camp I, at 9,100'. Climb the narrow valley of the Branscomb Glacier. The route ascends with a few crevasses to Camp I.
Day 07
Move to Camp I. Surrounded by the impressive Mounts Shinn and Gardner and a spectacular view of the summit of Vinson.
Day 08
Move to Camp II at 10,100'.
Day 09
Move to Camp III, at 12,000'. From Camp II the route ascends through the icefall to a broad col between Mt. Vinson and Mt. Shinn.
Day 10 - 12
SUMMIT!!, weather permitting. We allow several days for our summit day which should give us plenty of time to accomplish our goal if the weather isn't cooperative.
Day 13
Return to Base Camp (at the latest).
Next Day
Fly back to Patriot Hills and back to Punta Arenas. End of the Expedition. Fly back home the next day or continue traveling in South America.

Note: This itinerary is intended to be a guideline only. Weather days, rest days and some flexibility on the itinerary are always a possibility while on a climbing expedition.