Mount Vinson - Antarctica Expedition
SummitClimb Mount Vinson, your dedicated team of guides for:
✪ Mountaineering in Antarctica
✪ The most isolated of the Seven Summits
✪ Extreme nature, a coveted destination
✪ Experience of a lifetime
Overview
Mount Vinson is the most remote of the Seven Summits. With near 100% success rate it is not the biggest challenge on the circle, but Antarctica is remote with extreme weather conditions. Thanks to our professional team and well-ahead preparation of your expedition you fully enjoy the magic of Antarctica from the top of Vinson: Majestic, snow-covered peaks stand guard over vast glaciers below and in the distance, snow meets sky along a noticeably curved horizon. You want to scale this coveted Seven Summit - join our team! - Expedition, 21 days, Antarctica, pre-registration for dates starting from Dec. 3, 2023, with update in March 2023.
Expedition leaders
Mt. Vinson Expedition
To climb Mount Vinson is to challenge yourself on a mountain in one of the most remote regions on Earth. Antarctica. Our travel to Base Camp involves a long complex flight journey, strongly dependant on the weather. We ascend the Branscomb Shoulder Route which has become the “standard route”. The daily climbing plans are set by our experienced mountain guides, geared to safety with enough margin for weather changes.
Top of Antarctica
Mount Vinson is located in the Sentinel Range, the northern mountain range of the Ellsworth Mountains, a mountain range in the interior of Antarctica. At 4,982 meters above sea level, it is the highest peak on the continent and thus one of the coveted Seven Summits. It was the last of the Seven Summits to be discovered, only in 1958 during a reconnaissance flight by the U.S. Navy.
The first ascent took place on December 18, 1966, by Pete Schoening, John Evans, Barry Corbet, and Bill Long, followed a few days later by six more team members as part of an expedition by the American Alpine Club (AAC) with support from the National Geographic Society and the U.S. Navy. This made Mount Vinson, after Carstensz Pyramid (1962, Oceania) and Mount Everest (1953, Asia), the last of the Seven Summits to be climbed. Due to its remoteness, further ascents only followed years later. It was not until 1985 that the first logistics for private expeditions were prepared (Dick Bass, then in 1986 Reinhold Messner), and over 30 years later, these have become well established.
For the ascent, we follow the standard route, the so-called Branscomb Shoulder Route, which leads over gentle glaciers, snowfields up to 45° steep, an exposed plateau, and a spectacular summit ridge. Our experienced mountain guides will plan the daily stages and route setup to ensure a safe and successful ascent of Mount Vinson—together, standing on the summit of Antarctica.
Climbing Mount Vinson is certainly a challenge unlike almost any other mountain in the world: While its height of just under 5,000 meters is moderate and the ascent follows a less technical high-altitude route, the extreme isolation makes it uniquely demanding. With temperatures below -40°C and prolonged, severe cold storms, Antarctica is not made for human life, and we must take great care of ourselves.
Vinson Massiv – Sentinel Range
Travel to Antarctica is via South America, as the Ellsworth Mountains are located in West Antarctica. Flights to and within Antarctica only operate in stable weather conditions, so we allow for a sufficiently generous timeframe. Our departure base is Punta Arenas in southern Chile. Punta Arenas is situated on the Strait of Magellan in Tierra del Fuego, a region that offers many small discoveries and excursions should we need to wait. From the Union Glacier base, we fly to the Sentinel Range.
The Sentinel Range is the highest mountain range in Antarctica. Some of its notable peaks include:
Mount Tyree – 4,853m
Mount Tyree is the second-highest mountain in Antarctica. Its ascent is considered relatively challenging and has only been successfully completed by six different teams as of 2021. It is located about 13 km northwest of the Vinson Massif, flanked by the Patton Glacier to the north and the Cervellati Glacier to the southeast.
Mount Shinn – 4,611m
Mount Shinn lies 6 km southeast of Mount Tyree and is closer to Mount Vinson, opposite the High Camp. The normal route is a classic high-altitude climb, though slightly more demanding than that of Mount Vinson.
Vinson Plateau – Subpeaks:
Clinch Peak (4,841m), Corbet Peak (4,822m), Schoening Peak (4,743m), and Hollister Peak (4,729m) rise from the Vinson Plateau, making them part of the Vinson Massif.
Trip Itinerary Vinson Climb (20 Days)
Latest arrival in Punta Arenas. Transfer to the hotel (B&B). Joint dinner.
gear check, organization, last purchases, team training,
Preparation for the flight to Antarctica's Union Glacier Camp.
We fly with a Boeing-757-aircraft in 4h15min to Union Glacier Camp, the base for tourist excursions to Western Antarctica. If the weather* is favorable, we change to a "ski plane" and continue to the Vinson Basecamp (BC) Glacier at an altitude of 2,140 meters / 7,020 feet.
Acclimatization around the base camp. With a small group of max. 5 guests per guide, we explore the individual skills to prepare for the challenge of the ascent in the best possible way. We sort out the personal material and everyone packs his rucksack including a share of food, gas, stove, and tent.
On the Branscomb glacier, we head towards Low Camp (2750 m). The route is flat, so we can carry our equipment (typically 18-22kg per climber) 30% in a backpack and 70% on a sled. Stage: ↑650 Hm, 9 km, 4-6 h.
The camp remains in the shade until the late morning. After late breakfast, we plan a small tour and rest. Feeling strong, participants can ascent Knutzen Peak (3,372 m / 11,060 ft).
If the weather forecast for the next days is positive, we will climb. Thereby we have to overcome an up to 45° steep ascent with fixed ropes. After further flat terrain, the High Camp is set up at 3780 m. Stage: ↑1020 Hm, 6-8h.
If the weather permits and everyone feels strong, we will go for the summit push. We will take reserve capacities for 2 or 3 full days in high camp depending on the weather forecast.
Mount Vinson - Ascent: The main part of the route runs through the gently ascending Vinson Valley before a short steep slope in up to 40° steep terrain leads to the rocky, spectacular summit ridge. Summit: a magnificent place! The views of Mount Gardner, Tyree, Epperly, and Shinn dominate in front of the Antarctic ice field, where massive peaks repeatedly protrude through the eternal ice shield. A breathtaking moment, as we stand at 4,892 meters /16'050 feet on top of Antarctica. After some summit photos, we descend to the high camp. Summit stage: ↑↓1110 Hm, 8km, 9-12h.
This day serves as a reserve day for the Mount Vinson ascent. Alternatively, we can climb Mount Shinn from the same high camp. The somewhat more challenging climb - a bit more technical than Mount Vinson - leads to a summit with very nice views of the northern Sentinel Range.
The way to base camp past Low Camp is usually easily done in one day. In the evening we celebrate the ascent with a hearty meal. Route; ↓1670 Hm, 14 km, 9-12h.
Reserve day.
We fly back to Union Glacier Camp, where a hot shower awaits us and we can relax in a little more comfort.
We can explore the region around the Union Glacier, enjoying the ambiance of Antarctica for the last time.
After consideration of the weather* forecast and conditions of the runway we plan the return flight to Punta Arenas.
We plan sufficient reserve days for the Antarctic considering normal weather patterns*. Under consideration of the weather forecasts and available flights, we may choose to stay a few days longer or return one day earlier to Punta Arenas. Plenty of options are available to spend a few extra days in Patagonia**
Transfer to the airport and return flight (extension** if necessary) to your home destination.
Some important notes for the Mount Vinson, Antarctica, itinerary follows:
Prepare
Die Besteigung ist eine relative Leichte, doch wegen der Abgeschiedenheit musst Du ein guter Teamplayer sein und den technischen und konditionellen Anspruch solide erfüllen. Nach Anmeldung bekommst Du ein 1. Briefing, im Verlauf der Expeditionsvorbereitung planen wir ein online-Kennenlernen der Teilnehmer und achten auf Deine passende persönliche Vorbereitung für die Expeditionsteilnahme.
Anmeldung & Stornierung
✪ Bis 3 Monate vor Expeditionsbeginn volle Bezahlung und ab dann 100% Stornierungssatz (Rücktrittsversicherung empfohlen).
✪ Last-Minute frei Plätze auf Warteliste oder durch Stornierungen: Bitte Anfragen.
Temperaturen
- bei der Union Glacier Station um -8°C
- beim Vinson Base Camp um -15°C
- am Mount Vinson Gipfel zwischen -25°C und -35°C
✪ Mit hoher UV-Strahlung und dünner Atmosphäre kann die gefühlte Temperatur bei windstill relativ warm sein.
✪ Sehr kalt falls windig und im Schatten.
✪ Temperaturen können bis unter -40°C fallen, mit Wind-Chill-Faktor ohne Sonne unter -80°C fallen (Aufenthalt nur im Zelt möglich).
Ausrüstung
Downloads
Hinweise zur Antarktis
- Wir sind sehr abgeschieden und den Wetterbedingungen ausgesetzt (keine Flüge bei Nebel oder zu hohen Winden).
- Bei Notfällen am Mount Vinson gibt es kein Rettungsdienst und alle Expeditionsleiter-Guides können in einem möglichen Rettungsprozess eingebunden werden.
- Aufgrund der Abgeschiedenheit musst Du Dich physisch und psychisch auf dieses Abenteuer einstellen, vorbereiten und trainieren.
Participation requirements
-
In General
You should have experience in high mountains and camping in winter conditions. We have no porters in Antarctica and have to transport heavy loads. The ascent is relatively easy, but because of the remoteness, you have to be a good team player and meet the technical and physical requirements solidly. -
Physical requirements
You need to be fit for 1100 meters (3500 feet) of ascent and descent on the summit day and several days of physical strain under difficult conditions. Temperatures below -40°C and longer storms can occur. -
Technical requirements
The ascent of Mount Vinson is to be rated as a high-altitude tour in the PD+/AD- range. The steepest passages are provided by fixed ropes. You should have knowledge of climbing with jumars on fixed lines, crampon walking, handling ice axes and roped-up glacier walking.
Testimonials
SummitClimb Mount Vinson expeditions with our CEO Felix Berg have been over 100% successful: not only have all our clients so far managed to summit Mount Vinson - thanks to our conservative program with plenty of reserves - but we have also been able to undertake additional beautiful mountain tours, such as trips to the summits of Mount Shinn and Mount Rossmann, as part of our expeditions.
We work in partnership with Antarctica Logistics & Expeditions (ALE), the successor to Adventure Network International (ANI), which in 1985 conducted the first private flights to Antarctica. They are the only provider of logistics to Mount Vinson. As an accredited guide partner, we are authorized to offer expeditions to Mount Vinson and, in general, throughout West Antarctica. With our expedition experts, who have worldwide mountain experience, you are in the best hands with us for your successful Vinson ascent.
Costs & Services
Full Service
Leitung / Bergführer:
- SummitClimb Expeditionsleiter (mind. 3 Teilnehmer, max. 5 Teilnehmer)
- Weiterer Bergführer ab 6 Teilnehmer (max. 10 Teilnehmer)
Vorbereitung und Anreise:
- 1. Briefing, Vorbereitungspapiere, 2. Briefing zur Expedition
- Vorbereitungstreffen im Alpenraum (optional), Team-Chat
- Linienflug: Buchung gegen Aufpreis je Klasse, Verschiedene Abflugorte ab DE/AT, Europa (oder Koordination mit der Anreise)
Punta Arena, Chile - Patagonien:
- Flughafentransfers in Punta Arena, Chile
- bis zu 4 x ÜN/F in ****Hotel (DZ, geteilt) in Punta Arenas, Chile
Transfers zum Mount Vinson:
- Flughafentransfers in Punta Arena, Chile
- Hin- und Rückflug zum Union Gletscher
- Hin- und Rückflug Union Gletscher zum Vinson Basislager
- Persönliches Freigepäck zur Aufgabe: max. 25kg
- Handgepäck bis 10kg
Union Gletscher Camp:
- Übernachtung in Zelten
- Gemeinschaftstoiletten
- Gemeinschaftsdusche
- Drei Mahlzeiten am Tag (Buffet)
- Starlink-Internet (umsonst)
- Ladestation (USB oder 120VA/C, US)
- Kleine Notfallklinik mit Ärtzeteam
- Notfallapotheke
Mount Vinson - Base Camp:
- Übernachtung in Zelten (Hilleberg)
- Gruppenzelt (Hilleberg Dome)
- Starlink-Internet (umsonst)
- Umfangreiche Verpflegung
- Abschlussessen und kleine Gipfelfeier
Mount Vinson Besteigung:
- Hochlagerzelte (Hilleberg)
- Kochzelt (Hilleberg)
- Kocher, Gas und spezielle Verpflegung
- Schlitten für den Transport der Ausrüstung
- Gletscherseile, Gruppenmaterial
- 1. Hilfe-Set je 4 Teilnehmer
- mind. 1 Bergführer je 3 bis 5 Teilnehmer
- IRIDIUM Satellitentelefon für Notfälle
- GPS und satellitengestützter Notfallsender
- VHF Funkgeräte zur Kommunikation
- Wetterbericht via Base Camp
- Insurance (min. USD 150'000 for rescue)
- International flight to Chile
- Meals during the day and in the evening in Punta Arenas
- Personal equipment
- Additional flights in Antarctica
- Excess baggage (more than 25kg)
- Extra days in case of extension in Antarctica
- Satellite phone - usage fee
- Tips / Gratitudes
