Alpine Ascents had 100% climber success on Vinson this year (2012/13). Congrats to guides Garrett Madison, Matt Hegeman, Sam Hennessy and our climbing teams!

Alpine Ascents on Mount Vinson
Beginning our commercial expeditions in 1992 (indeed, there were some commercial flights back then), Alpine Ascents has led and cultivated Mt. Vinson climbing practices along with our flight service partners. With nearly 100% success over these past 20 years, we have developed logistics, climbing routes, camps and communication protocols that have help facilitate our high summit and excellent safety record. While items such as extra days on the mountain and satellite phones have become standard practice, our experience in number of seasons of operation and trip logistics is unsurpassed. Alpine Ascents ability to lead multiple trips per season puts us in position to adjust to changing conditions and have the resources available that a "one guide, single expedition" does not have. As always, we encourage you to ask many questions of Alpine Ascents and other guide services before embarking on an expedition of this magnitude. >>Also see Why Climb with Alpine Ascents?

Guides and Experience
Legendary Arctic guide Vern Tejas (who has perhaps more summits of Vinson than anyone else) is our scheduled guide for the 2013-2014 season. Vern has been joined (based on team size) by Matt Hegeman. Our guides are all medically trained (avalanche certification and WFR or EMT certified, LNT Trained) have experience guiding in the Antarctic and other extreme climbing environments. This quality of our guide staff has been the hallmark of our acknowledged expertise. >>More about our guides

About Our 2013/2014 Team Leader
Vern has been guiding in Antarctica since 1988 and has a wealth of experience on the ice. Vern has 29 successful ascents of Mt. Vinson, including the first solo ascent and the first paraglide descent of Mt. Vinson (he even got married on the summit!). Vern was Colonel Norman Vaughan's (88 years old) personal guide on the first ascent of Mount Vaughan, which was documented by National Geographic. Vern has guided skiers 600 nautical miles to the South Pole and has worked for the National Science Foundation as a polar guide scouting new routes to the South Pole. (Of his first ascents we include Greenland, summiting the Northernmost mountain in the world stands out. In his spare time on the ice, Vern loves to kite ski in the Ellsworth Range near Mt Vinson).

Expedition Overview – About Vinson
Should we believe that the unexplored exists, then we must view the isolation of Antarctica as an explorer's final frontier. Unparalleled in its pristine and absolute beauty, the journey to the Antarctic continent and the climb of Mt. Vinson ignites man's primal instincts for wilderness, the elements and conquest. The sheer magnitude of the continent and exquisite nature of the ascent is an extreme and remarkable experience. Mount Vinson, located 600 miles from the South Pole and 1,200 miles from the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, is the highest peak on the continent. Vinson is part of the Ellsworth Mountains, which rise majestically from the Ronne Ice Shelf.

Obviously unique in location, Vinson presents more than an off-the-beaten-track climbing trip. The entire journey is surreal in texture; from the lands' end departure point of Punta Arenas, to the 5 hour flight to the continent with no permanent inhabitants and to the Union Glacier Camp amidst the giant arctic desert. While it may be a "7 summit" that spurs initial attraction, most climbers find it one of their most memorable climbing experiences, and the chance to truly capture once in lifetime images.

The climb of Mt. Vinson is moderate by technical standards. It is similar to other alpine routes with moderate slopes and glaciated terrain. What separates Vinson from all other peaks is the sheer isolation of the mountain and the extraordinary views from its summit. As we approach the top of this remote continent, we peer across thousands of square miles of ice caps and glaciers which then fade into a distinctly curved horizon. From the summit we are blessed with views of neighboring Shinn and Epperly and a multitude of unexplored peaks.

Climate
The climate on Vinson is generally controlled by the polar ice cap's high-pressure system, creating predominantly stable conditions, but as in any arctic climate, high winds and snowfall are a possibility. Though the annual snowfall on Vinson is low, high winds can cause base camp accumulations up to 18 feet in a year. During the summer season (November through January), there are 24 hours of sunlight. While the average temperature during these months is -20ºF, the intense sun will melt snow on dark objects. As of 2010, a new runway and camp has been established at the Union Glacier (replacing the Patriot Hills camp), and has lead to a lower rate of flight delays. Climbers need to be prepared to travel in extreme cold environments, properly geared and skilled in self-care.

Fixed Line Use
Between our low camp and high camp on Mt. Vinson is a fixed line section that involves climbing with the assistance of a fixed line in place. The elevation gain is roughly 1500 ft and takes several hours to ascend this section. The slope angle does not surpass 30 degrees and is best climbed with crampons, ice axe, and use of an ascender. The fixed lines are regularly maintained and are constructed of high quality climbing ropes and anchors. We take breaks regularly during this portion of the climb.

Prerequisites
Those wishing to embark on this unique journey should possess prior climbing skills and be prepared for harsh conditions of extreme cold and, at times, ferocious winds. Climbers must be in strong physical condition and be able to carry 30 pounds. Mountaineering skills required include self-arrest, glacier travel and crevasse rescue. Climbers should have successfully completed at least a week long training course as well completed some other climbs such as glaciated peaks in Washington State or Alaska. 

In addition climbers need to be well skilled at personal maintenance and hygiene. This is more than just having the right gear, but a sense of one's working body, ability to detect cold and other issues, and be willing to communicate your level of health with your guide.

Physical Conditioning
Vinson at 16,067’ is an extreme, high altitude climb. You should be comfortable climbing 8 hours per day. Summit day is the most demanding portion of the climb, typically involving 8 hours for the ascent and 6-7 hours for the descent. Generally you carry 30 pounds in a backpack and 20 pounds on a sled.

Alpine Ascents is one of the few outfitters that is allowed to cache at Vinson Base Camp, Low Camp and High Camp and thus we have a full set of cookwear, stoves, tents and climbing equipment. This greatly reduces the pack weight climbers need to carry (now 30lbs). This substantially changes the climb in that much less weight is now needed to be carried by Alpine Ascents groups.

Our expeditions require strength & endurance. Being in sound physical condition is the single most important aspect for climbers to maximize their climbing potential. The better your physical condition, the more likely you are to perform well and have an enjoyable experience. The most frequent comment we have received over the years is that climbers have underestimated the fitness level needed to fully enjoy their trip. Additionally, inadequate fitness will affect the atmosphere, pace, and overall enjoyment of the climb for all participants. We highly recommend checking with your physician before undertaking any strenuous activity.  >>Vinson Training Guide

Expectations
Please remember you are part of a climbing team, and as with any team, your ability to contribute not only helps your chances for success, but also mitigates some of the climbing risks and increases the likelihood of a highly enjoyable experience for all. Our office is at your beck and call to discuss training, gear, prerequisites and logistics. You may want to check out our Denali Training regimen as this will also serve as excellent preparation for Vinson.

Meals
We strive to provide a balanced diet while on the continent of Antarctica, this includes time spent at Union Glacier camp and time spent on Mt. Vinson during the climb. The breakfasts usually consist of eggs, pancakes, oatmeal, and some cereals along with a hot drink. Dinners usually consist of a carbohydrate, a vegetable, and a meat portion. Examples are rice, pasta, mixted vegetables, chicken, fish, or beef. Our hot drinks selection consists of hot cocoa, apple cider, tea, coffee.

Pre-Trip Planning
It's a long way to Antarctica and we realize that making the pre-trip planning as easy as possible, is one less worry for the climber. We pride ourselves on being available for your phone calls and emails, have a 24-hour emergency number and prepare the necessary documents in a clean and precise manner. We are happy to walk you through our application forms, bios, necessary insurance and ALE (our flight service) paperwork. Not to stop there, we can discuss and help plan training regimens (catered to where you live) and work closely with you on locating the right gear and discussing clothing options. We have an excellent travel agent who can get you out of Punta Arenas as quickly as possible with 24 hour call service. Our guides will personally contact you before your climb.

Environmental Responsibility
Alpine Ascents is deeply committed to maintaining ecosystems at home and around the world, especially in the pristine environment of Antarctica. With each expedition, trek and course, we not only attempt to leave the environment as we found it, but strive to assist the local population in protecting the land and people indigenous to that region. Alpine Ascents reaches for the highest ethical business practices at home and abroad. Each staff member is dedicated to environmentally sound alpine ascents.

At Alpine Ascents environmental stewardship remains one of our core values and we take Leave No Trace ethics and practices very seriously. The mountains are our home and we are unwilling to sacrifice their preservation for human objectives. On every one of our courses and climbs we teach and follow the environmentally appropriate Leave No Trace principals and practices.

Over the years, with the assistance of our Sherpa teams, we have stepped up efforts to clean Mt. Everest. Our Wag Bag™ program made a pioneering step in human waste management for the National Park System and Forest Service in the North Cascades. On Aconcagua, we pioneered a waste removal system on our climbs, utilizing the WAG Bag™ system. And we continue our on-going maintenance and minimal impact plans wherever we guide. We believe that given the proper information most people will do all they can to help protect and maintain the environment. Alpine Ascents is committed to developing safe, self-reliant and environmentally conscious mountaineers.

Private Groups
We regularly organize private climbs for individuals, corporate groups, families and friends. We encourage you to book these climbs early as we are often able to cater these climbs to group-specific desires. Please contact our office to further discuss the benefits of private expeditions.

Ski the Last Degree
Alpine Ascents now offers the opportunity for climbers and adventurers to ski from the 89th degree to the 90th degree at the South Pole. This incredible journey was once reserved for explorers on lengthy expeditions but is now accessible via this unique guided trip. We travel by ski equipped aircraft to the 89th degree. From that point, we ski the final length, 70 miles, across wind swept terrain and sastrugi in an effort to reach the Geographical South Pole. This trip takes approximately 10 days. You will have hearty meals and snacks along the way and a comfortable camp each evening to enjoy a group supper prepared by our guides. The prerequisite for any adventurer considering the South Pole ski trip is good physical condition & moderate randonee skiing skills.

An extremely small number of tourists have visited the pole, allowing you to literally make a historical crossing. Reach the Geographic South Pole and realize that you are now standing at the most southerly point on earth where beneath your feet 360 lines of longitude collide and the ice is almost 3,000m (10,000ft) thick. This journey can be made independently or in conjunction with our Mt. Vinson climb