EXTREME SOUTHERN ASCENT

The need for exceptional physical fitness cannot be over-emphasised. A regular, strenuous programme must be followed for many months to achieve the level of fitness required. We recommend a training programme tailored to mountaineering such as the 24-week plan from Uphill Athlete.

Team members need to be physically fit, have strong mental stamina and be capable of strenuous exercise in a cold environment for several days. You can expect to be exerting yourself for about 6–8 hours per day (10–12 hours on summit day).

You must be capable of carrying 15kg in your pack and be able to haul an additional 25kg on a sled when moving to the Low Camp and around 18-25kg in your pack climbing to High Camp. The expedition is unsupported, meaning that there is no porter support. You must be capable of carrying your personal gear plus your fair share of any group equipment up and down the mountain.

All team members will also be expected to assist in putting up and breaking camps, and help out with meal-making while on the mountain.

Climbers should be proficient in basic mountaineering skills (ice axe and crampon use, self-arrest), glacier travel as part of a roped team, crevasse rescue training, and have snow camping and cold weather experience. You should be familiar with long days on steep terrain carrying big loads.

Previous mountaineering experience on multiple glaciated peaks such as Mont Blanc, Mount Aspiring, Island Peak or Mount Rainier is required.

Previous experience climbing at altitude is helpful, although not required. Climbers with experience on other high, cold mountains such as Denali, Vinson or Mount Logan will find that experience beneficial.