SUMMIT ANTARTICA'S HIGHEST

Mount Vinson

Climbers approaching the summit of Mt Vinson
sleds on Mt Vinson
Ilyushin 76 aircraft in Antarctica

Antarctica’s highest mountain, Mount Vinson, lies within the Ellsworth Mountains, 700 nautical miles from the South Pole. Adventure Consultants pioneered guided ascents of Mount Vinson in 1990 and has been operating successful trips to the mountain ever since.

Expedition members often comment on how this ascent fulfills the desire to experience the breathtaking majesty of the interior of the Antarctic.

We begin the adventure in Punta Arenas at the southern point of Chile. Here we board a polar-capable aircraft and fly to a blue-ice runway and tent camp at Union Glacier on the Antarctic continent. As weather allows, we move by Twin Otter aircraft to the Base Camp on Mount Vinson and begin the ascent, which is usually completed over five or six days.

Because of our longstanding background of mountaineering in the Antarctic we have a well-established ascent methodology and a flawless ascent record. An attempt on Mount Vinson requires involved logistics due to the extreme nature of the weather and conditions in Antarctica.

The climbing on the mountain is not technically difficult, although climbers must have solid fixed rope climbing and descending skills. The environment is incredibly remote and conditions are often extreme. Good pack-fitness is essential as all members must share the load-carrying of the expedition supplies and equipment.

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  • Climb with the pioneers of Mount Vinson guided ascents
  • The most pristine and remote of the Seven Summits
  • Experience the unbelievable vastness of the Antarctic interior
  • South Pole Ski the Last Degree, Climb Antarctica and Aconcagua options available

Climbing Ability

Climbing Ability

Intermediate

Elevation

Elevation

4,892m/16,050ft

Duration

Duration

16 or 17 days

Location

Location

Antarctica

VINSON ITINERARY
DAY 1

Meet in Punta Arenas, Chile

DAY 2

Weighing & loading of gear

DAY 3

Expedition Briefing

DAY 4

Fly to Union Glacier, Antarctica

DAY 5

Fly to Vinson Massif Base Camp

DAY 6-13

Climb Vinson Massif

DAY 14

Return to Union Glacier

DAY 15
Depart for Punta Arenas
DAY 16

Leave for home destination

NOTE

Flights to and from Antarctica are subject to weather. Delays can and often do occur therefore it is important to allow some flexibility with airline travel arrangements at the end of the expedition.

Map of Mount Vinson, Antarctica

Departures and Pricing

Note: Dates are subject to change due to many factors out of our control
Start/End Pricing Book
4 Dec - 19 Dec 2024 $52,000 USD $ Book Now
4 Dec - 31 Dec 2024 $97,000 USD $ Book Now
15 Dec - 31 Dec 2024 $52,000 USD $
15 Dec - 17 Jan 2025 $97,000 USD $
27 Dec - 11 Jan 2025 $52,000 USD $ Book Now
7 Jan - 22 Jan 2025 $52,000 USD $

Consider an add on - South Pole Ski the Last Degree

PREPARE

Fitness

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.

Technical Experience

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.

Altitude Experience

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

Climber on fixed ropes on Mount Vinson, the vast Antarctic expanse below
Why Adventure Consultants?

Adventure Consultants is renowned for our quality of service and the strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.

We employ strong and specialised Expedition leaders and support staff, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up.

Many of our expedition members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions safe and successful.

Climbers hauling sleds to Camp 1 dwarfed by the towering ice cliffs of Mount Vinson.
Inclusions

The price of your trip includes:

  • Professional, qualified guides
  • Excellent food and catering
  • Quality mountain infrastructure
  • Expert logistics
  • Regular dispatches for families and friends to follow your expedition
  • Comprehensive support from our New Zealand office team.
Mt Shinn

To successfully climb the highest peak in Antarctica requires careful respect for the environment.

GALLERY
Climbers near the summit Mt Vinson

The Adventure Consultants Mt Vinson expedition is expeditioning at its finest and every climber is involved in ensuring the survival and success of the team as a whole.

Red tent SL

A good expedition is one where everyone is having fun!

Our Guides
Guy Cotter
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Expedition Leader
Luis Benitez
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Expedition Leader
Kelly McLaren
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Expedition Liaison
Mount Vinson Uncovered Webinar
Add On Options
Climb Antarctica

Hailed as the continent's best kept secret the Climb Antarctica program presents climbers with the opportunity to further explore the remote Antarctic mountains. With unlimited and varied terrain available make the most of your time on the frozen continent with an additional 8 days climbing. Enquire for additional details.

South Pole Ski the Last Degree

You can also combine your ascent of Mount Vinson with a South Pole Ski the Last Degree option. This incredible journey involves skiing the final ten days of the trek to the South Pole, a hugely rewarding experience and ideal option for those seeking to claim the Explorer's Grand Slam!

The details for the Mount Vinson and South Pole Combo are:

Dates:
December 4 - 31, 2024 (Combines Vinson Trip 2 and South Pole Last Degree Trip 1)
December 15, 2024 to January 17, 2025 (Combines Vinson Trip 3 and South Pole Last Degree Trip 2)
Duration: 30 days or 31 days
Price: US$99,650

On the fixed ropes, with views across the Antarctic plateau.

"Good guides understand that part of the payoff is the opportunity to help create one of life’s most powerful experiences for someone they’ve just met. I salute the Guides of Adventure Consultants, who do just that every time they lead an expedition."

Dave Mauro, USA
Guided Climbing Expedition on Vinson in Antarctica with Adventure Consultants

"When I decided four years ago to complete the Seven Summits, I wanted to try a different guide company for all of my climbs until I found one that I was comfortable with, had the experience on all the summits and met all my expectations. After using three other companies, I am now in the process of planning my third climb with Adventure Consultants."

Stephen Wilson, Canada
A group on the summit Mt Vinson

"The trip met and exceeded expectations. I chose AC because of wonderful past experience and your level of experience in differing tours/expeditions. Thanks for a fantastic experience!"

Belinda Reynolds, Australia/New Zealand
Skier tow sleds across the vast expanse of interior Antarctica to the South Pole.

Appreciate what qualities the early explorers such as Amundsen, Scott and Shackleton possessed as you Ski the Last Degree of latitude into South Pole.

WHAT NEXT?
DISPATCHES
Vinson V5 2023/24
January 21 2024
With nothing but luck on our side today, we woke at high camp, packed up in the cold morning, climbed the fixed lines down to low camp... Read More
Vinson V2 2023/24
December 14 2023
It was only yesterday morning of the 12th, our small team left high camp to make a challenge for the summit of Mt Vinson, the goal... Read More
Vinson V4 2022/23
January 03 2023
Yes, the team made it today to the highest point in Antarctica! We were gifted a superb day of lovely weather, if you don’t mind that it is -30C... Read More
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