Guided Trips - $28,000 to $32,000

Due to the high risks involved in this expedition, there are no unguided climbs on Mt. Vinson. While the technical difficulty is rated as “moderate,” the climb is demanding due to intense cold, possibility of severe weather (wind and snow), and most of all, the extreme isolation of the mountain. Climbers should be highly competent in basic winter mountaineering skills, and cold-weather climbing and camping. Familiarity with equipment and techniques such as rappelling, prussiking, crampon use, and rescue strategy is essential. Endurance training is crucial, and training in cold weather at altitude is ideal. You must be exceptionally fit, and able to carry a pack weighing as much as 65 pounds, since there will be no porter or Sherpa support at base camp or on the mountain.

There are a relatively small number of guide companies to choose from, but most claim to have a very high (98% to 100%) success rate. Look for a service with a reasonably small climber-to-guide ratio (5:1 or less), and a competent back-up infrastructure of communication, transportation, and medical personnel. Your land costs will include all flights from Punta Arenas to the mountain and back; lodging, meals, and support services in Antarctica; all group climbing gear; and all guide services and fees.

Acclimatizing

After arriving in Punta Arenas, you will spend a few days getting organized and buying supplies. Then you and your team will fly six hours to Patriot Hills, Antarctica. Once in Antarctica, you’ll be sleeping in 2- or 3-person insulated tents. The next day, you’ll have a one-hour flight to the base of Vinson Massif (elev. 2,150 m). The following few days will be spent ferrying supplies from base camp to higher camps, as you acclimatize to the altitude. While at base camp, everyone eats together in a big dining tent. Higher on the mountain, food is prepared and eaten in the smaller, living tents, with everyone helping out with food preparation.

Summiting

It’s an 8-hour hike from base camp to Camp 2 (2,900 m) and 6 hours farther the next day, to Camp 3 (high camp) at 3,900 meters. Depending on the weather, you’ll spend one or two days acclimatizing further and then make your summit push. Most guide companies allow three extra days in case of bad weather. If the weather cooperates, you may be offered the option of an extra climb – nearby (and easier) Mt. Shinn.

Following your ascent of Mt. Vinson, you descend to base camp the following day, take a day to gather your supplies and break down your camp, and then the group returns to Patriot Hills the day after that. All in all, expeditions usually take around 14 to17 days from Punta Arenas to the summit and back to Punta Arenas. However, weather plays a huge role in scheduling of flights and summit attempts. Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended, and climbers are strongly encouraged to plan at least two extra weeks into the end of their trip schedules, in case of long delays.