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 but the venue is incredibly remote and conditions often extreme. Good pack-fitness is essential as all members must share the load-carrying of the expedition supplies and equipment.
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.
Dates 2023/2024
| TRIP 1: November 23 – December 8, 2023 | |
| TRIP 2: December 4–19, 2023 | |
| TRIP 3: December 15–31, 2023 | |
| TRIP 4: December 27, 2023 – January 11, 2024 | |
| TRIP 5: January 7–22, 2024 |
Pricing Schedule 2023/2024
The cost of the expedition ex Punta Arenas in Chile is US$52,000.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
Account Information
All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank of New Zealand
Offshore Branch
42 Willis Street
Spark Central
Wellington
New Zealand
for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited
Account # 1000-594771-0000
Account Type: US Dollars
Swift Address: BKNZNZ22
Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitters account.
We can also accept your deposit and balance payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% credit card fee.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of US$5,000 is payable to secure a place on the expedition.
Balance
The balance is payable 120 days before the trip departure date.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
An expedition member may cancel their participation on the following basis:
Trip Cancellation Insurance
We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons.
The Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Mount Vinson Expeditions.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
Team Membership
The team will have a minimum size of 4 members and 1 guide and a maximum size of 10 members and 2 guides.
You will find the Adventure Consultants mountain guides companionable and strong expedition leaders with considerable power and willingness to see you achieve your goals. The number of guides is determined by the team size but the normal ratio of guides to members is 1:5.
Logistics
Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE) provides the logistic support and safety backup for our Mount Vinson expedition. The ALE staff have considerable experience and a strong involvement in Antarctica. They operate the charter planes to and from the ice, as well as the connecting flights to Mount Vinson Base Camp. You will receive several documents from our office that ALE requires before our expedition.
Our Guides
The expedition leader will be scheduled approximately six months out from the trip start. All of our Antarctic expedition trip leaders have extensive experience at high altitude and a proven record of safety, success and compatibility. Our Vinson expedition guiding team includes:
Mike Roberts
Lead Guide Trips #3, #4, #5
Mike Roberts has been guiding for nearly 30 years and during his career has climbed many of the world’s highest mountains including 4 ascents of Mount Vinson as well as an ascent of Mount Sidley, Antarctica's highest volcano.
He has also managed to fit in 14 seasons mountain and ski guiding in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, 18 seasons in Antarctica as a Field Leader / Guide to the USA and NZ Antarctic Programs, SAR Leader for the Joint Antarctic Search and Rescue team, has worked as a Professional Ski Patroller / Avalanche Forecaster and is a qualified Physiotherapist. Mike is also a fully qualified IFMGA Mountain & Ski Guide.
AC guide Andy Cole has been guiding by since the early 90s, during which time he has amassed a wealth of climbing experience. As well as having climbed extensively throughout his own back garden of New Zealand's Southern Alps, Andy is no stranger to Antarctica, with three solo first ascents in the Escalade Range to his name. As well as being an IFMGA guide, Andy is a keen sailor in his downtime from the hills.
French guide Jean-Baptiste (JB to all who know him) is an IFMGA guide who has quickly made waves as a popular and charismatic leader. JB has worked for Adventure Consultants in Europe, New Zealand, the Himalaya and Antarctica, previously summiting Mount Vinson in December 2017. He has climbed Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,794ft) without oxygen and is a keen proponent of expedition life.
Steve Moffat
Steve is one of our senior guides and when not out in the mountains guiding expeditions or his favourite NZ peaks, can be found in our offices coordinating the NZ guiding programme.
Steve is an IFMGA Climbing and Ski Guide with considerable Himalayan experience, both as expedition leader and guide. In 2006 he guided and summitted on our Everest expedition. In addition to his time in the Himalayas, Steve has also guided in Canada, South America, Antarctica, and Greenland. He has previously guided our Vinson expeditions in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2017.
Guy Cotter
Guy is the CEO of Adventure Consultants and has spent over 25 years leading and organising expeditions around the globe. Guy's experience in the mountains is unquestionable and his skills are in high demand, not only as a guide but also as a high altitude cameraman, film project manager, training corporate groups, speaker and of course in expedition logistics and planning. Guy's impressive climbing resume includes the Seven Summits and eight of the world's fourteen 8,000m peaks.
Charley Mace
Charley lives in Colorado and has been climbing all of his life. He is one of America's most respected and successful Himalayan mountaineers with ascents of five 8000 metre peaks; Everest, K2, Manaslu, Gasherbrum II and Cho Oyu.
Head Office Support Team
Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.
Hayley Furze, Client Liaison
Hayley joins the AC team with a wealth of experience working in the tourism and hospitality industry along with a love of travel. She works as Client Liaison on a number of our European and international ascents, treks and expeditions.
Your Health
Expedition members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire and asked to visit their family physician and receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the expedition leader and the ALE medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality.
Level of Experience Required
To climb Mount Vinson you need to be physically fit, have strong mental stamina and be capable of strenuous exercise for several days' duration. Expedition members can expect to be exerting themselves for 6-12 hours per day and be capable of carrying a 25kg/55lb pack.
While the route is quite long, it is not a technically difficult climb, so members with modest mountaineering backgrounds can join this expedition so long as they have some overall cold camping experience, have basic mountaineering skills including crevasse rescue training and are sufficiently ‘pack’ fit for long days with big loads.
Difficulty Rating
Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.
Preparing for Your Trip
Effective high altitude mountaineering requires a good (specific) physiology for the activity and a solid mountaineering background. It is often unknown who will perform well up high and who will not. There have been many instances of technically brilliant mountaineers not being able to climb at altitude whilst less experienced climbers, who do operate well up high, excel.
Of course, there is much we can do to enhance the attributes we have and these are best achieved by specific high altitude training. Check out our Fitness Training page for more detailed information.
What You Carry
Adventure Consultants are privileged to be one of the only operators permitted to leave caches of equipment at our mountain camps. This greatly reduces the need for carrying the larger loads of days gone by. In general, you can expect to carry a pack of around 12–15kg/26-33lbs and haul a sled of about 25kg/55lbs up to Low Camp. Above that, you should expect to carry a pack of 18–25kg/40–55lbs to High Camp. On summit day your pack is light, less than 8kg/17lbs. This reinforces the need to take just the right amount of equipment with you on the mountain and to ensure you are ‘pack fit’ before you arrive on the expedition. Your guide will help with your equipment check in Punta Arenas, but you will need to arrive fit and ready to tackle the mountain.
History
Mount Vinson is situated in the heart of the Ellsworth Mountains, 700 nautical miles from the South Pole. The mountain was first climbed by an American expedition during the summer of 1966/67 but was not ascended a second time until 1979. Both expeditions were supported by government programmes.
The Canadian company Adventure Network International (ANI) opened up this area to private expeditions and operated regular flights to its summer camp at Patriot Hills from 1985. In 2003/2004 they withdrew their Antarctic operations and Antarctica Logistics & Expeditions (ALE) stepped in. ALE is run by some of the same people that initially started ANI back in the 1980s and they now use a new camp at Union Glacier as their base to operate from in Antarctica.
Mount Vinson is 4,897m/16,067ft high but is not a technically difficult climb although it is an extremely cold ascent with temperatures dropping to minus 40°C near the summit. Under the leadership of experienced Antarctic guides, climbers of moderate experience can safely undertake the expedition.
While ALE will supply our transport to and from Antarctica, Adventure Consultants will provide all the leadership, guiding staff and team equipment necessary for the expedition.
Food
AC will import western food for the expedition and supplement this with fresh and dried Chilean products. Our expeditions are renowned for the quality of the food and your guides cooking expertise will be legendary. The group will be expected to assist with cooking tasks. We bring a variety of foods and snacks to cater to most tastes however if you have a favourite snack food/treat for high on the mountain, we highly recommend you bring a small supply along with you. Snack food for the climbing days will be sorted in Punta Arenas before you depart and you will carry that for the expedition. Other snack food will be available for days when not on the mountain.
Clothing & Equipment
A full clothing and equipment checklist will be sent to all expedition members once their booking is confirmed. The expedition leader will be available prior to the trip to discuss individual equipment questions.
Following is a typical itinerary the Mount Vinson Expedition:
| Day | |
| 1 | Meet in Punta Arenas, Chile |
| 2 | Weighing & loading of gear |
| 3 | Expedition Briefing |
| 4 | Fly to Union Glacier, Antarctica |
| 5 | Fly to Vinson Massif Base Camp |
| 6-13 | Climb Vinson Massif |
| 14 | Return to Union Glacier |
| 15 | Depart for Punta Arenas |
| 16 | Leave for home destination |
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.
The climb involves interesting glacier travel on the wide and gently sloping lower reaches of the Branscomb Glacier. We pull our sleds up the glacier far below the impressive ice falls that cascade from the main Vinson plateau, 1,500m/5,000ft above.
The Base Camp is situated on the Branscomb Glacier at approximately 2,100m/6,900ft and we use two higher camps at approximately 2,700m/8,850ft and 3,850m/12,600ft. The Low Camp is situated further up the glacier just beyond the second icefall, below an ice-wall, which drops directly from the main summit which is about a 7-hour walk from Base Camp punctuated by regular breaks to take in the scenery. We carry half of our equipment in a rucksack and the other half we tow behind on a small plastic sledge.
From Low Camp, we climb a 1,200m/4,000ft snow arête (up to 40 degrees steep) on fixed rope for approximately 800m/2,600ft. Fixed rope techniques will be taught during the expedition. The snow arête leads us to High Camp which takes about 6–9 hours. High Camp is nestled beside a rocky ridge adjacent to the main summit plateau.
The climb from High Camp to the summit normally takes between 7 and 10 hours, depending on the speed of the party. The descent back to the top camp takes around 2½ hours. On summit day as you climb the glacial plateau, you will first pass Branscomb Peak on the left and the final Vinson summit pyramid then lies directly ahead. From here we climb the picturesque East Ridge, weaving in and out of small rock steps until we arrive at the stunningly beautiful summit and the highest point on the Antarctic continent.
There is a Sierra Club book in a metal tin on the summit of the peak for those wishing to record their ascent. The descent from High Camp down to Base Camp can be achieved reasonably comfortably in one day. We collect the toilet bags and other waste on the way down the mountain.
Arrival
As the group gear must be weighed and loaded at least 1 day prior to departure to Union Glacier as well as attend the expedition briefing, you are advised to schedule your arrival in Punta Arenas accordingly. Thus we recommend arriving the day before the official start date of the expedition or at the very least, arriving on the morning of Day One.
Departure
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.
Climb both Mount Vinson and Aconcagua with our Aconcagua Add On package. After all, you have already acclimatised to 4,892m/16,050ft on Mount Vinson yourself, and since you have travelled all that way why not make use of those advantages and tackle another of the Seven Summits while you are there?
Our Aconcagua Add On Expeditions are private departures scheduled to directly follow any of our Mount Vinson expeditions.
Duration: 19 days
Departure: ex Mendoza, Argentina
The cost is US$15,400 for a single climber. Please contact us for pricing for larger groups. This fee is in addition to the Vinson Massif fee but includes Aconcagua helicopter access and egress.
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Mount Vinson Dates |
Aconcagua Add On Dates |
|
Trip 1: November 23 to December 8, 2022 |
December 10–28, 2022 |
|
Trip 2: December 4–19, 2022 |
December 21, 2022 to January 8, 2023 |
|
Trip 3: December 15–30, 2022 |
January 1–19, 2023 |
|
Trip 4: December 26, 2022 to January 10, 2023 |
January 12–30, 2023 |
|
Trip 5: January 6–21, 2023 |
January 23 to February 10, 2023 |
Please click on the image to view the trip notes online
.
Complete your Antarctic experience with our Climb Antarctica Expedition, the ideal Add On following your Vinson Expedition. Climb Antarctica has been hailed as the continent's best kept secret, and presents mountaineers with the opportunity to climb in the world's most remote and pristine environment.
The terrain is unlimited and varied, from technical ascents to easy snow climbs and ridge traverses that offer views over the Ronne Ice Shelf and Polar Plateau. This unique experience of climbing in Antarctica has only been undertaken by a handful of people and the opportunities for attempting new routes and first ascents are a real possibility.
The cost of the Climb Antarctica Add On ex Union Glacier, Antarctica is US$12,750.
The Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Climb Antarctica Expeditions.
Please click on the image to view the trip notes online, visit our Climb Antarctica page or contact us for more information.
Why not finish your Antarctic trip with our Ski Antarctica Expedition, a brilliant Add On following your Mount Vinson expedition. Ski Antarctica offers some once-in-a-lifetime backcountry skiing in an out-of-this-world environment.
The Heritage Range that will be our playground for this expedition has the breadth of terrain to suit any experience level, with unparalleled views in all directions and options for multi-day trips or day tours from our base at Union Glacier Camp.
The cost of the Ski Antarctica Add On ex Union Glacier, Antarctica is available on application.
The Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Ski Antarctica Expeditions.
Please click on the image to view the trip notes online, visit our Ski Antarctica page or contact us for more information.
Fly to the South Pole
Journey to this ultimate destination following your expedition, covering the distance that took the early explorers many months of hardship, in just a few hours.
South Pole Ski the Last Degree
Imagine having the pleasure of standing on the geographical South Pole? We can help you achieve this either as a stand-alone trip or as a combination of our Mount Vinson and Ski the Last Degree to South Pole options. We have led private groups to the South Pole, so are experts in the field.
Mount Vinson AND South Pole Ski the Last Degree option:
Dates: December 4–31, 2023 (Combines Vinson Trip 2 and South Pole Last Degree Trip 1)
Dates: December 15, 2023 – January 17, 2024 (Combines Vinson Trip 3 and South Pole Last Degree Trip 2)
Duration: 28 or 34 days
Departure: ex Punta Arenas, Chile
Price: US$96,295
Please click on the image to view the trip notes online, visit our South Pole Ski the Last Degree page or contact us for more information.
If you feel you want to additional support to carry equipment for you then please contact the office to discuss pricing for this option. We can arrange for a personal porter to carry for you throughout the expedition but due to the high cost of operating in Antarctica, the costs for this service are substantial.
We offer Privately Guided Expeditions on Mount Vinson and have been fortunate enough to work with many private groups over the years with exceptional results. Contact us for further information and pricing.
Three Glaciers Camp is an exclusive retreat nestled deep in the Ellsworth Mountains of Antarctica, at the base of Mount Sporli and at the head of the Schneider, Schanz and Driscoll glaciers. It can be booked as an accommodation experience for members on Mount Vinson, Mount Sidley, Climb Antarctica and Ski Antarctica expeditions, as well as Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Voyages. 
Each of the eight guest tents is heated, furnished with cozy sitting areas and equipped with a charging station for personal electronics. Three suites feature king beds and five have two extra-long twin beds. Double-walled tents and window shades create a dark retreat after long days in the Antarctic sun. There are even shower facilities, with melt snow gathered straight from the glacier to maintain a piping hot supply. Guests can enjoy unobstructed views of mountains and glaciers from the warmth of their private patio.
In the dining room and lounge area, a private chef will create original dishes with fresh ingredients flown in from Chile. In between meals, you can relax on the sofa with a book from the polar library or enjoy a coffee from a leather lounge chair.
Finding the right travel and rescue insurance for your adventure to Antarctica or the Arctic's North Pole region can be tricky! Rest assured when you book with the expedition specialists here at Adventure Consultants we'll help by sending through advice on what you'll need, including:
For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.
Please note you will be emailed a set of the Mount Vinson Team Reference Notes upon registration. This extensive booklet includes detailed information to assist in the planning of your trip, from travel and medical advice to equipment lists and photography tips. The following is to serve as a helpful guideline but please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
How long has Adventure Consultants been in operation?
Adventure Consultants started in 1990 and we have been guiding internationally ever since. You can read more about AC History here.
A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. What makes you the first choice for your climbers travelling to Antarctica?
In December of 1992, Adventure Consultants founders Rob Hall and Gary Ball ran their first commercial expedition to Antarctica in conjunction with Adventure Network International (ANI). Rob had already climbed Mount Vinson in 1989, a feat that he repeated along with Gary in 1990. Adventure Consultants has continued guiding in this remote part of the world ever since and has established a strong relationship with Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE), who supply our transport to and from Antarctica and the logistic support and safety backup for our Mount Vinson expedition. Adventure Consultants has been running expeditions to Mount Vinson for many seasons and over this time, we have developed our well-established ascent methodology and a flawless ascent record.
How long is a typical day on the mountain?
Typically, you can expect your days to be 6-12 hours long, with summit day around 12 hours.
If we get "stuck" on the ice, what do we eat? Have you ever run out of food?
No, we won’t run out of food! Typically, we bring at least one week's worth of extra food with us. If we are required to stay longer than this we will then dine at the large base camp which is operated from Union Glacier. This camp maintains huge stores of food that could basically winter over everyone who is present.
Can I use skis on Vinson?
On the mountain, we actually don’t need them! We do not wear skis on the expedition, as skiing with a heavy pack and a sled behind you is a skill most do not have.
After going all that way, I would like to stay and ski to the South Pole, is this possible and if so, how long would it take?
We can arrange this for you. It typically takes an additional 10 days or so after your climb is finished. The whole team flies back to Union Glacier and when the main group flies back to South America, you will join our South Pole Ski the Last Degree group and fly to 88 nautical miles away from the pole, and ski the rest of the way, pulling sleds just like the polar explorers! See our South Pole Ski the Last Degree page. Note, this option is only available on particular departures, so please enquire with our office, if interested.
What showers and laundry facilities will be available on the expedition?
Showers and laundry facilities are available at the Punta Arenas hotel prior to and after the expedition. There may be the chance for a shower at Union Glacier, so bring a lightweight towel and small wash kit for this eventuality. We advise people to bring wet-wipes for an impromptu wash while on the expedition.
Would you let us know what food will be available?
Food is one of the most crucial factors for a trip onto Mount Vinson. We serve nutritious and filling food that will sustain you well for the ascent; during the planning stage, we will ask you for your feedback in advance in order for us to adjust our menus to your specific requirements or tastes. We allow you to select your own mountain snack food in Punta Arenas prior to the trip to ensure you carry only what you prefer eating on the mountain.
What is the food like?
Our guides will prepare high quality food from a pre-planned menu with food items from New Zealand and Chile. On the mountain, we also eat fresh food plus MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat). This is real food, vacuum sealed, so you just heat and eat! On previous expeditions, our teams have been served meals such as NZ lamb shanks, salmon, curries and pasta dishes. We are happy to cater for specific dietary requirements, so do let us know in advance.
What are the hotels like?
The expedition departs from Punta Arenas and we stay at a great little hotel called the Hotel Rey Don Felipe. This hotel offers classical elegance and its friendly helpful staff always look after the AC teams exceptionally well. The challenge is that if we need to extend our stay in the event that weather delays our scheduled flight to Antarctica. Many groups are forced to check out of their hotel regardless but your guide will work with the hotel to try and keep the AC team in the hotel until our departure!
Will I be sharing a tent or room with other climbers? Is a single supplement available?
Typically you will have your own hotel room in Punta Arenas and on the mountain, you will share a tent with one other member. Due to the severe weight restrictions on the flight to Antarctica and heavy load carrying requirements on the mountain, a single supplement is not available while in Antarctica.
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave as I have heard that there can be long delays trying to get to, or get back from the ice?
As the group gear must be weighed and loaded at least one day prior to departure to Union Glacier, as well as the expedition briefing, you are advised to schedule your arrival in Punta Arenas accordingly. Flights to and from Antarctica are subject to weather, therefore delays can and sometimes do occur, so it is very important to allow some flexibility with airline travel arrangements at the end of the expedition.
When should I book my ticket?
For the majority of our expeditions, we advise you wait until the 120 day balance payment date prior to your trip start date to ensure your trip has met the minimum numbers and will operate. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights, then please ensure that you can make changes to your tickets. At this time, we highly recommend that you also purchase trip cancellation insurance.
Can I get a cheap ticket online?
Even though our expeditions are only 2 weeks long, you MUST purchase an open, fully changeable air ticket, as often trips can be extended by a week or more due to weather delays. Given the remote nature of where we are landing, both at Mount Vinson Base Camp and at Union Glacier, the weather must fall within certain parameters to be able to fly and you can be assured the reasons for flight delays are for safety. In today’s world, there are few places where the environment still affects our plans and Antarctica is one of them!
Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
Upon arrival into Punta Arenas, you will have to catch a taxi from the airport to the hotel as your guide will be busy with the final packing for the trip down to the ice. Once you have arrived at the hotel, please do let your guide know that you have arrived safely as he/she will be expecting you.
Why is this two-week trip so expensive?
One sentence sums it all up. The flight to and from the ice. This will be the most expensive, no frills flight that you will ever take. The plane is a Russian built Ilyushin 76, designed for work in Siberia; it is well suited for taking off and landing on the ice. However, the interior will be jammed with cargo for the Base Camp, our gear, climbers, scientists and polar explorers, etc. Despite the low frills, it is a fun and exciting flight, especially the landing!
What if I am arriving early or departing late?
We can assist you with booking extra hotel nights if you arrive early into Punta Arenas. However, on this trip YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO ARRIVE LATE, as all of the equipment must be weighed and loaded one full day in advance of the flight to Antarctica. If you miss this deadline, or your bags get lost, you will not be able to come on the expedition.
Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
Yes, you will be sent a personal clothing and equipment/packing list, once our office has received your trip registration form and deposit. We also have a dedicated equipment coordinator who is happy to provide advice and answers to any questions you may have and do visit our Gear Store page.
Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared and you must bring everything on the list, as there are very limited options if additional equipment needs to be purchased in Punta Arenas.
How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be?
This will be clearly stated in your recommended gear list. In particular for camping on the ice, you will need a sleeping bag warm enough for conditions that can be as cold as -40°C (-40°F). We cannot recommend enough buying a sleeping bag big enough to allow you to wear some clothes in if it is especially cold.
How much weight do we carry on the expedition?
Adventure Consultants are privileged to be one of the only operators permitted to leave caches of equipment at our mountain camps. This greatly reduces the need for carrying the larger loads of days gone by. In general, you can expect to carry a pack of around 15-20kg/35-45lbs and haul a sled of about 15kg/35lbs up to Low Camp. Above that, you should expect to carry a pack of 15-22kg/35-50lbs to High Camp. On summit day your pack is light, less than 8kg/17lbs.
I will be climbing at altitude, so does Adventure Consultants take this into consideration?
On all of our programmes, we seriously take into consideration the altitude and ensure that all of our itineraries allow for sufficient acclimatisation and rest days, if required.
What altitude medication will be available on the expedition? Do we need to take tablets before/ during the trip?
All our guides carry extensive medical kits including medication for altitude illness. Unless you have experienced previous issues with acclimatisation there is likely no need to take Diamox prophylactically. You need to bring any medications you regularly use (don’t forget to tell us about them), plus extras. Also bring a small first aid kit including a blister kit and mild headache medication for the normal altitude headaches.
How many guides will be assigned to our group?
On the Mount Vinson expedition, the team will have a minimum size of 4 members and 1 guide and a maximum size of 10 members and 2 guides.
Can I hire a porter?
If you feel you want additional support to carry equipment for you, then please contact the office to discuss pricing for this option. We can arrange for a personal porter to carry for you throughout the expedition but due to the high cost of operating in Antarctica the costs for this service are substantial.
Can I contact other climbers or guides on this expedition?
Sure! Before the expedition, contact our office and we can pass on your details to the other climbers. Due to our privacy policy, we leave it up to individual team members as to whether they want to get in touch.
Who goes on your trips?
Our climbers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, nationalities and skill levels ranging from those seeking skill development to those seeking assistance with the world's highest mountains or purely adventure.
I would like to arrange a private trip, is this possible?
We are happy to arrange a private group trip to the destination of your choice, and even to remote destinations such as Antarctica. There is no specific group size, but obviously larger groups are more cost-effective. Please contact the office for more information or visit our Private Customised Expeditions page.
What are the skills/prior experience required for this climb?
To climb Vinson Massif you need to be physically fit, have strong mental stamina and be capable of strenuous exercise for several days’ duration. Members should also have prior experience with an ice axe and crampons. While the route is quite long, it is not a technically difficult climb, so members with modest mountaineering backgrounds can join this expedition so long as they have some overall cold camping experience, have basic mountaineering skills, including crevasse rescue training, and are sufficiently 'pack' fit for long days with big loads.
If you are interested in this expedition but feel that you may not have quite enough experience, please contact our team to chat over the skills you have and we can also easily arrange additional training around the world, if need be.
What kind of physical condition should I be in for an Antarctic expedition?
Given the remote location and altitude, we ask that you are in very good physical condition. Cardiovascular fitness is very important on this climb and you should be able to climb for 6-12 hours a day wearing a pack and up to 12 hours on summit day. Please see our Fitness Training Page for more information.
How can I best prepare for the cold? Isn’t it the coldest place on the planet?
Yes, if the wind picks up and you are in the shade, it can get very cold indeed. The good part is that it is a dry cold and the low humidity makes the low temperatures a bit more tolerable. The best way to prepare for these temperatures, barring standing in a walk-in freezer, would be to get out during the winter months if you can and anticipate how your body will respond to the change in climate. To give you an idea of just how cold it gets in Antarctica, on 21 July 1983 the lowest ever recorded temperature was measured at Vostok Station in inland Princess Elizabeth Land at -89°C/-128°F!
Adventure Consultants can assist in sourcing gear and ALE may be able to rent some clothing items for particular trips. If interested, please enquire with your client liaison.
How do I know this is the right trip for me?
We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.
What type of communication is available on the climb?
Your expedition guide will have an Iridium satellite phone and you are welcome to use this at US$4 per minute. We rely on solar power and cannot guarantee that the phone will be available 24hrs a day, as cold severely affects the system and delays can occur for re-warming. If you anticipate that you may need to make frequent or long calls then please make arrangements before the expedition through our office.
I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
Your guide will send daily internet dispatches and the Adventure Consultants NZ office receives updates from our guides, while they are in the field. The best place to reach a loved one is through our office.
Will there be any power source for charging batteries, etc. available throughout the expedition? What voltage requirements?
We take solar panels and sometimes battery power packs on our expeditions. Our first priority is to charge our satellite phones and expedition electrical equipment. It is possible to charge via USB at Union Glacier Camp so if your equipment has this facility please bring this along. We do NOT recommend bringing rechargeable digital cameras as they tend to run out when power is not available. Use cameras with replaceable batteries and we recommend lithium batteries. We can cater for special power requirements at an extra cost. Please enquire with our office.
What weather report service do you use? How often do you receive a weather report in the summit bid phase?
During the expedition, your guide will receive daily weather updates from the team at Union Glacier as well as updates from the Adventure Consultants office. This will then allow your guide to gauge the best summit window.
What insurance do we need to get?
You will need insurance for search, rescue and medical evacuation to a minimum value of US$150,000. All expeditions also need cover for at least 7 days BEYOND your expected return date to Punta Arenas. This should cover you for any costs incurred in the event of any illness, medical emergency or evacuation that occurs while on expedition and we also recommend insurance for trip cancellation, baggage loss, damage or theft, or any other mishap that can occur.
Do I need evacuation insurance?
Absolutely and as it is so imperative for departures to Antarctica, given that your insurance cover is double checked prior to being allowed to travel down to the ice.
Who do you recommend for insurance?
When you have booked on an Antarctic departure, we will send you information on the insurance option which will serve you best for obtaining the best coverage in line with what is required.
What is trip cancellation insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without losing the total cost of the trip. Adventure Consultants highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for expeditions to Antarctica. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (e.g. minimum numbers are not reached) then we refund your fees paid, but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred.
Can I pay by credit card?
We can accept the expedition deposit and balance payment on a credit card. Please do note however that all card transactions incur a 3% credit card fee. Please contact our office or visit our secure credit card page to send us your credit card details.
What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
Please see the 'Payment Conditions' section above for the inclusions and exclusions for this particular trip. There is also a downloadable pdf document in the 'Trip Notes' section above. International airfares are not included in the trip price but we can recommend excellent travel agents with whom we have worked in the past, should you require help with arranging your international airfare.
Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline!! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are internationally qualified Western guides, proven dependable local operators, small group sizes and safe client-to-guide ratios, quality equipment and high summit success rates, among other things. You do get what you pay for, which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors ‘cheaper’ trips.
How do I sign up for a trip?
The best way to reserve your space on a trip is to contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below). Your deposit can be submitted by bank transfer (please see 'Payment Details' in the 'Payment Conditions' section above) or via our secure online payment system.
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
I love the photographs in your brochure and on your website, are they for sale?
Yes, our images are available for licensing or purchase. Please contact us for further information.
What is the best equipment for photography in Alpine environments?
There is an extensive section in our Reference Notes, which are emailed out on receipt of your trip registration form and deposit, explaining about photography in the mountains.
Remember photos are wonderful records of your expedition but keep camera gear simple and light to best enjoy the trip you are on. Digital cameras are the lightest weight, but all cameras have maintenance issues that need to be carefully considered before bringing them to polar regions.
I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do an NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA.
Please see Adventure Consultants Mountain Guide Scholarships on our Career Opportunities page and check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association for more information.
Dispatches - Mount Vinson #4 2022/23
Dispatches - Mount Vinson #2 2022/23
Dispatches - Mount Vinson 2019/20
Dispatches - Mount Vinson 2018/19
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Dispatches - Mount Vinson 2010/11
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Dispatches - Mount Vinson 2004/05
Dispatches - Mount Vinson 2003/04
Dispatches - Mount Vinson 2002/03
Andy Cole
JB Chandesris
