December 12, 2012
Eben Reckord called in with news we love to hear, ‘all is well’.
Beyond that, he and his team are at Pampa de Llenas, our first trekking camp en route to Aconcagua Base Camp. No issues so far. The weather is nice, though the standard Aconcagua breeze is ever-present.
They expect more of the same tomorrow, but for now they’ll kick back and enjoy a little peace and quiet… and the occasional tent fly flapping in the wind.
Tye Chapman
December 12, 2012
Last month we kicked off our 2012 Photo Contest…We received some amazing photos from all around the world! I could keep typing but you’ve likely already skipped to the photos below.
And the winners are:
Winners of each category will receive an IMG Prize Pack (IMG Buff, IMG Hat and IMG t-shirt). The winner of the Best All Around Category will also receive an IMG Embroidered Outdoor Research Transfer Jacket!
Stay tuned for an all-inclusive slide-show of all the submitted photos.
Thanks again to all those who submitted their photos!
Tye Chapman
December 12, 2012
Avalanche Crown Wall
Don’t make the news this winter – take an avalanche education course (or two). We offer both Level I and Level II certifications which are accredited by the American Avalanche Association. The courses are instructed by IMG guides and Crystal Mountain avalanche forecasters.
The Level One course emphasizes route selection, stability evaluation, and safe travel practices. This is the perfect course for those that want to start enjoying winter backcountry activities in a safe manner. The course includes 1.5 days of lecture, and 1.5 days in the field. Upon completion of the course, students will have a solid understanding of travel techniques and efficient partner rescue.
The Level Two course is perfect for those wanting to become confident group leaders in backcountry settings. Throughout the duration of the course we focus on forecasting avalanche hazard in the unique and variable conditions in the Pacific Northwest. As one of the best advanced avalanche courses offered in the country we spend most of the time in the field, with a few classroom lectures. Specific topics include grain identification, weather forecasting, complex route selection, and group travel and rescue techniques. Students will benefit the most from this course if they have previous avalanche experience, or are continuing their education from the Level One course.
A little knowledge can often be just enough to get you into trouble.Â
Location: Crystal Mountain Ski Resort
Level I—Hazard Evaluation
January 12-14, 2013
$395
Level II—Forecasting Workshop
January 25-28, 2013
$525
December 10, 2012
Not entirely featureless on the terrain (Pat McCran)
Mike Hamill called in Sunday, somewhere south of 89 degrees. They were able to fly to the 89 degree S point on Saturday and even got in a couple of km. that day. Sunday was a full ski day. So far, so good. Mike said the winds weren’t unreasonable. When going towards the Pole, any wind is going to be in your face normally. The katabatic winds sink and head north from the Pole. You just hope they’re not too strong. The scenery – well, that’s not going to change much for the entire 100 km. The terrain is relatively ‘featureless’ once you get that far south.
But Vanessa and Mike are off and running. All’s good.
Phil Ershler
December 7, 2012
The edge of the continent.
The IL 76 is in the air. Tim and John will be in Punta in time for a late supper. Mike and Vanessa will be staying, joining the ALE group to do the Last Degree. They’ll fly out to 89 degrees South and then ski the last 100 km to the Pole. Takes about a week and the plane will pick them up at the Pole. Pretty cool way to cap off a successful Vinson expedition.
We’ll post any new from Mike and Vanessa during their ski to the Pole so don’t go too far away.
Read what Mike has to say about the Vinson climb in his new book – “Climbing the Seven Summitsâ€. Published by Mountaineers Books, it’s a great read and a great resource.
Greg Vernovage will be flying on Christmas day, meeting the next crew in Punta on December 27th.
Phil Ershler
December 6, 2012
Union Glacier (Photo by Greg Vernovage)
Hamill called in this afternoon to report that he and the team are already back at Union Glacier awaiting the IL-76 from the Chile. Today they enjoyed some gorgeous views of Mt. Shinn on their flight back to Union Glacier from Vinson Base Camp.
It’s possible the IL-76 will head their way tomorrow, but as is always the case in Antarctica, time and weather will tell. Until then they are standing by.
Tye Chapman
December 6, 2012
In case you missed it during all the Black Friday hub-bub, we too, have a few good deals.
Some personal favorites of mine include:
On a side note, do yourself a favor and work up to that $125 mark for the free shipping! We lose a little money on the deal, but you get some additional fun stuff at a nice discount!
Tye Chapman
December 5, 2012
The last steps.
Talked to Mike Hamill at 2:20 pm. Mike and team had just returned to high camp from the summit of Vinson. 10 hours, round trip. Everyone shook hands on the summit and the weather was quite good. Mike played this one just right. After their carry to high camp, the team waited at C1 instead of trying to battle the winds up high. When the weather broke, they were in perfect position to head to high camp and summit the following day. Great job, gang. They’ll return all the way to Vinson base tomorrow. Then, it’s simply a matter of waiting until it’s time to fly. Great Vinson trip with a great team.
We’ll let everyone know when they get down and also when it looks like they’ll be able to fly off the Ice. No hurry – they’re enjoying their time on the Ice.
Phil Ershler
December 4 , 2012
View from above.
Mike called at 4:30 pm, Seattle time. The entire team is at high camp. Weather is perfect. Winds are predicted to increase somewhat tomorrow but they may well have a shot in the morning. If you’re at high camp and the weather is favorable, that’s no time to be taking a rest day. They’ll definitely take a shot tomorrow if the weather gives them the green light.
Check in tomorrow.
Phil Ershler
Just swaying in the breeze... (Phil Ershler)
December 3, 2012
Just spoke with Mike at C1. It’s stayed windy up high but it’s ‘relatively’ pleasant at C1. Good news is that the forecast is improving and the prediction is for the winds to begin to lessen. But remember, it’s just a forecast. The team is well-positioned and ready. Just need a little cooperation from the weather. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
Phil Ershler
