January 23rd, 2024–
IMG Team at Cruz de Rosas (14,600′) (Porter McMichael)
IMG Guide Porter McMichael checked in and let us know the team had a successful and exciting day acclimatizing near Popocatepetl. The team enjoyed the surrounding views and reached a new high point of 14,600′. Climbers look forward to a restful night near Cortez Pass (11,100′) before another day of acclimatization hiking.
January 22, 2024
Porter McMichael checked in this morning saying the team was headed off on another acclimatization hike! Today the team will hike from Passeo Cortez (12,000′) to La Joya (13,000′) before returning to their lodging near the pass. Tomorrow, the team will have another acclimatization day before getting ready for their climb of Ixtaccihuatl (17,338′).
January 21, 2024
IMG Guide Porter McMichael checked in from Mexico City today! The team has all arrived and is getting settled in. They will spend the rest of today touring the city and preparing for the climbs ahead.
Best wishes for the team in Mexico!
Audrey Simonson
January 17th, 2024–
Aconcagua Team 1 and Team 2 are heading home after a memorable and windy expedition. Team 2 flew off via helicopter yesterday and celebrated their trip with a final toast in Mendoza. All climbers look forward to returning home to their friends and families to tell the stories of their special time in Argentina.
Thanks for following along! Next week we have Aconcagua Team 3 beginning their expedition on the Horcones Valley Normal Route. Stay tuned for updates on the team’s progress.
IMG Aconcagua Team 2 before their flight back to Mendoza (Stu Johnson)
January 14, 2024
The summit of Antisana (Jenni Fogle)
Aconcagua– Team 2 led by Stu Johnson reached the summit of Aconcagua today battling high winds & cold temperatures. Now they are on their descent back to Mendoza via the Horcones Valley. Way to go team!
Ecuador– Max Bond & team were thwarted from their summit on Antisana due to high winds and cold temperatures. The team is now en route back to town before trying their hand at Chimborazo.
We’re so proud of all our teams in the Southern Hemisphere- way to get after it!
Audrey Simonson
January 12th, 2024–
IMG Aconcagua Teams are maintaining uplifted spirits despite reports of one of the windiest seasons with gusts up to 100mph at the summit.
Team 1, led by Tyler Nachand, rose early in the night feeling prepared to push towards the top. The team battled through the winds maintaining a strong mindset but ultimately turned around due to worsening conditions. The team returned to Camp 3 safely and continued their descent to Plaza de Mulas. Climbers are resting and plan to continue their descent downhill tomorrow.
Team 2, led by Stu Johnson, successfully arrived to Camp 3 (19,587′), also known as Camp Cholera, feeling energized. The team has targeted a window of rest in the high winds and plans to make a summit attempt in the next couple of days. Climbers remain excited and ready for the journey ahead.
January 11th, 2024–
Cayambe Summit on a clear day (Max Bond)
The IMG Ecuador Team spent the past few days near Cayambe reviewing skills including cramponing, ice axe arrest, and rope travel.
Last night, the team rose early to begin their summit attempt, leaving the Oleas-Ruales-Berge Hut feeling strong and prepared. Climbers maintained an optimistic attitude despite windy conditions on the upper slopes of the mountain. The team battled through the winds ascending close to the summit before ultimately turning around due to worsening conditions. Climbers returned to the Hut safely and continued their descent towards the famed Papallacta Hot Springs and Hotel.
The team is in energized spirits as they take the next few days to rest in preparation for their summit attempt of Antisana (18,876′).
January 10th, 2024–
IMG Aconcagua Teams are doing well and enjoying the good weather on Aconcagua. Team 1, led by Tyler Nachand, shared pictures from their carry to Camp 3, Camp Cholera at 19,587′. The team returned to Camp 2 energized and looking forward to climbing to Camp 3 as their last camp before their summit attempt.
IMG Team 2 continues their journey onward by making the move to Camp 2 at 17,953′. The team is enjoying the great accommodations and wifi at Camp and look forward to a rest day before carrying to Camp 3. All is well on Aconcagua!
January 9th, 2024–
IMG Lead Guide Max Bond reports the team is safe and all is well amidst reports of internal conflict in the country.
January 9th, 2024–
IMG Ecuador Team, led by Max Bond, had a fantastic day of acclimatization hiking on Imbabura yesterday, reaching a new high point at 15,109′. The team enjoyed scrambling rocks and trekking amongst native plants. Climbers spent the evening at Cabañas Cayambe checking gear and preparing for their summit attempt of Cayambe (18,997′). The team is feeling strong as they get ready to drive to the Oleas-Ruales-Berge Hut (15,092′) today.
