Aconcagua Team 1 and Team 2 Head Home

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)

Updates from Argentina & Ecuador

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

IMG Aconcagua Teams Preparing to Battle High Winds

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.

IMG Ecuador Team Heads to Papallacta Hot Springs

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′).

IMG Aconcagua Teams Moving Onward

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!

: IMG Team 1 on the descent after carrying to Camp 3 (Tyler Nachand)

: Team 1 selfie on the descent (Tyler Nachand)

: Aconcagua summit views while ascending to Camp 3 (Tyler Nachand)

IMG Ecuador Team Remains Safe

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.

Ecuador Team reaches Imbabura (15,109′) Summit

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.

: IMG Ecuador Team on the Imabura summit (Max Bond0

: Climbing amongst native plants (Max Bond)

: Rock scrambling on the descent (Max Bond)

: Team photo on the ascent (Max Bond)

: Climbing in the clouds (Max Bond)

Aconcagua Teams Meet Up at Camp 2 (17,953′)

January 9th, 2024–

After breakfast lounging in the Grajales Expeditions dome (Tyler Nachand)

IMG Aconcagua teams are looking strong as they continue to make their way up the False Polish Guanacos Route. Team 1, led by Tyler Nachand, had a fantastic day of climbing yesterday carrying to Camp 3, known as Camp Cholera (19,587′) and will be resting at Camp 2 today. Climbers look forward to attempting a summit in the next couple of days.

Team 2, led by Stu Johnson, had a successful carry to Camp 2 (17,953′) via the Ameghino Col yesterday and returned to Camp 1 for a restful night of sleep. The team is on the move to join Team 1 at Camp 2 today and looks forward to reaching a new high point at Camp 3 tomorrow. All is well on Aconcagua!

IMG Aconcagua Team 1 at Camp 2 with the summit peaking above (Tyler Nachand)

Aconcagua Teams Move Higher Up

January 8th, 2024–

IMG Aconcagua climbers heading towards Camp II (Tyler Nachand)

IMG Aconcagua Teams are doing well and enjoying their time on the mountain. Team 1, led by Tyler Nachand, arrived to Camp 2 yesterday (17,953′) via the Ameghino col. The team slept well and were able to successfully carry to Camp 3, Cholera, today, reaching a new high point at 19,587′.

Team 2, led by Stu Johnson, has been making great progress while battling strong winds. The team successfully arrived to Camp 1 (16,372′) today and look forward to a restful night. Climbers anticipate carrying to Camp 2 tomorrow via the Ameghino col.

IMG Aconcagua climbers walking through penitents (Tyler Nachand)

Ecuador team explores Quito

January 7, 2024

Over the past few days, our Ecuador team has been getting acquainted with Quito and the surrounding areas. From visits to the local museum, cathedrals, and a morning trip to Otavalo Market, the team is doing well! On their way to Hacienda Pinsaqui, the team stopped by San Pablo Lake to stretch their legs out. Today the team is climbing Fuya Fuya (13,986′) to keep acclimating before starting their ascent of Cayambe!

Audrey Simonson