December 19th, 2023–
Nearing High Camp with Mt Shinn in background (Eric Simonson)
IMG lead guide Porter McMichael reports that the team successfully moved up to the High Camp, where they are now dug in waiting for a good summit window. Everyone is doing well and they have plenty of food and fuel. The weather has been a bit windy, so they are hoping it calms down further.
Eric Simonson
December 10th, 2023–
IMG lead guide Porter McMichael let us know that the team had a smooth trip up to the “Low Camp” area (9100 ft) where they are now dug into a Denali style camp. They hauled sleds with them on this move, ascending the Branscomb Glacier which turns to the left up onto a shelf below the mountain.
Looking down the Branscomb Glacier towards VBC (Porter McMichael)
They are taking a rest day currently and then it’s just a waiting game to pick the best weather window for the move up to the “High Camp” (12400 ft). We’ll keep you posted!
View down the Branscomb Glacier below Low Camp (Porter McMichael)
December 7th, 2023–
Porter McMichael reports that the flight in the 757 to Union Glacier went smoothly. After landing they paid a quick visit to the facility, before boarding the Twin Otter ski plane for the flight back to the north to the Sentinel Range and Mt Vinson Base Camp on the Branscomb Glacier at about 78° 31? S latitude. After all the travel, they are finally at the mountain!
The 757 on the ice at Union Glacier (Justin Merle)
They have set up a camp now, and the plan for tomorrow is to do a carry part way up to the Camp 1 site. Depending on how people feel, they’ll be moving up there in the next couple days. So far so good from Antarctica!
The Twin Otter ski plane at Mt Vinson Base Camp (Porter McMichael)
December 6th, 2023–
Porter McMichael reports that the team wrapped up their preparations yesterday in Punta Arenas with a chilly walk on the waterfront.
The IMG Vinson team in Punta Arenas (Porter McMichael)
This morning they were transferred to the PUQ airport where they loaded up into the Icelandair 757-200. Parked next to it is the Ilyushin Il-76 which is still used for cargo flights to Union Glacier (this plane was used for passenger flights too, for many years, prior to 2015).
The Icelandair 757 and IL 76 at Punta Arenas airport (Porter McMichael)
Now they are on the way to Union Glacier, about 4.5 hours of flying!
On the way to Antarctica (Flightaware)
December 5th, 2023–
IMG 2023 Mt. Vinson team (Porter McMichael)
IMG senior guide Porter McMichael reports from Punta Arenas, Chile at the southern tip of South America, that the Mt Vinson team have all arrived with their bags, and are doing well! Yesterday they did their gear checks and today they are doing their final packing and weighing of their duffel bags, in preparation for the ALE flight tomorrow to Union Glacier. The Union Glacier Base Camp set up at about 79 degrees south, barely 600 nautical miles from the South Pole, and is distinguished by a large area of blue ice which allows for wheeled airplanes to land. After the team gets to Union Glacier, they will fly by a smaller ski plane to the Mt Vinson Base Camp. So far so good from way down south!
Union Glacier Camp location
Eric Simonson
November 16th, 2023–
Climbers patiently awaiting their summit climb at the Carrel Refuge Hut (16,000ft) on Chimborazo (Romulo Cardenas)
Congratulations to our strong and driven Ecuador climbers for their successful climb of Chimborazo (20,561′)! The team woke up to overcast and snowy conditions but decided to poke into the storm and make a summit attempt. Climbers reported challenging conditions with a mix of snow, wind, and freezing temperatures, yet, were able to persevere and safely stand on top of Ecuador’s tallest peak. Climbers felt good on their descent and eagerly arrived back to Baños where they were welcomed with hot springs and nice food. Team members look to relax and celebrate their success before departing home in the next couple of days. Nice work to our Ecuador climbers!
IMG Climbers at the summit of Chimborazo (20,561′) after hard efforts overcoming cold, windy, and snowy conditions (Romulo Cardenas)
November 16th, 2023–
Ama Dablam summit team with stunning views of the Himalayan range, Everest and Lhoste peaking out from behind.
The IMG Ama Dablam team is back in Kathmandu after easy travel from the Khumbu Valley. Climbers are with full hearts and big smiles as they prepare to return home from an exceptional and successful trip summitting Mera Peak (21,247′) and Ama Dablam (22,494′). The team reminisces on all the laughs, trainings, good food, and excellent company during their time in Nepal. Climbers look forward to getting home safely, sharing their memories with family and loved ones and planning their next adventure.
Thanks for following along!
IMG Climbers embracing in a big hug at the top of Ama Dablam (Justin Sackett)
Ama Dablam team travelling to Kathmandu (Stu Johnson)
November 14th, 2023–
IMG Ecuador climbers on the ascent of Cotopaxi on an overcast day (Romulo Cardenas)
The IMG Ecuador team enjoyed their day yesterday by hiking on the lower mountain of Cotopaxi (currently closed due to active eruptions) and stopping by a local town to feed Alpacas and visit historic Inca Ruins. The team is feeling strong and well-acclimatized to begin their ascent of Chimborazo (20,561′), Ecuador’s tallest peak, today. Climbers are currently traveling towards the mountain and look to either stay at the Carrel Refuge (16,000′) or climb to high camp (17,400′) for the night depending on weather and conditions. Sending the best of luck to our Chimborazo climbers!
IMG Climbers in front of Cotopaxi, a summit unclimbable for the past two years due to active eruption (Romulo Cardenas)
IMG Climbers beaming while feeding alpacas during a rest day (Romulo Cardenas)
November 14th, 2023–
Ama Dablam climbers smiling wide after successfully summitting Ama Dablam (Phunuru Sherpa)
Our Ama Dablam Climbers appreciated great weather and a quiet summit day to be able to reach the top of this peak (22,494′) at 6:50AM on the 12th. The team excitedly and safely descended down to Basecamp and was welcomed with tea and warm food. Tired but healthy, climbers enjoyed a well-deserved night of rest and relaxation and arrived at Lukla the morning of the 14th. Team members look forward to celebrating their accomplishment during their final days in Nepal before traveling home.
IMG climbers climb near Camp 3 on a blue bird day (Justin Sackett)
IMG Ama Dablam climbers embracing in a hug on the summit (Justin Sackett)
IMG climbers smiling wide (Justin Sackett)
IMG Ama Dablam 2023 Team (Justin Sackett)
November 12, 2023
Trekking to Phortse with Ama Dablam (Justin Merle)
We’re happy to announce that at 6:30 AM on November 13th, our Ama Dablam team reached the summit. After a lovely ascent, the team is now starting the long descent and will return to Kathmandu in the coming days!
2023 IMG Ama Dablam Summiters:
Ngima Sona Sherpa
Sonam Tasi Sherpa
Chhiring Tendi Sherpa
Justin Sackett
Stu Johnson
Annemie
Dean
We’re excited about the success of our team on both Mera Peak and Ama Dablam this fall and couldn’t be prouder of our climbers and guides.
Audrey Simonson
