Mount Vinson climbers ready to fly to The Ice!

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

IMG Ecuador Team Stands on Top of Chimborazo Amidst Challenging Conditions

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 BaÃ±os 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)

Ama Dablam Team Closes Out Their Successful Trip

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′).Â 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)

Ecuador Climbers visit Cotopaxi

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)

Ama Dablam Team Celebrates Their Success on the Descent

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)

Ama Dablam Climbers On Top!

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

Antisana team on the descent

November 12, 2023

Antisana with an intense cloud cap (Romulo Cardenas)

Today our Antisana team pushed as far as they could but forfeited touching the top due to intense, high winds in a cloud cap. The team is back in camp now and doing well. Proud of our team and trying their best even when the mountains don’t cooperate.

Audrey Simonson

Ama Dablam Climbers at Camp 2.7

November 12, 2023

Looking up the fixed lines on the way to Camp 2.7 (Stu Johnson)

IMG Climbers on the fixed lines (Stu Johnson)

Our Ama Dablam team had a lovely day of climbing to Camp 2.7! The team had blue skies and mild temps. Now they are resting before continuing their ascent in the coming days.

Audrey Simonson

Ama Dablam Team on the move to Camp 2.7

November 11, 2023

Ama Dablam team at Bas Camp before their ascent to Camp 1 (Phunuru Sherpa)

Prayer flags at Camp 1 (Phunuru Sherpa)

Fresh snow at Camp 1 (Phunuru Sherpa)

Our Ama Dablam climbers woke up this morning to a fresh dusting of snow overnight! After a good climb yesterday to Camp 1, the team is ready for their next push to Camp 2.7. Camp 2.7 is situated between Camp 2 and 3, positioning the team well for the coming days.

Audrey Simonson

Ama Dablam Team Ready to Climb to Camp 1

November 10th, 2023–

IMG Guide Adam Clark peering at the summit of Ama Dablam from Camp 1 (Harry Hamlin)

IMG Guides Justin Sackett, Stu Johnson, and PhunuruÂ Sherpa checked in and let us know the team is heading to bed to get a good night’s rest before climbing to Camp 1 (18,800′) in the morning. The team enjoyed their day yesterday resting after their previous acclimatization rotation. Climbers are eagerly awaiting their summit bid in a couple of days and look to maintain their strength and resilience to get to the top. Keep up the strong efforts team!