August 14, 2013
The gang.
Phil called in early this morning after the team had enjoyed some hiking up the side valleys surrounding Elbrus, a nice way to wrap up their time in Terskol.
Next up is a flight to Moscow where they’ll quickly check into their hotel then hit the town to take in some sights.
Tye Chapman
August 14, 2013
Huayna Potosi from Charquini, Bolivia
IMG guide Greg Vernovage reports from High Camp (“Campamento Argentino” at 16,380ft ) on Huayna Potosi that the team is doing well. They made the move up from Zongo Pass with the help of some porters. Weather looks to be good for tomorrow for their summit bid, so we’ll be looking forward to hear how it goes for them!
Eric Simonson
August 13, 2013
Phil called in early this morning to report that all continues to go well in Russia. It started raining in the mountains which makes them appreciate their summit that much more.
One more day in the Baksan Valley then it’s off to Moscow.
No issues at all; they’re just enjoying Russia.
Tye Chapman
August 12, 2013
Pequeno Alpamayo (Greg Vernovage)
IMG guide Greg Vernovage reports that the team had a nice climb today of Pequeño Alpamayo. At 17,482 feet it is a great acclimatization climb, and a spectacular summit. They started before dawn, climbed over the subsidiary summit of Tarija Peak, and then on to the summit of Pequeño Alpamayo. Well done, team!
Now they are all back to Condoriri Base Camp and tomorrow they head to Huayna Potosi Base Camp.
Eric Simonson
August 11, 2013
Phil called in this morning from Mt. Elbrus to let us know that the team summited, and is doing well. He reported cold temps, and clear skies. They will spend one more night on the mountain before heading back to Terskol tomorrow. Before signing out, he simply said… “All is well in Russia.â€
Josh McDowell
August 11, 2013Â
Summit of the Eiger
 IMG guides Matt and Margaret Farmer sent a quick message and photos from the free wifi at the Eigerjoch railway station on their way down to Kleine Scheidegg where they will spend the night.
 All were successful climbing the Eiger via the Mittellegi Ridge yesterday, they report they couldn’t have asked for a better day, especially since it was sandwiched between some pretty fierce storms.
Congratulations to Matt, Margaret, Dave S.and Steve S.!
George Dunn
August 10, 2013
Phil called today from Mt. Elbrus. He reported that the team went for an acclimatization hike today, and that everyone is feeling and looking strong. He also noted that the weather is holding steady, and looks great for their summit attempt tonight!
Josh McDowell
Condoriri Base Camp (Viki Tracey)
IMG leader Greg Vernovage reports by sat phone that the team are doing well and have made a good transition to the mountains. Last night they were down at the Tambo Condoriri Hut (about 14,000 feet) and today they moved up to the Condoriri Base Camp (about 15,000 feet). They will spend the next two days doing mountaineering training on the nearby glacier, and becoming more used to the altitude before they head for Pequeno Alpamayo.   Bolivia is a high altitude country, the “Tibet†of the western hemisphere, and it is important take plenty of time for acclimatization!
Eric Simonson
August 8, 2013
IMG guide Matt Farmer just reported in from a private climb in the Swiss Alps. This 8-day program started on August 5 with a plan to train and climb in the Chamonix area followed by an attempt on the classic Mittellegi Ridge of the Eiger.  Here’s what he had to say:
“Howdy George-
The (Eiger program) is going great. Â In order to beat the weather arriving Wed/Thursday we started strong throwing them into the deep end day 1 & 2. Â We traversed the Aiguille d’Entreves Monday and stayed at the Torino hut. Â An early start Tuesday allowed us to tackle the Dent du Geant unacclimatized before the arrival of stormy weather Tuesday afternoon. Â They both rallied and we had great summits on both those peaks.
We had a rest/rain day Wed to avoid drowning and then had a super fun day today climbing the Arete des Cosmiques in full stormy winter conditions. Â We had the route all to ourselves, imagine that!
Tomorrow we will climb some classic alpine rock in the Aiguilles Rouges before heading to Grindelwald Saturday morning.
I’ll keep you updated on how the Eiger logistics progress but we are looking good. The guys are climbing well and we have a viable window coming up.â€
Matt Farmer
August 8, 2013
The Bolivia team on Sun Island (photo: Greg Vernovage)
Another great acclimatization day in Bolivia. We got an early start and caught a boat ride to Sun Island. It was a beautiful morning for a hike. We hiked up to the look out point and were able to see Illiampu as well as Illimani off in the distance. After a great traditional lunch on the lake shore we had a good ride back to Copacabana. Then, an afternoon hike, souvenir shopping and a great dinner, and we are acclimatized and ready to head out to the mountains. One piece of information that might be interesting to everyone is with the festival going on here in Copacabana, one of our team members got blessed by an armadillo, so we have that going for us!
Greg Vernovage
