IMG Mexico Team with persistence and true grit on Ixtaccihuatl (17,338′)

January 25th, 2024–

IMG Climbers on the descent from summit of Ixtaccihuatl (17,338′) (Porter McMichael)

The IMG Mexico Team had a successful morning with 2 climbers reaching the top of Ixtaccihuatl (17,338′) today! Climbers woke early in the night to begin their ascent and proved their persistence and true grit in their efforts to reach the top. All climbers descended safely to the pass and look forward to a restful and rewarding night in Puebla. Congrats to our team!

Incredible sunset on Ixtaccihuatl (Porter McMichael)

IMG Climbers on the summit of Ixtaccihuatl (17,338′) (Porter McMichael)

IMG Aconcagua Team reaches Confluencia (10,826′)

January 25th, 2024–

IMG Aconcagua Team enjoying the sunshine and fantastic dining at Confluencia (Tincho)

The IMG Aconcagua Team had a bright and easy-going first day on the trail. The team left early this morning to begin their ascent from Penitentes (8,940′) to Confluencia (10,826′). Climbers were welcomed to camp with fresh fruit and a variety of refreshing drinks. The team looks forward to a peaceful night before an active rest day at Confluencia tomorrow.

IMG Aconcagua Team 3 Commences

January 24th, 2024–

IMG Aconcagua Team 3 members outside of their hotel in preparation for their upcoming trip (Tincho Lucero)

IMG Guide Tincho checked in and let us know all Team 3 members arrived safely to Mendoza and are busy preparing for the expedition ahead. The team used the past couple of days securing climbing permits, packing, and checking their gear before they departed for the town of Penitentes (8,940′) today, near the trailhead. Climbers look forward to heading onto the trail tomorrow to being their climb of Aconcagua’s Horcones Valley Normal Route. Best of luck team!

IMG Mexico Team prepares for Ixtaccihuatl (17,338′)

January 24th, 2024–

IMG Mexico Team on a short acclimatization hike (Porter McMichael)

IMG Mexico Team is having a fantastic time acclimatizing near Cortez Pass. The team enjoyed another hike today reaching nearly 14,000ft. Climbers returned to camp in the early afternoon feeling strong and eager for the climb ahead. The team looks to rise early tonight for an “alpine start” and summit attempt of Ixtaccihuatl (17,338′). Best of luck team!

IMG Mexico Team with fantastic views of Popocatepetl (Porter McMichael)

IMG Mexico Team enjoys views at Cruz de Rosas (14,600′)

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.

Mexico Team is Acclimatizing!

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′).

Mexico Volcanoes Team Arrives!

January 21, 2024

: The team in Mexico City enjoying their first dinner together! (Porter McMichael)

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

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.