Up Next: Huayna Potosi

August 16, 2011

Huayno Potosi from near Zongo Pass. (Photo by Ben Marshall)

IMG leader Greg Vernovage reports by sat phone that the team successfully moved from Condoriri Base Camp to the Huayna Potosi Base Camp and are now ensconced at the Casa Blanca Hut (about 15,500 feet).Â Today was an easy day, with some training, rest and reorganization, in preparation for the climb tomorrow up to the Campo de Rocas hut at almost 17,000 feet.Â The weather remains good and everyone is doing well.

Eric Simonson

Life In The Alps

August 15, 2011

On Saturday August 13th we hiked from Champex, Switzerland to the Trient Hut. Â Today, August 14th, we climbed the Aiguille du Tour and then descended to Chamonix. Â The plan from here is to ascend to the Tete Rousse Hut on Monday, slay Mont Blanc on Tuesday, and come back to Chamonix on Wednesday.

Climbing in the Alps.

I have included some photos from our climb of the Aiguille du Tour today. Â Paul and Matt Pottinger are great guys to work with!

John Race

One Summit Down…Two To Go

August 15, 2011

PequeÃ±o Alpamayo summit ridge. (photo by Mark Ursino)

One summit down, two to go! Greg Vernovage reports by sat phone from Condoriri Base Camp that the team put their training to work yesterday with 100% success on PequeÃ±o Alpamayo (17,482â€™). Greg said the weather and conditions for the climb were excellent and the team did a great job on the ascent and descent. After a good dinner and sleep back at Base Camp, the team descends today to meet the jeeps and will travel to the Huayna Potosi Base Camp.

So far so good!

Eric Simonson

Guide Tip: The Buff

August 14, 2011

by IMG Pirate Jenni Fogle

The Buff is relatively new to the ‘gear scene’ but it is quickly becoming a must-have item. Simple, lightweight and versatile give it instant credibility amongst the guide staff and makes as close to required as possible. Here IMG Guide Jenni Fogle gives a quick demonstration of a few of The Buff’s uses.

From Desktop To Mountain Top

August 13, 2011

Push-up club member, Clarissa Morford.

Working for a guide service is not without potential hazard to one’s health â€” especially when your job consists of sitting in front of a computer eight hours a day.

I’ve worked in the IMG administrative office since the winter of 2007. Though given encouragement and opportunity to go on any number of IMG programs, my philosophy on climbing set me firmly in the camp that said, â€œThe Mountain will always be there. What’s the rush in climbing it now?â€ It also set me firmly planted in front of a computer screen far too many hours each day.

But this year after a long winter and too many of Becky’s fabulous homemade cookies (if you can weasel the recipe out of her I’m willing to pay good money), I found myself facing the beginning of the Rainier (and swimsuit) season in less than desirable conditioning. (Read more…)

All Systems Go

August 12, 2011

Just got the sat phone call from Greg Vernovage and crew on the current Bolivia expedition.Â The guys are already spoiled â€“ weather probably couldnâ€™t be better.Â Everyoneâ€™s healthy and acclimating well.Â That â€œprepâ€ process continues tomorrow with a day of training and then itâ€™s time to take a shot at summiting Piqueno Alpamayo.

Weâ€™ll take it.

Phil

Life Is Tough

August 11, 2011

The Team

Not really tough at all for our Bolivia team — we are acclimatizing great at Lake Titicaca and our climb of Sun Island could not have been a sweeter day. Â A nice ferry ride and great acclimatization hike filled with views and laughter. Â On top, we looked to the south and saw our next destinations of Pequeno Alpamayo, Huayna Potosi.

The mountains are reported to be in excellent climbing conditions.Â Like I say on Everest, when the team starts to look at me with the stare of NEEDING to climb now, well, that is when I know they are feeling healthy, acclimatized and ready to go.

Off we go tomorrow, for two mountains in seven days (then back to La Paz before going to Illimani).

Greg Vernovage

Machu Picchu Wrap-Up

August 10, 2011

Early in the morning, our group reached the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu and watched the sun burn off the morning clouds revealing the end point of our trek. After a terrific tour of the ancient site, we were more than ready to head down to the small town of Aguas Calientes for much needed showers, delicious food, and a comfortable sleep in BEDS.

: Machu Picchu Team in 2011

: Bird’s Eye view. (Photo by Peter Anderson)

On Sunday we returned to Machu Picchu and climbed Huayna Picchu, the monolith of granite next to the ruins. It was a tough and steep hike, but the birdâ€™s eye perspective of Machu Picchu was awe inspiring. One more night of celebration in Cusco wrapped up the trip as we all headed our separate ways for home. More than the impressive sights and a great trek, I appreciate the group we had. I cannot imagine a more fun and genuine group to spend time with on an adventure. Even before we departed ways there was talk about a reunion trek or climb in the near future. I am already looking forward to it.

Peter Anderson

Acclimatization At Lake Titicaca

August 10, 2011

: Lake Titicaca. (Photo by Greg Vernovage)

: Inca Ruins. (Photo by Greg Vernovage)

: Aymara reed boat builder at Lake Titicaca. (Photo by Greg Vernovage)

There are not many places where you can acclimatize for high altitude climbing by going to the beach!Â Lake Titicaca (12,506 feet / 3,812 meters) is that place.Â Yesterday the team travelled to the resort town of Copacabana on the shore of the Lake, and today they took the ferry to the Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun).Â In the Inca religion, the god of the sun was born on this island, and there are many Inca ruins in the area.

Tomorrow, the team head for Huayna Potosi, and the climbing begins!

Eric Simonson

Trek Patagonia In Torres del Paine National Park

August 9, 2011

: Trekkers taking it all in.

: Torres del Paine

: Beautiful views all around.

: A lookout over Grey Glacier.

IMG Operations Manager, Tye Chapman, works hard all summer keeping our Rainier Programs running smoothly.Â But after a long summer in Washington, he needs to stretch his legs. So, this winter we’re sending him to Patagonia to lead our first ever trek in Torres del Paine National Park.

Tye loves to travel.Â Egypt, Australia, Germany, Spain, France, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Morocco and Thailand, to name a few, with Namibia and South Africa soon to follow.Â And somehow he’s found time to climb Rainier, as well as climb in Ecuador and Argentina as well as trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. If you’ve climbed with IMG before, you’ve likely spoken with Tye and can sense his enthusiasm.

This should be a spectacular trek, hitting all the classic hot spots along the trail, as well as a few of the hidden gems off the beaten path. The group will spend one night camping at the base of Las Torres and spend the next 6 nights in refugios (huts) along the way. From your house to the tip of South America and back in 2 weeks! It sounded so good that I’m going down with Susan and some friends later this year to check it out.Â We want to see it, too!

Phil Ershler