Vinson Climbers Return To Union Glacier

January 9, 2025

The team did a great job getting up early, packing up their gear and Camp 2, descending the fixed ropes to Camp 1 and then the Branscomb Glacier back to Vinson Base Camp. Even better, their timing was perfect to catch the Twin Otter flight back to Union Glacier Camp from where they were able to send some photos.

: On the way to the summit looking north towards Mts Shinn, Epperly, Tyree, and Gardiner (Max Bond)

: On the summit ridge looking at the top (Max Bond)

: Last steps to the summit (Max Bond)

: On top of Antarctica! (Max Bond)

Max says the summit day was excellent weather and they enjoyed great views and fun climbing. Well done team! Tomorrow they are scheduled to catch the 757 back to Punta Arenas if everything works out.

Fingers crossed!

Aconcagua climbers reach high camp

January 9th, 2025

Location of Colera high camp

Stu Johnson reports that the team had a nice climb up to Camp Colera (19,587 ft), the high camp below the summit. This involved an ascending traverse from the East side of the mountain to near the confluence with the route coming up from Plaza de Mulas to the West (the team will traverse the mountain and descend this way). The weather today was cloudy and warm, with no wind and a few snow flakes. Everyone is doing well and the have put themselves in the right position, so hopefully they will get a shot at the summit tomorrow!

Vinson Summits!

January 8th, 2025

With a strong team and good weather, Max Bond called at 9:00 PM Antarctica time to report that the team had reached the summit! They are currently descending to camp 2. We are looking forward to seeing summit photos tomorrow once they are back to basecamp. All is well in Antarctica!

Aconcagua Climbers Prepare To Move To High Camp

January 8, 2025

IMG leader Stu Johnson reports that the team had a good rest day today at Camp 2, and that everyone is doing well. This morning Stu and the team hiked up towards the Polish Glacier to stretch their legs, then then spent the rest of the day eating, drinking, and relaxing.

The team enjoys a high stakes game of Uno at Camp 2 (Stu Johnson)

A Caracara falcon above Camp 2 (Stu Johnson)

Meanwhile, guide Tincho Lucero hiked up to Camp 3 (Cholera Camp) at about 19,587 ft. to get things set up for the team’s planned move up there. If all goes according to plan the team will move to Camp 3 tomorrow and then be in position to make a summit attempt the next day.

Vinson team moves up to camp 2

January 7th, 2025

: On the fixed lines to Camp 2 (Porter McMichael)

: Approaching Camp 2 with Mt Shinn behind (3rd highest in Antarctica) (Porter McMichael)

Max Bond checked in to report that the team moved up to Camp 2 today. They departed Camp 1 in the “afternoon” (Antarctica time) after the sun finally came around Vinson and hit them, they headed for the fixed ropes that ascend the steeper slopes leading to Camp 2 at about 12,400 ft. Now they are in position to climb, so it’s just a question of picking the best day!

Aconcagua climbers move up to Camp 2

January 7th, 2025

: Departing Camp 1 on the way to Camp 2 (Stu Johnson)

: Camp 2 on Aconcagua (Stu Johnson)

: Sulfur pond below Camp 2 (Stu Johnson)

Stu Johnson checked in from Aconcagua to report that the team made a successful move up to Camp 2 (17,953 ft) where they are tucked in and doing well. Their plan is to take a well-deserved acclimatization and rest day tomorrow, before they do the final carry up to the high camp. If they want to do a short hike, maybe they can go visit a nearby sulfur deposit, indicative of Aconcagua’s volcanic history.

Vinson and Aconcagua teams moving up

January 6th, 2025

We talked to both Stu Johnson on Aconcagua and Max Bond on Vinson who have confirmed that their respective teams successfully moved up yesterday!

: Departing Camp 1 on the way to Camp 2 (Stu Johnson)

: Looking back down at Camp 1 (Stu Johnson)

: Looking up towards the Ameghino Col on the way to Camp 2 (Stu Johnson)

: Taking a break near the Ameghino Col (Mark Holman)

On Aconcagua the climbers moved up to Camp 1 (16,372 ft) and are doing well. Up next for the team will be a carry up to Camp 2 (about 17,953 ft), then descending back to Camp 1 for a second night there.

: The Twin Otter at Vinson BC with Mt Vinson in the background (Justin Merle)

: Getting close to Camp 1 (Justin Merle)

: On the way to Camp 1 looking down the Branscomb Glacier towards Vinson BC (Justin Merle)

On Mt Vinson the team moved to Camp 1 (about 9100 ft) and got all dug in and comfy. Next up for them is an active rest day as they evaluate the weather and prepare for the big move up to Camp 2.

All’s well down south!

Team arrives to Vinson Basecamp

January 4th, 2025

: Twin Otter is ready for takeoff (Max Bond)

: Team arrival at Vinson Basecamp (Max Bond)

Max Bond reports, “The cache was found and uncovered, the tents are set up, and the cook tent is on its way. All is good at Vinson Basecamp!”

Vinson team still on standby at Union Glacier

January 4th, 2025

: The view at Union Glacier (Porter McMichael)

: Hanging out at Union Glacier (Porter McMichael)

Max reports that the Vinson BC is still socked in, so the team are unable to fly over there from Union Glacier camp. They remain on standby waiting for the fog to lift at VBC. Yesterday the team did some training, including a review of how to use the fixed ropes. Then, they did a 10k hike on a marked trail around the Union Glacier BC to stretch out their legs. The Union Glacier camp is a pretty unique place to spend a few days, but it would be easier to get stuck there on the way out, rather than the way in! Rest assured, when the mountain says “yes” the team will be on their way. Until then, they bide their time.

Aconcagua climbers carry to Camp 1

January 4, 2025

: Plaza Argentina Base Camp at about 13800 ft (Stu Johnson)

: It looks like a great day for a hike to C1 (Stu Johnson)

: Heading up to Camp 1 from Plaza Argentina (Stu Johnson)

Stu reports that the team had a nice rest day yesterday at the 13,800 ft Plaza Argentina BC and everyone is doing well. Today the team will “climb high, sleep low” with a carry up to Camp 1 (16,372 ft) and then returning for another night at Base Camp. This is a great way to build some acclimatization before the team moves up to Camp 1 tomorrow. All’s well in Argentina!