January 26, 2022

IMG Team on the move to Camp Cholera (Nickel Wood)

IMG Senior Guide Nickel Wood along with Guides Leandro Villegas and Martin “Tincho” Lucero (yelling in the background) checked in from Plaza de Mulas to let us know that “All is well and everyone is happy!”  The team descended from High Camp this morning after a successful climb of Aconcagua.  They woke up early, packed and prepared loads for the porters and made great time descending all the way to Plaza de Mulas. After a quick toast of champagne with the team, it was time to repack and head to the helipad where they would grab a flight back to the Horcones Park Entrance.  the team is currently in the air and will update us when they get to Mendoza.

The Andean Moon in the morning (Nickel Wood)

Enjoy these great photos that the team sent out between celebrating their successes and continuing to move down valley by helicopter!

January 24, 2022

High Camp on Aconcagua (photo: Peter Bilodeau)

The IMG Aconcagua Team is breaking camp at Nido De Condores and heading uphill to High Camp, Camp Cholera at 19,500 feet.  The team is feeling great and looking forward to moving into position for the summit.  Nickel said the climbing between Camp 2 and Camp 3 is very nice with snow on the route which allowed the team to use crampons and have better footing.  The weather is looking very good and the plan is to get some rest and an early start for the summit tonight!

All is well on Aconcagua!

January 22, 2022

Lenticular over the summit (Nickel Wood)

Nickel checked in today with a simple message.  “Very high winds above us today, so we are going to take a rest day at Nido de Condores.”  The Team is working through some tough conditions today; however, they are making good decisions to hang tight and stay strong.  After a couple good days of work and plenty of contingency, why push it?  They have plenty of food and water; and when the wind picks up just a little bit, I bet this guide team has some stories that will bring laughter not regularly heard at Nido de Condores!

All is well on Aconcagua and if the weather allows, the team will carry to High Camp tomorrow!

January 21, 2022

A glowing Aconcagua (Peter Adams)

Martin “Tincho” Lucero on Aconcagua (Nickel Wood)

IMG Senior Guide Nickel Wood checked in by text and satellite phone this afternoon to let us know the team had a great move day into Nido de Condores (Camp 2 -18,400′) today.  The team moved well and pulled in at about 4 hours to camp.  They were taking it slow and will do the same as they build camp and get settled in.  This is a nice jump and much more comfortable camp that Camp Canada.

The team will continue to build and fortify their camp today, drink tons of water and keep eating great meals prepared by the guide team.  When we asked Nickel the plan for tomorrow, he said, “we are in no hurry right now and will see how we feel tonight and again in the morning.  If we all feel great, we will carry to High Camp in order to get a taste for altitude above 19,ooo feet.  If we feel like we could use a little more rest, we will stay in camp and do an active rest day.”  That sounds like a great plan and we will look forward to hearing what the team does.  With plenty of contingency built in on this trip, they can adjust plans so everyone continues to feel strong during the climb.

All is well on Aconcagua!

January 20, 2022

Looking down at Plaza de Mulas from high on Aconcagua

IMG Senior Guide Nickel Wood just sent a message letting us know the team had fantastic climb to Nido De Condores Camp on Aconcagua today.  It took the team a total of 5 hours round trip at a comfortable pace.  They dropped their carry loads at approximately 18,000 feet, where they will set up camp next time up.

The weather continues to be in the teams favor and if everyone continues to acclimatize and feel strong they will move up tomorrow.  With plenty of time built into the itinerary, they are not feeling any pressure to move fast and they will continue to make progress as the mountain and weather allow.

All is well on Aconcagua!

January 19, 2022

Happy climbers as they arrive at Camp Canada (Nickel Wood)

The Aconcagua Team made the decision to take one more day at Plaza De Mulas Base Camp yesterday which paid off for the team.  They had a great day climbing and the team made it into Camp Canada “looking strong.”  IMG Senior Guide Nickel Wood called as the team was setting up camp and preparing to settle in for the night.  After a few hours of rest, water and some food, the team will re-evaluate how they are doing and make a decision on tomorrows plans.  The next camp, Nido de Condores (17, 244′) is a nice camp with more room and a reasonable next step in the climb of this mountain.

All is well on Aconcagua!