MOUNTAINEERING INFORMATION ARTICLES

Vinson Massif - Approach and Climbing Routes

Vinson Massif is probably the most isolated mountain among the Seven Summits. Situated in the Antarctic continent, there is no direct trip that could get you there faster. But as they say, it is the getting there that matters more than being on the summit itself. Learn more about the Approach and Climbing Routes you have to take in getting to Vinson Massif in this section.

Approach Routes

To arrive at Vinson, one should fly into Punta Arenas in Chile. From there, one can go via the Adventure Network International (ANI) airline to a specially built runway on Patriot Hills that is constructed by ANI. The landing at Patriot Hills is always exciting, because the runway is from ice, so it is impossible for the plane to apply brakes. The runway stays open for about 4 months a year. From Patriot Hills, it is a one hour flight with a Twin Otter to Vinson Base Camp.

Since the beginning of ANI in 1985, virtually all ascents of Vinson to date have been made using ANI not only for its airline but also their expedition service. The company's policy is to review climbers very carefully before accepting them on the expedition. Sometimes, this is frustrating for the climbers, but the remote location and extreme location and cold make it a serious undertaking and a simple mistake could result to great consequences. A return trip to Vinson Massif, normally scheduled to last 12-14 days, will cost around 25000 USD. It may take several decades before there is a regular service to the Antarctic interior that the "average mountaineer" can afford such a trip. As an update, ANI was recently purchased by Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE). Until now, they remain the only company that offers flights to Vinson Massif. But unlike the airline, there are already other companies aside from them that offer services in guiding clients up the mountain.

Climbing Routes

The Normal Route via the Branscomb Glacier
The Normal Route to the summit of Vinson is very much like the West Buttress climb of the McKinley, being a long glacier expedition with no particular difficulties. From the ANI Base Camp, the route gently climbs up the Branscomb Glacier for 5 km on the base of the icefall, leading to the area between Vinson Massif and Shinn. From the top camp that is placed above the icefall on 3700 m, the route heads up south via low angeled slopes of bare, wind-scoured ice to a short, steep snow/ice face leading to the summit ridge. The ascent takes six to ten days.

Vinson Massif maybe the most isolated mountain of the Seven Summits, but it also offers you the chance to experience being alone with nature and see the vast expanse of ice and the blue sky. Going there may come at a really hefty price, but if you really wish to be on top of the tallest mountains of each continents, then scaling Vinson Massif is one chance you cannot dare pass on.

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