What you get on this adventure: An experienced, ACMG and IFMG-certified mountaineering/rock climbing/backcountry skiing guide with extensive knowledge of the area 12-day expedition in Antarctica, involving the Mount Vinson ascent Hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas before and after the expedition (2 nights before and 1 night after) Icelandic Air flight from Punta Arenas, Chile to Union Glacier, Antarctica Twin Otter flight from Union Glacier to Vinson Base Camp All meals in Antarctica Liability insurance Permits and fees Group gear What’s not included: Personal technical mountaineering gear Airfare to Punta Arenas Visa fees Meals before arriving in Antarctica and upon return in Punta Arenas Extra nights in hotels Single room supplements Expenses incurred in rescue or early departure (travel and rescue insurance are highly recommended) Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

To enjoy this Mt Vinson guided mountaineering trip, you need to be in excellent physical shape. During this expedition, you’ll experience varying durations of activity, ranging from 4 hours on easier days to 12 hours on the summit day. Terrain conditions can be demanding, with rapid elevation changes, such as ascending 3,700 feet in just 4.25 miles on the summit day. Basic mountaineering skills, including knowing how to use an ice axe, familiarity with crampon techniques, and a grasp of basic rock climbing techniques, are recommended. It is also vital to maintain an active lifestyle, engaging in physical activities involving both strength training and aerobic exercise regularly, at least 2-3 times a week, and often including the weekends. Climbing Mount Vinson doesn’t demand advanced mountaineering expertise and is generally not highly technical. However, you will traverse rugged terrain, often carrying a heavy pack. Extreme conditions, including exceptionally low temperatures and swiftly changing weather, ranging from pleasant (with the right clothing!) to extremely harsh, are to be expected. It’s worth mentioning that the success rate exceeds 90%, and you’ll always have an expert guide ensuring safety and providing logistical support, the lack of which presents the biggest obstacle for a successful Mount Vinson ascent. With expert guidance and all the logistics ensured, even moderate mountaineers and climbers can ascend Mount Vinson successfully.

What do I need to bring?

For technical mountaineering gear , it is essential to bring: Ski poles (three-section collapsible poles with necessary snow baskets) Ice axe (a size-appropriate modern mountaineering ice ax) Crampons (ensure a good fit with your boots, with horizontal front points and anti-balling plates) Alpine climbing harness (a modern alpine harness with gear loops and a belay loop) Mechanical ascender (used for ascending fixed lines — recommended) Belay device (a basic tube-style device that can accept various rope diameters) 4 Locking carabiners (large pear-shaped auto lockers are preferred) 6 Standard carabiners (light and modern wire gate carabiners are preferred) 30 feet of cord (6mm) (this cord is essential, but rescue prussik’s or slings can be used in place of some of it) For footwear , it is essential to bring: Mountain boots (warm, high-altitude mountaineering boots sized up at least half a size from street shoes) Camp boot (warm winter boots for flights and Union and Base Camps) Down booties Socks (4-5 pairs of medium-weight wool or synthetic socks) For gloves, it is essential to bring: 2 Pairs of liner gloves (thin enough to fit inside expedition gloves or mittens) Mid-weight insulated gloves (well-fitting gloves with light insulation, good dexterity, and leather palms) Expedition gloves (well-insulated, water-resistant gloves with leather palms) Insulated mittens For headwear, it is essential to bring: Sun fat (that fits under your helmet) Beanie (a mid to lightweight beanie) Facemask (it should cover your entire face when wearing goggles) Lightweight neck gaiter Sun glasses (CAT 3-4 full coverage sunglasses) Goggles (goggles with changeable lenses for varying light conditions are recommended) For upper body clothes , it is essential to bring: Hardshell jacket (lightweight, fully waterproof with a hood) Soft shell jacket (wind and water-resistant, suitable for everyday wear) Lightweight puffy (a lightly insulated synthetic puffy) Down parka (light-construction 800-fill down jacket with a hood) Base layers (a light and midweight base layer for versatility) Synthetic hoodie (any non-cotton layer for approaches and added insulation) For lower body clothes , it is essential to bring: Hard shell pants (consider a light and a waterproof option for versatility) Bottom base layer (have at least two pairs of bottom base layers) Insulated pants (insulated pants for added warmth) For personal gear , it is essential to bring: Climbing pack (70-100 L backpack, lightweight and climbing-specific) Cache bag (35-L waterproof bag for caching personal gear) Large sled duffel (used on your sled for personal and group gear) Sleeping bag: (-20°C or warmer degree sleeping bag) Sleeping pads (an insulated blow-up pad and a closed-cell foam pad) Pee bottle (wide-mouth with one-liter capacity at the least) Water bottle and thermos (oth a water bottle and a hydration system are recommended) Cup, spoon, and bowl (a mug for hot drinks, a bowl for meals, and utensils for eating) Personal electronics (camera, headphones, phone, external battery, small solar panel, etc.) Please note that sourcing most of these items in Punta Arenas for purchase or rental can be challenging. If you require rental of technical equipment or other listed items, we strongly advise securing them before your journey to Punta Arenas, either in Santiago de Chile or in your home country. Upon booking, your guide will provide ample opportunity to discuss gear and rental choices in detail. You can also contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this group adventure, the usual (and maximum) client-to-guide ratio is 4:1. It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The cost is per person and doesn’t decrease as the group grows. Climbing and skiing Mt Vinson can be arranged for private and larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors are not permitted to join this Mt Vinson ski mountaineering adventure. If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Punta Arenas, Chile most people fly into Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport , which is 30 minutes away. Please note that international flights to Punta Arenas are limited and thet you will likely first have to fly into Santiago de Chile Airport . Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary and your flight is confirmed, your guide will suggest the best time to meet you at the airport. Airport transfer to your hotel is included.

Safety measures in Antarctica

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency rescue and travel insurance. With rescue insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

A red helicopter surrounded by Antarctic landscapes.

Mountaineers’ camp near Mt Vinson, Antarctica.

Mountaineers having fun in their camp in Antarctica.

Aerial view of the Mt Vinson peak in Antarctica.

Mountaineers taking a rest day in the High Camp during their Mt Vinson expedition.

Mountaineers traversing rugged and icy terrain on a pretty flat section of the Mt Vinson climb.

A valley in Antarctica, surrounded by rugged mountains, with two tents and mountaineers seen from a distance.

A mountaineer descending Mt Vinson to get to the Low Camp.

Tw mountaineers drinking coffee and having fun in their camp in Antarctica.

Mountaineers carrying some of their equipment to another camp while climbing Mt Vinson.

A lenticular cloud above an icy Antarctic expanse reflecting sunlight.

Low camp, used on a climbing expedition to the summit of Mt Vinson.

Three mountaineers on a steep icy slope near Antarctica’s highest peak—Mt Vinson.

A mountaineer on the summit of Mt Vinson. Overlooking awe-inspiring Antarctic landscapes.

View of Punta Arenas with a park and a square.

MOUNT VINSON | ANTARCTICA

Climb Mt Vinson: Ultimate Adventure in Antarctica

Season

December through January

Nearest city

Your adventure starts in Punta Arenas, Chile

Duration

Approximately 15 days (depending on the weather conditions)

Difficulty

Accommodation

Hotel in Punta Arenas, camps during the expedition

Guides

Todd Passey, In the Company of Guides

From $50,000 () / 15 days

Got any questions? or Talk with us

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Things to know

Ready to test your limits? How about climbing the Roof of Antarctica—the 16,160-foot peak at the Bottom of the World! Join an IFMGA guide who has climbed Everest twice—and Mount Vinson a whopping 24 times!—to discover Antarctica’s boundless horizons. Ascend Mount Vinson’s pinnacle and stand atop the most remote of the revered 7 Summits, where the sheer audacity of human endeavor meets the serenity of the otherworldly expanse below. Dare to experience the extraordinary and leave your mark in Antarctica’s ice.

Book a call

Guided by the best

Join an IFMGA and AMGA guide boasting a combined tally of 62 (sixty-two!) 7-Summit ascents
Unplug from the World

Escape the noise of everyday life as you immerse yourself in the Antarctic wilderness and aim for the extraordinary
Logistics made effortless

Undertake an Antarctic expedition and don’t get distracted by the logistics

Itinerary

Embark on an epic expedition spanning over two weeks and ascend the mighty Mount Vinson in Antarctica. Starting in Punta Arenas, Chile you'll fly to Union Glacier, Antarctica. From there, the adventure continues to Vinson Base Camp, culminating at the continent's highest point before returning to your starting point. This comprehensive package includes everything you need, from accommodation in Punta Arenas to flights, meals, permits, fees, and group gear, allowing for an unforgettable journey with all the details seamlessly taken care of.

Please keep in mind that this itinerary is not set in stone. Due to extreme climate conditions in Antarctica, itinerary is subject to change. Variations may include prolonged stays at specific locations, thus extending the expedition’s duration. This is accounted for with the added “weather contingency days,” but in the event of favorable conditions, the itinerary may be slightly shorter, whereas challenging weather may cause an extension of your journey.
Upon arrival at the Punta Arenas Airport, meet your seasoned Mt. Vinson climbing/mountaineering guide. Spend your first day settling into your accommodation and soaking up the stunning surroundings of Punta Arenas, the southernmost large city globally. The following day, dive into an in-depth gear check, ensuring that you are adequately equipped for the upcoming Antarctic expedition.
Embark on a remarkable journey from Punta Arenas, Chile, to the pristine landscapes of Union Glacier, Antarctica. This approximately 4-hour flight will transport you to the Blue Ice Runway, where you will be greeted by spacious transport vehicles for a short 3-mile drive to Union Glacier Camp.

Meals: Lunch and dinner
From Union Glacier Camp, board Twin Otter airplanes for an awe-inspiring flight to the Vinson Base Camp (VBC). Nestled on the western slopes of Mount Vinson, the Vinson Base Camp sits at an elevation of approximately 7,000 ft (2,133 m).

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Today you’ll go on a journey from VBC to Low Camp, covering around 5.5 miles (8.8 km) with an elevation gain of just over 2,000 ft (609 m). This day’s adventure spans 4 to 6 hours and includes pulling sleds across a gently ascending glacier with some crevassing.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Today’s objective involves transporting food and fuel to the High Camp, ensuring more manageable loads on the move day and aiding acclimatization. Ascend the fixed ropes, covering approximately 3,500 ft (1,067 m) of elevation gain, with slopes reaching a maximum angle of 45 degrees. The terrain features some rocky sections but primarily consists of snow and ice.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Prepare for an exhilarating transition as you pack up and journey to the High Camp. Expect this day to span 6 to 8 hours. Upon reaching the summit of the fixed lines, retrieve your cache from the previous day and transport everything to the High Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Following the strenuous move to the High Camp, relish a well-deserved rest day. Nestled at 12,500 ft (3,810 m), take the opportunity to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the impending summit day.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Summit Day promises an epic ascent, encompassing 3,700 ft (1,128 m) of vertical gain over 4.25 miles (6.8 km). This round trip, spanning approximately 8 to 12 hours, commences with a gradual ascent up a broad valley, eventually culminating in a steeper slope of around 40 degrees. At the summit ridge, marvel at the breathtaking views before reaching the summit itself at 16,160 ft (4,928 m).

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Today, you will descend from the High Camp to the Vinson Base Camp, dedicating 4 to 5 hours to this effort. Settle into your camp and take some more rest after a successful (and strenuous) ascent.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Bid farewell to the Vinson Base Camp as you embark on a flight back to the Union Glacier Camp. Upon your return to the semi-civilization, celebrate your successful ascent of Mt. Vinson with fellow adventurers and your guide.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Antarctica’s unforgiving environment demands flexibility. These additional days in the itinerary provide necessary buffer time for unforeseen circumstances.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After breakfast, bid Antarctica adieu and board a flight back to Punta Arenas. If you still have the energy, explore the city’s vibrant streets, bars, and restaurants alongside fellow adventurers and your guide, making the most of your last day in this unique location.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Enjoy a final breakfast in Punta Arenas before departing for your journey home, brimming with cherished memories and a profound sense of accomplishment. Bid farewell to your fellow travelers, guide, and the beautiful landscapes of Chile—or continue touring on your own.

Meals: Breakfast

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Meet your guides

5.00

Todd Passey

Originally from Utah, Todd is a highly accomplished guide with an IFMGA certification along with certifications from the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) as a Rock Guide, Alpine Guide, and Ski Mountaineering Guide. Todd's extensive guiding experience spans numerous countries and all 7 continents. One of Todd's notable achievements is successfully ascending all Seven Summits, including Kilimanjaro in Africa (1 time), Elbrus in Europe (4 times), Aconcagua in South America (2 times), Denali in North America (22 times), Carstensz in Oceania (7 times), Vinson in Antarctica (24 times), and Everest in Asia (2 times). Currently, Todd Passey resides in Utah's Wasatch Mountains.

5.00

Established in 2009 by IFMGA American Mountain Guides Todd Passey and Tim Connelly, in collaboration with AMGA Ski Mountaineering Certified Guide Winslow Passey, In The Company of Guides places a paramount emphasis on fostering meaningful client-guide connections. Operating with a low client-to-guide ratio, their experienced, globally certified guides provide their clients with the opportunity to embark on truly exceptional adventures—be it 7 Summit climbs or rock climbing and backcountry skiing in North America and Europe. With extensive personal and professional climbing backgrounds, they are dedicated to transforming mountain dreams into lasting relationships and remarkable achievements.

Watch our webinar

Mt Vinson Ski Mountaineering Expedition.

October 19 , 2023 at 12:00PM EDT

Starting in

Climbing and Skiing Mt. Vinson Q&A: IFMGA Guide Shares All

Todd Passey

IFMGA Guide and co-founder of In The Company of Guides

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, ACMG and IFMG-certified mountaineering/rock climbing/backcountry skiing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 12-day expedition in Antarctica, involving the Mount Vinson ascent
  - Hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas before and after the expedition (2 nights before and 1 night after)
  - Icelandic Air flight from Punta Arenas, Chile to Union Glacier, Antarctica
  - Twin Otter flight from Union Glacier to Vinson Base Camp
  - All meals in Antarctica
  - Liability insurance
  - Permits and fees
  - Group gear
What’s not included:
- - Personal technical mountaineering gear
  - Airfare to Punta Arenas
  - Visa fees
  - Meals before arriving in Antarctica and upon return in Punta Arenas
  - Extra nights in hotels
  - Single room supplements
  - Expenses incurred in rescue or early departure (travel and rescue insurance are highly recommended)
  - Guide gratuities — optional
To enjoy this Mt Vinson guided mountaineering trip, you need to be in excellent physical shape. During this expedition, you’ll experience varying durations of activity, ranging from 4 hours on easier days to 12 hours on the summit day. Terrain conditions can be demanding, with rapid elevation changes, such as ascending 3,700 feet in just 4.25 miles on the summit day.

Basic mountaineering skills, including knowing how to use an ice axe, familiarity with crampon techniques, and a grasp of basic rock climbing techniques, are recommended. It is also vital to maintain an active lifestyle, engaging in physical activities involving both strength training and aerobic exercise regularly, at least 2-3 times a week, and often including the weekends.

Climbing Mount Vinson doesn’t demand advanced mountaineering expertise and is generally not highly technical. However, you will traverse rugged terrain, often carrying a heavy pack. Extreme conditions, including exceptionally low temperatures and swiftly changing weather, ranging from pleasant (with the right clothing!) to extremely harsh, are to be expected. It’s worth mentioning that the success rate exceeds 90%, and you’ll always have an expert guide ensuring safety and providing logistical support, the lack of which presents the biggest obstacle for a successful Mount Vinson ascent. With expert guidance and all the logistics ensured, even moderate mountaineers and climbers can ascend Mount Vinson successfully.
For technical mountaineering gear, it is essential to bring:
- - Ski poles (three-section collapsible poles with necessary snow baskets)
  - Ice axe (a size-appropriate modern mountaineering ice ax)
  - Crampons (ensure a good fit with your boots, with horizontal front points and anti-balling plates)
  - Alpine climbing harness (a modern alpine harness with gear loops and a belay loop)
  - Mechanical ascender (used for ascending fixed lines — recommended)
  - Belay device (a basic tube-style device that can accept various rope diameters)
  - 4 Locking carabiners (large pear-shaped auto lockers are preferred)
  - 6 Standard carabiners (light and modern wire gate carabiners are preferred)
  - 30 feet of cord (6mm) (this cord is essential, but rescue prussik’s or slings can be used in place of some of it)
For footwear, it is essential to bring:
- - Mountain boots (warm, high-altitude mountaineering boots sized up at least half a size from street shoes)
  - Camp boot (warm winter boots for flights and Union and Base Camps)
  - Down booties
  - Socks (4-5 pairs of medium-weight wool or synthetic socks)
For gloves, it is essential to bring:
- - 2 Pairs of liner gloves (thin enough to fit inside expedition gloves or mittens)
  - Mid-weight insulated gloves (well-fitting gloves with light insulation, good dexterity, and leather palms)
  - Expedition gloves (well-insulated, water-resistant gloves with leather palms)
  - Insulated mittens
For headwear, it is essential to bring:
- - Sun fat (that fits under your helmet)
  - Beanie (a mid to lightweight beanie)
  - Facemask (it should cover your entire face when wearing goggles)
  - Lightweight neck gaiter
  - Sun glasses (CAT 3-4 full coverage sunglasses)
  - Goggles (goggles with changeable lenses for varying light conditions are recommended)
For upper body clothes, it is essential to bring:
- - Hardshell jacket (lightweight, fully waterproof with a hood)
  - Soft shell jacket (wind and water-resistant, suitable for everyday wear)
  - Lightweight puffy (a lightly insulated synthetic puffy)
  - Down parka (light-construction 800-fill down jacket with a hood)
  - Base layers (a light and midweight base layer for versatility)
  - Synthetic hoodie (any non-cotton layer for approaches and added insulation)
For lower body clothes, it is essential to bring:
- - Hard shell pants (consider a light and a waterproof option for versatility)
  - Bottom base layer (have at least two pairs of bottom base layers)
  - Insulated pants (insulated pants for added warmth)
For personal gear, it is essential to bring:
- - Climbing pack (70-100 L backpack, lightweight and climbing-specific)
  - Cache bag (35-L waterproof bag for caching personal gear)
  - Large sled duffel (used on your sled for personal and group gear)
  - Sleeping bag: (-20°C or warmer degree sleeping bag)
  - Sleeping pads (an insulated blow-up pad and a closed-cell foam pad)
  - Pee bottle (wide-mouth with one-liter capacity at the least)
  - Water bottle and thermos (oth a water bottle and a hydration system are recommended)
  - Cup, spoon, and bowl (a mug for hot drinks, a bowl for meals, and utensils for eating)
  - Personal electronics (camera, headphones, phone, external battery, small solar panel, etc.)
Please note that sourcing most of these items in Punta Arenas for purchase or rental can be challenging. If you require rental of technical equipment or other listed items, we strongly advise securing them before your journey to Punta Arenas, either in Santiago de Chile or in your home country. Upon booking, your guide will provide ample opportunity to discuss gear and rental choices in detail. You can also contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this group adventure, the usual (and maximum) client-to-guide ratio is 4:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate.
  - The cost is per person and doesn’t decrease as the group grows.
Climbing and skiing Mt Vinson can be arranged for private and larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors are not permitted to join this Mt Vinson ski mountaineering adventure.
If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Punta Arenas, Chile most people fly into Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport, which is 30 minutes away. Please note that international flights to Punta Arenas are limited and thet you will likely first have to fly into Santiago de Chile Airport.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary and your flight is confirmed, your guide will suggest the best time to meet you at the airport. Airport transfer to your hotel is included.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency rescue and travel insurance. With rescue insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
A 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
- - If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund.
  - For cancellations ninety (90) to one hundred nineteen (119) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
  - For cancellations seventy-five (75) to eighty nine (89) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
  - After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.