2014-15 marks the busiest Antarctic season on record for Mount Vinson ascents. ALE welcomed over 200 climbers which included guests and guides from twelve different companies and 31 different countries. 187 people reached the summit of Mount Vinson and several guides made multiple ascents.
ALE guided a total of 38 guests and we’re proud to report that all of our guests reached the summit, giving ALE a 100% success rate once again this season! A total of 14 ALE staff worked at Mount Vinson over the season as Guides, Rangers and Base Camp staff.
While Vinson continues to be our most popular destination, several guests extended their stay in Antarctica to participate in our Climb Antarctica Experience, Ski Last Degree, or take a South Pole Flight. One guest, Newall Hunter, completed a 40 day ski expedition from the Antarctic coast to the South Pole and went on to summit Vinson not even two weeks later! Our guide staff also mixed it up this season with four ascents of Mount Shinn, Antarctica’s 3rd highest peak.
Congratulations to everyone, especially to those who completed their Seven Summits with us this season!
Vinson Base Camp may be in hibernation until November but we left it well stocked with food, fuel and equipment and are ready to welcome more adventurous spirits next year. Save your seat on one of our five departures for Vinson 2015-16:
- V1: November 26 – December 7, 2015
- V2: December 7 – December 18, 2015
- V3: December 18 -December 29, 2015
- V4: December 29, 2015 – January 9, 2016
- V5: January 9 – January 20, 2016