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Climb Mount Vinson

Climb Mount Vinson

Antarctica's Highest Peak

Imagine yourself on the summit of Mount Vinson 16,050 ft (4892 m), the highest peak in Antarctica and one of the coveted Seven Summits. Majestic, snow-covered peaks stand guard over vast glaciers below and in the distance, snow meets sky along a noticeably curved horizon. This is a moment to savor. All of the challenges you faced to get here only highlight the vast beauty before you and the sense of accomplishment that comes from achieving the extraordinary.

Mount Vinson lies in the aptly named Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains, deep in the interior of Antarctica. It was first summited on December 18, 1966 and for many years did not see a second ascent due to the challenges of accessing its remote location. In 1985, we pioneered logistics to support a private expedition to Mount Vinson and 30+ years later, we continue to guide climbers to the top of the bottom of the world!

You’ll ascend the Branscomb Shoulder Route which has become the “standard route”, climbing gentle glaciers, 45° snow covered slopes, an exposed high plateau, and spectacular summit ridge. The rate of ascent and daily climbing plan set by your experienced mountain guide will be geared toward the safety and success of your climb. To climb Mount Vinson is to challenge yourself on a mountain like no other in one of the most remote regions on Earth.

13-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1

  • Fly to Union Glacier, Antarctica
  • Receive a welcome tour and get comfortable in your beautiful Antarctic basecamp.

Day 2-3

  • Depart for Vinson Base Camp
  • Get to know your guide and fellow climbers
  • Acclimate to Antarctic conditions and brush up on skills

Day 4-5

  • Depart from Base Camp to Low Camp via Branscomb Glacier

Day 6

  • Ascend from Low Camp to High Camp

Day 7-8

  • Ascend from High Camp to Summit

Day 9

  • Descend to Base Camp
  • Celebrate your experience with a hearty meal and toast to your team!

Day 10-11

  • Return to Union Glacier
  • Enjoy camp facilities and explore Union Glacier

Day 12-13

  • Return to Chile

Upcoming Departures

Nov 26, 2025
Dec 07, 2025
Dec 18, 2025
Dec 30, 2025
Jan 10, 2026
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available

About The Camps To Climb Mount Vinson

Crafted for the extremes, our Antarctic camps are a testament to precision engineering and logistical mastery. Whether you’re staying at Union Glacier Camp nestled by Mount Rossman, or traveling to one of our remote camps, each site is powered by renewable energy systems and supported by expert field staff trained in polar operations. Refined with our nearly half a century of experience in the interior of Antarctica, our camps are optimized for safety, sustainability, and a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience.

A snowy campsite in Antarctica with colorful tents scattered across a white landscape, set against snow-covered mountains. Supported by Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, the scene glows under a bright, partly cloudy sky with the sun shining.
Union Glacier Camp

Union Glacier Camp

A snow-covered campsite with colorful tents is set up on a vast, white expanse in Antarctica before towering, rugged, snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky—an inspiring scene from an Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions journey.
Vinson Base Camp

Vinson Base Camp

A red tent partly covered in snow sits on a snowy Antarctic landscape under a clear blue sky, with a shovel and a ski pole nearby. The photo, taken from inside another tent, hints at the experience of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions.
Field Camps

Field Camps

What’s Included

A large white check mark inside a solid green circle, symbolizing approval or confirmation—like a stamp of success on an Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions journey to the South Pole.
Airport transfers in Punta Arenas, Chile
A large white check mark inside a solid green circle, symbolizing approval or confirmation—like a stamp of success on an Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions journey to the South Pole.
Round trip flight to Antarctica from Punta Arenas
A large white check mark inside a solid green circle, symbolizing approval or confirmation—like a stamp of success on an Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions journey to the South Pole.
Meals and tented accommodation in Antarctica
A large white check mark inside a solid green circle, symbolizing approval or confirmation—like a stamp of success on an Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions journey to the South Pole.
Antarctic guides and lecturers
A large white check mark inside a solid green circle, symbolizing approval or confirmation—like a stamp of success on an Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions journey to the South Pole.
Celebration event and Certificate of Achievement
A large white check mark inside a solid green circle, symbolizing approval or confirmation—like a stamp of success on an Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions journey to the South Pole.
Checked luggage up to 55 lb (25 kg) plus skis

What’s Not Included

A large white letter X, reminiscent of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, is centered on a gray circular background.
Commercial flights to and from Punta Arenas
A large white letter X, reminiscent of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, is centered on a gray circular background.
Airport transfers outside of Punta Arenas
A large white letter X, reminiscent of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, is centered on a gray circular background.
Meals and accommodation in Punta Arenas
A large white letter X, reminiscent of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, is centered on a gray circular background.
Additional flights within Antarctica
A large white letter X, reminiscent of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, is centered on a gray circular background.
Personal equipment and clothing
A large white letter X, reminiscent of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, is centered on a gray circular background.
Expenses incurred due to delays
A large white letter X, reminiscent of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, is centered on a gray circular background.
Luggage over 55 lb (25 kg)
A large white letter X, reminiscent of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, is centered on a gray circular background.
Satellite phone charges
A large white letter X, reminiscent of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, is centered on a gray circular background.
Insurance coverage—personal, medical, evacuation, or otherwise

All About Mount Vinson

Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica, offers a rare chance to stand atop one of the world’s Seven Summits in one of the most remote and pristine environments on Earth. With its towering ice-covered slopes, surreal silence, and breathtaking views, it’s a true bucket-list achievement for climbers and adventurers alike. Reaching its summit is not just a physical triumph—it’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of the last great wilderness.

Learn More
A climber wearing cold-weather gear and sunglasses stands on a snow-covered Antarctic peak with arms outstretched, holding an ice axe, surrounded by clear blue sky and the pristine mountains of Antarctica in the background.
Two climbers in red jackets walk along a snowy, narrow mountain ridge under a clear blue sky, roped together for safety. The icy Antarctic landscape stretches out in the background, hinting at an adventure led by Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions.
A small red and white plane, part of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, is parked on snow as people unload luggage. Sunlight shines in the blue sky, with snowy mountains in the background, capturing the spirit of Antarctica.
Two climbers in heavy winter gear and snow boots trek through a snowy, windswept mountain landscape in Antarctica, using trekking poles for support. The background shows rugged, snow-covered peaks under a cloudy sky—typical of an Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions journey.
Four climbers dressed in colorful, heavy winter gear stand on a snowy mountain summit in Antarctica, surrounded by ropes and equipment. Snow-covered peaks stretch behind them as two climbers pose with arms raised, celebrating their Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions adventure.
People in red and yellow jackets stand among orange tents on snow in Antarctica, surrounded by snowy mountains. Two small planes, part of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, are visible under a clear blue sky.
A group of climbers wearing cold weather gear and helmets stand together on a snowy mountain ridge in Antarctica, roped together and posing for a photo with ice axes against a gray sky.
A group of climbers in winter gear stand on a snowy mountain summit in Antarctica, smiling and holding a green and black flag. Roped together, they showcase the spirit of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions under a gray sky.
A group of climbers in winter gear hikes in a line along a snowy mountain ridge in Antarctica, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and a vast, white landscape under a clear blue sky—an adventure supported by Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions.

Prepare For Your Trip to Antarctica

How To Prepare To Climb Mount Vinson

Preparation Details

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It was a great trip from the beginning with you to the plane at Punta with Rene. Outstanding could be the only comment that we could make.

Tom Crane
“

Thank you very much for helping me to get to Antarctica. It was a great trip and ALE was so well organized. I think I lost my soul to the ice.

Correne Coetzer
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Now after some while I realize what a great time I had during the whole trip both in Chile and Antarctica. The delay we had was not a delay, it was anticipation of a real adventure and I enjoyed it too. I appreciate very much your efforts and professionalism in preparing and managing this very complicated logistic operation. I was even more pleased dealing with your team which creates very friendly and warm air in the cold environment.

Alexandr Drozdkov
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I wanted to personally thank you and your team for a exceptional season on the ice. In my opinion the whole affair was faultless to a tee... even the bubbles in the champene you provided us on our return from the pole were of the correct diameter.

Jonathan Bradshaw
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I have traveled for over 75 years to many extremely remote places and without a doubt Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions is the best logistics company I've ever worked with... If you want to travel to Antarctica and really see and experience the place, ALE is your best choice as a travel partner. They have my highest recommendation-5 STARS. “Thank You” ALE for exceeding all my expectations and giving me the experience of a lifetime.

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Beginning with the entire onboarding process, the quality of the people at ALE stood out. From the early emails to the final pre-departure steps in Punta Arenas, each transition felt smooth and clear... From the perspective of the “adventure experience” I was awestruck every waking moment that I was there.

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