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

A person in winter gear looks through a spotting scope on a tripod, surveying the snowy, mountainous landscape of Antarctica under a clear blue sky.

HISTORY

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 locations. 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!

OPERATIONS

Vinson Base Camp has one dedicated ALE guide serving as manager at all times and is supported by other base camp staff and ALE Rangers. As their name suggests, ALE Rangers move about the mountain maintaining equipment and re-stocking caches. They also coordinate with ALE and visiting guides to keep Vinson clean and provide assistance to field parties when required. Together, Base Camp staff provide meals for our guests, manage and maintain our base camp facilities, coordinate with visiting guides, and assist in case of emergency on the mountain.

A person in a reflective vest and beanie sits inside a tent-like structure in Antarctica, smiling and speaking into a radio. The space, set up by Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, is filled with cooking equipment, notes, and electronics.

Several orange tents are set up on snow near a group of people in winter clothing, with the snow-covered mountains of Antarctica and a clear blue sky in the background—an expedition staged by Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Guests on ALE guided experiences will enjoy our comfortable sturdy 4-season mountain tents situated amongst spectacular scenery. We typically use Mountain Hardwear Trango 3.1 tents. These free-standing, double-walled tents have a more complex pole configuration, which makes them extremely strong in high winds, regardless of the wind direction.

WEATHER

Climbers should be prepared for extreme temperatures of -40°F (-40°C) and possible severe storms higher on the mountain.

Four people in winter gear stand on snow near orange tents, deep in discussion. Sleds and equipment lie nearby, with one gesturing while holding an object—an Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions team operating in a cold, mountainous environment.

A smiling man wearing a blue shirt and cap uses an oven mitt to remove a tray of cooked meat from an oven in a busy kitchen, reminiscent of life at Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions' South Pole base. Cooking utensils, pans, and boxes are visible in the background.

MEALS

Our heated base camp tent serves as both a dining & relaxation area for ALE guided guests and an operations center for mountain logistics. Meals are often prepared on-site with fresh ingredients and sometimes include fresh-frozen meals prepared in advance by our chefs at Union Glacier.

TOILETS

Simple, open-air toilets with privacy walls provide a “loo with a view” looking out over the Nimitz Glacier. In keeping with our policy of best environmental practices, all solid waste is returned to Punta Arenas, Chile (via Union Glacier) for proper disposal. No shower facilities are provided at Vinson Base Camp.

A person wearing a bright orange hood, safety vest, and gloves holds a walkie-talkie while watching a small red plane land on the snowy Antarctic landscape, supporting operations for Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions.

COMMUNICATIONS

Vinson Base Camp maintains daily communication with climbing parties, Union Glacier camp, and our Chile office, using VHF, HF, Satellite phone, and email communications. Guests can make outgoing satellite phone calls from base camp, using our Iridium handsets. Pre-paid phone cards can be purchased at Union Glacier or Vinson Base Camps.

POWER

Vinson Base Camp is solar powered and limited charging facilities are available in the main tent. Two types of outlets are available: USB and 120V A/C (North American Type A or B plugs). Ensure your batteries are fully charged prior to leaving Union Glacier, you have back-up batteries on hand, and you leave any unnecessary electronics behind. Please be courteous of your fellow climbers and do not leave electronics plugged in overnight.

A person wearing sunglasses and winter clothing empties a container of snow into a large bin beside a tent in Antarctica’s snowy, mountainous landscape under a clear blue sky.

Three climbers in winter gear stand behind a snow sign that reads VINSON, with trekking poles and gear bags nearby. Snow-covered mountains and a blue sky capture the spirit of Antarctica’s remote beauty.

TIME

Even though we operate in 24-hour daylight, Vinson Base Camp time is the same as Punta Arenas, Chile, where our flights originate. Our other camps at Union Glacier, South Pole, and the Emperor Penguin Colony also operate on this same time.