Mount Vinson
Mount Vinson is Antarctica’s highest peak, and one of the Seven Summits. With a prominence of 16,050ft (4,892m) and residing in one of the world’s most formidable cold deserts, this peak was first summited in 1966, making it the last of the Seven Summits to be reached. Today, over 3,500 people have successfully summitted Mount [...]
The 2016 Antarctic season marks 50 years since the first ascent of the continent’s four highest peaks by the American Antarctic Mountaineering Expedition (AAME). Mount Vinson, Antarctica’s highest peak at 16,050 ft (4892 m), was first summited on December 18, 1966 by AAME expedition members, Pete Schoening, Bill Long, John Evans, and Barry Corbet. Despite [...]
Nick Clinch (b. 1930), leader of the 1966 first ascent of Mount Vinson, passed away on June 15, 2016 in Palo Alto, California. Clinch is regarded as one of America’s most successful expedition leaders. He is the only American to have led the first ascent of an 8,000 meter peak: Hidden Peak (Gasherbrum I, 26,470 [...]
2015 marks another season with 100% success for ALE climbers on Antarctica's highest peak. 33 ALE guests traveled to Mount Vinson over five departures, from mid-November through late January. All reached the summit, together with a total of 16 ALE guides and rangers, many of whom made multiple ascents. Congratulations to everyone, especially to those [...]
ALE Mount Vinson Guide, David Hamilton, has 28 years of experience as a high altitude guide in all of the world’s major mountain ranges, with 25 expeditions to peaks over 7,500m and (almost) all the 7 summits 3 or more times.
2014-15 marks the busiest Antarctic season on record for Mount Vinson ascents.
Media reports that a group of Russian climbers were lost on Mount Vinson are incorrect. All climbers are safe and well and the group is in regular contact with Vinson Base Camp.
We've reached the half-way point in the climbing season on Mount Vinson and it's hard to believe the third group of guests are already on the mountain! We caught up with ALE Guide, David Hamilton, for a glimpse into the days ahead and what this group of climbers will experience on Vinson.
ALE Expedition Manager Steve Jones was interviewed by Explorersweb.com, comparing the climbing experience on Mount Vinson – Antarctica’s highest peak – to the less frequented and more remote Mount Sidley – Antarctica’s highest volcano. Click to read Steve’s interview
Another season with 100% success for ALE climbers on Antarctica’s highest peak. Our Vinson Wrap-up includes all the ALE season highlights.