The Antarctic summer runs from late November to March, when the sun burns 24 hours a day and temperatures hover around -20°C (-29°F). This period opens the climbing season on Mount Vinson – the highest peak on the Antarctic continent, standing 16,050 feet (4,892 m). This distinction makes Mount Vinson a member of the iconic Seven Summits – the highest mountain on each of the seven continents. Other extremely unique adventures also await you this time of year.
Mount Vinson, part of the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains near the Ronne Ice Shelf, rises 700 nautical miles from the South Pole. Mount Vinson and five other nearby mountains collectively make up the Vinson Range. In January 1967, a climbing team led by Nicholas Clinch of the American Antarctic Mountaineering Expedition climbed Mt. Vinson for the first time.
Most climbers take the “normal route” to ascend Branscomb Glacier, which takes on average 10 days. During the Antarctic summer, the sun shines all day and night and temperatures reach a climbing-friendly temperature. Mountaineers from around the world have descended on the frigid ice of Antarctica to scale Mount Vinson and summit one of the Seven Summits. Elite mountain guiding company Madison Mountaineering has had recent success on Vinson.
Madison mountaineering has just successfully led a climb of Mount Vinson. The entire team reached the summit of the iconic Seven Summit, marking another notable achievement for the mountaineering company founded by first climber and 14-time summiteer of Mount Everest, Garrett Madison. The team experienced clear skis and near-perfect climbing conditions atop one of the most isolated and pristine places on the planet. After a well-deserved celebration at Union Glacier Camp (base camp), the team will depart for Punta Arenas, Chile, before returning home. Great work by Madison Mountaineeering.
Expedition leader Benny Lieber recently said from Union Glacier: “Good job everyone! What a great start to the season in Antarctica. We reached the summit of Mount Vinson on December 14, 2024. The highest peak stands among the most frozen landscape on planet Earth at 16,050 feet. And positioned at 78°S in Antarctica. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and as we climbed the last few hours we covered our faces and hands to stay warm in the Antarctic wind. At the top, the wind died down until it disappeared. We smiled, kissed, and looked at the endless ice in every direction. A surreal vision unlike any other in the world. I am very proud of our team for their hard work and commitment to staying together at the top, which is a memory that will stay with us forever.
Access to Mt. Vinson presents a significant challenge. Most climbers and adventurers arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile. From there, they fly across the ice of Antarctica and arrive at Union Glacier Camp, a base camp located in the interior of the continent. Logistical preparations require careful planning and coordination to ensure climbers and other adventurers have the equipment and supplies needed to survive in Antarctica's unforgiving environment.
Those who attempt to climb the Seven Summits must ultimately face this difficult situation. Two other adventures await those who wish to make the extraordinary journey to Antarctica: Discover the Emperor Penguin – the largest and heaviest of all living penguin species, endemic to Antarctica, and markings of South Pole – tThe southernmost point on Earth, located at the antipode on the opposite side of the North Pole, a distance of 12,430 miles in all directions. (Related article)
