South Pole / Vinson Combo
South Pole /Vinson Combo
Ski to the South Pole and climb Antarctica's highest mountain during this challenging and exciting combo of expeditions. This combination is a must-do for any serious adventurer and especially those on the Explorers Grand Slam track. It's also the most efficient and economical way to experience these two Antarctic treasures in one visit to the white continent. We start with the Last Degree Expedition, skiing from S 89° to S 90°, the Geographic South Pole, which means that you'll be well acclimatized when you finish the last degree and head to Vinson, which rises 4,897 meters (16,067 feet) above sea level, and offers outstanding views of Mt. Gardiner, Mt. Shinn and the expanse of Antarctica. Arriving at Vinson with this level of acclimatization and cold weather experience a makes for a safer, quicker and all around more efficient & enjoyable Vinson expedition. Want to learn more? Check out the video below and give us a shout. We'd love to share what makes this combination of expeditions so special, and why our approach makes all the difference!
Dates & Rates
2025 Dates:
January 1, 2025 - January 21, 2025
2025 Price:
Contact us for pricing
Participants receive a discount on our 5-day Polar Shakedown Training. Click here for more details.
Inclusions:
Includes all accommodations and meals while in Antarctica, guide(s), permits, communication & safety gear.
Itinerary
The following itinerary begins after arriving back at Union Glacier Camp having competed the Last Degree Ski.
DAY 1
Having returned to Union Glacier and transitioned from skiing to mountaineering kit, we will depart for Vinson Basecamp where, if weather allows, the team will continue on directly to Vinson Low Camp (bypassing Base Camp).
DAY 2-4
For the next three days we'll ascend & descend the Vinson Massif. Though we rate the climb as "moderately difficult", the extreme temperatures (-10°F to -40°F), and the likelihood of strong winds combine to make this a potentially very difficult climb. Given the remote location of the mountain, caution is the order of the day! Contact us for a detailed itinerary.
DAY 5
Back at Vinson basecamp, we'll ready ourselves for our flight back to Union Glacier and onwards to Punta Arenas.
Qualifications
Vinson is not considered a very technically demanding mountain, but what it lacks in technical difficulty it more than makes up for with extreme conditions and a very remote location. You should be ready to handle basic mountain / glacial travel, roped team travel, fixed line ascension, self arrest and a familiarity with crevasse rescue, all while managing your layers and physical needs. You should be able to carry 35 kilo (77 lbs). See our South Pole Last Degree page for the Last Degree qualifications.
This expedition will likely encounter extremely cold and windy conditions. Living in such conditions 24 hours a day can be very challenging. This expedition demands that you stay well-fed and hydrated. You need to be proactive about keeping yourself healthy and free of injury. Every ounce of training and preparation will help to make the expedition more enjoyable and safer.
Please contact us with further questions!
Equipment
Upon registration, you will receive a comprehensive gear guide that explains the importance of each item as well as gear recommendations from our past participants. Please contact us for more information about your personal gear and group gear for this expedition.
Several items on our equipment checklist are available from our store.
South Pole / Vinson Combo Video
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