An Irish Seven Summits Challenge

Mt Vinson, Highest Mountain in Antarctica.
4,897 meters (16,066 feet)

Expedition Leader: Pat Falvey

Team members: Clare O'Leary & John Dowd

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November/December 2005

One of the coldest and most remote places on earth. An exciting expedition for those wishing to have an adventure of a lifetime.
Team consist of 5 members. Date November/December 2005 -
21 Days.

2 Places still available, assessment required to join team. More details contact Pat Falvey. This expedition is a part of the Irish Seven Summits Challenge and will be lead by world renowned adventurer, explorer and adventurer Pat Falvey who has completed 38 high altitude expeditions worldwide including summiting Mt Everest twice. His experience and knowledge of high altitude mountaineering will add greatly to the experience.

Mount Vinson in brief

The Mt Vinson expedition holds a very special appeal for Irish climbers, offering a 'not to be missed' opportunity to travel in the footsteps of our hero explorers, Shackleton, Crean, Keohane and the McCarthy brothers. These men, drawn by the unrivalled and mystical beauty of this continent, have placed Ireland high in the international ranks of Antarctic exploration. In recent years, the achievements of these men are finally being recognised at home, sparking a huge and very proud national interest. You can now experience first hand a taste of the harsh and unforgiving environment these men were exposed to.

Mount Vinson (16,067ft, 4897m), the highest point on the Antarctic continent is part of the majestic Ellsworth mountain range. It is situated 600 miles from the South Pole in one of the most amazing and unspoilt landscapes of this planet. An ascent during the summer months of November to January is complemented by 24 hrs of daylight; this allows full appreciation of your surroundings during this unforgettable expedition.

First climbed during the summer season of 1966/67, Vinson has to date been climbed by only about 400 mountaineers.

Difficulty (and costs) of access and extreme weather conditions are more prohibitive than the climb itself, which is graded as moderate.

Team members must be physically fit and prepared to climb for several hours carrying a 40kg pack in sleds. Training in glacier travel and crevasse rescue techniques is a prerequisite. We will be running training courses as we run up to expeditions on all techniques required. This is not a guided expedition and all members have to be self sufficient.

Trip duration: 3 weeks

General Itinerary

We fly by an Illyushin aircraft from Punta Arenas to Patriot Hills and from here by Twin Otter or Cessna to the base of the Vinson Massif. This flight is without doubt one of the most amazing flights on earth as we fly over the Antarctic continent.

Base Camp (7,000ft) is located on the lower part of the Branscomb Glacier (west side of the Ellsworth Mountains).
After dividing our gear between backpacks and sleds, we ascend the Branscomb Glacier for 2 miles to Camp I (9,100ft). From this magnificent setting, the summit of Vinson rises dramatically above us, while the neighbouring peaks of Shinn and Gardner enhance the visual grandeur.

From Camp I we ascend 1,000ft for 1.5miles to the foot of a large headwall and establish Camp II (10,100ft). We leave sleds and an emergency food cache at Camp II. The following day we climb 2,300ft up the headwall on moderate snow slopes to a broad col between Vinson and Shinn to establish Camp III (12,300ft). From Camp III we have incredible views of the Ronne Ice Shelf, Mount Shin and Mount Vinson. We rest here for the day to enhance acclimatization prior to attempting the summit.

Summit day begins with a 3-mile traverse and a 3,000ft gain in elevation. Continuing on, we ascend a hard snow surface of moderate steepness to reach the summit ridge. From here the summit stands within easy reach and from the top the views are simply unforgettable!

Once back in base camp, we organise gear for the return trip as we await our pick up and return to Patriot Hills. This expedition is an amazing experience for those who enter the inner sanctum of this great white continent.

We will have training sessions throughout the year for those interested in attempting this gigantic mountain in what is known as one of the last frontier lands on earth. It will require a good level of fitness and a commitment to bring yourself to the standard of mountaineering to undertake an expedition like this. See Skills Training - Snow and Ice, Rope Training, Navigation Course and Camp Craft. If you are interested in this expedition please contact Pat Falvey, call to the Mountain Lodge, Beaufort, Killarney or ring 064 44181.