Usually it will be well worth your time to complete a beginning mountaineering climbing course, such as one of the following by Alpine Ascents: Cascades 6 Day, Rainier 8 Day, Alaska 8 Day, Alaska 12 Day, or have equivalent skills and experience. You will occasionally read on the internet, or in magazine articles, or in guidebooks about how ugly Aconcagua is. Pack weight for Normal Route: 35-40 lbs. AAI (Alpine Ascents International) $27,000.00 - $30,000.00 Aug, Sep, Oct 45 Days The Prittie letter was the most helpful. Like any big mountain, things can change frequently and rapidly. Hello everybody, the team “Aconcagua 5 ” is ready and excited to hit the trail. Patagonia – Cerro San Lorenzo; Cho Oyu; Great Peaks of Bolivia; Great Peaks of Peru; Island Peak, Nepal; Mera Peak, Nepal Over the years, I have had many climbers on my expeditions who have climbed Denali before coming to Aconcagua. We are … Hello everybody, the team “Aconcagua 5 ” is ready and excited to hit the trail. In the best interest of personal safety, success, and team compatibility, adequate training and excellent physical conditioning are required. All of the expedition members arrived safe and sound and with all of their luggage day before yesterday, in Mendoza, just fine. Alpine Ascents International has a long standing reputation of leading successful climbs as well as acting as a prime resource for guide books, climbers and the media. Of course, we cross over from the Polish route — the normal route on our ascents. This expertise is based upon years of accumulated experience-not just from individual mountain guides, but through experience on particular mountains where details are fine-tuned over time. $5,800.00 Lead Guide: Connor Chilcott [4] At Alpine Ascents, we hear this question weekly. We climb Aconcagua using both the Vacas Valley Route (Polish Variation) and the Normal Route. Alpine Ascents International leads expeditions that have become benchmarks of quality in the climbing community. Aconcagua - Normal Route. What happens if I need to leave the expedition early? Alpine Ascents International leads expeditions that have become benchmarks of quality in the climbing community. Alpine Ascents also offers expeditions with Aconcagua Mountain Guides, a local Argentinean company owned and operated by Alpine Ascents. Aconcagua is a mountain that provides climbers with many unique experiences and an array of different challenges. Absolutely! Climbers heading to High Camp. Photo: Willi Prittie. Alpine Ascents International has a long standing reputation of leading successful climbs as well as acting as a prime resource for guide books, climbers and the media. Our guides are an integral part of Alpine Ascents because they understand and share our climbing principles. Dates are RT USA Please select a trip: 1-Day Crevasse Rescue Clinic. In all four categories, Alpine Ascents ranks highest in the climbing industry. Lead Guide: TBD, Normal Route Alpine Ascents also offers expeditions with Aconcagua Mountain Guides, a local Argentinean company owned and operated by Alpine Ascents. In the evening, we shared a delicious dinner together with another descending Alpine Ascents team at the Hotel Ayelen. Alpine Ascents Aconcagua Cybercast. Danny and Rodrigo here checking in again for the January 12 Alpine Ascents Aconcagua team. Alpine Ascents’ philosophy is based on a true love and understanding of mountain wilderness. Hi there. 45 talking about this. This does not mean “nonphysical” by any stretch of the imagination. I’m convinced that two types of people write these things. Aconcagua has figuratively been our home away from home. The expedition included a geologist, surveyor, engineer, and naturalist, and six alpine guides led by Zurbriggen. Have you read the training information on our website? Baker summit climb, or the equivalent. The letter is what motivated me the most. To reserve a space, the deposit is $700. I look forward to meeting you and climbing with you in Argentina! Much like the explorers of the Himalayas, the passes around Aconcagua came into play during military expeditions. —2019 Aconcagua Climber. You might wonder: are there things worth bringing into the mountains not on our gear lists? Women’s Courses and Climbs; About The Seven Summits; How to Choose A Guide Service; Outreach Programs; Worldwide Climbs. America's Premier Mountain Guide Service and Climbing School www.AlpineAscents.com If your only mountain experience has been something like Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua is a big step up in challenge. After reconnoitering the Vacas valley approach to 6,959 metres (22,831 ft) Aconcagua, FitzGerald made a base camp at around 4,250 metres (13,940 ft) in the Horcones Valley , where several attempts were made to reach the summit via what is now known as the Normal Route. What kind of payment do you accept? They were also our friends when we needed them to be, and motivators when we needed it the most. Alpine Ascents International has a long-standing reputation of leading successful climbs as well as acting as a prime resource for guide books, climbers, and the media. Please see the Climber Information Package in your confirmation materials. In all four categories, Alpine Ascents ranks highest in the climbing industry. Las Pumas completed the hike out of the park yesterday in excellent style. Hello, this is Willi Prittie calling in and reporting from Argentina, with the Alpine Ascents International Aconcagua program. We are confident our summit success is the finest in the industry. Questions about Aconcagua Mountain Guides – please contact Gordon Janow – [email protected]. Today we have reached Casa de Piedra camp in the Vacas Valley, our second day on the trek. The perfect match and we all say that without them that it would have made it much more difficult to achieve the ultimate goal of summiting. While some minimum standard such as being able to run a 10K in under an hour is helpful (and well below the marker of who will be successful), it is often hard to predict how non-mountaineering training will translate to Aconcagua. Without them, there is no way that I and our other climbers would have successfully summited. Extra fee for personal porters, December 5 – December 28, 2020 Lead Guide: TBD, Alpine Ascents owns and operates Argentinean-based Aconcagua Mountain Guides, providing the same excellence as Alpine Ascents with certified Argentinean guides. Contact our office for information on single rooms. We had a lovely welcome dinner in one […] We strongly recommend prior crampon training as well as taking on a climb such as Mt. Our 10- or 11-person teams depart with three guides. December 12, 2020 – January 2, 2021 We operate what we believe is the finest mountaineering school in the country. Welcome to our 2019 Bolivia cybercast! He made many first ascents, the best known of which is Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas/outside of Asia, which he climbed alone on 14 January 1897, during an expedition led by Edward FitzGerald. If your only mountain experience has been something like Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua is a big step up in challenge. All refund requests must be made in writing and be received in our office within the 90–120-day period, as stated above. Las Pumas completed the hike out of the park yesterday in excellent style. Regular updates are posted on our website once teams are on the mountain. Right now we are all standing on the summit of Aconcagua, highest peak outside of Asia, highest peak in the Southern and Western Hemispheres! Join us on the roof of South America this winter! Photo: Willi Prittie. Hi, this is Garrett Madison calling in for Alpine Ascents Aconcagua Expedition #10. Truly do NOT know how you could make it any better. Can you arrange extra night lodging? (For more information on this, please review the climber packet sent to you after registration.). Bolivia 2019! Aconcagua - Vacas Valley. Yes, Aconcagua has the reputation of being an “easy” and “nontechnical” mountain by  normal routes (more on this later). We stress these points to continue our high summit success and ensure that teams are well-balanced.”. The first type has never been here in the first place and are only parroting what they have heard from someone else. We operate what we believe is the finest mountaineering school in the country. Alpine Ascents International has a long standing reputation of leading successful climbs as well as acting as a prime resource for guide books, climbers and the media. Las Pumas: Heading to Mendoza. Please note for the upper mountain each individual client primarily provides his or her own snack food to accommodate for individual preferences. Tour Operator: Alpine Ascents International Tour Information: Offers opportunities for climbers at all levels to achieve personal goals through challenging, safe and enjoyable expeditions. While not technical, Aconcagua is a highly underestimated climb. We believe that with our guides and acclimatization schedule, along with our pre-trip assistance, Alpine Ascents offers the best possible chance for you to reach the summit of Aconcagua. The first type has never been here in the first place and are only parroting what they have heard from someone else. Bring plenty of your normal meds and be prepared for the possibility that you may have abnormally bad reactions, which may mean you will need to leave the expedition early. America's Premier Mountain Guide Service and Climbing School www.AlpineAscents.com Wilhelm, Papua New Guinea – NEW! Climbers requesting rental gear must submit an expedition rental form (same form as the Gear List). We do have porters available at an additional cost to assist with carrying loads and personal equipment, please contact us for details. The Vacas Valley Route (Polish Variation) and Normal Route: while technical skills are not necessary, it is strongly recommended that climbers should have completed our Cascades 6 Day beginning mountaineering course, a Mt. Our Aconcagua Add-On Expeditions are private departures scheduled to directly follow any of our Mount Vinson expeditions. In the best interest of personal safety, success, and team compatibility, adequate training and excellent physical condition are required. Aconcagua; Carstensz Pyramid; Denali; Mount Elbrus; Mount Everest; Mount Kilimanjaro; Mount Vinson; Additional Information. We highly recommend our 6 Day mountaineering course or Mt. Regarding the “nontechnical” nature of Aconcagua: this is only true sometimes. Alpine Ascents International makes it their mission to offer the opportunity for climbers at all levels to achieve their personal aspirations through quality, challenging, safe and fun expeditions. January 30 – Feb 20, 2021 Please note that this climb is far more demanding than Kilimanjaro. Aconcagua has figuratively been our home away from home. —2020 Climber. I’m convinced that two types of people write these things. Good evening family, friends and loved ones. He is a guide, leader and friend of the highest quality. Alpine Ascents also offers expeditions with Aconcagua Mountain Guides, a local Argentinean company owned and operated by Alpine Ascents. Skip to content. Aconcagua, which translates as “Stone Sentinel,” is 22,841 ft., making it the highest mountain in the Americas and the highest mountain outside of Asia. As of April 3, 138 Everest permits had been issued to foreigners. 2-Day Ice Climbing. Yes, Aconcagua has the reputation of being an “easy” and “nontechnical” mountain by  normal routes (more on this later). Real technical mountaineering experience, such as an Alpine Ascents 6 Day course, should be considered first. In addition to the physical demands, climbers should have spent multiple nights outdoors, winter camping, completed multi-day trips with a 40 lb. Today, we got our gear check covered, orientation of the climb done and now we are ready to hit the road. After a delicious dinner of BBQ ribs, the team is excited for our first rest day tomorrow. We operate what we believe is the finest mountaineering school in the country. Posted on February 5, 2020 by alpineascents. Do you train/exercise on a regular basis? This followed our 2017/2018 which proved our best season to date as we added the Normal Route to our offerings and had overall 100% team success for the 2nd season in a row. We are one of the few outfitters that offer this type of support (and in turn, we have a high success rate and outstanding safety record). The Gear Lists are created by the guides so that climbers will be prepared to summit in any conditions. Like any big mountain, things can change frequently and rapidly. America's Premier Mountain Guide Service and Climbing School www.AlpineAscents.com Alpine Ascents manages the local outfitter giving us access to unlimited support for every part of the climb. (if self-carrying). Make sure that you seriously consider what you are attempting to do on an expedition, and how physically demanding it is (and consult with your doctor) before you decide to join. Alpine Ascents manages the local outfitter giving us access to unlimited support for every part of the climb. Have you completed multiple overnight camping trips, which included carrying a heavy pack (40–55lbs) and setting up a tent camp each evening ? What will the meals on the expedition be like? January 9 – January 30, 2021 I’d like to thank Dave, Jocelyn, […] Team 8 aka “fat chance” safely back in Mendoza. Kate, Shane, Bobby and Erik are acclimating in the Ecuadorian Andes. Alpine Ascents cybercast for Team VII Aconcagua, this is Garrett Madison and Kajsa Krieger on January 6th. The expedition was of the highest quality and professional standards. America's Premier Mountain Guide Service and Climbing School www.AlpineAscents.com If you come unprepared physically, technically, or equally important, mentally, then you are not a productive team member and others must then make up for your deficits, which negatively impacts the team and can negatively impact safety. How much cash should I plan to bring? This is John VanNostrand Jr and Gaston Lopez guides of Alpine Accents Team 2020. Includes porters for group gear If a climber needs to leave early, arrangements can be made with the assistance of our local Base Camp support. You will occasionally read on the internet, or in magazine articles, or in guidebooks about how ugly Aconcagua is. Do you train/exercise on a regular basis? 23 talking about this. Camp Muir Manager. This trip is competitively priced and includes acclimation days as well as a well-appointed Base Camp, so less moves and carries then Vacas Valley, coupled with less time on the higher mountain camps. pack (lesser pack weight if porters used) and be able to assist guides with setting up camp and tents. Our Vacas Valley and Normal Route departures have numerous extra days built into the itinerary, and we methodically ascend the mountain with renowned guide staff at the helm. The quality of our Guide Staff is the primary difference between us and our competitors. If the answer is no, then you need to get that experience before joining an expedition. Today we made the 8 1/2 hour journey from Confluencia to our basecamp at Plaza de Mulas. He has also been AAI’s high camp manager and guide on Aconcagua and Denali and has guided numerous peaks in the Cascades including Mount Baker and Rainier. I had done a dispatch a little bit earlier, but I realized I was missing a few things; so, I wanted to do a bit of a recap of what actually had occurred with our expedition and the one that is currently on the mountain. While it is impossible for us to list all brands for certain gear, we do offer a wide variety of equipment in our Gear Shop, that has been handpicked by our staff of mountaineering experts. They exhibited exceptional leadership during the easy and hard times of the expedition. I would make that letter more prominent and mandatory reading. You should be physically and mentally prepared to deal with strenuous situations at high altitudes. It should be noted that many outfitters merely offer a supported trek, where a single guide facilitates the climb, but does not act as a guide during the ascent. If you have no mountaineering experience, these situations can be demanding, but we still consider this a nontechnical climb by mountaineering standards. This is a highly recommended shortlist and we would be happy to pass on a longer reading list for those interested. Much like the explorers of the Himalayas, the passes around Aconcagua came into play during military expeditions. Rainier or Mt. Leave No Trace principles are fundamental to our program, and we encourage all who climb and trek with us to understand proper wilderness practices. This followed our 100% team success in 2016/17. Hello everybody this will be our last cybercast of our journey, and what an amazing journey it was. Our mission and goals are simple: by using the best climbing talent in the country, we offer the opportunity for climbers at all levels to achieve their personal aspirations … Have you read the training information on our website? Lead Guide: TBD Rainier or Mt. Willi Prittie, Rainier or Mt. – everything was just perfect!! 1-Day Mountaineering Fundamentals. We thank you for your time and encourage you to call our offices with any questions. You should be physically and mentally prepared to deal with strenuous situations at high altitudes. Our Vacas Valley route had 100% team success. Many of our guides have been with Alpine Ascents for over five years, with a handful of veterans working with us for most of their careers. This is a fully guided ascent, led by American guides who climb the mountain with you. Are you comfortable with the use of crampons and ice axes when tired and looking down a long way? December 26, 2020 – January 16, 2021 We have led numerous expeditions in which all climbers have reached the summit. Alpine Ascents International has a long standing reputation of leading successful climbs as well as acting as a prime resource for guide books, climbers and the media. Alaska 12-Day. 13-Day Course. There is much misinformation about this mountain both in guidebooks and on the internet. Photo: Pablo Betancourt. Alpine Ascents 2020-21 Season The Vacas Valley Route (Polish Variation) and Normal Route: while technical skills are not necessary, it is strongly recommended that climbers should have completed our Cascades 6 Day beginning mountaineering course, a Mt. Aconcagua. If you have any food allergies or requirements, please let us know in advance. Base Camp at night. Over the years, I have had many climbers on my expeditions who have climbed Denali before coming to Aconcagua. These individuals are dedicated to sharing their excellence with others. What if I arrive early or depart late? There may be many personal reasons to choose a particular guide service, but there are four main areas of concern that you should look at carefully: safety record, guides, in-country logistics, and pre-trip planning with the climber. Rainier or Mt. The Vacas Valley Route and Normal Route: while technical skills are not necessary, we strongly recommend climbers complete our beginning mountaineering course (Baker 6 Day), one of our Mt. A couple of parting shots from our snowy day at Nido de Cóndores…. Baker beforehand. Their personable communication skills were top notch! Please send us a copy of your flight schedule as early as possible as this allows us to book airport pick ups and hotels. Less with porter. This is a highly recommended shortlist and we would be happy to pass on a longer reading list for those interested. Am climbing Aconcagua in February 2021, I have most gear that I will need but was hoping someone could tell me if my Rab Pisotron Pro down Jacket will be warm enough when there. There is usually Wi-Fi at base camp for a fee. Baker North Ridge. No refunds will be provided within 89 days prior to course, trek, and/or expedition date. in a two to three-hour period, or roughly 1,200–1,500 vertical ft. per hour.”, “Although non-technical, this is a highly challenging climb and demands more than most other non-technical climbs (such as certain peaks in the US and Kilimanjaro). This expedition-style climb requires the carrying of a heavy pack (if no porters) for multiple days, making prior physical training of three months or more critical to your success and enjoyment. When you come to Aconcagua (or any expedition), you are not 10 individuals attempting to climb a mountain, you are part of a team functioning together to enhance the safety and enjoyment of the expedition. While the first summit of Aconcagua is credited to Swiss climber Mathias Zurbriggen, there are traces of Inca civilization and culture near the summit. Document your athletic experience, and analyze your readiness for this climb. Alpine Ascents International is an authorized mountain guide service of Denali National Park and Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park. Las Pumas completed the hike out of the park yesterday in excellent style. (Please note the Guanacos Route has been closed for the past several years in an effort to protect the large number of guanacos that breed and raise young in the area.) From our training statement: “A reasonable goal would be to ascend 3,200–3,500 ft. carrying an average pack of 40 lbs. By 1950, most sides of the mountain had been climbed with variations of these routes added to the long line of successful summits. Not at this time for US citizens — details are in your Climber Information Package. At the very least this can mean that you can sit back and enjoy the afternoons instead of being whipped every day! We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, personal checks and Alpine Ascents gift certificates. When is the money due for this expedition? Porters can be hired on each route to lessen pack weight to approximately 20lbs on move/carry days. The cost is US$15,400 for a single climber. We choose to guide the Polish Vacas Variation Route on the east side of the mountain because it sees less traffic, is a much more aesthetic approach, and gives us the opportunity to traverse the mountain. In over 25 years of guiding Aconcagua, only a handful teams have not reached the summit — a team success rate of about 90%. 1 Day Rainier Mountaineering Fundamentals. We also offer the Normal Route which is shorter, somewhat less demanding, and has a porter package built in to the ascent. While some minimum standard such as being able to run a 10K in under an hour is helpful (and well below the marker of who will be successful), it is often hard to predict how non-mountaineering training will translate to Aconcagua. Almost universally they believe that Aconcagua is more physically demanding than Denali was for them. View of Camp 1 nestled into some rock wind walls. The cool thing about this trip was the vast knowledge we had guiding the trip. Thirty days prior to departure, we mail a list of other team members to you. In the best interest of personal safety, success, and team compatibility, adequate training and excellent physical conditioning are required. The United States leads in a number of climbers, followed by Germany and the UK. Less with porter. Amazing and very helpful guides, food quality at basecamp and upper camps, etc. In the evening, we shared a delicious dinner together with another descending Alpine Ascents team at the Hotel Ayelen. Alpine Ascents International leads expeditions that have become benchmarks of quality in the climbing community. The name itself hearkens back to indigenous roots, the Quechua word “Anco” (white) and “Cahuac” (sentinel). Hi, this is Willi Prittie again reporting from Argentina with the Alpine Ascents International Aconcagua program. Please click here for more information and to see AMG’s departure dates. Rainier or Mt. Please note that flights booked online are often difficult to change. Lunch on the trek generally consists of fresh sandwiches prepared by the guides, while at Base Camp, guides may make hamburgers or pizza from scratch. (if self-carrying). I can now tell you with some assurance that Aconcagua rivals Kilimanjaro as being the most underestimated mountain in the world. What is your cancellation policy? Have you completed multiple overnight camping trips, which included carrying a heavy pack (40–55lbs) and setting up a tent camp each evening ? While this letter is 10+ years old, we feel it is still a great resource. Alpine Ascents International is an authorized mountain guide service of Denali National Park and Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park. Thanks again to AAI for another unbelievable trip! Details will be in your confirmation materials (Climber Information Package). In the evening, we shared a delicious dinner together with another descending Alpine Ascents team at the Hotel Ayelen. Lead Guide: TBD Extremely high quality camps and gear on both routes. Alpine Ascents International guests receive a 10% discount on these plans with the code available when they book any trip. Have you previously trained 3–5 months in advance of an upcoming climb or event? – 2017 Climber. Guides are well-equipped, experienced, and prepared to lead and properly outfit your climb, as we keep a staff and apartment in the launch city of Mendoza. Alaska 8-Day. My overall opinion of the program would be EXCELLENT!!! Baker. Lead guides are Seattle-based professionals who lead each trip. Thanks for all your positive thoughts and following along. Snow covered route after a storm above camp 3. More about the Normal Route, The best guides I have ever had! (In fact, most trips in the past few seasons have required the use of ice axe and crampons during the climb.) This does not mean “nonphysical” by any stretch of the imagination. Yesterday, they summited Ruco Pichincha (15,400ft) in what was probably the most spectacular day of the current climbing season in the beautiful Andean country. Alpine Ascents also offers expeditions directly with local outfitter, please see below. Climbers need to be in excellent physical condition for both personal enjoyment and to be an integral team member. Any further advice on gear and using your gear list? We do recommend you visit the CDC web site for the most up-to-date information.