At just over 22,800 feet, Aconcagua is the highest peak in both the Western and Southern hemispheres, and it’s regularly underestimated. Fierce winds, extreme cold, heavy load carries, and a lengthy expedition timeline make it a serious undertaking. The average summit success rate across all operators sits around 30%. CTSS Owner Mike Hamill and Senior Guide Nani Stahringer hosted a full webinar covering what it actually takes to get to the top: route selection, permits, porter logistics, training, gear, and the expedition skills that matter most at this altitude. Nani brings particular depth to this conversation, having spent 21 seasons on Aconcagua, starting as a cook on the mountain at 18 and working his way to become one of CTSS’s lead guides.

The webinar also covers how Aconcagua fits into a broader Seven Summits progression, why jumping straight from Kilimanjaro is a bigger leap than most climbers expect, and how programs like Mount Baker and Ecuador’s volcanoes help build the expedition foundation this mountain demands. Watch the webinar recording with Mike and Nani for the full breakdown, or visit the Aconcagua program page] to explore dates and program details.