climb aconcagua, climbing the seven summits,

...Private Team arrives at Aconcagua Base Camp...

Badr and Curtis have just arrived at Base Camp after a great trek up the valley to Plaza de Mulas.

A few days ago we had a big storm which dropped much needed fresh snow on the mountain giving us more plentiful water sources higher on the mountain. The weather has cleared now.

They are feeling good and very strong. They will enjoy a rest/acclimatization day at Base Camp before moving up the peak. They'll be head down and climbing hard so keep in mind that no news is good news.

Cheers
CTSS Team

Badr on Aconcagua


...In the Air...

Well that's a wrap for our Vinson season with our team currently flying back to Punta Arenas... hooray for a break in those clouds. Time for a well deserved celebration dinner and a drink.

Here's a few photos from Darren Rogers of their summit..

Cheers
CTSS Team

Vinson Summit - Photo: Darren Rogers
Vinson Summit - Photo: Darren Rogers

Vinson Summit - Photo: Darren Rogers
Vinson Summit - Photo: Darren Rogers
Vinson Summit - Photo: Darren Rogers

...Waiting on the Weather...

I'm afraid we're still waiting on those clouds to clear down South and hoping that they do so the team can jump on their scheduled flight back to Chile.

We've got our fingers and toes crossed for a window but even if it doesn't come, rest assured that all is well on the ice, there's plenty of good food to eat and grand adventure stories amongst the team to swap.

Stay tuned...


...Awaiting the Planes...

Well the team have been rewarded for their summit with just a little extra time on the ice... they are currently playing a bit of a waiting game for the clouds to part at Vinson Base Camp with the whole team down safe and sound.

They are now enjoying the abundant hot chocolate and awaiting their boarding call! The clouds are just a little too thick to land the Twin Otters currently but with better weather on the horizon, they'll hopefully be back in Chile before long...

Cheers
CTSS Team


...100% on top of Vinson...

It's always such a joy to report a successful team summit where everybody achieves their goal together - congratulations to all our Vinson team who tagged the top today!

The team summited in clear but cold weather and are now safely snuggled back in at High Camp where they are having a hot bite to eat. They will get some well deserved rest tonight and then drop back down to Base Camp tomorrow and hopefully bounce straight onto the Twin Otters back to Union Glacier and onward to Chile from there.

We passed on your well wishes, and everyone is in great spirits. Thanks for following along.

A super strong team and a summit to be proud of.

Cheers
CTSS


...Happy at High Camp...

A very quick update today to let you know that our Vinson team are currently at High Camp.

They collectively decided to take a rest day today to regain their energy levels and strength and enjoy the perfect weather and they will push for the summit tomorrow...

Stay tuned..


...High Camp...

They're a speedy bunch this team! Moving strongly, our Vinson team has taken advantage of the fair weather and made a push to High Camp. Well done! What a feat.

Tomorrow they're likely to take a rest day but if they're all feeling super sprightly in the morning they may just go for the summit!

Stay tuned...


...At Low Camp...

**QUICK UPDATE - The team are now all in at Low Camp. Everyone doing well**

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Great news, the clouds have parted allowing the Twin Otters in and out with the teams successfully switching places -

The Jones' returning to Union Glacier to begin their homeward journey and our main team arriving at Vinson Base Camp

They headed out of camp this morning in perfect weather and will be arriving at Low Camp any time now. I bet they are excited to get the sleds rolling and the legs moving.

Cheers

CTSS Team


...Sitting Pretty...

Not much to report today as unfortunately we're in exactly the same position as this time yesterday with no planes in the air. The clouds are still hanging low over Vinson Base Camp meaning the Jones' are still waiting to get back to Union Glacier and the Team still waiting to fly in.

Not to worry though, there's plenty of food and temperate, relatively warm weather. Good time to catch up on a few pages of a book or three!

We'll keep you updated when they're on the move...

Cheers
CTSS Team


...Weather Holds at VBC...

Mike just called in from Vinson Base Camp with an update for us, they are on weather hold waiting for enough clear sky to get the Twin Otters from Union Glacier out to Vinson and do a team switch over with the Jones' heading out back to the hot showers and the Ilyushin and onwards to Chile and the Main Team flying in to start their climb.

There is a high pressure system due so they should get clear weather to fly in the next day or two.

Everyone in great spirits and finding ways to entertain themselves in the stunning landscape of Antartica - after all they have plenty of daylight hours to fill!

Cheers
CTSS Team

Photo Varun Ram