We have chosen the Branscomb Shoulder route on Vinson for the best chances of summit success. This route is located on the southern side of Mount Vinson and begins at Vinson Base Camp. This route is often dubbed the standard route as it is a more moderate option to the summit of Vinson, but it still presents significant challenges, including crevasses, icefalls, and harsh weather conditions.

The route is named after the Branscomb Glacier, which flows along the southern slopes of Mount Vinson. The “shoulder” refers to a feature on the mountain where the route traverses, leading climbers towards the summit.

The Branscomb Shoulder route consists of low-angle glacier walking at lower elevations with some moderately steep fixed-rope and ridge walking as the elevation increases. Overall, the climbing is incredibly enjoyable, albeit cold, and very doable. Taking advantage of the endless daylight, we’ll climb when conditions are best, working up through Low Camp  to High Camp in preparation for our summit bid.