You will begin your expedition in the small Chilean city of Punta Arenas, where you’ll do gear checks with your guide before flying to Union Glacier, Antarctica.

Once we have gone through the preflight process, you’ll pack our bags and are ready to go at the drop of a hat. As soon as we get word that the weather is clear and the flight is running, you’ll board within the hour (wearing our Antarctic cold-weather gear), and you are on our way to Antarctica.

After landing on the ice, you’ll out of the plane into a different world—one of ice, snow, endless sun, and very few people. After a pit stop at Union Glacier Camp, you’ll board another plane (weather permitting), likely the famed Twin Otter, and fly the last leg to Vinson Base Camp.

Once at Vinson Base Camp, the climb begins right away. 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, you’ll climb when conditions are best, working up through Low Camp to High Camp in preparation for your summit bid. Following your summit, the Twin Otter will pick us up for the short flight back to Union Glacier Camp, where you get to relax in style until our return flight from Antarctica back to the land of green and growing things.

There is no doubt that climbing Vinson is a serious undertaking meant for climbers with prior experience in the cold and some climbing skills. Guides will work with clients throughout the expedition to provide safety, advice, logistics, technical guidance, and information to best ensure the clients’ summit success.

CTSS is pleased to boast a 100% expedition success rate on our Vinson expeditions. Who you choose as the outfitter of your Vinson expedition will be one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Sound leadership is the difference between a great expedition and a miserable experience.

Please be aware, given the remote nature of this climb, the unique weather patterns in Antarctica and the nature of air travel within and to and from the continent can result in significant travel delays, weather holds, and itinerary changes. We highly recommend booking a flexible return airfare and alerting your workplace and family to the possibility of delays.

All prices are in US Dollars.

CTSS requires clients to buy trip insurance for all expeditions. For more information, please see our page on trip insurance and cancellation policy.

All payments, once submitted, are non-refundable and non-transferable. If balances are not received by specified dates, the client forfeits their place on the program and any prior fees paid.