Dates
November 25 - December 10, 2008

NOTE:
While we are scheduled to return to Punta Arenas on the scheduled end date for the trip, return international flights from Punta Arenas should be booked for 2 weeks after the scheduled return date, in case of delayed flights from Antarctica to Punta Arenas. Airline tickets should be changeable to allow for the required flexibility. It is not uncommon to have delays in excess of one week or more, either flying from Punta Arenas to Patriot Hills and/or returning from Patriot Hills to Punta Arenas.

• organization and logistics from Punta Arenas (Chile) to Vinson and back to Punta Arenas
• flights from Punta Arenas to Patriot Hills (Antarctica) and return
• all flights to and from Vinson Massif while in the Antarctic
• all food and accommodation while in Antarctica
• all safety, rescue and technical equipment
• all group and communal camp gear
• use of satellite phone while on the trip
• all guide services at a max. 1:4 ratio
  
  Not included
  
• international flights and transfers to and from Punta Arenas, Chile
• all personal climbing and camping equipment (see gear list)
• excess baggage fees while traveling to/from Punta Arenas
• personal evacuation insurance for $50,000 USD minimum
• all meals and accommodation while not in Antarctica
• extra charges or costs incurred as a result of delays or changes to the proposed itinerary
• Visa and/or entry fees for traveling in Chile
• Medical insurance* valid for Argentina
• Miscellaneous personal costs on and off the mountain
• Any costs incurred by travel delays, lost or delayed baggage, or for any other reason

Anyone attempting this peak should be in excellent physical shape, and be prepared to carry loads that weigh up to 25 kg's (55 lbs). You will spend much time in extreme weather conditions with temperatures ranging down to -40 degrees Celsius and potentially high winds.

Previous experience travelling on glaciers and winter camping is required.

Guides
Your team will be led by Canada West Mountain School owner Brian Jones, an internationally certified ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide (see www.acmg.ca for more details on International Mountain Guide certification).

Brian has led 2 successful expeditions to Vinson Massif in the past and is also is a veteran of over 30 years of climbing and guiding, including guided expeditions to Mount Everest, Canada’s Mt. Logan, multiple expeditions to Denali in Alaska, 6 expeditions to Mt. Elbrus in Russia, 6 to Aconcagua in Argentina, 8 to Kilimanjaro, Mt. Kenya, as well as numerous other expeditions throughout the mountain ranges of North America and Europe.

Group sizes on this expedition are kept small to increase the enjoyment of all members of the team, and to improve the chance of success for all. There will be a maximum of 4 members per each guide, with a maximum of two guided groups per trip.

Day 1 (November 25th , 2008) - The team will meet in Punta Arenas and relax, sort & confirm gear, etc. Arriving 2 days before the scheduled flight to Antarctica (Nov 27) will allow us to deal with unforeseen glitches – lost baggage, delayed flights, etc. Also, the flight to Antarctica may leave earlier then planned based on weather conditions an forecasts.

Day 2 - This is a day to finalize all gear and food preparation. Everything will get loaded into the transport jet on this day in preparation for the flight to Antarctica the following morning.

Day 3 - This morning the team will head out to the airport and board the Ilyushin 76 transport jet and fly to Patriot Hills, Antarctica. This 4-hour flight is one of the highlights of the trip!

Day 4 - Your stay in Patriot Hills should be short, as you will transfer as soon as possible (by Twin Otter fixed-wing aircraft) to the Base Camp at Vinson. This flight could possibly be on day 3 as well if time and conditions permit.

Day 5 - This day is a training day and day to sort out all the gear on the mountain and possibly do a short carry part way to camp 1. You will spend this night at Base Camp.

Day 6 - You will carry loads to Camp 1 today, then return to Base Camp to sleep.

Day 7 - You will move to Camp 1 on this day

Day 8 - This is another short carry day up to Camp 2. You will sleep at Camp 1.

Day 9 - On this day you will move up to Camp 2, your final high camp.

Day 10 - This day is planned as a rest and acclimatization day.

Day 11 to 13 - These days are summit day options, or will be used for weather delays

Day 14 - This is a scheduled day to descend from Camp 2 back to Base Camp .

Day 15 - Return flight from Base Camp to Patriot Hills

Day 16 (December 10, 2008) - The scheduled flight from Patriot Hills back to Punta Arenas.

Equipment list for Vinson Massif expedition
The equipment and clothing chosen for a trip of this nature will have a large impact on your chance of success as well as your comfort level. Ensure that you know your equipment, have a chance to test it before the trip and choose good quality gear. Call or email our office to discuss your personal gear options to make sure you are properly equipped.

Please note: personal baggage allowance is 20 kg's/person for flights from Punta Arenas to Antarctica.

If you have any further questions about the equipment required for this Expedition, please contact the Canada West Mountain School office at info@themountainschool.com or by phone at 604 878-7007 for complete equipment requirements and details

After two days in Punta Arenas, we will fly to Patriot Hills on the permanent ice of Antarctica in an “Ilyushin 76” Cargo Jet, capable of carrying up to 40 passengers and gear. This is a 4-6 hour flight and is fully dependent on weather conditions. If the weather conditions are not safe for flying, the flight will be postponed until conditions improve.

Once at Patriot Hills, we will transfer to a “Twin Otter” aircraft for the 1-hour flight to Vinson Base Camp, at 2,100 meters (7,000’). From base camp we will spend the next 7-8 days ascending the Branscomb Glacier through Camp I at approx. 2,800 meters (9,100’) and Camp II at 3,900 meters (12,700’);. We will rest at high camp before our summit bid, a full day on wind-packed snow for 900 meters (3,000’) elevation gain and approx 6 km's to the top! The actual itinerary will be influenced by acclimatization rates, weather and climbing conditions, though usually 8-9 days return from base camp can be expected. Our schedule leaves ample time for weather delays, acclimatization and in case of poor travel conditions.

The total time for the Expedition is 16 days return from Punta Arenas (November 25th to December 10th), though all members must allow at least one to two weeks extra in their return travel plans due to possible weather delays getting onto or off of the Antarctic continent.

When you register, a pre-trip package of information will be sent to you, as well as follow-up discussions via phone and email to ensure you are well prepared for your adventure!