Please feel free to call our offices with any gear questions or substitutes. The expedition was of the highest quality and professional standards. >More Testimonials. Las Pumas completed the hike out of the park yesterday in excellent style. They exhibited exceptional leadership during the easy and hard times of the expedition. Less with porter. AAI (Alpine Ascents International) $27,000.00 - $30,000.00 Aug, Sep, Oct 45 Days The surrounding lowlands (up to 13,000 ft.) consist of beautiful desert landscapes with a large diversity of flora and fauna. Aconcagua Mountain Guides not only provides alternative pricing to Alpine Ascents but also give Alpine Ascents a unique advantage as compared to other outfitters, as we own and operate all of our own resources such as mules, base camp facilities and local guides. Alpine Ascents International has a long standing reputation of leading successful climbs as well as acting as a prime resource for guide books, climbers and the media. Over the last 25+ years we have developed a superb system on the mountain that affords you the best chance of proper acclimatization and summit success. Lead Guide: TBD If the answer is no, then you need to get that experience before joining an expedition. Photo: Pablo Betancourt. Well, after our summit attempt we made our descent to basecamp and then hiked out via the Horcones Valley yesterday. Alpine Ascents International is an authorized mountain guide service of Denali National Park and Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park. Aconcagua Mountain Guides not only provides alternative pricing to Alpine Ascents but also give Alpine Ascents a unique advantage as compared to other outfitters, as our partnership affords resources such as mules, base camp facilities and local guides. Baker North Ridge. Alpine Ascents International leads expeditions that have become benchmarks of quality in the climbing community. At 22,829ft, Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in the Americas, and the highest mountain in the world outside of Asia. Not at this time for US citizens — details are in your Climber Information Package. Yes, Aconcagua has the reputation of being an “easy” and “nontechnical” mountain by  normal routes (more on this later). Truly do NOT know how you could make it any better. All rental gear will be mailed to the climber prior to the climb (US climbers only). However, not all rental items are available for pickup in Talkeetna. Much like the explorers of the Himalayas, the passes around Aconcagua came into play during military expeditions. A low climber-to-guide ratio offers us the ability to closely attend to climbers, which is important to success and safety. Pack weight for Vacas Valley Route: 45-50 lbs. The first photo below is a view of the alpenglow over the slopes of Aconcagua and the second photo is a view of the sunset over the peak we plan to climb tomorrow (it’s the triangle in the middle in the very back). With a seasonal office in Mendoza, we can quickly respond to issues that arise on the mountain. Though an ascent of Aconcagua by any of these routes requires minimal technical skills, it does require excellent physical condition and good backpacking and camping skills. These links will bounce to Amazon.com with reviews. I can now tell you with some assurance that Aconcagua rivals Kilimanjaro as being the most underestimated mountain in the world. As our literature suggests, Aconcagua is an extremely challenging climb; far more physically demanding than Kilimanjaro and most climbs in the continental US. Is there a single room option for this expedition? – 2017 Climber. Aconcagua at sunset. The second type has no soul and doesn’t belong in the mountains anywhere! Climbers should have completed a substantial trek or climb and carried a heavy pack prior to this climb. Ama Dablam. Please click here for Normal Route Schedule, Please click here for Vacas Valley Schedule. Please send us a copy of your flight schedule as early as possible as this allows us to book airport pick ups and hotels. Absolutely! The first type has never been here in the first place and are only parroting what they have heard from someone else. The Everest 2021 season is well underway with many teams on their way to Everest Base Camp expecting to arrive around April 15. (Please note the Guanacos Route has been closed for the past several years in an effort to protect the large number of guanacos that breed and raise young in the area.) Lead Guide: Stephen Williams Alpine Ascents International has a long standing reputation of leading successful climbs as well as acting as a prime resource for guide books, climbers and the media. More about the Normal Route, The best guides I have ever had! We believe that with our guides and acclimatization schedule, along with our pre-trip assistance, Alpine Ascents offers the best possible chance for you to reach the summit of Aconcagua. While some minimum standard such as being able to run a 10K in under an hour is helpful (and well below the marker of who will be successful), it is often hard to predict how non-mountaineering training will translate to Aconcagua. All of the expedition members arrived safe and sound and with all of their luggage day before yesterday, in Mendoza, just fine. We help facilitate this effort by passing on Leave No Trace training and literature to every Alpine Ascents climber. Willi Prittie, Senior Guide, Alpine Ascents International. 45 talking about this. Vacas Valley Route: 45/50 lbs. Refunds of 50% will be provided 90–120 days prior to course, trek, and/or expedition date. Extra fee for personal porters, November 28 – December 19, 2020 Take heed of this. Whatever personal health limitations you may have, you never know how your body will cope with in an environment such as Aconcagua until you try it a few times, so be conservative. Everybody is doing great except for Chris who has decided to head back today, he back in Penitents tonight and will be headed on to Mendoza. They exhibited exceptional leadership during the easy and hard times of the expedition. – everything was just perfect!! Baker Ski Descent. We operate what we believe is the finest mountaineering school in the country. Our guides were remarkable leaders who offered the right mix of experience, expertise, and inspiration. At the very least this can mean that you can sit back and enjoy the afternoons instead of being whipped every day! This is a mountain that is easy to underestimate, and I thought it was like a trap after Denali. Do you train/exercise on a regular basis? We have led numerous expeditions in which all climbers have reached the summit. Their personable communication skills were top notch! Please see the Climber Information Package in your confirmation materials. Danny and Rodrigo here checking in again for the January 12 Alpine Ascents Aconcagua team. This expertise is based upon years of accumulated experience-not just from individual mountain guides, but through experience on particular mountains where details are fine-tuned over time. Additionally, we utilize other Alpine Ascents teams already on the mountain who may help with descending climbers. We are … Photo: Willi Prittie. Dates are RT USA When should I book my flight? Cleary they are passionate about their craft and excited to share their knowledge. Home; Monthly Archives: June 2019. Alpine Ascents International has a long standing reputation of leading successful climbs as well as acting as a prime resource for guide books, climbers and the media. Lead Guide: Mike Coyle 2016/17 and 2017/2018 seasons had 100% team summit success. Posted on June 16, 2019 by alpineascents. Bolivia. This is a highly recommended shortlist and we would be happy to pass on a longer reading list for those interested. Home; Monthly Archives: June 2019. We highly recommend prior crampon training or a program such as a three-day climb of Mt. Regarding the “nontechnical” nature of Aconcagua: this is only true sometimes. Posted on January 25, 2020 by alpineascents. Climbers must be physically and mentally prepared to deal with strenuous situations at high altitudes. Everybody is doing great except for Chris who has decided to head back today, he back in Penitents tonight and will be headed on to Mendoza. Alpine Ascents International leads expeditions that have become benchmarks of quality in the climbing community. Aconcagua - Vacas Valley. The quality of our Guide Staff is the primary difference between us and our competitors. December through February are the months when the weather is most stable, however, high winds can occur any time of the year. If your only mountain experience has been something like Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua is a big step up in challenge. Our gear lists represent years of carefully considering only and exactly what is needed for a given climb. 1 Day Rainier Mountaineering Fundamentals. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure. Alaska 8-Day Intermediate. Baker summit climbs, or an equivalent climb so you arrive with crampon and climbing experience. Do you have exercise-induced asthma? The United States leads in a number of climbers, followed by Germany and the UK. The letter is what motivated me the most. In all four categories, Alpine Ascents ranks highest in the climbing industry. At the very least this can mean that you can sit back and enjoy the afternoons instead of being whipped every day! Our Aconcagua Add-On Expeditions are private departures scheduled to directly follow any of our Mount Vinson expeditions. Can I contact the others on the climb prior to my trip? When properly prepared for this expedition, I’m sure you will be favorably impressed with the magnificent scenery, the culture, and the great climbing here. Climbers need to be in excellent physical condition for both personal enjoyment and to be an integral team member. 1-Day Mountaineering Fundamentals. As we offer personalized service, we will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations when necessary, waiving certain fees when feasible. Lead guides are Seattle-based professionals who lead each trip. Leave No Trace principles are fundamental to our program, and we encourage all who climb and trek with us to understand proper wilderness practices. Interested in Everest Base Camp Trekthis fall? Take heed of this. Las Pumas completed the hike out of the park yesterday in excellent style. Aconcagua - Normal Route. Have you put a 50 or 60-pound pack on and climbed extensive mountain terrain? Do you train/exercise on a regular basis? You may use our travel agent (Charles Mulvehill 1-800-727-2157) or book flights yourself. Our mission and goals are simple: by using the best climbing talent in the country, we offer the opportunity for climbers at all levels to achieve their personal aspirations … Climbers must be physically and mentally prepared to deal with strenuous situations at high altitudes. This expertise is based upon years of accumulated experience-not just from individual mountain guides, but through experience on particular mountains where details are fine-tuned over time. Please select a trip: 1-Day Crevasse Rescue Clinic. (if self-carrying). Adams Ski Descent. Good evening family, friends and loved ones. Our Vacas Valley route had 100% team success. Peru: Salkantay Mountain Trek to Machu Picchu. We thank you for your time and encourage you to call our offices with any questions. All of the expedition members arrived safe and sound and with all of their luggage day before yesterday, in Mendoza, just fine. America's Premier Mountain Guide Service and Climbing School www.AlpineAscents.com The name itself hearkens back to indigenous roots, the Quechua word “Anco” (white) and “Cahuac” (sentinel). 13-Day Course. Hi, this is Willi Prittie again reporting from Argentina with the Alpine Ascents International Aconcagua program. The success is a testament to our guides and the hard work and team spirit of our climbers. No security deposit will be charged for Washington rentals; however, Alpine Ascents reserves the right to assess fees for the replacement or repair of any damaged items. Alpine Ascents also offers expeditions with our partner Aconcagua Mountain Guides, a local Argentinean company. Pack weight for Normal Route: 35-40 lbs. $5,100.00 If a climber needs to leave early, arrangements can be made with the assistance of our local Base Camp support. When you come to Aconcagua (or any expedition), you are not 10 individuals attempting to climb a mountain, you are part of a team functioning together to enhance the safety and enjoyment of the expedition. Hello everybody this will be our last cybercast of our journey, and what an amazing journey it was. Is there any communication while we are on the mountain? This does not mean “nonphysical” by any stretch of the imagination. No other guide service has the safety record, quality of guides, finely honed programs, food, care, quality, and customer service that we offer. Alpine Ascents International has a long-standing reputation of leading successful climbs as well as acting as a prime resource for guide books, climbers, and the media. Lead Guide: Connor Chilcott Baker climb for climbers who have not climbed with a heavy pack or are unsure of the rigors that a climb such as Aconcagua requires. In the evening, we shared a delicious dinner together with another descending Alpine Ascents team at the Hotel Ayelen. Alpine Ascents International guests receive a 10% discount on these plans with the code available when they book any trip. What is the best air route to my destination? In 1817, General Jose de San Martin crossed the range in a successful effort to liberate Chile from Spain. Patagonia – Cerro San Lorenzo; Cho Oyu; Great Peaks of Bolivia; Great Peaks of Peru; Island Peak, Nepal; Mera Peak, Nepal These individuals are dedicated to sharing their excellence with others. More about the Vacas Valley Route, Aconcagua Normal Route: This is a shorter and more direct route with porter support to carry group gear (private porter support also available). We operate what we believe is the finest mountaineering school in the country. Guides for this trip are selected based on these factors, as Alpine Ascents looks to provide an environment where our guides […] Please contact us for a calendar-based itinerary, Vacas Valley Route (Polish Variation) The Prittie letter was the most helpful. December 12, 2020 – January 2, 2021 Alpine Ascents International leads expeditions that have become benchmarks of quality in the climbing community. Our long planned and awaited for trip began today in La Paz! Less with porter. American Alpine Institute was one of the first guide services to regularly climb Aconcagua. At 22,829ft, Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in the Americas, and the highest mountain in the world outside of Asia. in a two to three-hour period, or roughly 1,200–1,500 vertical ft. per hour.”, “Although non-technical, this is a highly challenging climb and demands more than most other non-technical climbs (such as certain peaks in the US and Kilimanjaro). Danny and Rodrigo here again checking in for the January 12th Alpine Ascents Aconcagua team. Fares are generally less expensive when booked early. Alpine Ascents 2021-22 Season Dates are RT USA Please contact us for a calendar-based itinerary, Vacas Valley Route (Polish Variation) $5,100.00 Per person, double occupancy Extra fee for personal porters, December 5 – December 28, 2021 December 19, 2021 – Jan 11, 2022 January 2 – January 25, 2022 – Sold Out January 16 – February 8, 2022, Normal Route $5,800.00 Per person, double occupancy Includes porters for group gear Extra fee for personal porters, November 27 – December 18, 2021 December 10 – December 31, 2021 December 27, 2021 – January 17, 2022 – 2 spaces left January 8 – January 29, 2022 – Sold Out January 29 – Feb 19, 2022, Alpine Ascents partners with Argentinean-based Aconcagua Mountain Guides, providing the same excellence as Alpine Ascents with certified Argentinean guides. We are now departing this morning for the ride back to Mendoza, so this will be the last Las Pumas update. Extremely high quality camps and gear on both routes. If you have no mountaineering experience, these situations can be demanding, but we still consider this a nontechnical climb by mountaineering standards. About 75% of climbers are foreigners and 25% are Argentinean. Alpine Ascents International leads expeditions that have become benchmarks of quality in the climbing community. We thank you for your time and encourage you to call our offices with any questions. I had done a dispatch a little bit earlier, but I realized I was missing a few things; so, I wanted to do a bit of a recap of what actually had occurred with our expedition and the one that is currently on the mountain. First and foremost, many tend to underestimate the physical fitness needs of a high-altitude expedition such as this. Photo: Pablo Betancourt. Alpine Ascents also offers expeditions directly with local outfitter, please see below. Today we had a good acclimatization hike up to about 13,300 feet to a place called Plaza Francia. Do you have a history of heart problems? Off-List Must-Haves Gear lists are honed utilitarian tools for packing for a trip. Realize that Aconcagua is a very dry and, at times, cold and dusty environment; probably the likes of which you have never experienced. Extremely high quality camps and gear on both routes. Standing on the Summit of the Americas. I’m convinced that two types of people write these things. The wind that I talked about earlier has definitely become much less of a factor and life's pretty good here at 14,000ft, at the Alpine Ascents' Base Camp on Aconcagua. What is the physical conditioning for this climb? We are confident our summit success is the finest in the industry. We are happy to work with you on developing a training program. Hi there. Please use the training statement to determine what fitness levels are expected. Our guides are an integral part of Alpine Ascents because they understand and share our climbing principles. Today we have reached Casa de Piedra camp in the Vacas Valley, our second day on the trek. Our Vacas Valley and Normal Route departures have numerous extra days built into the itinerary, and we methodically ascend the mountain with renowned guide staff at the helm. Have you previously trained 3–5 months in advance of an upcoming climb or event? img 0515 img 0512 Share this: Facebook; Posted in Dispatches | Leave a comment. The climbers made it to Mendoza with all of their luggages. Each deposit, regardless of amount, includes a $200.00 nonrefundable registration fee. Trekking in India’s Arunachal Pradesh – NEW! I look forward to meeting you and climbing with you in Argentina! You should be physically and mentally prepared to deal with strenuous situations at high altitudes. Alpine Ascents Aconcagua Cybercast. He is a guide, leader and friend of the highest quality. Being both fit and technically competent for the challenges of an expedition is a very important part of being a productive team member. Baker beforehand. Make sure that you seriously consider what you are attempting to do on an expedition, and how physically demanding it is (and consult with your doctor) before you decide to join. This is a fully guided ascent, led by American guides who climb the mountain with you. Bhutan. Porters can be hired on each route to lessen pack weight to approximately 20lbs on move/carry days. 32 talking about this. Aconcagua (Spanish pronunciation: [akoŋˈkaɣwa]) is a mountain in the Principal Cordillera of the Andes mountain range, in Mendoza Province, Argentina.It is the highest mountain in the Americas, the highest outside Asia, and the highest in both the Southern and the Western Hemispheres with a summit elevation of 6,961 metres (22,838 ft). Photo: Pablo Betancourt. (Please note the Guanacos Route has been closed for the past several years in an effort to protect the large number of guanacos that breed and raise young in the area.) We stress these points to continue our high summit success and ensure that teams are well-balanced.”.