climb Aconcagua

The Jones Family and crew gave us a fantastic first trip of the season on Aconcagua! The highlights were many, from the huge asados (barbeques) we had throughout the trip (in Mendoza before and after the climb, at the base camps, and on every night of the trek in), the beautiful route, quiet clean camps, and the stunning views. This season was especially beautiful on the mountain, due to the amount of snow on the route and the surrounding peaks. A big snowstorm in early December covered Aconcagua, and meant that we wore big mountain boots and crampons for much of the climb.

A quick and windy phone call notified us that Callum, Tim, and Adrian summited and have returned to C3, where they are packing up their camp to head back to BC with the others. All are feeling well. We'll get a detailed report later today, so stay tuned.

The team arrived quickly (2 hours, 15 minutes) and safely to Cholera Camp today, where they are excited to be resting at 20,000'. We will keep you posted as they proceed with a good weather forecast ahead.

The Aconcagua team tagged C2 yesterday with ease and came back down to C1 for today's rest day. All are feeling remarkably strong and now, all that remains is finding a sufficient weather window on this notoriously windy mountain! We'll keep you posted as they check in for forecasts and make their decision on the best time to line up a summit bid.

The Aconcagua team checked in with another update, they are on their way up! The group tagged Camp 1 yesterday on an acclimatization move and gear carry in just three hours. Guide Adrian Ballinger said "everyone is feeling strong and healthy and conditions are excellent." So this afternoon the Australian team and their guides left bascecamp for the summit push! The current plan is to move to Camp 1 today, sleep there for three nights, then three nights at Camp 2 and one night at Camp 3 before going for the top, conditions permitting.

Alpenglow's 2011 Aconcagua Expedition is underway! The team of five, which will be guided by Alpenglow's owner, Adrian Ballinger, and lead guide Jaime Avila arrived in Mendoza on Monday. They spent a couple of days exploring the town, enjoying amazing wine and steak dinners, and finalizing logistics. Yesterday they traveled to the town of Penitentes, which at 8,000 feet, sits at the entrance to the valleys leading into Aconcagua through Argentina's Andes.