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14,058 ft · Executive Committee Range, Antarctica

Mount Sidley

Mount Sidley is a 14,058 ft peak in the Executive Committee Range, Antarctica. The standard route is the North Side: 20 mi, 7,300 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Mount Sidley in the Executive Committee Range, Antarctica

Mount Sidley at a glance

  • Elevation14,058 ft4,284 m
  • RouteNorth SideClass 1
  • Distance20 mi7,300 ft gain
  • Time1.5 – 2 wksVery Hard effort
  • SeasonDec – Jan
  • RangeExecutive Committee RangeAntarctica

Climbing the North Side

Access requires specialized charter flights from Union Glacier or Patriot Hills base camps in Antarctica. Extreme logistics with expedition costs typically exceeding $50,000. Weather delays are common and can extend the trip by days or weeks. The extreme cold (potentially below -40F) and isolation dominate all planning. The climb itself is non-technical via the volcanic slopes, but conditions are harsh with high winds and whiteouts. Very few ascents are made annually. This remote Antarctic volcano is one of the most difficult peaks on Earth to reach. Only for committed adventurers with deep pockets.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (65–85 L)
  • Ice Axe
  • Crampons
  • Gaiters
  • Harness
  • Carabiners
  • Helmet
  • Belay Device
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Goggles
  • Mountaineering Boots
  • Base Layer
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Hardshell Pants
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Expedition Mittens
  • Trekking Poles
  • Gaiters
  • Power Bank
  • Sleeping Bag (-40°F to -20°F)
  • Sleeping Pad
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Emergency Bivy
  • Whistle

What to watch for

  • Extreme cold
  • Storms
  • Low visibility
  • Crevasses
  • Isolation
  • Remote location
  • Avalanches
  • Glacier travel
  • High altitude
  • High winds
  • Altitude sickness
  • Steep exposure
  • Spotty cell reception

Quests with Mount Sidley

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Sidley?

Mount Sidley is 14,058 feet (4,284 m) tall. It is in the Executive Committee Range, Antarctica.

How hard is it to climb Mount Sidley?

The North Side is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 20 miles with 7,300 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Mount Sidley?

Mount Sidley is an expedition: most climbers plan 1.5 – 2 weeks for the North Side, much of it spent acclimatizing between camps.

Is Mount Sidley dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, crevasses on the glacier and exposed sections where a fall would be serious. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.

Do you need crampons and an ice axe for Mount Sidley?

Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the North Side, along with mountaineering boots that take crampons. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.

Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Sidley?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Sidley reaches 14,058 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

When is the best time to climb Mount Sidley?

The usual climbing window is December to January. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Mount Sidley with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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