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- Mount Vinson
16,050 ft · Sentinel Range, Antarctica
Mount Vinson
Mount Vinson is a 16,050 ft peak in the Sentinel Range, Antarctica. The standard route is the Branscomb Shoulder : 27 mi, 9,160 ft of gain, Class 3.
Mount Vinson at a glance
- Elevation16,050 ft4,892 m
- RouteBranscomb Shoulder Class 3
- Distance27 mi9,160 ft gain
- Time10 – 16 daysExtreme effort
- SeasonDec – Jan
- RangeSentinel RangeAntarctica
Climbing the Branscomb Shoulder
Fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Union Glacier base camp via specialized charter aircraft. Weather delays of days or even weeks are common. The climb itself is technically moderate (Class 3 on the standard route) but the extreme cold is unrelenting. Temperatures can drop below -40F. Plan for multiple summit attempts as weather windows are brief. High camps are established on the standard route at about 12,000 and 14,000 feet. Expedition costs typically exceed $40,000. The short Antarctic summer season (December-January) is the only climbing window. Antarctica's highest peak and a Seven Summits objective.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (90–100 L)
Mountaineering Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Warm Hat
Buff
Expedition Mittens
Trekking Poles
Gaiters
Crampons
Ice Axe
Helmet
Rope
Harness
Carabiners
Belay Device
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
Sleeping Bag (-40°F to -20°F)
Sleeping Pad
Oxygen System
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Two-Way Radio
Emergency Bivy
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Glacier Glasses
Goggles
Down Suit
What to watch for
- Extreme cold
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Remote location
- Isolation
- Avalanches
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
- High altitude
- Steep exposure
- High winds
- Altitude sickness
- Technical climbing
- Spotty cell reception
Quests with Mount Vinson
Seven SummitsFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Vinson?
Mount Vinson is 16,050 feet (4,892 m) tall. It is in the Sentinel Range, Antarctica.
How does Mount Vinson rank among the Seven Summits?
At 16,050 feet, Mount Vinson is the 6th highest of the Seven Summits. The highest is Mount Everest.
How hard is it to climb Mount Vinson?
The Branscomb Shoulder is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 27 miles with 9,160 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Vinson?
Most climbers plan 10 – 16 days for the Branscomb Shoulder , with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Vinson 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 Vinson?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Branscomb Shoulder , along with mountaineering boots that take crampons. Glacier travel also means a rope, harness and crevasse rescue skills. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Vinson?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Vinson reaches 16,050 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 Vinson?
The usual climbing window is December to January. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Can you hire a guide to climb Mount Vinson?
Yes. Guide services that lead climbs of Mount Vinson include Alpine Institute, RMI Expeditions and International Mountain Guides.
Climb Mount Vinson 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