Aconcagua is one of the great mountains of the world, attracting mountaineers from all over the globe.  The "Sentinel of Stone", as it is often called, is the highest peak in the Americas and is situated on the border of Argentina and Chile.  It's twin summits tower to almost 23,000 feet.  Aconcagua is the highest mountain outside the Himalaya.  Great altitude, strong, constant winds and snow, and avalanches make this mountain a serious challenge.

Our team ascends the northeast side of the mountain by way of the 1934 Polish Glacier Route.  With a technical summit day which skirts towering seracs, deep crevasses, and long ridges, we climb snow and ice to 55 degrees at an altitude above 20,000 feet.  The team establishes two or three well stocked camps above basecamp to position ourselves for a summit bid.

Although very high at 22,840 feet, Aconcagua is considered a good introduction to high altitude mountaineering.  Technically, this climb requires basic knowledge of crampon and ice axe technique along with winter mountain living skills.  We demonstrate and practice safe roped travel skills, as well as cravass rescue techniques, during rest and acclimatization days.

This trip is well suited to those with intermediate mountain travel skills looking for a high altitude, expeditionary experience.  Participants are exposed to issues of high altitude physiology, high altitude mountain sickness, nutrition at altitude, evaluation of objective mountain hazards, and an introduction to glacier formation, movement, and route selection.

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