Tag Archive for: Aconcagua

Climbing Higher to Camp 2!

Aconcagua Camp 2. Photo pulled from Madison Mountaineering Archive.

The team awoke to more good weather today in Camp 1 and is getting ready for their move up to Camp 2! After another beautiful sunset last night, a good dinner prepared by guide, Cacho Beiza, and a restful nights sleep, the team is feeling strong and doing great on their ascent of Aconcagua. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison, checks in with todays dispatch from Argentina:

Hello! This is Garrett calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Aconcagua (6961m/22,837ft) expedition team. We are up here in Camp 1 (5060m/16,600ft)! We arrived yesterday, everyone has done great, we had nice weather, great views and a good evening here in high camp watching the sunset. Cacho cooked us an amazing pasta with tomato sauce and everybody had a good nights rest.

Today we’re just up making breakfast, taking down the camp, and preparing to climb up to Camp 2 (5522m/18,117ft) where we’re going to spend a couple of nights. So, looks like good weather now and we’re excited to get a move on today and start climbing up to Camp 2 on Aconcagua!

All is well here! We’ll check in soon.

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Smooth Climbing on Aconcagua!

Tomahawks for dinner at Aconcagua Base Camp!

The team has successfully made their first carry up to Camp 1 to cache some of their load, in preparation for the move up to Camp 1 to follow! Making multiple carries between camps not only lightens the load each member has to carry between camps, but also helps in the acclimatization process as they ascend the tallest mountain in South America. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison, checks in with this dispatch from Plaza de Mulas:

Hello! This is Garrett calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Aconcagua (6961m/22,837ft) expedition. Today we did a carry up to Camp 1 (5060m/16,600ft), brought a load of gear up there and cached it. It was a beautiful day, great views all around, the team did awesome! We came back down, and had a restful afternoon and then dinner here in base camp (4367m/14,327ft), and now we’re off to bed.

Our plan tomorrow is to have breakfast and then move up to Camp 1, set up camp, sleep there, and then the next day, move up to Camp 2 (5522m/18,117ft) for a couple of nights. Check the weather, hopefully we’ll have a summit weather window sometime around February third or fourth!

Everyone is doing well! We’re enjoying Aconcagua, having a great time here in Argentina! It’s great to be here with so many good friends – old friends, some new friends and really great times here in Argentina!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Plaza de Mulas

Clear skies over base camp!

The Madison Mountaineering Aconcagua expedition team has arrived in Plaza de Mulas (Aconcagua Base Camp). On their trek over the course of the last few days, the team enjoyed more great weather and the absence of light pollution, which has made for great star gazing at night! Everyone on the team is doing great and is preparing to move up the mountain in the coming days. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison, checks in with this dispatch from Plaza de Mulas:

Hey! This is Garrett checking in for the Aconcagua (6961m/22,837ft) team, here with Cacho and Ed Viesturs, we’re at base camp (4367m/14,327ft). We got here yesterday and had a great trek into base camp over three days! Nice weather, enjoyed some great views, and nice acclimatization hike the other day. It was good to roll into base camp yesterday, had a wonderful dinner, beautiful stars last night here in base camp…

Today we’re just taking a rest day, going for an acclimatization hike, and organizing some gear for our first carry up to Camp 1 (5060m/16,600ft) tomorrow.

So, happy to be here, great weather at the moment! Everyone is doing well and we’re looking forward to another great day here in Argentina – highest mountain outside of Asia.

At the dining room table in base camp!

At the dining room table in base camp!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Arrived in Confluencia!

The team hitting the trail towards Aconcagua!

The Madison Mountaineering Aconcagua expedition is off to a great start in the Horcones Valley with perfect weather, delicious food, and great company! Their journey started early this morning in Mendoza where they loaded their bags and made the drive into the mountains before dawning their packs and hitting the trail. Everyone is in good spirits and looks forward to the days ahead on their ascent of South America’s tallest peak. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison, checks in with todays dispatch from Confluencia Camp:

Hello! This is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Aconcagua (6961m/22,837ft) expedition team.

Just calling in to report that we had a great day! We left Mendoza (746m/2,449ft) this morning, drove up to the trailhead, and started trekking in. We had a beautiful trek up – great weather to our camp here at Confluencia! We’re at about 9,000 feet.

Everyone’s doing well. We had a great dinner, we had some barbecue – steaks, sausages, salad, a little Malbec red wine and looking forward to a good nights rest!

Tomorrow we’re going to go for an acclimatization hike up to Plaza Francia, at the base of the south face of Aconcagua and then return back to Confluencia to spend another night here.

The trips going well so far! It’s a great team, we’re having fun getting to know each other, and spending time in such a beautiful mountain region here in the Andes. It’s great having Cacho with us, and also Ed Viesturs of course, and a wonderful team of climbers!

Looking forward to another great day!

Guide, Garrett Madison in charge of the barbecue!

Guide, Garrett Madison in charge of the barbecue!

The team sitting down for a well-deserved meal in Confluencia Camp.

The team sitting down for a well-deserved meal in Confluencia Camp.

Some of the team out and enjoying the night sky on their first night in the mountains!

Some of the team out and enjoying the night sky on their first night in the mountains!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Summits all around on Aconcagua!

The whole team on the summit of Aconcagua!

It’s with great pleasure to announce that the entire Madison Mountaineering team reached the summit of Aconcagua last week! After returning to Mendoza from the mountain, the team celebrated with one last dinner in Argentina – also celebrating the birthday of one of the team members! Their meal was well-deserved and served as a great way to conclude the expedition, sharing the memories and friendships gained that are sure to be carried on after everyone said their ‘goodbyes.’

While it was a long summit day, the team made strong work on their ascent, and ultimately all stood on the summit before returning down safely. Below is the Madison Mountaineering Aconcagua Summiteers List from Monday, January 16:

# Name Country
1 Mr. Javier “Cacho” Beiza Argentina
2 Mr. Thierry Dhers USA
3 Mr. Naveen “Nav” Kotecha USA
4 Mr. Rein Madissoon Estonia
5 Ms. Rein Madissoon Estonia
6 Mr. Frank McCarthy Ireland
7 Mr. Nicholas Pangallo Canada
8 Mr. Seth Sklare USA
9 Mr. Peter Veloo USA
10 Mr. Bruno Vizzaccaro Canada

We are grateful for the experiences shared and new friends made over the course of the last few weeks! Now, we’re looking forward to doing it all over again as we kick off another Aconcagua expedition on January 25th with guides Garrett Madison, Cacho Beiza, and legendary mountaineer, Ed Viesturs!

Stay tuned for more…

The team during their summit push under blue skies on Aconcagua!

The team during their summit push under blue skies on Aconcagua!

A well deserved celebration dinner after 100% summit success on Aconcagua!

A well deserved celebration dinner after 100% summit success on Aconcagua!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Arrived in Camp Canada!

The team moving up to Camp Canada!

The Madison Mountaineering Aconcagua expedition is off to a great start in Argentina! Despite some snow on the mountain, the team is looking good, feeling strong and has made it up to Camp 1. The food and views have been great, and spirits are high! In the next few days, the team plans to rest and look for a weather window so they can continue higher up the mountain. Expedition leader, Cacho Beiza, checks in with this brief dispatch from Aconcagua:

We will be sleeping in C1 (5060m/16,600ft) today. We are arriving in a couple of hours and everybody is feeling good!

Smiles all around from the Aconcagua team!

Smiles all around from the Aconcagua team!

Ascending higher on Aconcagua with views of the beautiful, snow covered Andes all around!

Ascending higher on Aconcagua with views of the beautiful, snow covered Andes all around!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Preparing for the Carry to Camp 1

Alpenglow on the upper mountain. Photo: Terray Sylvester

The team brought in the New Year with an acclimatization hike around Base Camp, as they prepare to make their first carry up to Camp 1 tomorrow! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with todays dispatch from Plaza de Mulas:

Hello and happy New Year from Aconcagua Base Camp (4367m/14,327ft)! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Aconcagua (6961m/22,837ft) expedition – it’s January 1st.

We had a great day today! The weather was really nice – clear skies all day with great views of fresh snow on the upper mountain. We spent the morning acclimatizing by walking above base camp, beyond the historic hotel here near Plaza de Mulas. And then, in the afternoon we got some showers and started sorting gear for our first carry to Camp 1 (5060m/16,600ft), which will happen tomorrow.

So we just finished dinner! It was great – shepherds pie and then nice, chocolate mousse dessert. We’re getting ready for bed and tomorrow the plan is to carry up to Camp 1.

So, all is well here in Argentina and we’ll be in touch tomorrow!

Snow in the mountains above base camp!

Snow in the mountains above base camp!

Our climber, TJ, acclimatizing above base camp. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Our climber, TJ, acclimatizing above base camp. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Lunch in base camp.

Lunch in base camp.

Lunch is served!

Lunch is served!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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New Years Eve on Aconcagua!

Our team in the Horcones River Valley, en route to base camp. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Happy New Years Eve from the tallest mountain in South America, Aconcagua! Today, the team moved up from Confluencia Camp to their Base Camp, where they plan to take a rest day tomorrow. The team hiked through snowy conditions today, but looks forward to sunshine in the forecast in the days coming! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with todays dispatch from Plaza de Mulas:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Aconcagua (6961m/22,837ft) expedition – it’s New Year Eve, December 31st!

Today we made good time from Confluencia Camp (3436m/11,273ft) to Base Camp at Plaza de Mulas (4367m/14,327ft)! There’s a little storm system moving through, so we had some light snow on the way. But, it was actually really nice hiking conditions with no wind and no dust in the Horcones Valley.

So, now we’re at Plaza de Mulas! We’re just about to sit down for dinner. All is well here and we’re looking forward to a rest day tomorrow. The weather forecast is sunny, so it should be a really nice day here at about 4,200 meters on Aconcagua!

We’ll be in touch tomorrow.

Gaining elevation en route to Plaza de Mulas. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Gaining elevation en route to Plaza de Mulas. Photo: Terray Sylvester

New Year’s Eve dinner in base camp: salmon and roasted potatoes.

New Year’s Eve dinner in base camp: salmon and roasted potatoes.

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Acclimatizing in the Horcones Valley

Our team acclimatizing above Confluencia Camp. Photo: Terray Sylvester

The team spent today acclimatizing around Confluencia Camp as they prepare to continue their trek into base camp tomorrow. Some light snow made for magical conditions during their acclimatization efforts, spent moving around the valley and looking up at the towering peaks above them. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with todays dispatch from the Horcones Valley:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Aconcagua (6961m/22,837ft) expedition – it’s December 30th.

Today we acclimatized by hiking from our camp here at Confluencia (3436m/11,273ft) to Plaza Francia (4228m/13,871ft) at the base of the dramatic South Face of Aconcagua! It was a beautiful hike, we had some light snow which just made for really scenic and atmospheric conditions on the peaks above us. We took a break at Plaza Francia and checked out the hanging glaciers on the South Face, and then returned back to our camp where we had a late lunch of bruschetta with fresh veggies and prosciutto, plus some great-fresh melon! So now we’re just resting before dinner.

All is well and we’re looking forward to moving to base camp tomorrow!

Checking out the view of Aconcagua’s famous South Face! Photo: Terray Sylvester

Checking out the view of Aconcagua’s famous South Face! Photo: Terray Sylvester

Hiking toward the South Face. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Hiking toward the South Face. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Down the Lower Horcones Valley. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Down the Lower Horcones Valley. Photo: Terray Sylvester

The team returning to Confluencia Camp from Plaza Francia. Photo: Terray Sylvester

The team returning to Confluencia Camp from Plaza Francia. Photo: Terray Sylvester

 

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Trek to Base Camp has Begun!

Approaching Confluencia Camp. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Today, our Aconcagua team hit the trail and has begun their journey towards the summit of South America’s tallest peak! Fueled by several good meals throughout the day, the team has arrived in Confluencia Camp where they’ll spend the remainder of the day. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with todays dispatch:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Aconcagua (6961m/22,837ft) expedition, it’s December 29th.

Today we had a nice breakfast in Mendoza (746m/2,449ft) and drove up to our trailhead in Horcones, then we had a nice three hour walk here to Confluencia Camp (3436m/11,273ft). It’s a beautiful day, there’s fresh snow high on the mountains, so that’s a scenic change! We got here to Confluencia and had a nice lunch – pizza, and fresh juice, and some nice apple bread and other items. Now we’re just resting until dinner!

So, tomorrow we’ll take an acclimatization hike up toward a nice viewpoint for the south face of Aconcagua.

All is well here, really pleasant, and we’ll be in touch!

Our climber, TJ, at the Horcones Valley Trailhead with guide, Laucha. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Our climber, TJ, at the Horcones Valley Trailhead with guide, Laucha. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Our team in the Horcones Valley. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Our team in the Horcones Valley. Photo: Terray Sylvester

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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