Dispatches

Vinson 2022/2023

Perfect Season on Vinson!

Photo pulled from Madison Mountaineering Archive.

We’ve just received word that the Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson expedition team has safely and successfully reached the summit of Mount Vinson, the tallest point in Antarctica! After some winds in the days prior while ascending to High Camp, the team made their final few steps to the summit under blue skies, calm winds, and great views all around in a truly magical place. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison, checks in with todays dispatch from Mount Vinson:

Hey! This is Garrett calling in for the Mount Vinson (4892m/16,050ft) expedition team number two.

Today we summited Mount Vinson! We had a beautiful day, great weather, looked around, amazing views, calm winds, and just a really special experience up there. We had the summit all to ourselves and really had a great day!

So, wonderful summit day. Now we’re back in High Camp (3536m/11,600ft), just had dinner, going to bed and we’ll make our plan to go down to Base Camp (2140m/7,020ft) tomorrow or the next day!

So all is well here on Vinson! 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:

January 10, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Vinson 2022/2023

Arrived in High Camp!

Photo pulled from Madison Mountaineering Archive. Photo: Terray Sylvester

The team made strong work today, ascending from their Low Camp to High Camp and battling some winds along the way. Everyone is comfortably settled into their tents and looking forward to a rest day tomorrow as they look for a window to make their summit push! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison, checks in with todays dispatch from High Camp on Mount Vinson:

Hello! This is Garrett calling in for the Mount Vinson (4892m/16,050ft) expedition team with Conrad Anker and friends Bill Dyer, Chris Figenshau, Wes, Elizabeth and Woody! We are up at High Camp (3536m/11,600ft).

We had a great day climbing from Low Camp (2774m/9,100ft) to High Camp on the eighth of January. It ended up turning a little windy once we got to the top of the fixed ropes, so we really had to batten down the hatches, put on our big puffy jackets, and gloves, and mitts, and hand warmers. We made it into our High Camp here and fired up our stoves, sat in our tents, had dinner, and now we’re just getting ready for bed.

So tomorrow we’ll take a rest day after that big effort coming up to High Camp on Mount Vinson! Hopefully there’s some good weather – blowing pretty hard up here earlier today, cold (garbled) wind, some moisture coming off the sea, but hopefully that’ll subside and we’ll get some favorable conditions for a summit in the next few days.

Everybody’s up here and doing well, although we’re tired – it was a tough day. 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:

January 9, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ecuador 2023.01.02

Success on Cayambe!

We are excited to announce that the entire Madison Mountaineering team reached the summit of Cayambe and is safely off the mountain! The team experienced perfect weather and relished in the moment while standing at nearly 19,000 feet, with views above the clouds. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez checks in with today’s dispatch from Quito:

Hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition.

I’m very, very happy to announce that the whole team reached the summit of Cayambe Volcano (5790m/18,996ft) in the perfect weather! So, at the moment the whole team is in Quito (2850m/9,350ft) resting, and tomorrow we’re going to drive to Baños (1820m/5,971ft) to have a couple days for rest. Then we’ll push to our main goal which is Chimborazo (6263m/20,549ft)!

Stay tuned…

Ascending the final few steps towards the summit.

Aerial photo of the summit of Cayambe, sitting above the clouds.

The team descending Cayambe after a safe and successful summit!

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:

January 9, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Vinson 2022/2023

Training Day on Mount Vinson

The Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson expedition team took a rest day today in Low Camp and prepared to continue their ascent in the coming days! The team took some time today to train and review ascending fixed lines, and with some good weather in the future, they will move up to High Camp and be one step closer to making their summit push! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison, checks in with todays dispatch from Low Camp:

Hey, this is Garrett calling in for the Mount Vinson (4892m/16,050ft) expedition team (garbled). We are at Low Camp (2774m/9,100ft) on Mount Vinson – today is January seventh and took a rest day today, did some training, got prepared for the fixed lines, and had a restful time here in camp.

Tomorrow, we’re looking forward to heading up to High Camp (3536m/11,600ft), whether pending. So we’ll get up and take a look at the weather and see what the forecast is for High Camp, but hopefully we’ll move up there tomorrow and go for the Summit shortly thereafter.

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:

January 8, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Vinson 2022/2023

Good Times in Antarctica!

The second of the Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson expeditions is underway in Antarctica! The team wasted no time going out to play after they settled into their camp, dawning their skis and going out for a tour of the surrounding area. The team is strong, and is enjoying blue skies and delicious food as they continue their ascent of Mount Vinson. Guide, Conrad Anker, checks in with this dispatch from Low Camp:

Greetings folks! Conrad Anker checking in from Low Camp (2774m/9,100ft) on Vinson (4892m/16,050ft).

Garrett and I are having a great time. Our team is moving up with strength and confidence! The weather seems to be good. We’re eating lots of yummy food. It doesn’t get dark, so we don’t have head lamps!

We’re thinking of you – join us for a trip! Take care.

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:

January 7, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ecuador 2023.01.02

Illiniza Norte Summit!

The team on the summit of Illiniza Norte!

The summits keep coming in Ecuador! Today, the team summited Illiniza Norte, and is resting up as they prepare for their next climb on Cayambe. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez, checks in with todays dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition – today is January 6th.

We just summited Illiniza Norte (5126m/16,818ft) which is 16,800 feet. We had a great day on the mountain! Now we are resting at a really nice lodge – call it Chuquiragua!

Yesterday we went up to the Illiniza’s hut (4750m/15,580ft) and we spent the night there. We pushed to the summit very early in the morning!

So now everybody is resting and getting ready for the next mountain, which is going to be Cayambe (5790m/18996ft) .

Stay tuned and talk later!

The team beginning their hike towards Illiniza Hut.

En route to Illiniza Hut!

Snow on the ground after arriving at the refuge!

Alpine start for the summit push on Illiniza Norte!

Looking over at Illiniza Sur!

Ascending the ridge towards the summit

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:

January 6, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ecuador 2023.01.02

El Corazón Summit Success!

Today, our team pushed forward in their acclimatization efforts, successfully reaching the summit of El Corazón! This process of acclimatizing on smaller peaks will ultimately help our team adapt to the higher altitude they’ll experience on bigger peaks later in the expedition. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez, checks in with todays dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition – today is January 4th. Today we had a really, really great day! It was sunny, no wind, kind of perfect weather! Everybody reached the summit of Corazón Volcano (4784m/15,696ft), which is 15,700 feet. This was our second mountain for the acclimatization process. Everybody is feeling good, a little bit tired, but feeling good! (We’re) getting ready for tomorrow – we’re going to Illinizas hut tomorrow.

Stay tuned… (We’ll) talk in a couple of days!

The team hiking through the Ecuadorian highlands!

On the trail towards Corazón!

The team with Illiniza in the background.

Climber, Josh Garrison, climbing the ridge towards the summit of Corazón!

Aerial photo with the team on the summit!

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:

January 5, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Vinson 2022/2023

Back in Vinson Base Camp!

Photo pulled from Madison Mountaineering Archive. Photo: Ted Hesser

The team has arrived back in the comforts of Vinson Base Camp! After another safe and successful climb on the tallest mountain in Antarctica, the team is looking forward to their flight back to Union Glacier and the celebration ahead. As the sun sets on this expedition, another one is on the horizon! Stay tuned for more… Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with todays dispatch from Antarctica:

Hello! This is Garrett calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson (4892m/16,050ft) expedition team – today is January 4th and we have arrived back in Vinson Base Camp (2140m/7,020ft).

We had a great climb of Mount Vinson yesterday – perfect weather, great views all around, the whole team made it to the summit! Today, we’ve arrived back down in Vinson Base Camp and the team is just looking forward to a flight tomorrow or the next day back to Union Glacier Camp (700m/2,297ft), and onwards back home. It’s been a wonderful expedition and I’m very happy that we had great weather and route conditions, and a great team all around!

We’re looking forward to the next climb – should be starting soon! Another trip on Mount Vinson coming up shortly… Stay tuned!

Photo pulled from Madison Mountaineering Archive. Photo: Ted Hesser

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:

January 5, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Vinson 2022/2023

Summit Success on Mount Vinson!

We’ve received word from the Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson expedition team that everyone has reached the summit! After taking in the views and some sunshine from the roof of Antarctica, the team safely descended to High Camp for the night, and plans to continue their descent to Vinson Base Camp tomorrow. Congratulations to the entire team! Here’s expedition leader, Garrett Madison, with todays dispatch from High Camp:

Hello! This is Garrett calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson (4892m/16,050ft) expedition climb – today’s January third and we reach the summit of Mount Vinson today! It was a beautiful day, couldn’t have asked for better weather – clear skies, calm winds, warm temperatures, and just great views all around! The whole team made it to the summit this afternoon and we made our way back down to High Camp (3536m/11,600ft), just had dinner, and tucking in for bed!

Tomorrow, we’re going to pack up High Camp and head down to Base Camp (2140m/7,020ft). All is well here and 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:

January 4, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ecuador 2023.01.02

Ecuador Volcanoes Expedition Kickoff!

The team during their acclimatization hike of Pasochoa Volcano!

The Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition is off to a great start after the entire team reached the summit of Pasochoa Volcano! This summit comes as part of the teams acclimatization efforts, as bigger mountains are on the horizon for later in the scheduled itinerary. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez, checks in with todays dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello! This Estalin calling in for the Madison (Mountaineering) Ecuador Volcanoes expedition.

Today we started our acclimatization process with a summit of Pasochoa Volcano (4200m/13,779ft), which is 13,700 feet. The weather was quite good – a little bit cloudy, but we could reach the summit! All the group did it – all the group reached the summit.

Everybody’s feeling good, motivated for the next mountains. We just got dinner here at the lodge, now everybody is going to have a rest and get ready for the next mountain!

Keep in touch and talk tomorrow!

Climbers on the summit!

Our climbers ascending the 13,000′ trail towards the summit of Pasochoa!

Traversing the ridge line on the way towards the summit!

Our team on the walk out from a successful first climb!

Cloudy skies did not stop the fun!

Ascending Pasochoa!

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:

January 4, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett