Dispatches

Aconcagua 2023.01.24

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:

January 30, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Aconcagua 2023.01.24

Plaza de Mulas

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!

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 28, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Aconcagua 2023.01.24

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!

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!

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 26, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ecuador 2023.01.16

On the Rumiñahui Massif!

With views of Cotopaxi behind them, our team ascended Rumiñahui Massif as the next step in their acclimatization process. The weather was good, the views were great, and the team looks forward to the days ahead! 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 we summited the central peak on the Rumiñahui Massif (4630m/15,190ft) which is 15,200 feet! We had a great day, just a little bit cloudy, but it was a nice day. We could see in the morning Cotopaxi (5897m/19,347ft) eruption – a big mushroom of ashes. Actually, we got some ash on the way up to Rumiñahui, but it was just a little bit.

Drew and Ross are very happy and they’re still motivated for the next upcoming mountains. That’s all for today! Stay tuned…

The team walking into the clouds on Rumiñahui.

Climber, Drew, leading the charge up Rumiñahui.

Climbers, Drew and Madison, taking a break on the summit ridge amongst the clouds!

Views of Cotopaxi in the distance!

Ascending the rocky slopes of Rumiñahui.

Descending back towards the valley after another successful acclimatization hike!

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 18, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ecuador 2023.01.16

Summit on Pasochoa Volcano!

Another Madison Mountaineering expedition is underway in Ecuador! The team is wasting no time starting the acclimatization process, reaching the summit of Pasochoa Volcano on the second day of the expedition. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez, checks in with this dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello, hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition – today is February 17.

We started a new expedition! Today we summited our first acclimatization peak which is Pasochoa (4200m/13,779ft) at 13,780 feet. The weather was really good! We got some sunshine and a little bit clouds, but mostly very good. At the moment we are in a really nice lodge called Los Martinoz just resting. In the afternoon we got a little bit of rain, but at the moment it is getting better!

Tomorrow we are going to the national park of Cotopaxi (5897m/19,347ft) just to do another hike for the acclimatization. Stay tuned!

Hiking along through the Ecuadorian Highlands!

On the trail towards the summit of Pasochoa!

Hands up if it’s been a good first hike in Ecuador!

Among the clouds while nearing the top of Pasochoa.

The view from the lodge at the end of a good first day!

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 17, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Aconcagua 2023.01.05

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!

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:

January 16, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Aconcagua 2023.01.05

Arrived in 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!

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:

January 12, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Vinson 2022/2023

See You Soon, Vinson!

Photo pulled from Madison Mountaineering Archive.

The Madison Mountaineering Antarctica season has come to a close after another safe and successful season on the ice! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison, checks in with one final dispatch from Antarctica:

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

Welp, the teams have all concluded their expeditions on Vinson, reaching the summit in great weather! I am back at Union Glacier Camp (700m/2,297ft) just waiting for the next flight out to Punta Arenas, Chile (34m/112ft) on the 757 scheduled for January 14.

It’s nice to be here and wrap up our season! It was a great season here in Antarctica – thanks so much to ALE for all the support. We’re looking forward to returning next year!

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 12, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Vinson 2022/2023

Departure from Antarctica

After another successful expedition, our team has packed their bags, loaded the plane, and said their ‘farewells’ to Antarctica! The team had a great time experiencing the remote and pristine nature that comes with this special place, all in while creating lasting memories that we will not soon forget! We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off 2023 than on the ice with friends, new and old. The excitement for the next Antarctica season has already started to build! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison, checks in with this departing dispatch from Mount Vinson:

Hello! This is Garrett calling in for the second Mount Vinson (4892m/16,050ft) team with Conrad Anker – today is Wednesday, January 11th.

The team got down from Mount Vinson High Camp (3536m/11,600ft) yesterday all the way back down to Base Camp (2140m/7,020ft), flew from Base Camp to Union Glacier (700m/2,297ft), and then flew from Union Glacier back to Chile (34m/112ft) – all the way home! So, it was a big day for the team after having summited Mount Vinson the day before, coming all the way down and heading out all in one day!

I’m back at Union Glacier Camp here for a few days sorting gear and equipment, and wrapping up our season here in Antarctica! It’s been a great season and looking forward to coming back to Antarctica next year.

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 11, 2023/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ecuador 2023.01.02

Rest Day in Baños!

The team had a wonderful day exploring the beautiful city of Baños! In an effort to recover after their successful summit of Cayambe, the team returned to lower elevation to rest their bodies, eat good food, and take in the sights and sounds of this must-visit place. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez, checks in with this dispatch after a fun and restful day in Ecuador:

Hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition – today is January 10.

We are at the city called Baños de Agua Santa (1820m/5,971ft) – a really nice place for rest! We came after Cayambe (5790m/18,996ft) just to recover here. It’s not as high as Quito (2850m/9,350ft) – we are at 1,800 meters about.

We spent the day doing the water pool tour. Now everybody is just resting getting ready for our main summit push, which is Chimborazo (6263m/20,549ft)!

Everything is going great with this expedition. Stay tuned!