Illiniza Summits!

On the summit!

The Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition team wrapped up their acclimatization hikes on Illiniza Norte, successfully topping out with awesome views above the clouds below. An early wake up call got the team going in the dark as they started to climb up the route, navigating the rocky slopes on the Illinizas. As the sun started to rise on the horizon, the team continued on, stopping for a few breaks to fuel up and take in the views around them. Upon reaching the summit, they slapped hands, snapped some photographs, and descended back the way they came. Next up is Cotopaxi! Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez checks in with this dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello! This is Estalin calling from Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition.

Yeah, we finished our acclimatization process with a summit of Illiniza Norte (5126m/16,818ft), which is about 16,800 feet. So, we had a great morning, clear skies. We could see Illiniza South (5245m/17,208 ft) just close to to us. And yeah, now we are getting ready for our first big climb, which is Cotopaxi (5897m/19,347ft).

So yeah, just stay in tune and yeah. See you soon!

Headlamps lighting the way after an alpine start on Illiniza Norte.

Headlamps lighting the way after an alpine start on Illiniza Norte.

The team climbing above the clouds on a beautiful morning in Ecuador!

The team climbing above the clouds on a beautiful morning in Ecuador!

Taking in the view during a short break.

Taking in the view during a short break.

All smiles!

All smiles!

Following a ridge on Illiniza Norte.

Following a ridge on Illiniza Norte.

Nearing the summit with Illiniza Sur behind.

Nearing the summit with Illiniza Sur behind.

Gazing back upon Illiniza Sur.

Gazing back upon Illiniza Sur.

The sun starting to rise while climbing above the clouds.

The sun starting to rise while climbing above the clouds.

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.“

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El Corazon

The team atop Corazón!

Acclimatization hike #2 is done in Ecuador! The Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition team took to Corazón today, standing at 4784m / 15,696ft to continue their acclimatization efforts. It was a beautiful start to the day with excellent views of the surrounding volcanoes. The team is doing great so far and is enjoying the company and scenery shared in the Ecuadorian Highlands. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez checked in with this dispatch from Ecuador:

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

Today, we finished with our second day acclimatization with a summit of Corazón Volcano (4784m/15,696ft), which is 15,700 feet. So, in the morning we got a really beautiful day and we could see all the volcanoes around the area! But after a couple hours, we got some fog. Anyways, we got the summit! We had a really good time with the guys. And yeah, so now we’re getting ready for the next one, which is going to be Illiniza Norte (5126m/16,818ft).

Yeah, so that’s all for for now! So, keep in tune, stay in tune.

Descending into the fog on Corazón

Descending into the fog on Corazón

Starting the hike into the hut on Illiniza.

Starting the hike into the hut on Illiniza.

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.“

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Last team of the season has arrived at Vinson Base Camp!

All smiles in Antarctica!

The fourth Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson expedition team of the season is on the move! After a few days of anxiously preparing in Punta Arenas while they awaited their flight, the team boarded the plane, filled with excitement, out of South America and flew onto the frozen continent. Upon taking their first steps onto the ice, the team was greeted by their guides and moved into their tents, all in while trying to take in the incredible views of the magical place they just arrived in. But the team couldn’t get too comfortable… The next morning, we were boarding our next flight – this time to Mount Vinson Base Camp. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from the foot of the highest peak in Antarctica:

Hello! This is Garrett checking in for our last, and fourth, Mount Vinson (4892m/16,050ft) expedition of the season.

We just arrived in Mount Vinson Base Camp (2140m/7,020ft) and the team is doing well. We spent a night at Union Glacier Camp (700m/2,297ft) after the team got in, and our last group flew out. And then this morning, after breakfast, we got ready, flew over to Vinson, settled in here, had a few hours of rigging with our sleds and harnesses, and getting ready for our move up to low camp (2774m/9,100ft) tomorrow. (We) had a nice dinner, and now we’re all tucked into bed.

So, everyone’s doing well! Fingers crossed for good weather ahead, and we’re really happy to be back on the mountain. We’ll check in soon.

The team aboard the DHC-6 Twin Otter flight to Mount Vinson Base Camp

The team aboard the DHC-6 Twin Otter flight to Mount Vinson 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.“

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Back in Ecuador!

The team on the summit of Pasochoa Volcano!

Madison Mountaineering is excited to be back in Ecuador once again! The team enjoyed some time in Quito before loading their bags and heading off with their sights sets on the many volcanoes surrounding the city. The team had a successful first acclimatization hike on Pasochoa Volcano, and then headed down to the lodge where they rested and refueled with a warm meal and time in the jacuzzi. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez checks in with this dispatch after the teams first acclimatization hike:

Hello! This is Estalin from Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition.

So, today we just started with our acclimatization hikes with the summit of Pasochoa Volcano (4200m/13,779ft), which is 13,800 feet. So, we got a little bit rainy day. But, the people are feeling pretty good, we had good vibes. Yeah, at the moment we are in a nice lodge just using the jacuzzi, and then we’re going to have a nice dinner and see how it’s going tomorrow.

So, yeah, just stay tuned and yup, bye!

Guide, Estalin with climbers, Tim, Todd and Ian starting the first acclimatization hike.

Guide, Estalin with climbers, Tim, Todd and Ian starting the first 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.“

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The whole team tops out on Vinson!

Madison Mountaineering climbers on the summit of Mount Vinson!

It comes with great excitement to share that the entire Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson expedition team topped out on Antarctica’s highest peak yesterday and has safely returned to their high camp! The team enjoyed a beautiful day on the mountain, taking in great views and sunshine as they pushed to the summit. Once standing on top, we celebrated together while relishing in the beautiful moment and place before shouldering packs once again and starting down the mountain. The team had a good nights rest and plans to continue on down to Vinson Base Camp today. Way to go, team! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with the celebratory dispatch from Mount Vinson:

Hello! This is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson (4892m/16,050ft) expedition, third trip of the season.

Yesterday, we summited Mount Vinson! Everyone made it to the top. It was a beautiful day and we got some great views from up there! So, just a spectacular summit day. Couldn’t ask for better weather: calm, with some low clouds below on the mountain and great views above.

Today, we just woke up at high camp (3536m/11,600ft), and we’re gonna head down to base camp (2140m/7,020ft) and probably spent a night there. Fingers crossed we’ll get flights back to Union Glacier (700m/2,297ft) to rest up a few days before heading onwards.

Looking forward to our last and final upcoming Vinson climb of the season, our fourth expedition on Mount Vinson this season starting January 10th! So, hopefully we’ll have good weather and looking forward to another group coming to Antarctica. We’ll check in soon!

Expedition guide, Aang Phurba Sherpa and team on the summit!

Expedition guide, Aang Phurba Sherpa and team on the summit!

On the move under clear blue Antarctic skies!

On the move under clear blue Antarctic skies!

Looking down the route as the team climbs toward the summit.

Looking down the route as the team climbs toward the summit.

Beautiful views!

Beautiful views!

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.“

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New Year’s Eve in Antarctica!

On the move from Vinson Base Camp to Low Camp

The Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson expedition team is on the move after a fun New Year’s Eve celebration on the frozen continent! After celebrating the new year in Union Glacier Camp, the team hopped aboard their twin otter flight which transported them to Vinson Base Camp at the foot of the continents highest peak. After some skills review and one night in base camp, the team took to the route and climbed up to Camp 1. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from Mount Vinson:

Hello! This is Garrett and Aang Phurba Sherpa checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson (4892m/16,050ft) expedition – this is our third program of the season here in Antarctica on Vinson. We are up at low camp (2774m/9,100ft)!

We arrived in Vinson Base Camp (2140m/7,020ft) yesterday from Union Glacier (700m/2,297ft). (We) had a great New Year’s Eve there with all of the ALE staff, and we’re lucky enough to fly yesterday afternoon over to Vinson, settled into our base camp, had a good night there, and today climbed up to low camp. The team did great! We had a little cloud, and some sun, and it was a great day overall.

So we settled in, had dinner, and heading to bed here. Looking forward to a nice rest day tomorrow!

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

Our Mountain Hardwear Trango tents set up in Mount Vinson Low Camp

Our Mountain Hardwear Trango tents set up in Mount Vinson Low Camp

Guide, Aang Phurba Sherpa posing for a quick photograph in the team dining tent

Guide, Aang Phurba Sherpa posing for a quick photograph in the team dining tent

Climbing between camps under beautiful, clear blue skies

Climbing between camps under beautiful, clear blue skies

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.“

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On the ice again!

The team after landing on the blue ice runway in Union Glacier Camp

Another Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson expedition team came together over the holidays to begin their journey to the highest point in Antarctica! The team met in Punta Arenas and has since landed on the frozen continent where they await their flight to Mount Vinson Base Camp. Everyone is psyched, doing well and looking forward to starting the new year in such a special place! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checked in with this dispatch from Union Glacier Camp:

Hello! This is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson (4892m/16,050ft) expedition, our third of the season.

Today, December 30th, we flew from Punta Arenas, Chile (34m/112ft) as scheduled to Antarctica to Union Glacier Camp (700m/2,297ft). (We) unloaded, had a great lunch and then settled into camp. We set up our tents, and we’re going to spend our first night here in Antarctica at Union Glacier Camp.

Hopefully, fingers crossed tomorrow, we get to fly over to Mount Vinson Base Camp (2140m/7,020ft) to start our climb, but we’ll see how the weather is. It’s pretty nice here at Union Glacier Camp. It sounds like a bit of fog at Mount Vinson that’s obstructing the runway from the pilot’s view. Hopefully we’ll get to fly over there, but everyone’s doing well. Beautiful, sunny, warm day here in Union Glacier Camp. 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:

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Aconcagua team tops out!

On the summit of Aconcagua with blue skies over head!

Exciting news from the Madison Mountaineering Aconcagua expedition team: the team topped out at the highest point in all the Americas yesterday! Waking up for their alpine start, the team emerged from their tents, scarfed down some food, shouldered their packs and set off for the summit. Step by step up the route, the team pushed on moving strongly and swiftly with the top coming more and more into sight with every step. Upon reaching the top at around 2pm local time, the team slapped high-fives, snapped some photographs, and took in their incredible achievement. Now on their way back to base camp, the team looks forward to continuing the celebration in Mendoza and then on to their home countries. Strong work and a huge congratulations goes out to the team! Expedition leader, Cacho Beiza checked in with this brief update from Aconcagua:

We summit (6961m/22,837ft) yesterday around 2:00pm, sleep again in Camp 3 (5989m/19,650ft). All the team is in good condition!

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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Aconcagua team to Camp 2

Climbing up to Camp 2 with Aconcagua towering high above!

The Madison Mountaineering Aconcagua expedition team reached Camp 2 (Nido de Cóndores) after a strong and steady climb up the Normal Route. Despite some challenging weather and a blanket of snow on the mountain, the team moved strongly above base camp and looks forward to moving up to Camp 3 soon!

After departing Plaza de Mulas, the route climbs gradually but relentlessly, with expansive views of the Andes opening up behind us. The team maintained a smooth pace, managing the increasing altitude well as we ascended to roughly 18,000 feet / 5,500 meters. Spirits are high, and everyone is feeling strong and well-acclimatized as we continue to move up the mountain.

We’ll continue to monitor conditions closely and move thoughtfully as we work higher on the mountain. The team plans to move to Camp 3 tomorrow and eyes a potential summit date of December 18. Expedition leader, Cacho Beiza checked in with this message from Camp 2:

The team reached Camp 2 (5522m/18,117ft) today. Team feels good!

Great views of the Andes as we climb higher up the mountain!

Great views of the Andes as we climb higher up the mountain!

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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More summits on Mount Vinson!

The team together on the summit of Mount Vinson!

More great news from Antarctica over the weekend from the Madison Mountaineering team! Expedition leader, Benny Lieber sent word that the team stepped onto the highest point in Antarctica, Mount Vinson, on December 13 at 15:25 local time. The team embraced in celebration and enjoyed the summit all to themselves for nearly an hour before shouldering their packs once again, and descending back down the mountain. The team is safely back in Union Glacier Camp now awaiting their flight back to Punta Arenas, Chile. A huge congratulations and ‘thank you’ goes out to the team for a wonderful expedition on the ice! Expedition leader, Benny Lieber had this to say following a successful summit day on Mount Vinson:

Happy holidays from the bottom of the world!

We went to the top of Antarctica on December 13. Mount Vinson (4,892m / 16,050ft.)

It was my 6th time guiding climbers to the summit- wow I am pretty lucky to do this job!

The first few days of our trip the weather wasn’t great. But in the high camp the clouds cleared out and we had a nearly windless climb to the top in the warm sun! The views are just unbelievable. I really do not know how to describe it. You feel as though you are on top of a different planet- a frozen one. There is a nothingness about it. Endless ice only interrupted by occasional snowy rock spikes jutting up through it.

It is a really special place and I am so happy my team got to experience it.

Two of our team members, from Lithuania, finished the 7 summits on top of Vinson. Their journey to climb the highest peaks on each continent took them around the world and away from their homes for long periods of time. Perhaps it is something their loved ones will never fully understand, and of course dealt with the difficulties of their absence while they pursued their dream. But now the dream comes to fruition and they will return home changed for the better having seen it through to completion. They will be role models in their communities and inspire others to live a better life.

Climbing the 7 summits takes you through wildly varying landscapes, climates, geopolitical challenges, and many unforeseen hardships along the way. For them it finished on a pinnacle of frozenness at the bottom of the world. A long way from their home country of Lithuania where they are now the 3rd & 4th people from their country to complete this 7 summits journey. I am so happy for them!

The team looking psyched as they near the summit!

The team looking psyched as they near the summit!

All smiles atop Mount Vinson!

All smiles atop Mount Vinson!

Descending under sunny, clear skies!

Descending under sunny, clear skies!

Nearing the top of the fixed-lines that separate low camp from high camp.

Nearing the top of the fixed-lines that separate low camp from high camp.

Mount Vinson Base Camp

Mount Vinson Base Camp

Views out the tent door from High Camp.

Views out the tent door from high 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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