Through the Kali Gandaki River Gorge

Taking a lunch break in the village of Dana, en route to Jomsom.

The mountain cleanup project expedition team is coming ever closer to their first climbing and cleanup objective, Annapurna 1. Navigating their way through the Kali Gandaki River Gorge, the team enjoyed an exciting and scenic drive with views all around of towering cliffs and the river below. A few days of acclimatizing is planned for the team over the next few days as the team prepares to continue higher on the way towards Annapurna! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester, checks in with this dispatch from Nepal:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Annapurna 1 (8091m/26,545ft) and Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) expedition – today is March 23.

Yesterday we drove from Pokhara (822m/2,697ft) to the little town of Jomsom (2743m/8,999ft) on the border of Mustang, just to the west of Annapurna 1 and to the east of Dhaulagiri (8167m/26,795ft). The drive was very scenic! The Kali Gandaki River Gorge is one of the deepest gorges on the planet because it’s between two 8,000-meter peaks. We had a great dinner last night and we woke up this morning to clear, sunny skies and excellent views of Nilgiri North (7061m/23,166ft) and Tilicho Peak (7134m/23,406ft).

From here we drive to Kagbeni (2804m/9,199ft) and then we’ll trek up to Muktinath (3762m/12,343ft). We’ll acclimatize for the next few days before heading over to Annapurna base camp (4130m/13,549ft) where we’ll start preparing for our climb and also start picking up trash. This expedition is a combined climbing and trash cleanup trip!

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

Members of the team at breakfast in Pokhara.

Members of the team at breakfast in Pokhara.

Views of Nilgiri North and Tilicho Peak from the team's tea house in Jomsom!

Views of Nilgiri North and Tilicho Peak from the team’s tea house in Jomsom!

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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Into the Himalayas!

Breakfast in Pokhara!

After a few days spent in Kathmandu organizing gear and preparing for this special project, our team is back on the move! The team flew to Pokhara, the second most populous city in Nepal, and has an exciting drive to look forward to with new sights to take in in all directions. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester, checks in with this dispatch from Nepal:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Annapurna (8091m/26,545ft) and Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) cleanup expedition – today is March 22nd. We just woke up here in our pleasant lakeside hotel in Pokhara (822m/2,697ft) and we’re getting ready to drive from here in Pokhara, to Jomsom (2743m/8,999ft) in the Kali Gandaki Valley on the west side of Annapurna.

For the next week, we’ll be acclimatizing by hiking up toward the Thorong La (5416m/17,769ft), the main pass on the north side of Annapurna, and then we’ll head to base camp after that.

So, all is well here and we will be in touch tomorrow!

Filing onto the plane!

Filing onto the plane!

Views of Kathmandu including the famous Boudhanath Stupa, while departing for Pokhara.

Views of Kathmandu including the famous Boudhanath Stupa, while departing for Pokhara.

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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Phase Two of the Mountain Cleanup Project

Efforts from phase 1 of the Mountain Cleanup Project last fall (photo by Terray Sylvester)

We are very excited to announce the commencement of phase two of our Mountain Cleanup Project! After a successful fall season in 2023 cleaning up trash from Lobuche East, Ama Dablam, and Mera Peak, we’re kicking off the second phase of the project on Annapurna and Lhotse. The team has all arrived in Kathmandu, enjoyed a welcome dinner together, and are preparing for their departure in a few days time! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester, checks in with this dispatch from Nepal:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Annapurna (8091m/26,545ft) plus Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) expedition – today is March 19th. Yesterday our climber, Nelly Attar, arrived here in Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft) and we had a nice welcome dinner at a tasty Arabic restaurant near our hotel, The Yak and Yeti. Today, we’re doing a gear check and organizing items for our departure to Annapurna in a couple of days.

We’re excited for this expedition! This will be the second phase of the trash cleanup project that we started last fall in the Everest region. Last fall we picked up trash on three popular 6,000-meter peaks over there: Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft), Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft), and Mera Peak (6476m/21,247ft). This spring, we’re focusing on Annapurna and Lhotse.

So, all is well here in Kathmandu and we’ll stay in touch!

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 with Ed Viesturs Recap!

Summit photo during a beautiful day on Aconcagua!

Just like that, another great Aconcagua season has come to a close! The season was capped off with an expedition led by Ed Viesturs and Cacho Beiza, with the team reaching the summit under beautiful, clear blue skies. The combination of spectacular weather, a rockstar guide team, and one awesome team that kept the stoke high throughout made for an unforgettable climb! We’re filled with gratitude to get to spend time in these places with amazing people.

Join legendary mountaineer, Ed Viesturs next season on Aconcagua for a fun and exciting adventure in Argentina!

Congratulations, team!

The team trekking toward base camp with Aconcagua in the clouds behind.

The team trekking toward base camp with Aconcagua in the clouds behind.

Getting ready to enjoy an asado prepared by guide, Cacho Beiza!

Getting ready to enjoy an asado prepared by guide, Cacho Beiza!

Sitting down for a meal in one of our dome tents in base camp!

Sitting down for a meal in one of our dome tents in base camp!

Guide, Cacho Beiza does it all!

Guide, Cacho Beiza does it all!

Moving up on a beautiful day in Argentina!

Moving up on a beautiful day in Argentina!

The team nearing the summit...

The team nearing the summit…

Madison Mountaineering guide team on the summit!

Madison Mountaineering guide 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:

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Success on Sincholagua!

On the approach towards Sincholagua under beautiful, clear blue skies! (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Another summit for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition team! The acclimatization period continues to go smoothly with the team topping out at over 16,000 feet on Sincholagua today, which includes some technical rock climbing as you near the summit. Up next is Illiniza Sur! Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez checks in with this dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition. Just to let you know that we had another great day hiking on the volcanoes in Ecuador. Today we summited Sincholagua (4899m/16,073ft), which is 16,000 feet. We had a really, really great day! We started very early in the morning to see the sunrise on the way up to the volcano.

Carter and Saskia are feeling pretty good! Now everybody’s resting and tomorrow, we’re going to our next climb which is going to be Illiniza South (5245m/17,208ft). I left you a couple of pictures. Stay tuned!

Climbing the final pitch towards the summit on Sincholagua! (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Climbing the final pitch towards the summit on Sincholagua! (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Cumbre! The team on the summit on Sincholagua. (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Cumbre! The team on the summit on Sincholagua. (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

On the approach with views all around (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

On the approach with views all around (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Hiking towards the days objective as the sun rises (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Hiking towards the days objective as the sun rises (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

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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Success on Rumiñahui Volcano!

Summit photo on Rumiñahui!

Another summit in Ecuador! Today the team reached the north summit of Rumiñahui Volcano as part of their acclimatization while they build up before Antisana and Chimborazo. During the climb, the team basked in the sunshine and took in the 360 degree views of surrounding peaks and beautiful Ecuadorian country. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez checks in with this dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition. Today is January 28.

We did our second climb for the acclimatization. We did the Rumiñahui Volcano (4721m/15,489ft) north summit, which is 15,500 feet about. We had a really great day, sunny day, we could see all the volcanoes surrounding such as Cotopaxi (5897m/19,347ft), Antisana (5753m/18,875ft), Sincholagua (4899m/16,073ft). It was a really, really great day! It took us about eight hours up and down – a little bit of a long hike, but it was a really, really nice day. The guys are resting now because tomorrow, we’re going to start early for our next hike.

That’s all for now. Stay tuned!

Navigating the rocky slopes of Rumiñahui on the way towards the summit!

Navigating the rocky slopes of Rumiñahui on the way towards the summit!

Nearing the top!

Nearing the top!

A beautiful day in the Ecuadorian highlands!

A beautiful day in the Ecuadorian highlands!

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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Ecuador expedition starting off strong!

Summit photo on Cerro Puntas!

The Madison Mountaineering private expedition team is off to a great start in Ecuador with a successful summit on Cerro Puntas! The climb will serve as good acclimatization as the team prepares for bigger climbs to come. Back in their lodge, the team is in high spirits and ready to continue the expedition in the days ahead! Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez checks in with this dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition. Today is January 27 and we just did our first acclimatization hike on Cerro Puntas (4348m/14,265ft), which is a  really nice hike. At the end of the route, just to reach the summit, you have some rock climbing. We had a really good day with nice views!

Carter and Saskia are feeling really great! Now we are at the lodge – a really nice lodge close to Cotopaxi National Park with a really nice view. Now we are resting and getting ready for tomorrow, we have another acclimatization hike. Stay tuned!

On the approach through the Ecuadorian highlands!

On the approach through the Ecuadorian highlands!

Climber, Saskia nearing the summit!

Climber, Saskia nearing the summit!

Carter on the final pitch leading to the summit!

Carter on the final pitch leading to the summit!

All smiles back at the car after a successful climb!

All smiles back at the car after a successful climb!

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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Another Mount Vinson Summit!

Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archive.

It’s with great excitement to share that the Madison Mountaineering team has safely and successfully reached the summit of Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica, and one of the famed ‘seven summits!’ After some stormy weather the past few days, the team took advantage of a weather window when it presented itself to go for the summit. The team climbed under beautiful weather with great views all around and shared lots of hugs and high-fives upon reaching the summit. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from the roof of Antarctica:

Hey, this is Garrett with the Mount Vinson (4892m/16,050ft) team! We are on the summit of Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica! It is a beautiful day!

Hey, it’s Hunter Argenbright. Happy to be here!

Hey, it’s (garbled) on the summit. Loving Madison – have a good day!

Hi, it’s Laura from (garbled). Thank you to Garrett for getting us up this mountain! To all of those (garbled) kids out there, keep on taking it one step at a time and follow your dreams, don’t ever give up! (Garbled) boys, I love you more than you’ll ever know.

Oh, beautiful day up here on the summit with the team! We’re looking forward to getting back down to high camp (3536m/11,600ft) this afternoon. 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:

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Made it to High Camp!

Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archive (Photo by Ted Hesser)

The Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson expedition team has reached their high camp, putting them one camp closer to reaching the summit of Antarctica’s highest peak! While the day started out nice, a bit of a storm rolled in as the team was coming into camp. But, the team quickly worked together to set up their temporary home and then sat down for hot water, a warm meal, and to reflect on another good day in Antarctica! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from high camp:

Hey, this is Garrett and Benny up here at high camp (3536m/11,600ft) on Mount Vinson (4892m/16,050ft)! We climbed from low camp (2774m/9,100ft) today with our team up to high camp.

It started off a beautiful day, but then the winds picked up and some clouds rolled in, so it was pretty stormy getting into high camp! We had to set up our tents in a bit of a blizzard, but got all of our tents set up and every person moved into their tents. We melted some snow for hot water, had dinner, filled hot water bottles, and now we’re getting ready to go to bed. We’re going to take a rest day tomorrow – it’s supposed to be very windy tomorrow and then hopefully a nice day after that. Fingers crossed it’s a good day coming up for the summit day!

Everyone’s doing well, we’re happy to be up here, had some great views on the way up, and looking forward to a rest day tomorrow! 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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Mount Vinson Low Camp

Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archive (Photo by Ted Hesser)

The Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson expedition team spent another day in low camp while they await good weather for their move up to high camp and then the summit. Good company, food, and the anticipation for what’s still to come is keeping the team excited and ready for their move up the mountain. Fingers crossed for good weather in the coming days! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from low camp:

Hello! This is Garrett calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson (4892m/16,050ft) expedition team. We are still in low camp (2774m/9,100ft) – decided to take one more rest day here. Hopefully, if the weather is good, we’ll keep moving up to high camp (3536m/11,600ft) tomorrow! The forecast was calling for high winds today so we decided to stay put, as well as a few other teams here. We’re thinking hopefully the weather forecast will be good tomorrow, clear skies, calm winds, and we’ll move up!

Everyone’s doing well. We spent the day building some snow walls around our tents to fortify our camp and had a couple of good meals. So, everyone’s doing well here, enjoying the views and our time in Antarctica! We’re looking forward to what lies ahead. 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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