Tag Archive for: Punta Arenas

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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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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Greetings from Union Glacier Camp!

The team together after touching down in Union Glacier Camp!

The Antarctic season is officially underway! The first of our Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson expeditions teams went wheels up out of Punta Arenas and have settled in on the ice. After a scenic flight, the team took their first steps onto the frozen continent, breathing in the cold air while welcoming excellent views of Union Glacier Camp and the surrounding areas. We look to move to Mount Vinson Base Camp tomorrow. Fingers crossed for clear and sunny skies! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from Antarctica:

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

Today is December 4th and we made it to Union Glacier Camp (700m/2,297ft) in Antarctica! We flew in from Punta Arenas (34m/112ft) on the Boeing 757, landed at Union Glacier, and settled into our camp here. We’re hoping to fly over to Mount Vinson Base Camp (2140m/7,020ft) tomorrow, so fingers crossed for good weather.

And we’re just enjoying Union Glacier Camp here! It’s bright and sunny, beautiful scenery, great food, nice people, and really magical to be here.

So all’s well in Antarctica! We’ll check in soon.

Looking out the plane window over the frozen continent.

Looking out the plane window over the frozen continent.

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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All boots on the summit!

The team on the summit of Mount Vinson!

We are excited to share that the Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson expedition has safely and successfully reached the summit of Antarctica’s highest peak! All boots landed on the summit over the weekend under clear skies and with much excitement, embraced with hugs and high-fives at the roof of one of the most remote and pristine places on the planet. Now back in Union Glacier Camp after a swift descent and scenic plane flight, the team will enjoy a few last days on the ice before boarding the plane back to Punta Arenas, Chile and then on to their home countries. Nice work, everyone! What a great way to start the season in Antarctica. Expedition leader, Benny Lieber checks in with this dispatch from Union Glacier Camp:

We made it to the summit of Mount Vinson (4892m/16,050ft) on December 14. The highest peak sticking up amongst the most frozen landscape on Planet Earth at 16,050ft. And positioned at 78°S in Antarctica.

There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and as we climbed up the last few hours we covered our faces and hands to stay warm in an Antarctic wind. On the top the wind faded to nearly nothing. We smiled and hugged and looked out at the endless ice in every direction. A surreal view unlike any other in the world.

I’m so proud of our team for their hard work and commitment to standing on the top together- which is a memory that will stay with us all forever.

Clear Antarctic skies!

Clear Antarctic skies!

Descending down the mountain with Mount Shinn behind.

Descending down the mountain with Mount Shinn behind.

Mount Vinson's summit ridge.

Mount Vinson’s summit ridge.

The team on their way up with the expansive Antarctic landscape stretching as far as the eye can see!

The team on their way up with the expansive Antarctic landscape stretching as far as the eye can see!

Ascending fixed lines on the way up the mountain!

Ascending fixed lines on the way up the mountain!

Ascending fixed lines toward high camp!

Ascending fixed lines toward high camp!

Dinner time!

Dinner time!

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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Ready to fly!

The first of our Mount Vinson expedition teams for the 2024 / 2025 season!

The Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson expedition team is packed and ready to go! In just a short time, they’ll be boarding another plane. This time en route to Union Glacier Camp in Antarctica! So much time, preparation, and training has gone into getting here and the team is psyched to finally be flying onto the ice with an epic expedition ahead of them. This marks the start of our 2024 / 2025 Antarctic season! Stay tuned for more from the team as they travel to the edge of the Earth to climb Antarctica’s highest peak and one of the famed ‘seven summits!’ Expedition leader, Benny Lieber checks in with this brief dispatch from Punta Arenas, Chile:

The team is all packed and ready to fly onto the frozen continent to climb to the roof of Antarctica: Mount Vinson (4892m/16,050ft).

For the last few days we have been getting organized and enjoying the sights & sounds of Punta Arenas, Chile (34m/112ft). The bustling city is full of life and beautiful architecture and a stark contrast from the vast icy landscape of Antarctica.

Exploring Punta Arenas before we take off for the frozen continent!

Exploring Punta Arenas before we take off for the frozen continent!

The team enjoying sunny Punta Arenas, Chile!

The team enjoying sunny Punta Arenas, Chile!

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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Hello from Antarctica!

Guides, Garrett and Benny with Mount Vinson climber, Thais after landing on the ice!

The first of the 2023 / 2024 Madison Mountaineering teams have arrived in Antarctica for Mount Vinson, ski the last degree, and Mount Sidley expeditions! We are more excited than ever to be back on the ice and look forward to a great season ahead. Expedition guide, Benny Lieber checks in with this dispatch from Union Glacier Camp:

Today we made the flight from Punta Arenas (34m/112ft) to Antarctica. Flying across the frozen continent and into the mountains, landing in the Boeing 757 on the blue ice runway was a surreal experience.

It’s a beautiful evening here. No wind. We had a big dinner – uniting with Art & Kevin who are back from skiing the last degree to the South Pole. We are all so excited for the mission ahead on Mount Vinson (4892m/16,050ft)!

Flying over the frozen continent on the way to Union Glacier Camp (Photo: Benny Lieber)

Flying over the frozen continent on the way to Union Glacier Camp (Photo: Benny Lieber)

Expedition leader, Garrett Madison in Union Glacier Camp under clear blue skies!

Expedition leader, Garrett Madison in Union Glacier Camp under clear blue skies!

Guide, Benny Lieber is all smiles after arriving on the ice!

Guide, Benny Lieber is all smiles after arriving on the ice!

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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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:

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Departure from Antarctica

Photo pulled from Madison Mountaineering Archive.

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:

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Pre-Departure Day!

Photo pulled from Madison Mountaineering Archive.

Our bags are packed and we’re jonesing to get this expedition going! With good weather tomorrow, our team expects to depart from Chile en route to Union Glacier, Antarctica. The team plans to spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying a nice dinner this evening, before their expedition begins on the ice! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with todays pre-departure dispatch from Punta Arenas:

Hello! This is Garrett calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Mount Vinson (4892m/16,050ft) expedition. We are in Punta Arenas (34m/112ft); just got all of our luggage checked in for our flight to Antarctica and fingers crossed we’ll be flying out tomorrow morning from Chile to Antarctica! So, we’re really excited to go out and have a nice dinner tonight and the expectation of a flight tomorrow.

So, we’re ready to go! Can’t wait to get down there and start our climb 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 Expedition Kickoff!

Photo pulled from Madison Mountaineering Archive.

The 2022 / 2023 Mount Vinson season is underway for the first of two, Madison Mountaineering teams! Our team has arrived in Chile where they’ll spend the coming days preparing to depart on their expedition to one of the most remote and pristine places on Earth. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with todays dispatch from Punta Arenas, Chile:

Hello, this is Garrett checking in for the Mount Vinson (4892m/16,050ft) expedition team! We are in Punta Arenas (34m/112ft), Chile and we are preparing to head to Antarctica the day after tomorrow. We’ve been doing our gear checks, packing up last minute items, and I’m very excited! Fingers crossed for good weather. Hopefully we will get to fly to Antarctica on Thursday, and start our expedition to the highest peak in an Antarctica!

Please follow along on the dispatch page, I’ll check in soon. Thanks!

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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