How to Climb Antarctica's Vinson

Tired of hiking the overcrowded hill in your backyard and looking for a real mountaineering adventure? Then Antarctica's Mt. Vinson is for you. Amidst the icy isolation of Earth's southernmost continent stands Vinson's 16,067-foot summit, dominating the glaciated Ronne Ice Shelf and the Ellsworth Mountains.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Winter Outerwear
• Travel Services
• Camp-stove Fuels
• Camping Stoves
• Climbing Harnesses
• Climbing Ropes
• Winter Backpacking Tents

1. Raise somewhere near $20,000 for your expedition. This is no penny pincher's weekend retreat.
2. Understand that getting there is half the battle, with long flights to Punta Arenas, Chile, from just about anywhere in the world.
3. Hop across the chilly southern sea and land at Patriot Hills Camp, Antarctica. Land on the world's southernmost runway, which also happens to be made of solid ice.
4. Fly on a small plane outfitted with skis and land on the Branscomb Glacier to settle into base camp at 7,000 feet.
5. Take sleds to camp I at 9,100 feet. Get used to ferocious winds and extreme cold.
6. Set up camp II at 10,000 next to the headwall. A large expanse of snow just waits for your footprints.
7. Charge the headwall and fix camp III at 12,300 feet. Dream of a Jacuzzi and acclimate as you view the vast Ronne Ice Shelf below.
8. Summit with a 3-mile traverse while gaining 3,000 feet in elevation up a hard, snowy ridge. The top lies within easy reach, provided the winds don't bowl you over.
9. Do 360s on the summit and you'll see the neighboring peaks of Gardner and Shinn challenging you to return.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy the best. With temperatures often reaching minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you should not skimp on clothing, tents or sleeping bags.
• Select an expedition tour operator that has experienced guides, who know the area and its weather patterns.
• Mountaineering can cause severe injury, illness and possibly death. Plus, it's damn cold. Bundle up.