A brief update on the mid-winter climbing season. The Southern Hemisphere is in focus with Mts Kilimanjaro, check Vinson and Aconcagua receiving the usual attention. Thus far it has been a safe season albeit with death.
The commercial outfitters are in full swing with multiple expeditions to these three of the seven summits. Word has it they are sold out and doing well. The local outfitters are also doing well reporting good business. This is impressive given the world economy. Somehow climbers always find a way to climb.
Aconcagua
After a difficult start for many teams including an early season death, no most are now report the normal high winds on the highest peak outside the Himalaya. Alpine Ascents Inc (AAI) has a steady steam of reports from the eight teams thus far. Jagged Globe had this report:
The team had experienced pretty difficult weather conditions in Argentina also, with Aconcagua reportedly very cold indeed. Stories of other teams where all members got frostbite sound unbelievable, but sadly are true. This is not a mountain to underestimate when it comes to your preparation and clothing.
The season goes into late February so stay safe everyone.
Kilimanjaro
Peak Freaks reports more success on the highest stand-alone mountain on earth with a New Year’s Day summit by their team. Currently a unique effort is on Kilimanjaro to highlight the need for clean water. The Summit on the Summit team include celebrities such as Jessica Biel and a website that might be confused with a video game.
Vinson
IMG reports a 100% summit success rate and impressively a no-delay flight back to Patriot Hills. As many know, the biggest difficulty in climbing the highest peak on Antarctica is that the weather sometimes strands teams for weeks. More teams from many other companies and independents are on their way.
South Pole
This season has seen an enormous amount of activity to the South pole. Check out Megan McGrath (awesome audio dispatches) who is solo and the just completed trek by Eric Larsen (great website).
South and central America
The Climbing Life has a nice report on their successful tour of climbs in Ecuador.
Ice festivals
Today the Ouray Ice Festival starts. Monitor the 24 hour endless ice climb by Red Bull athlete Will Gadd. It is a fund-raiser for the dZi Foundation to support remote mountain communities in Nepal and Sikkim.
Finally on a sad note. Italian alpinist Fabio Giacomelli was killed in an avalanche at the base of Cerro Torre in Patagonia – as reported today by Alpnist Magazine’s website. My condolences to his family, friends and climbing partner Elio Orlandi
Here’s to the safe summits and safe return for all climbers.
Climb On!
Alan
