About Mt Aconcagua

At 6,965m (22,840ft) Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Southern Hemisphere and indeed the world, outside of the greater ranges. Contrary to popular belief the crest of the massif does not form part of the Andean range but lies due east of the main chain in an unusual geographic demarcation. For this reason her summit soars well above all the peaks surrounding her, making the view in any direction overtly panoramic.

Aconcagua's proximity to Mendoza, and nearby roads, precludes the need for any extended or gruelling approach march commonly associated with Himalayan 7000ers. Aconcagua's non-technical lines of ascent, free of the objective dangers of avalanche and rock fall are ideal for first time high altitude aspirants, and for those seeking a training ground and springboard for loftier Himalayan objectives.

Field Touring & Aconcagua

We have been operating Aconcagua expeditions since 1994, and with the exception of one season, have placed more than 60% of our teams upon the summit. In recent years our strike rate has gone beyond 85%, an outstanding result when you consider that each year a staggering 2000 to 3000 climbers will attempt her, with less than 23% of those reaching the summit. Our most recent winter expedition in 2005 placed two members on the summit as saw all 5 reach 20000ft or more during three summit attempts.

We have now had over 200 climbers reach the summit as part of a Field Touring Expedition.

We run our expeditions as open trips, whether you choose to climb, with a guide, in a paired arrangement, or solo, a safety net of competent and experienced guides, backed up by a strong network of local support is in place to assure your safety for the duration of the expedition.

We have filmed 2 documentaries on climbing Aconcagua, the most recent of which has been sold to National Geographic television and will commence airing in late 2003.

Expedition Overview

A winter ascent on Aconcagua is significantly more problematic than the standard summer ascent on either the false polaco or normal routes, yet winter on the eastern flank of the Andean Range can be surprisingly mild. The 2004 winter season was characterized with extended periods of crisp but dry skies, and multiple days with little or no wind. These periods tended to last 3-7 days, with one cloudless and snowless period going over 13 days. The 2005 season saw very good conditions overall with tremendous snowfall in the weeks leading up to the climb. The amount of snow in the region amplified the remote sensation for our team to their great enjoyment and necessitated the use of snowshoes to reach basecamp. On the hill they found firm snow all the way to the summit.

Given the peaks location to the rain-shadow side of the range, and the fact that any precipitation has to be forced by prevailing systems of sufficient strength to reach the far side of the range, there are significant and lengthy periods of fine weather.

The hill has seen several winter ascents in past years, yet an attempt on her in the off season remains a significant undertaking and should only be pursued by experienced climbers with high altitude cold weather, snow and ice experience.

The Climbing Team

It is intended to field a small and fast team, whose primary focus will be to place a well stocked camp at around 6000m on the NW normal route, before descending to base-camp and awaiting a period of stable weather for a swift 2 day ascent.

Typically members will be self sufficient, experienced and able to look after themselves, while utilising the synergy and organisation of the group set-up. Our guide this year will be either Annibel Maturano or Martin Girodo, both of whom possess a vast experience and many expeditions to and around Aconcagua, and importantly, spend their winters each year living inside the Andean range in their repsective homes.

The program is for 30 days ex Mendoza, Argentina, and includes 5 days acclimatization and training camp at Las Lenas ski resort.

Our Staff & Guides

All of our major expedition climbs (except for private groups we organize from time to time) are managed by a western Field Touring trip manager. Our lead guides are as experienced and knowledgeable as any in the business today. Just as importantly, they are enormously respected by their teams. Click here to read client testimonials. They also hold advanced wilderness first aid certification, and in many cases are qualified Emergency Medical Technicians.

Their expertise, which embraces dozens of years of climbing on peaks up to and in excess of 8000m, is at your complete disposal. Rather than push or drag you up a hill, they will show you the best way to achieve your goal, and in a fashion that will leave you with a very high degree of independence and self satisfaction. Staff arrangements on all trips is notified to team members around 6 weeks prior to departure. If you'd like to know earlier who is going to be running your climb, we can often advise this up to 3 months prior to departure
Click here to view our staff & guides biographies.

Hire Gear

Airport transfers in private vehicles, four nights hotel accommodation in basic but comfortable tourist class lodgings in Mendoza and Puente del Inca on twin share basis (IDD phone, TV, air-con rooms) with breakfasts included, private air-con coach for transfer to Puente del Inca, jeeps for trailhead transfer, mules/porters for 20kg personal gear to basecamp, all basecamp sleeping tents, all BC messing and dining facilities, all food at BC, spares, back-up and support gear from BC (extra clothing, boots etc), guides on the mountain, all four season high altitude tents, all HA stoves and gas, all group technical gear.

Included / Not Included

Included:
Airport transfers in private vehicles, six nights hotel accommodation in high quality (4 star) hotels in Islamabad and Skardu with breakfasts included, private air-con coach for transfer to Skardu if flights not available, sightseeing or trout fishing in Skardu, jeeps for trailhead transfer, porters for 20kgs personal gear to basecamp, all trekking sleeping tents, all trekking messing and dining facilities, all food on trek, spares, back-up and support gear, (extra clothing, boots etc), western Field Touring staff/guides on the trek, all group technical gear, permit fees, National Park entry fees, all support staff, insurance, LO insurance and any costs.

Not included:
Climbing permit, any alcohol, coffee or cold drinks (coffee and cold drinks included at base camp) visa costs, airfares to Mendoza, personal laundry. Any costs associated with departing the program early.

Joining The Expedition & Further Information

If you are interested in joining our Aconcagua Winter Ascent expedition we invite you to send us an email with your contact details and/or any further questions you may have. Your application will be dealt with promptly and staff from our office will contact you with further information.

Aconcagua Winter Ascent Information Form

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Aconcagua Winter Ascent - The Normal Route