Location: Ellsworth Range, Antarctica
Height: 4,897 metres (16,067 feet)
Summit date: 30 December 2004
Route: Branscomb Glacier
Vinson Massif is the highest mountain of Antarctica, located about 1,200 km (750 miles) from the South Pole. It was first summited in 1966 by Nicholas Clinch and party and was the last of the seven summits to be conquered.
In technical terms the climb is not considered difficult, but extremely cold temperatures and strong winds often increase the challenge. The climb usually takes about 2 weeks. During the austral summer there is usually less than 46 cm of snow and 24 hours of daylight, which contributes to the success of a climb. Compared to the other Seven summits not many people make the summit each year. This is mainly due to the inaccessibility. however a number of guide companies now run organised expeditions.
Chicks reflection:
“Not only were the winds incredibly powerful but visibility was also very low. Often you could only see a few metres in front of you. In amongst the enveloping whiteness, the outlines of team-members looking like smudges on an artist’s canvas.
After seven hours tramping uphill at minus 40°C, we reached the ‘top’ of Antarctica. We were now at the coldest point of the coldest continent on Earth. Despite the elation of reaching this milestone, the stop at the summit was only brief as the weather was not overly conducive to a lazy picnic lunch.”