Vinson Massif was the genesis of Adventure Network International. Since our first climb in 1985 we have helped over 600 mountaineers reach the top of this coveted “Seventh Summit” with a success rate above 95%. Today the program remains the most popular of our Antarctic trips. 

Vinson Massif, at 78°35'S, 85°25'W is 21km (13 miles) long and 13km (8 miles) wide, is the highest peak in Antarctica. It lies on the southern part of the main ridge of the Sentinel Range.  It was named for Carl G. Vinson, a Georgia congressman and a major force in 20th century US Antarctic exploration. Discovered in 1957 after being sighted by US Navy aircraft, it was first climbed in December 1966 by a combined group from the American Alpine Club and the National Science Foundation.

• Our climb begins at Vinson Base Camp, at 7,000 ft (2,150 m) on the Branscomb Glacier, on the west side of the Ellsworth Mountains.
• The summit pyramid is clearly visible from Vinson Base and the neighboring peaks of Shinn and Gardner can be seen as we make our way to Low Camp.
• We follow the gradual rise of the Branscomb Glacier as it sweeps northward below the steep west face of the mountain. We travel roped at all times due to crevasse hazard. After 5 1/2 miles (9 km) we arrive at Low Camp at 9,100 ft (2,880 m).
• Our route from Low Camp takes us up the broad mixed spur at the northern end of Branscomb Ridge. We ascend fixed ropes on snow slopes up to 45 degrees, with some rocky sections and areas of blue ice.
• High Camp is at an elevation of 13,200 ft (4,000 m). The route to the summit rises approximately 3,000 ft (900 m) in 4.5 miles (7 km). A final climb on hard snow and ice slopes leads to the broad summit ridge and to the top. On a clear day the view of the other Ellsworth mountains from the summit of Vinson is spectacular.