Description

Aconcagua is the highest mountain outside of Asia, at
6,960.8 metres (22,837 ft), and by extension the highest point in
both the Western Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere.[1] It
is located in the Andes mountain range, in the Mendoza
Province, Argentina, and lies 112 kilometers (70 mi) northwest of
its capital, the city of Mendoza. Its nearest higher neighbor is
Tirich Mir in the Hindu Kush, 16,520 kilometers (10,270 mi)
away. It is one of the Seven Summits.

Aconcagua is technically an easy mountain, via the normal route
and is arguably the highest non-technical mountain in the world.
The northern route does not absolutely require ropes, axes, pins
or other specialized equipment. Although the effects of altitude
are severe (atmospheric pressure is 40% of sea-level at the
summit), the use of supplemental oxygen is not required.
Altitude sickness will affect most climbers to some extent,
depending on the degree of acclimatization While the normal
climb is technically easy, multiple casualties occur every year on
this mountain (in January 2009 alone five climbers died) due to
the large numbers of climbers who make the attempt and
because many climbers underestimate the objective risks of the
elevation and of cold weather, which is the real challenge on this
mountain.

This is a self-guided Expedition using some local logistical
support (Mules – to transport gear from trail head to various
base camps).

There are various route options: Standard route, polish
route, false polish routes.

Our Expedition is made of 3 autonomous self-reliant groups
each having their own slightly different objectives, whose
members plan to coalesce in the vicinity of Camp Berlin before
proceeding to the summit together.

Group 1…..Brent & Rob
32 day trip. Leaves Vancouver Dec 24 flying to Mendoza (permits
& provisions) returning to Vancouver January 25. This Group
leaves about a week ahead of the other parties for extra
acclimatization days before the climb. Aconcagua ascent via
Normal Route AND if conditions permit also hope to ascend
Cerro Mercedario (6,700m 21,980 ft), 100 km north of
Aconcagua. Std route reportedly of similar nature high elevation
hike. Will need about 5 available nights to make for feasible
ascent & return to Mendoza prior to departure).

Group 2…….Mandana & Carl

26 day trip. Leaving Vancouver Dec 30th flying to Mendoza
(permit and provisions) returning to Vancouver January 25th.
This Group leaving Mendoza Jan 2nd planning to acclimatize
enroute. Aconcagua ascent via Normal route AND if timing
permits also hope to ascend Cerro Mercedario.

Group 3 ……….Richard
24 day trip. Leaving Vancouver January 3rd flying to Mendoza
(permit and provisions) returning to Van January 27th. This
Group of one (so far) plans to acclimatize enroute. Aconcagua
ascent via False Polish route (which requires extra transport day
to the mountain and extra load carries (and related costs) over
mountain as exit via normal route is contemplated).

Cost (Estimates)
Flight costs to Mendoza return…………about $ Can 1,500 ….we
booked $1,000 flights.
Logistics
in Argentina Hotels, Meals Transport.……….500

Mountain Logistics Permits, Mules supplies…….……1,500………
(+$500 False Polish Route)

current itinerary is posted here accessible upon request.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/100C5u3xwG01ADWgl
VTy8FbIW3fhLX_3e5CXrPB0dgyc/edit#gid=0

Contact any of us if you’re a club member, fit, largely self-reliant
and want to join us in this self-guided adventure …… Existing
group members will screen admission to their groups.