Aconcagua Polish Glacier

Altitude: 6965M/ 22,840ft Location: Andes, Argentina

Our Polish Glacier expedition is a classic climb expertly managed by extremely competent and experienced staff who operate with the highest regard for team safety.

Dates:

Dec 11, 2011 - Jan 1, 2012
January 10 - 31, 2012 CONFIRMED
February 02 - 23, 2012 CONFIRMED
January 10-31, 2013
February 5-26, 2013 

Price:

USD$3950

BC services only USD$please contact us

We can arrange private groups as well. Contact us for pricing.

Last minute special on Aconcagua Polish Jan 10 start - 500 usd discount for the final spot on the team. Just 3450usd for a full service expedition with Ben Kane!

Note:

Base camp support, helicopter, medical and approach support (with or without permit inclusion) is also available as a separate option for experienced (only) independent teams – please contact us for details.

Inclusions:

All services Mendoza – Mendoza

Positions Open:

6 for each trip

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 grueling 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. In January 2010 we had 4 of 6 reach by the Polish Glacier and remaining 2 topped out by the False Polish route for 100% summit rate!

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 commenced airing in late 2003.

Expedition Overview

As its name suggests, the route was forded by a Polish team in the summer of 1934. It was the second successful route to the top since some 40 years prior, when the Swiss Guide Mat Zurbriggen went up the north west shoulder.

Today, it remains arguably the most aesthetic line up the hill. The route differs from the Vacas and Normal lines primarily in its consistency of angle, and its somewhat more exposed setting. Subsequently, climbers on this variation will need a significant degree of aerobic capacity, and a fundamental grasp of the techniques used in traversing ice and snow slopes up to 50°.

It is, without a doubt, more akin to elemental alpine mountaineering than either of the more commonly ascended routes on Aconcagua, and a successful summit via any of the Polish proper routes is a significant addition to a climbers resume.

Our Polish Glacier climb shares a common base-camp and support logistics with our False Polish climb, and is expertly managed by one of our western guides who has several ascents to his credit.

Our whole Polish and False Polish operation is covered by full-time western Field Touring staff members, backed up by a communications and support network that extends down to Mendoza. In doing this we are able to combine fixed ground and logistical costs and offer this route, on a full service basis and with a maximum safety net back-up, for a price considerably lower than what has come to be expected.

In real terms this route and expedition is not suitable for persons attempting their first high altitude climb, nor for individuals wishing to be catered to in a fully commercialized venture. To be eligible as a member of this expedition you will ideally have previous altitude experience in a mildly technical environment, be of an independent and self sufficient nature, be able to set up your own camp sites, prepare meals and water, and generally look after yourself in the fundamentals of alpine climbing. At the same time a high degree of importance will be placed on your ability to work within, and be an integral part of, a fully fledged high altitude mountaineering expedition.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Mendoza and Transfer to the Hotel. Team meetings and initial prep

Day 2 - Final Prep in the am along with picking up climbing permits. Private transport to Penitentes Resort

Day 3 - Acclimatization hike near Penitentes.

Day 4 - Transfer to Horcones Valley trail head. Hike to Leñas camp site. BBQ supper!

Day 5 - Hike to Casa De Piedras campsite and have first views of the Polish Glacier

Day 6 - early am river crossing and hike to Plaza Argentina base camp

Day 7 - Rest and Acclimatization day. Walk up 200-300m to excellent views of the route to C1.

Day 8 - Load carry to C1 and return to BC

Day 9 - Move to C1.

Day 10 - Rest and acclimatization day at C1

Day 11 - Carry to C2 and return to C1

Day 12 - Move to C2

Day 13 - Move gear to the base of the route and prepare for an early start

Day 14 - Summit Day!

Days 15-18 - Spare Summit days

Day 19 - Descend to Mulas BC or to Plaza Argentina

Day 20 - Trek out to Penitentes

Day 21 - Private Transport to Mendoza Hotel

Day 22 - Onward Day

Note: this itinerary is approximate and due to weather, route and member conditions may be altered at the discretion of our guides to make the safest trip possible. We are typically out 3-4 days early with good weather and can help you fill the spare days with wine tours, golf, rafting and sightseeing!

Our Polish Glacier expedition is a classic climb expertly managed by extremely competent and experienced staff who operate with the highest regard for team safety. If you feel you are ready to step up to a significant Andean objective, on the highest peak of the America’s, we look forward to helping you attain this challenging, yet eminently doable, alpine route.