The Sun Sets on Antarctica's Mt. Vinson

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By John Waechter | Last updated Mar 10, 2024 8:18 PM ET

Antarctic Summer Comes to an End

The sun is setting on Mt. Vinson. The Antarctic summer runs from November through March, when the sun is out 24-hours per day and temperatures hover around -20°C (-29°F). This is climbing season on Mt. Vinson, the highest peak on the continent of Antarctica, standing 16,050 ft. This distinction makes Mt. Vinson a member of the Seven Summits – the highest mountain on each of the seven continents.

MT. VINSON. Mt. Vinson is part of the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains, near the Ronne Ice Shelf, 700 nautical miles from the South Pole. Mt. Vinson and five other nearby mountains are collectively called Vinson Massif. In January, 1967, a climbing team led by Nicholas Clinch from the American Antarctic Mountaineering Expedition summited Mt. Vinson for the first time.

Since then, mountaineers from around the world have descended to the frigid ice of Antarctica to scale Mt. Vinson, and notch one of the Seven Summits. Several notable and elite mountain guiding companies, including Adventure Consultants out of New Zealand, found great success during this year’s climbing season.

Adventure Consultants

Adventure Consultants, formerly Hall and Ball Adventure Consultants, is a New Zealand-based adventure and climbing company that leads climbs throughout the world, including the Seven Summits. Adventure Consultants was founded by legendary climbers Gary Ball and Rob Hall. Gary Ball died in 1993 while climbing Himalayan peak Dhaulagiri. Rob Hall perished on Mt. Everest in 1996 during the tragic climb which came to light in Jon Krakauer's 'Into Thin Air.'

Since their deaths, Adventure Consultants was purchased by Guy Cotter, who continues to own and lead the elite guiding company today. Adventure Consultants pioneered guided ascents of Mt. Vinson in 1990 and has been operating successful trips to the mountain ever since.

Elite Climbing Guide Guy Cotter

Guy Cotter is the CEO of adventure and mountaineering guide company Adventure Consultants. He is a high-altitude expert, having climbed Mt. Everest five times, and seven of the fourteen 8,000 meter peaks - the highest mountains in the world. Cotter is also a leader in guiding the Seven Summits, and enjoyed great success this year on Mt. Vinson. Adventure Consultants put five different teams on top of the Antarctic peak this past season, and plans to return next season with five more teams. Great work Guy, and best of luck as you prepare for Mt. Everest this spring!

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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