Seven Summits

Antartica Expeditions

Vinson Massif & The Last Degree

Vinson Massif Expedition & The Last Degree

At 4,892m above sea level, Mount Vinson is one of the lowest of the Seven Summits, but it’s up there with Everest as one of the most challenging. The highest mountain in Antarctica never gets much snow, but is battered year-round by brutally strong polar winds. In an environment where summer temperatures hover at around minus 30, the added wind chill is some of the most severe on earth. In such an extreme environment, efficient operations and decisive leadership can make all the difference. That’s where Elite Exped comes in.

The Last Degree Ski Expedition is not for the faint of heart. It requires physical endurance, mental fortitude, and a deep passion for exploration. However, the rewards are immeasurable. As you reach the South Pole, you'll stand at the southernmost point on Earth, a testament to your determination and resilience.

Country

Antarctica

Duration

27 days

grade

Strenuous 4E

Max Altitude

4892 m
16050 ft

Daily activity

Approx
7-10 hrs

Season

Antartic Summer

Dates Available

Enquire for dates

Starting from

USD $105,000

This combo package is for Vinson Massif and the last degree, Take on one of the seven summits and trek to the south pole with our bespoke combo package. You must have a very high level of fitness to take on this ultimate endeavor.

Vinson Massif & The Last Degree

Elite Exped’s operational experience in the world’s most extreme environments is hard to match. Our leaders, Nimsdai, Mingma David, and Mingma Tenzi famously led the first team ever to climb K2, aka ‘the Savage Mountain’, in winter, in January 2021. Nimsdai summited all of the world’s 8,000m peaks in record time in 2019, and Mingma David became the youngest to reach all 14 that same year. Perhaps more importantly, when working together, the pair have a 100 percent safety record. Not a single member of any of their teams has lost so much as a fingertip to frostbite. 

Imagine standing atop the Vinson Massif, the most majestic peak on the frozen continent. Towering at 16,050 feet (4,892 meters) above sea level, this magnificent mountain offers a formidable challenge to even the most seasoned climbers. As you ascend, you'll be mesmerized by the breathtaking landscapes, vast glaciers, and pristine wilderness that surround you. It's an adventure that will test your limits and reward you with unparalleled views that only a lucky few have witnessed.

But that's not all. After conquering Vinson, you'll embark on an even more extraordinary feat – the Last Degree. This is the final, 60-nautical-mile leg to the South Pole, where you'll navigate through icy plains, face extreme weather conditions, and push your body to its limits. Trudging through the untouched, white wilderness of Antarctica, you'll truly understand the meaning of endurance and determination.

Our team of expert guides will be by your side throughout the journey, ensuring your safety and providing you with the knowledge and support you need. They have extensive experience in polar exploration and will help you navigate the treacherous terrain, making this adventure accessible even to those with limited climbing experience.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience will not only test your physical and mental strength but also provide you with an incredible sense of accomplishment. You'll become part of a select group of adventurers who have conquered Vinson Massif and stood at the geographic South Pole, marking an achievement that few can claim.

Remember, this opportunity is limited, so seize the moment and join us on this extraordinary expedition to the Vinson Massif and the Last Degree. Discover the uncharted beauty of Antarctica

Elite Exped’s Vinson Massif expedition takes 27 days from arrival in Punta Arenas, Chile, which includes days allowed for weather contingencies, meticulous checks of your equipment, and preparation. Regardless of where we operate, the Elite Exped team adopts a similar approach to expedition planning and logistics.

From our clients
Jeff Evans
Mera 2017

You can trust them with the safety and satisfaction of clients. Elite was nothing less than a 10/10 in every aspect of how they executed the expedition.

Steve Davis
Manaslu 2019

Manaslu was my first 8,000er and first time with Elite. They exceeded my expectations at every level and stage.  I would have no hesitation in booking with them again! Highly recommended!!!

Amy McCulloch
Aconcagua 2018

I often felt they went above and beyond to ensure we had a successful expedition. Excellent judgments throughout the expedition led us to reach the summit safely in extreme conditions. Highly recommend!

This tried and tested itinerary is informed by decades of mountaineering experience. As with all adventurous activities of this type however, circumstances may arise where Elite Exped is forced to make alterations, possibly at short notice. While making every effort to adhere to this published schedule, we kindly ask for your patience if the weather, or other naturally occurring circumstances, intervene.

Your daily schedule

  • Day 01

    Arrival in Punta Arenas

  • Day 02

    Buying food and equipment if needed

  • Day 03

    Briefing in the office, sorting out packing and weighing the equipment

  • Day 04

    Flight to Union glacier by Ilyushin-76 plane

  • Day 05

    Flight from Union glacier to Vinson Massif basecamp

  • Day 06

    Acclimatisation day. Preparation for the ascent

  • Day 07

    8 hours of walk to Camp 2 with backpack and sled

  • Day 08

    6 hours acclimatisaion climb to Camp 3 and return to Camp 2

  • Day 09

    Acclimatisation Day

  • Day 10

    6 hours climb to Camp 3

  • Day 11

    Summit Day

  • Day 12

    Extra day in case bad weather

  • Day 13

    Descent to BC

  • Day 14

    Flight from BC to Union Glacier

  • Day 15

    Flight from Union Glacier to Punta Arenas

  • Day 16 -17

    Reserve day in case of delayed flight from Antartica

  • Day 18

    Flight Home

Training

Developing your skills to achieve a new possible

Our tailored approach to training will help you improve as a climber, developing the mental and physical skills you need to achieve your dreams. Learn more

Fast - Track

Plenty of passion, not much time?

We understand the challenges of balancing a busy professional career with a love of mountaineering. Building on Nims record-breaking techniques, our unique Fast-Track expeditions allow you to climb more in less time. View fast-track expeditions

Above + Beyond + Adventure

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

The following frequently asked questions may help answer any queries you have about Elite Exped, what this expedition involves, and what is required. If your question isn’t answered here please check our dedicated FAQ support page, otherwise don’t hesitate to get in touch.

What accommodation is included?

All accommodation is included from the initial meeting point through to the end of the expedition, as listed on the itinerary. We always choose the highest quality hotels, even when traveling through more remote areas with less established infrastructures.

Our base camp accommodation is also of the highest quality and comfort and can be completely tailored to the demands of global lifestyles. We can discuss options and your needs during the booking phase.

What equipment is provided?
Will the expedition cost include travel?

Why choose
Elite Exped?

Unparalleled
leadership

Nimsdai Purja, Mingma David Sherpa’s and Mingma Tenzi’s mountaineering groundbreaking records speak for themselves, but our leaders are more than just supremely talented climbers.

While some choose to direct operations from back office, our three directors lead from the front. Their experience in every aspect of guiding and climbing — from fixing ropes to organising logistics — is unparalleled. It's no surprise that they have the industry-leading success rate when it comes to summiting 8,000m peaks.

Beyond this, our handpicked team of guides have also chalked up dozens of successful summits between them.

Safety through
self-sufficiency

If it’s controllable we control it: this is key to attaining and maintaining our industry-leading strategy for success and safety.

We maximise our options, agility and responsiveness by running self-sufficient expeditions that don’t rely on any other teams to achieve our objectives.

Our team is capable of setting up our own fixed lines (with a proven track record on all 8,000m peaks) and has backups to cover all scenarios. These include everything from secondary oxygen supplies to the ability and experience to operate our own rescue missions if the situation arises.

A unique
perspective

With his Nepalese roots and UK residency, our co-founder Nimsdai Purja brings a unique perspective and an unparalleled ability to bridge the gap between Western and Himalayan climbing cultures.

We can assemble trusted teams and networks anywhere in the world, but our founders’ roots are a particular advantage when it comes to summiting the world’s very highest peaks.

An intimate knowledge of how things work on the ground ensures that everything runs smoothly when you’re 8,000m above sea-level.

Your adventure
Ready to take on
the challenge?
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