Climb Aconcagua and Elbrus - Preparation and Itinerary - Info Talk

Aconcagua: http://www.earths-edge.com/expedition...
Elbrus: http://www.earths-edge.com/expedition...

Information talk on Earth's Edge Elbrus and Aconcagua trips

Aconcagua:
Our Aconcagua climb takes you to this towering peak of 6,962m at the heart of the Andes. Aconcagua is the highest mountain in both the Western and Southern hemispheres. The exact origin of it’s name is unknown, however the Inca word ‘Acon Cahuk’ translates to ‘Stone Sentinel’ which is befitting of this giant peak. Although Aconcagua is considered a trekking peak and no technical mountaineering is required to reach it’s summit, it is far from easy. The complexities of proper acclimatisation, high winds, extreme cold and a long summit day make climbing Aconcagua a formidable challenge. Our 21 day itinerary allows for proper acclimatisation and has the flexibility to accommodate bad weather, maximising your chances of reaching the summit. There is much debate over which route is best to take to the summit. Our approach through the Vacas valley and descent along the 'normal route' offers the best of both routes. The trail through the Vacas valley is slightly longer but is much better for acclimatisation as it ascends more gradually. It is also more beautiful and less travelled than the normal route. From Plaza Argentina base camp we combine the Polish route, the Ameghino traverse, Upper Guanaco and the 'normal route' giving you the best possible experience of Aconcagua. The entire route is stunningly beautiful, with the views from Camp two and three simply breathtaking. The area also has some amazing wildlife with puma, condor, mora eagle and a wild variety of other bird life found in Mt Aconcagua Provincial Park. We fly in and out of the beautiful city of Mendoza, home of Argentina’s famous malbec grapes and some amazing cuisine.

Elbrus:
Standing at an impressive 5642m (18,481’), Elbrus is Europe’s highest mountain and one of the ‘Seven Summits’. Elbrus is located in the Caucasus Mountains which separate Europe and Asia stretching almost 1000km from the Black sea to the Caspian Sea. This beautiful mountain range has some fantastic scenery with vast mountain views, alpine meadows and dense forest. Our 14 day itinerary allows plenty of time for acclimatisation and flexibility in the event of bad weather. Weather plays a huge part in a successful summit attempt with high winds, blizzards, thunderstorms and thick mists common even in summer. Elbrus is covered in snow 365 days of the year and crampons and ice axes are required to reach the summit. However the route we take on the Elbrus climb is not technical and we provide all the necessary training on the expedition. Climbing Elbrus from the North side is much more beautiful and less crowded than the classic south side. However the summit day is much tougher and it is essential that participants have previous experience on mountains above 5,000m. As well as camping throughout the itinerary the summit day involves a 1,900m ascent which can take over 16 hours.