CHALLENGE YOURSELF THIS DECEMBER

It feels good to say “I know the mountain”… But of course you don’t, what you know better is yourself, and the mountain has helped.

Overview

Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere and the tallest peak in the world outside of Asia. It is located near the Argentina/ Chile border and soars to an impressive 22,829 feet or 6962 meters above sea level. The mountain is most often attempted by one of three routes, the “Normal Route,” the “Polish Traverse”, and the “Polish Glacier”. It is protected by the Parque Provincial Aconcagua, a 71,000 hectare reserve of stunning mountains and desert. It is often underestimated and challenges climbers with its altitude and extreme weather. The mountain has varied terrain including scree, snow slopes, penitentes fields and the Canaleta, a thousand foot steep gully below the summit ridge.

Aconcagua is accessed via the city of Mendoza, Argentina in the heart of the largest wine region in South America. It boasts warm dry weather, gracious accommodations and a seemingly endless selection of alfresco dining and charming bodegas.

 

Trip Description

Skreslet Adventure Services inc. has designed a trip itinerary consisting of 21 days from North America. We depart as a group from Mendoza to the trailhead at Punta Vacas, a three hour drive by private transport. The trek to Plaza Argentina, our Base Camp situated at an elevation of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet), will involve four days of hiking. We will establish two higher camps over the next six day period. After resting for one day we launch our summit attempt from the high camp we have established. After returning to base camp we will trek 1 1/2 days to the trailhead. From there we return to Mendoza. The SAS itinerary allows for two days for rest or alternate summit attempts.

 

Canadian Rockies Training

SAS pioneered a training and assessment program in the 1980’s which has become invaluable in getting people prepared to climb Aconcagua. We spend four days in high alpine terrain similar to that of Aconcagua allowing our clients to become familiar with the equipment, food, and skills they will be using on the mountain. This gives them the opportunity to meet the other clients and guides they will be with in Argentina. We believe it is the most effective trip insurance you can get!

 

Vacas Valley/Polish Traverse Route

We recognize from many years of experience that the Vacas Valley/Polish Traverse route offers the best opportunity for acclimatization. This route is less traveled than the more common Normal Route. The trail head, at 8,000 feet above sea level, allows for a more gradual acclimatization on the trek in. We know the terrain, have confidence in the water sources and take advantage of the unspoiled and less crowded route. Our high camp at the base of the Polish glacier allows for privacy and spectacular views.

 

Itinerary

The SAS itinerary has evolved over the last 29 trips as a result of personal experience, client feedback and an in-depth knowledge of the mountain and the surrounding area. We allow for a four day Base Camp trek versus the standard two or three days. We know that clients will arrive at Base Camp energized not fatigued, acclimated without headaches and prepared to take on the challenge of carrying loads to the higher camps.

 

Food and Nutrition

SAS organizes and packages all the food you will consume on the mountain. This is prepared in Canada so clients have input as to preference and individual dietary needs. We commit to providing well-balanced nutrition and variety that will keep your interest over the climb. Clients may supplement with their own items keeping in mind that we do havea restriction on the amount of weight that can be transported into Base Camp and carried up the mountain.

 

 

Professional Experienced Guides

All SAS Guides have successfully climbed Aconcagua many times and are familiar with the area, the route and the challenges associated with the climb.

Conservative Guide to Client Ratios

Your personal health and safety are our number one priority. We commit to safeguarding you while in our care and recognize that every client is different. Some may require more assistance or need more personal attention than others. We maintain a guide to client ratio of 1 to 4 which allows us to monitor every client’s progress.

 

State of the Art Tents and Stoves.

All tents are expedition grade outfitted with snow flaps and cooking vestibules providing security and convenience in extreme weather conditions. Efficient stoves allow for fast melting of snow and ice for quick re-hydration and preparation of meals at altitude.

 

 

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CLIMB WITH THE BEST

Laurie, a Canadian mountaineering Icon has led over 35 expeditions on Aconcagua. His high altitude experience dates back to the 1970’s where he led or participated in over 45 world-class expeditions in the Himalaya and Andes.

Aconcagua Trip Dates

• Late-November to mid-December
• Late-December to early-January

4-Day RockiesTraining Trip Dates

• Mid October (TBD)

What is Included:

• 3 nights’ accommodations in Mendoza (double occupancy)
• Mountain Guides
• Ground Transportation in Argentina and Canadian Rockies
• Breakfasts and dinner for 3 days in Mendoza
• All meals on Aconcagua
• Meals for Canadian Rockies training
• Mules for transportation of gear in and out of Base Camp
• Tents, stoves, group climbing gear

Items not Included:

• International return airfare to Mendoza
• Return airfare to Calgary, Alberta for Rockies Training
• Personal equipment
• Climbing permit in Argentina ($300-800 USD)
• Additional hotels and meals if trip is extended
• Medical and Trip Insurance
• Alcohol
• Single room supplement
• Purchases at Base Camp
• Personal expenses, laundry etc in Mendoza
• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of SAS

Deposit, Cancellation and Refund Policies for Aconcagua

• Deposit US $1000.00 + GST at time of booking
• US $2000.00 + GST 90 days prior to departure
• Balance due 4 weeks prior to departure

Rockies Training

• US $450.00 + GST at time of booking
• Balance + GST at start of training

Cancellation and Refunds

• Each deposit, regardless of amount, includes a $200.00 non-refundable registration fee.
• Full refunds, less registration fee, will be provided 90-days prior to course, trek and/or expedition date.
• 50% refunds will be provided 60-89 days prior to course, trek and/or expedition date.
• No refunds will be provided 59-days prior to course, trek and/or expedition date.

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