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Alaska and International Mountaineering Expeditions

Argentina, Aconcagua Expedition 22,842ft, (6,962 Meters)

 

"The Sentinel of Stone"

Aconcagua, at 22,842 ft (6,962 meters) is one of the famous seven summits of the world. It is the tallest point in the America’s and the highest peak in the world outside of Asia. Some climb the “Sentinel of Stone” in a quest to reach the highest point on every continent while others scale this massive mountain as a stepping-stone to larger and more technical climbs. At Fox Mountain Guides, we believe both to be a worthwhile venture, which is why we primarily offer guided ascents up the Polish Glacier.

 

“..but most prominent of all is the Polish Glacier, rising and increasing in angle from right to left, where the summit ridge seems to touch the sky.”

                                                                                                R.J Secor

 

Polish Direct Via Relinchos Valley

This expedition begins in Mendoza, which is a large but charming city. Beautiful parks and cafes abound creating a heavenly start and finish to this trip. On day three, we will shuttle to Los Penitentes where the terrain begins to take a more noticeably mountainous look. Over the next several days, we hike comfortably with daypacks while mules carry our gear to our next camp each night. The first two days are spent traveling through the Vacas River Valley with the third day bringing us into the narrow Relinchos Valley and to base camp (Plaza Argentina) at 13,780 ft. Here, we will have full amenities (even beer for the descent!) including a dining tent and fresh cooked local cuisine. After a solid rest day we will begin to shuttle our gear higher onto the mountain, acclimatizing as we move. We will establish one intermediate camp, integrating rest days before making our final move up to high camp at 19,350. Here we will have time to acclimatize, enjoy the scenery and review the necessary skills for our upcoming climb. This itinerary has extra days built into it for proper acclimatization and possible bad weather days.

 

Highest Point In The Western Hemisphere!

The Polish Direct is an incredible high altitude snow and ice climb ranging from 35 to 50 degrees at its steepest sections. This beautiful climb makes its way up through Penitentes and onto the Polish Glacier at 20,100 ft (6,100 meters). Continuing up towards the East Ridge, which we follow to the most sought after summit in the western hemisphere. After we enjoy the summit, we will begin our descent using a non-technical route back to high camp. After resting at base camp, we will meet our mule team and start the journey back to the beautiful city of Mendoza where we will celebrate our accomplishments and enjoy the comforts of this lively city.

 

Logistics:

Length: 23 Days

Dates: December/14/2008

Cost: $ 4500 per climber – maximum of two climbers per guide, maximum of 4 clients per expedition.

 

Prerequisites: Climbers need to be in excellent physical condition and be comfortable following ice up to WI grade 3. This can be accomplished on our NC ice climbing guided trips or our New Hampshire February trip. Previous experience at altitude is recommended.

 

AMGA Certified Rock & Alpine Guide Chad Peele will be heading this International Expedition along with Adam Fox. 

 

Call 1-888-28-GUIDE or email us for more information.

 

Ecuador, Illiniza (17,268 ft.) and Antisana Expeditions (18,715 ft.)

 

The Ecuadorian Andes offers an incredible mix between a colorful culture and world class climbing.

 

These two mountains offer a more technical objective with fewer crowds than the standard Volcano circuit and serve as great training grounds for larger alpine routes. This expedition is an excellent choice for intermediate climbers who wish to apply their skills on higher and more moderately challenging peaks. 

 

Our trip into the Andes begins in Quito at 9,400 ft (South America’s second highest capitol). This is a very high altitude to arrive at and proper acclimatization is very important. We will spend the next two days exploring the local markets such as the Quechua Indian market of Otavalo (9,800) and doing scenic acclimatization hikes in and around Quito.

 

On day four, we leave the cities behind and travel to Illiniza where we will establish our camp in between Illiniza Sur and Illiniza Norte. Here we will prepare for our summit climb by enjoying the majestic views and reviewing the skills necessary for our upcoming climb.  The N. Face of Illiniza Sur consists of moderately steep snow and ice (sections up to 70 degree’s), which leads to a beautiful ridgeline. Once we reach the airy summit we will enjoy the views and refocus our attention for the descent, which weaves it’s way through sometimes steep and broken crevasses. From beginning to end, this is a challenging but rewarding climb.

 

From our base camp we will descend in order to rest and relax before moving on to our next objective, Antisana. We will then drive to the base of our route and establish a camp in the unique grassy terrain of the Andean foothills. This is a very remote place with the glaciers and climbing routes in a constant state of change. We will rely upon our knowledge and skill to navigate this complex terrain. Once we are established on the route, we will continue up 45 degree snow, including numerous short, steep steps up to 75 degree’s. After our successful summit and descent, we will return to Quito.

 

This is an excellent trip for those who wish to experience fantastic climbing and cultural exploration without the obligation of some of our longer trips.

 

Length: 10 Days

Dates:  February 10th 2008

Cost:   $2600    per climber – maximum of two climbers per guide     

 

Prerequisites: Climbers need to be in excellent physical condition and be comfortable following ice up to WI 3. Previous high altitude experience recommended.

 

Alaska, Denali National Park.

Since it’s purchase in the late 1800’s, Alaska has attracted climbers from all over the world. With it’s remote but rugged beauty, one can see why so many climbers make this journey every spring to learn and challenge themselves on this fantastic terrain!

 

The Alaska Range is home to Denali, the highest point in North America at 20,320 ft. With Denali as a backdrop, many other classic peaks and glaciers create a sea of amazing climbing potential. The Ruth Gorge is one of these areas located within Denali National Park. Granite cliffs capped with snow rise 4,000 ft above the glacier creating some of Alaska’s most notorious alpine climbs.

 

 

10-Day Mountaineering Course

Our 10-day mountaineering course is designed for the aspiring alpinist who wishes to learn the fundamentals of mountaineering. This course operates within the heart of Alaska in Little Switzerland or in the Ruth Gorge depending on conditions. Both areas offer superb climbing with amazing potential on snow-covered peaks surrounded by flowing glaciers.

 

A must for the beginning alpinist!

 

This course begins with a breath-taking flight out of Talkeetna on which we will see Denali National Park in all of its glory. From impossible summits to glaciated valleys, this flight will be a lasting memory!

Once we land on the glacier, we will establish a comfortable base camp and ease into our new home as the Alaskan twilight settles in. Over the next several days we will cover expedition camping skills, glacial travel and crevasse rescue along with basic snow and ice climbing. As the course progresses we will be able to explore several classic peaks such as Mt. Barrille and Mt. Dickey.

 

With a max ratio of three climbers to one guide, this course will feel like a privately run course with plenty of time for one on one instruction. This course is a great stepping-stone to some of our more advanced expeditions.

 

Length: 10 days

Dates: May 14th 2008

Cost:  $ 2700   per climber (max ratio 3 climbers 1 guide)

 

Call 1-888-28-GUIDE or email us for more information.

 

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Fox Mountain Guides and Climbing School, 3228 Asheville Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
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Last modified: 03/13/08

 

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