7 Summits Club Launches Antarctic Expedition To Climb Vinson Massif

Vinson Massif is often reffered to as the key summit in the quest to climb the highest peak on each continent.  Located on the continent of Antarctica, Vinson Massif proposes some challenges that many of the other peaks simply do not have.  It could be the desolation.  The extreme cold.  The high winds.  It could also be that if something happens on Vinson Massif, your chances of survival and rescue are greatly reduced in such an extreme landscape.

Alex Abramov’s 7 Summits Club is currently embarking on an Antarctic expedition to climb Vinson Massif.  More than 20 climbers will be taking part in this quest, including second group leader Sergey Kofanov, who will be attempting his final peak in his quest for the Seven Summits.  Team leader Alex Abramov already has his Seven.

In a special report to EverstNews.com, the 7 Summits Club has described their expedition up to this point.  The group of expeditioners and climbers have been split into two teams.  One led by Abramov, the other by Kofanov.  Abromov’s group has landed on the Antarctic continent.  Kofanov’s group is still sitting in Puntas Arenas, Chile, waiting for the winds to die down before they can board their flight in.

If these two names sound familiar, they should to any reader that has paid some attention to this site.  I coverd Alex Abramov’s 7 Summits expedition to Mt. Everest in 2007.  Kofanov is Russia’s premier climber.  He was the youngest Russian to ever top out on Mt. Everest, and continues to prove his prowess and alpine skills on many of the world’s most dangerous peaks.  Both of these leaders are known for their rugged tactics, as well as their controversial guiding styles.  They ride a fine line between ultimate success and sheer disaster.

It will be interesting to watch these two guides lead their teams in Antarctica.  We have not heard from 7 Summits since 2007, but I am sure that they have been taking their climbing skills and paid members on expeditions around the world.  Abramov’s 7 Summits Club is generally one of the first teams on the north side of Mt. Everest, but with China shutting down the North this past Spring, many teams decided not to vie for the South.  That is why they have been away from the loop and out of ears reach.  Let’s wish them the best.

It should be added as a side-note that 7 Summits is also planning on trekking to the South Pole while in Antarctica.  Not much information is given as to how the South Pole trip will go, but that would definitely be some expedition to climb Antarctica’s highest peak, and reach the South Pole all in a matter weeks.

I will keep you posted if we hear more from Alex Abramov or his 7 Summits team mates.  If you know Alex at all, you will know that he is definitely not a quiet man-  Sergey Kofanov…we wish you the best on your quest for the Seven Summits!

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