

Combo: Mt. Vinson + South Pole Last Degree
Climb and Ski with one of the world’s most accomplished mountain and polar guides, Ryan Waters. This is a truly remote expedition - led by professional guides, Mountain Professionals offers an authentic and adventurous journey to Antarctica’s Combo trip.

Expedition Overview
- Dates
- IPGA Guide
- IPGA
- Duration
- Difficulty
- Level 3
- Location
- Antarctica
- Price
- $110,000 USD
Our guided Mt. Vinson and South Pole Last Degree Ski expedition offers an extraordinary journey through Antarctica’s highest and most remote regions, combining high-altitude expertise with premium expedition services led by an IPGA-certified polar guide.
This is a true polar expedition, led directly by experienced professionals with decades of field experience in extreme cold environments, remote logistics, and advanced risk management. We do not outsource guiding — every expedition is delivered by our own trusted team.
Mountain Professionals is part of a small group of globally accredited polar guiding companies operating at the highest level of safety, professionalism, and operational expertise in some of the most challenging environments on Earth.
What to Expect on the Vinson/South Pole Trip
Our carefully crafted itinerary is designed to give you the best chance at a safe and successful summit, plus world class guiding to ski to the South Pole. Ryan Waters, an IPGA certified Polar guide manages and guides on our trips. Ryan has 16 personal summits of Vinson and well over 10 trips to the South Pole.
Expedition Gallery
Itinerary
- Day 01 - Arrival in Punta Arenas, Chile
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Arrive in the southernmost city of Chile, where our team will transfer you to the hotel. The journey begins with a team meeting and question and answer session.
- Day 02 - Gear Check & Expedition Briefing
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We prepare equipment and attend a detailed pre-flight briefing with our Antarctic logistics partner. There's time to explore Punta Arenas before our gear is collected and we go on standby for our flight to Antarctica.
- Day 03 - Final Prep & Relaxation Day
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A free day for last-minute preparations, gear adjustments, or simply resting before heading to the ice.
- Day 04 - Fly to Union Glacier, Antarctica
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Weather permitting, we fly 4 hours south to Union Glacier, landing on a stunning blue-ice runway. After setting up camp, we settle into our first night on the continent.
- Day 05 - Arrival at Mt. Vinson Base Camp
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Weather permitting, we make our way from Union Glacier to Vinson Base Camp, Flight is via twin-otter plane. This is the official starting point for our ascent, where we’ll settle in and begin acclimatization.
- Day 06 - Rest Day at Base Camp
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A working rest day at base camp to continue acclimatization and to focus on fine-tuning any last-minute preparations for the climb ahead.
- Day 07 - Climb to Low Camp and Overnight Stay
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We begin our ascent, moving up to Camp 1 and spending the night in this high-altitude camp. This step is critical for acclimatization and for setting the stage for our move higher.
- Day 08 - Rest and Acclimatization
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A well-earned rest day at Camp 1, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude. This is also an opportunity to assess conditions and strategize for the next phase of the climb.
- Day 09 - Move to Camp 2
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We’ll move to Camp 2 at a higher elevation, positioning ourselves for the summit push. Every step closer to the summit brings us closer to one of the most coveted achievements in mountaineering.
- Day 10 - Summit Day
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The moment we’ve all been preparing for: Summit Day. We’ll push through the final stretch, taking in the extreme remote views from the highest Volcano in Antarctica. This is the culmination of our preparation and planning.
- Day 13-14 - Contingency Days
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Two extra days reserved in case we need additional time for weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Safety and success are our priorities, and we’ll ensure the optimal conditions for summiting.
- Day 15 - Return to Mt. Vinson Base Camp
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After reaching the summit, we’ll descend back to Vinson Base Camp to rest and recover before our return flight. This marks the end of our climb but the beginning of the Ski Expedition. Or Vice Versa.
- Day 16 - Return to Union Glacier
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We board our aircraft and fly back to Union Glacier Camp to celebrate our achievement with a hot meal and well-earned rest and showers.
- Day 17 - Rest Day in Union Glacier Camp
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We take a day as a team to go through specific skills regarding our camp setup, skiing practice, packing of food and general systems.
- Day 18 - Possible flight to 89 Degrees S
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If the weather permits, our team will load up in one of the planes at Union Glacier camp and be transported to one degree or 120 km from the South Pole. Short ski day.
- Day 19-25 - Ski Portion toward the South Pole
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Throughout our ski days, our certified Polar Guides teach you proper ski technique, monitor safety and navigate our group to the South Pole. Ski days consist of 6-8 hours on skis, covering around 10 nautical miles a day.
- Day 26 - South Pole to Union Glacier flight
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After reaching the South Pole and having some memorable experiences sleeping at the bottom of the world. We fly back to UG in preparation for our return to Chile.
Exped Destination Antarctica
Mount Vinson, in Antarctica’s Sentinel Range, is the highest peak on the continent and one of the world’s Seven Summits. Rising above the icy expanse, Vinson is a remote and dramatic mountain in one of the planet’s most untouched wildernesses.
For adventurers, climbing Mount Vinson is a true polar expedition. The ascent passes through glaciers and snowfields, with extreme cold and isolation shaping every step. Reaching the summit offers a rare opportunity to stand on Antarctica’s highest point and experience its raw, silent beauty.
The best time to climb Mount Vinson is December through January, during the Antarctic summer months, when conditions are safest for mountaineering.
- Average Summer Temperature:
- -20°C
- Max Altitude:
- 4892m
- Total Distance:
- 32km
What's Included
Mountain Professionals Mountain Guides
Your expedition is guided by highly experienced Antarctica professionals, including Mountain Professionals founder Ryan Waters - one of the most accomplished and certified polar explorers in the world. With IPGA Polar Guide certification and decades of polar expedition leadership, we bring a level of safety, skill, and authenticity that sets us apart.
Flights
Included in the expedition are all Antarctic flights: round-trip air travel from Punta Arenas, Chile to Union Glacier Camp aboard an Iceland Air 757, landing on the blue-ice runway. Internal polar flights to and from the Vinson Base Camp are operated by ski-equipped DC-3 aircraft, depending on conditions and logistics.
Hotel in Punta Arenas
Included in the trip are three nights accomodation in Punta Arenas prior the flight down to Antarctica.
Antarctica tent accommodation
During the expedition, team members will stay in high-quality mountaineering tents (2 people per 3-person tent) while at Union Glacier and throughout the climb journey. After returning from the Vinson climb, we’ll transition to spacious Clam Tents with full stand-up height for added comfort until departure from Antarctica.
All programmed transportation
We provide airport pickup in Punta Arenas, Chile and transfers to and from the group hotel at the start of your journey. Additionally, we handle all transportation to and from the airport for your flights to Antarctica, ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel experience from arrival to departure.
All Group Expedition Gear
All team mountaineering equipment is included in your trip, from dining/kitchen tents on the mountain, to group climbing equipment, cooking equipment and safety.
All permits and fees
The trip cost includes all necessary permits in compliance with the IAATO Antarctic Treaty and environmental agreements, ensuring the expedition meets the highest standards of sustainability and legal requirements for travel in Antarctica.
All meals (post-Punta Arenas)
All meals are included throughout the expedition, except during your time in Punta Arenas. In Punta Arenas, we provide a welcome dinner, and breakfasts are included as part of your hotel package.
At Union Glacier Camp, meals are served buffet-style with a wide variety of delicious options to suit all tastes, along with plenty of hot drinks, beer, and wine during dinner.
While climbing Vinson, we make incredible mountain meals, the advantage of living in a cold environment is we can easily bring lots of great meats and meals to make hearty breakfast, lunch and dinners on the mountain.
Group & safety equipment
Included in your expedition is all essential group safety equipment, carefully selected and refined from years of experience leading polar expeditions. This includes tents, stoves, fuel, safety gear, GPS navigation, and first aid supplies, all overseen by a Wilderness First Responder and IPGA-certified polar guide to ensure your safety every step of the way.
Navigation tools (GPS, maps)
Our seasoned guides are experts in navigating the challenging Antarctic terrain, where precision is crucial. Using GPS waypoints and compass, we skillfully lead the team—navigating efficiently even in white-out conditions—ensuring we stay on course toward our ultimate destination: the Summit of Mt. Vinson.
Wifi on the trip
We provide Starlink communication for daily check-ins to your home connections. Additionally, you are welcome to use our satellite phone to call home if needed. For added security, we also carry a Garmin InReach as a backup, ensuring redundant communication systems throughout the expedition.
Satellite email & photo access
During your stay at Union Glacier Camp, you'll have access to unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi in the dining tent, keeping you connected to the outside world. While on the Vinson expedition, we carry a Starlink Mini to allow occasional connections, depending on battery life, so you can stay in touch when needed.
What's Not Included
International flights to/from Punta Arenas
The cost of your international flights to and from Punta Arenas, Chile, is not included in the expedition price. This means you are responsible for researching, booking, and covering the expenses of your flights from your home country (or starting location) to Punta Arenas and your return journey after the expedition concludes.
Food & drinks in Punta Arenas
Outside of the one “welcome dinner” as a team and breakfasts provided by the hotel, all meals are on your own while in the city.
Staff Gratuities
In your information PDF we will give recommendations for bringing money for tipping the trip staff, for a worry free planning.
Punta Arenas lodging beyond three included nights
Lodging in Punta Arenas for 3 nights is included in the trip cost, as delays are possible and may require additional nights or changes to hotel accommodations, you would be responsible for extra evenings. And lodging after the flight back to Chile is your own cost.
Personal travel insurance
All team members on the Sidley climbing expedition are required to have rescue/evacuation insurance. Upon signing up, we provide a list of recommended insurance providers that specialize in covering Antarctica ski trips, ensuring you're fully protected for the journey.
Personal clothing & gear
Team members are responsible for arriving with the required personal clothing and equipment for the expedition. Upon signing up, we provide a detailed gear list and are always available to offer advice or answer any questions about what to bring, ensuring you're fully prepared for the journey.
Personal expenses
Personal expenses include any small purchases in Punta Arenas, such as extra food, supplies, or taxis, as well as any items you may wish to buy at the Union Glacier Camp gift shop in Antarctica.
What Our Clients Say
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I have climbed and adventured all over the world, for many years with Mountain Professionals! As well as having highly experienced guides, they have awesome logistics with epic base camp set ups. I highly recommend using them if you are looking for a well organised and top adventure anywhere in the world!
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I've gone on guided expedition with other operators, and have had the whole range of experiences; Mountain Professionals are truly the best out there. I climbed Mt. Everest with them this season, and have climbed in previous seasons with them on other trips (Vinson, Ecuador, Baker, etc), and I was blown away.
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Amazing experience climbing Vinson 2025 with Mountain Professionals. Ryan was always there for us, and JP guided us with true mastery. Unforgettable team — simply the BEST!
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I've travelled with Mountain Professionals 5 times now, around the world and at a variety of types of mountaineering training and execution. I highly recommend Ryan Waters and his team! Mountain Professionals has consistently put safety first and adventure second in all the best ways possible.
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