Trip Reports

Aconcagua - 15 Dec to 8 Jan '06

Summit of Mt Aconcagua, February 2010
Trip Report

Written by Leader Chris Groves, January 2006

At 6am on 1 January a complete (12 members) and very strong team left Berlin Huts (5,933m) in perfect, if cold conditions (-15 degrees C) on their summit bid. As the team ascended the wind increased and the temperature dropped. In under 3 hours everyone reached Independencia Hut (6,377m). Even in the sunshine the windchill was great, so was the risk of serious cold injury. Above us, the summit cloud formations were amazing, indicating even greater winds. Steve, Matt, Gemma, Dan and Rich descended while the rest of the team opted to have a look at the traverse leading to the Canelata and on to the summit ridge.

On the more exposed section and in shadow Trevor realised the his toes were too cold and descended. Part way along the traverse in the last bit of shelter from the wind (c6,500m) the hard and very disappointing decision to descend was made, as the risk of cold injury was too great. Alex, Mark, Doug, Lloyd, Martin and Jon turned back, met the rest of the group at Berlin Huts and continued to Base Camp that afternoon, returning to the warmth of Mendoza the following day.

Previously, all team members had completed all aspects of the acclimatisation program without difficulty, indicating a high level of summit success given reasonable weather which, disappointingly did not coincide with our summit attempt.

This was a very able team, with excellent local guides, who spent part of New Years day as some of the highest people on the planet.

Chris Groves, Mendoza 3rd January 2006.

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