Vinson Massif is the tallest mountain in Antarctica at 16500 feet, making it one of the famed 'Seven Summits.' It was named after US congressman Carl G. Vinson, one of the first government officials to push for an exploration of Antarctica. The first ascent involved a team of four explorers and scientists led by Nicolas Clinch in 1966. Climbing was commercialized in 1985, when Adventure Network International began guiding peoeple to the top, a contract which is now valued around $33000.
This mountain is only about 700 nautical miles from the South pole, which means that the weather and cool temperature are the largest obstacles for alpinists who want to climb the mountain (the mean summer temperature on the Antarctic ice cap is -30 degrees). It is heralded by experienced climbers as the most pristine of the Seven Summits, and provides a view into the vastness of the Antarctic interior. Due to the intensity of the weather during most of the year, any Vinson ascent must occur during February. Interestinly, there are no permits required to summit this mountain. The main cost of climbing is an expensive flight from the southern tip of South America, a service which is monopolized by climbing companies.
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