Climb Aconcagua Solo |
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A first hand account of a successful unguided, solo climb of Aconcongua. |
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Climbing Aconcagua solo is a dangerous endeavor and is generally not recommended. Should you decide to climb solo, proper gear, experience, and fitness are required. This site is not intended to recommend climbing Aconcagua, nor is it to be used as a guide. It is simply providing details of a successful solo climb of the mountain. I had Aconcagua on the radar for about the last ten years. My normal climbing partner was unable to make the climb which prompted the idea of going solo. With a partner I would have looked to the Polish Glacier route. Climbing solo, my risk level and desire to successfully reach the summit dictated utilizing the normal route. Everything takes additional effort as compared to a commercial guided trip. Climbing Aconcagua solo makes you responsible for food, water, setting up and breaking down camp, as well as the weight and associated space necessary to carry your gear. There is no one to help monitor your health and acclimatization, nor do you have a climbing partner always present to administer emergency assistance if necessary. Although I saw helicopter support as high as Camp Nido de Condores, medical evacuations typically occur at basecamp. Both cerebral and pulmonary edemas are extremely dangerous and are to be taken seriously. Climbing Aconcagua solo may put you in a situation where you are unable to descend or reach assistance for a considerable amount of time. During my climb, there were numerous medical situations and even one death on the mountain. Although I climbed solo and unguided, one could purchase meals and other services from the large number of commercial outfitters that serve the area. At the far other end of the spectrum, one could hire practically everything including porters to carry your gear up the mountain, set up and break down your camps, prepare all of your meals and provide for your water. The experience you choose is up to you. Proper preparation will increase both your odds of obtaining the summit as well as getting off the mountain without incident. Reaching the summit is optional; getting home safe is mandatory. |
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Aconcagua Gear List Rather than a generic gear listing, I have provided a specific listing as well as a gear review. |
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