Mountaineering in antarctica

Discover the best mountain climbing and mountaineering routes in antarctica.

Why climb in Antarctica

Antarctica offers one of the most remote and challenging mountaineering experiences on Earth. The frozen continent’s vast icy landscapes, isolation, and extreme weather conditions make it a destination for only the most determined climbers. With towering peaks like Mount Vinson and the volcanic Mount Sidley, Antarctica presents unique opportunities for high-altitude adventurers seeking pristine wilderness and unrivaled beauty. Climbing here is not just about reaching a summit—it's about enduring some of the harshest conditions on the planet, making it a true expedition experience.

When to climb in Antarctica

The best time to go climbing in Antarctica is:

  • December and January

Climbing in Antarctica is limited to the Antarctic summer months from November to January, when temperatures are more manageable, though still extreme, and daylight is nearly continuous. Even during this period, temperatures can dip below -30°C, and climbers must be prepared for high winds and white-out conditions. Expeditions to Antarctica require logistical planning and preparation well in advance, as flights to the continent are limited, and self-sufficiency is essential due to the lack of nearby support facilities.

Where to climb in Antarctica

Mountain climbing expeditions in Antarctica - Guided Peaks

The primary mountaineering region in Antarctica is the Ellsworth Mountains, home to Mount Vinson, while Mount Sidley lies in the Executive Committee Range:

  • Mount Vinson: Standing at 4,892 meters, Mount Vinson is the highest peak in Antarctica. Located in the remote Ellsworth Mountains, it offers non-technical routes but requires climbers to deal with extreme cold, isolation, and unpredictable weather. Its sheer remoteness makes it one of the Seven Summits—the highest peaks on each continent—and an essential goal for dedicated mountaineers.
  • Mount Sidley: At 4,285 meters, Mount Sidley is Antarctica's highest volcano, located in the Executive Committee Range. While less known than Vinson, it offers a truly rare experience, with fewer climbers attempting it each year. Its remote location, combined with the volcanic landscape, provides a unique and formidable challenge for mountaineers.

Climbs in Antarctica

There are 2 Climbs in Antarctica. Get an idea of what separates them here:

Most popular

The classic climbs in Antarctica:

climm Mount Vinson
Mount Vinson
 PD
Antarctica
$105,000
 4,892 m

Lesser known

Escape the crowds and get of the beaten path in Antarctica with these climbs:

climm Mount Sidley
Mount Sidley
 F
Antarctica
$102,520
 4,285 m

Other climbs in Antarctica:

Climb difficulties in Antarctica

How many of each difficulty grade can you find a route for.

French AlpineDifficulty descriptionQuantity
FEasy. Suitable for beginners, minimal technical skills required.1
PDNot very difficult. Some technical skills required, with moderate exposure.1
ADFairly difficult. Requires good technical skills and experience, with significant exposure.0
DDifficult. Requires advanced technical skills and experience, with high exposure.0
TDVery difficult. Requires very advanced technical skills, experience, and serious commitment.0
EDExtremely difficult. Requires exceptional technical skills, experience, and high commitment.0

Pictures from climbing in Antarctica

These are pictures taken while climbing in Antarctica. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like.

Guides with trips in Antarctica

Guide costs for climbing in Antarctica

There are 26 guided trips listed for Antarctica. Trips range from $46,500 to $105,000, and average $62,742 per expedition.

Explore our directory of 19 guides with trips in antarctica

Or check out all guides in the guide directory to browse all guides in one place.
Climbing the Seven Summits LLC (feel free to call us ‘CTSS’ for short) is a world-leading mountain guiding, expedition, and trekking service. We are known as the Seven Summits Specialists for good reason, with our trademark expeditions being the tallest peak on each of the seven continents, including Everest. That said, we don’t stop at just those Seven! We run countless expeditions and treks all over the world and can also build custom ones for you. If you can dream it, we can help you do it.

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