Entries from Aconcagua

The Early Gaunaco catches the Mula.

It was an early start, but an exciting start for the team. Today, we made our trek to Base Camp to start our next phase of our expedition.

We said goodbye to our amazing Grajales Stone House hosts at Casa de Piedra and started our pilgrimage to the base of this awe inspiring mountain.

Nothing wakes you up quite like your trip’s first frigid river crossing. Switching our crocs in 4x4 mode, we quickly made the crossing. It was a refreshing way to continue our journey through this mystical country. From the beautiful valley scenes, the curious Guancos, to the Arrieros wishing us a safe journey while passing us on their way down from delivering our gear to base camp; these are only a few highlights of what we experienced leading up to BC.

Spirits were high as we made the 6 to 7 hour trek (that’s for you Wells) to accomplish today’s Plaza de Argentina. We are now settled in at 13,800’ preparing our minds and bodies for the climb ahead. It’s time to strap up, clip in, and go full send.

Thank you to our amazing RMI guides and our local Grajales crew for making this a special experience. But more importantly, thank you to all our families and friends at home who are taking up the slack while we are on this amazing expedition. (Particularly Lauren, Winn, & Wells)

Till tomorrow.

RMI Climber Andrew Hall

Day two on the trek to base camp here in the Vacas Valley.

After a night of team building around the table playing some Farkle, “BIG C” and “Half Calf” claimed the first two victories of the trip. We were treated to an incredible night sleeping under the stars, with a bright half-moon and even a coyote running through the campsites.

After a wonderful breakfast, we applied another layer of sunscreen and “Chub Rub” and hit the trail a little after 8 AM. As we hiked through the Vacas Valley, the scenery was breathtaking, and we were treated to a ton of Guanaco sightings. Some in our group—who shall remain nameless (Johnny)—even tried to stalk one down.

With Scooby at the helm and his very capable sidekick, Ray, we trekked the 10 miles to our second stop, Casa de Piedras. Before finishing the second leg of our journey, we were able to lay eyes on Aconcagua, a.k.a. The Sentinel of Stone. It is a stunning, daunting, and beautiful sight to behold. Full of respect and nervous excitement, we are one stage closer to seeing if we are worthy to pass.

RMI Climber Tim Schafer

The rain delay yesterday didn’t take the wind out of our sails. We woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed ready to start our trek. On the way to the trailhead we enjoyed (yerba) mate, empanadas, and Carlos’s 80’s rock playlist. The meat and Malbec of Mendoza felt like an oasis but getting on the trail today reminded us of why we had travelled all this way.

A cool breeze and breathtaking views helped us up the Vacas Valley and a condor soaring high above the snow capped peaks was a good omen for the start of our trip. We are now sitting at Las Leñas patiently awaiting an asado from our kind Argentine hosts. We had a lovely first day and are excited for what is to come.

Peace, Love, Gratitude.

RMI Guides Ray Holt, Ben Luedtke, and Team 

We started the day in our fancy hotel, enjoying eggs and sausage and coffee as well.

The van had arrived, the gear was all packed and our guides diligently made up for what we lacked

The bus swayed and vistas were scanned, 3 hours more to begin what we planned

But when we stopped to pee we heard the news, one weather day we had to lose.

We decended the highway trying not to be crass, Aconcagua had told us, you shall not pass

The city came close and I remembered my luck, I was in South America no other place I'd rather be stuck

Another night in the land of sun and good wine, another joke about chubrub would not be out of line

RMI Climber Colin Young

Due to heavy rains the Aconcagua National Park closed today. (Jan. 8) The team will start their trek tomorrow to Base Camp.

Hola amigos y familiares de Mendoza, Argentina y feliz año nuevo!!

We have all officially arrived here in the land of carne asado, vino tinto, and guanacos. The excitement cannot contain us. Over the last 2 days, we have found the lag to our jet, enjoyed some fine Argentinian cuisine, and triple checked our gear. The highest peak outside the Himalaya, the Stone Centinel, awaits our arrival. Tomorrow is that day. The day we start our long trek to stand atop South America. Stay tuned as we utilize our Chubb Rub along our endeavor not only to climb, but circumvent Aconcagua. 

Hablamos pronto.

RMI Guides Ben Luedtke, Ray Holt, & Team

Monday, February 18, 2025, 5:19 PM PT

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen we are starting our final approach into Mendoza. We should be on the ground in about 25 mins. Current weather is light winds out of the east, mostly clear skies and a temperature of 29 Celsius. We thank you for coming along on Aconcagua 2025 and have a good day. Ladies and gentlemen that ding means that we have started our descent into Mendoza. At this time we ask you to bring your seats and tray tables to their upright and locked positions. We will be through the cabin one last time to pick up any unwanted items. We also have a great offer for you today. If you call RMI today with a valid credit card we can set up a trip to most parts of the world. So hopefully you will call and take this great offer. Once again we should be landing in just about 25 mins. Congratulations to Ben, Hannah, Yev and Jim for summiting on Valentine's Day.

RMI Climber Nick Hanson

Two Days After the Conquest of Mount Doom:

The morning after a thrilling evening at base camp, where Yev and Jim engaged in an epic battle of Farkle (which ended conclusively in a tie), we embarked on a new challenge. Our weary legs carried us on a 17-mile trek through the beautiful Relinchos Valley and Vacas Valley, winding our way to our next camp at Pampa de Las Leñas.

As we traversed through the two valleys, we crossed rivers by foot and marveled at the majestic peak of Aconcagua as it was slowly obscured from view. Then, quite unexpectedly, we stumbled upon the fabled Fountain of Youth! This natural spring bubbled with crystal-clear water, inviting us to partake in its rejuvenating properties. We solved a mystery that has plagued explorers and adventurers for thousands of years. The fountain of youth is precisely located at coordinates 32.6439307 South, 69.8435342 West.

As we settle into our camp at Pampa de Las Leñas, we can't help but feel grateful for this incredible journey. Yev has conquered his precious summit, we discovered the Fountain of Youth, and most importantly: Nick and Jim have gathered many rusty horseshoes for their collections. A good day.

RMI Climber James Loudin

Today, we feel loved, extra loved, some might say. In honor of Valentine's Day and our loved ones, who let us choose to be climbing Aconcagua rather than be at home, we want to say thank you and we love you. Our climb early this morning was no easy feat. We battled high winds and cold temperatures; so much so that we were covered head to toe in every layer we brought on this trip. Our loved ones would have barely recognized us. We did, however, accomplish our goal of standing on top of the Stone Sentinel. We are back at high camp safely, but also looking forward to some much deserved rest before making our full descent home over the next 5 days. Some people might ask, "Why do you put yourself through such grueling tribulations?" It's because of love; our love for the mountains, our love for the people we get to share these experiences with, and our love for the memories we get to obtain and cherish. But this post is for our loved ones back home. We love you, we miss you, we are safe, and we look forward to seeing you soon when we return home. 

RMI Guides Ben Luedtke, Hannah Blum & Team

The final four just topped out on Aconcagua! 

Ben Luedtke reported that it took the team 7 hours 20 minutes to reach the summit. The winds were blowing at 35 mph and it was cold.

They will report more on their summit day when they return to High Camp.

Congratulations Team! 

There are times when one has no option but to perform. As we sit here at Camp 3 with the summit of Aconcagua towering three thousand feet over us, it is clear that tomorrow will be one of those times. With a less-than-ideal weather window, we have our work cut out for us. We hope to have good news tomorrow.

RMI Climber Yev "Freyverissimo" Freyvert