Mountain Climbing and Rock Climbing in Antarctica and the Polar Regions
The Ellsworth mountain range in Antarctica offers some great mountain climbing possibilities, with climbers often choosing the range’s highest peak, Mount Vinson (4,897m), to scale. While the climb is challenging, those who reach the summit are rewarded with outstanding views of the Arctic landscape and the pleasure of skiing back down to base.
The North Pole offers nothing in the way of mountain or rock climbing, with the region consisting of what is essentially a massive sheet of ice covering the geographical North Pole. If you want a taste of Arctic climbing, you will need to head for Canada’s Auyuittuq National Park, where 1,000 meter plus faces await.
Ellsworth Mountains, Antarctica: This scenic mountain range provides climbers with one of the few suitable climbing terrains in Antarctica. The highest peak in the range, Mount Vinson (4,897m), is a favorite among climbers who scale this massif before enjoying skiing down its slopes. Climbers need to carry all their own equipment when tackling the mountains in the Ellsworth range.
Sentinal Range, Antarctica: Part of the Ellsworth Mountains, the Sentinal Range has begun to attract the attention of mountain climbers with the cash and incentive to get here. While Vinson Massif gets the most attention in the range, there are a number of other lesser-known peaks that are suitable for rock and mountain climbing expeditions.
Auyuittuq National Park – Nunavut, Canada: This Canadian national parks lies within the Arctic Circle and offers a number of tried and tested rock climbs. The most popular peaks among climbers to the park are Mount Asgard, which featured in the James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me and has an 800 meter face, and Mount Thor, with its 1,250 meter face.