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Common name: Vinson Massif

Original name: Vinson Massif

Location: Sentinel Range, Ellsworth Mountains, Antarctica

Altitude: 4,892 meters (16,050 feet)

First (western) ascent: American Alpine Club (lead by Nicholas Clinch), 1966

Facts and trivia: Vinson was discovered in 1957, after being sighted by US Navy aircraft during the International Geophysical Year. It was named after Carl G. Vinson, a US congressman and key supporter of funding for Antarctic research.

As it is located less than 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) from the South Pole, climbing Vinson is paired with average temperatures of approx. -30 degrees Celcius and arctic weather conditions. Best time to go is December-February, when temperatures are highest  and climbers can take advantage of 24 hours of sunlight.

The Normal Route to the summit of Vinson is very much like the West Buttress climb of McKinley – a long glacier expedition of 6-10 days going up the mountain from the western side of the Branscomb Glacier. Another route is from the eastern side, which was first climbed in 2001.