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Archive for the ‘Ojos del Salado’ Category

Make BAI a Part of Your 2015

Thursday, January 22nd, 2015

Alright adventurers, the New Year has begun and the big question is how are you going to make 2015 a one to remember?

Whether it’s visiting an exciting destination, taking yourself to new heights, or just reaching a long term fitness goal, BAI is here to help you achieve your dreams! Check out this list of exciting adventures coming your way!

Perfect for any Trekker

Are you travelling in a big group or looking for a unique family adventure? Or are you looking to join a group of fellow adventure lovers to enjoy a great travel experience with? We have a few trips coming up this year perfect for travellers of all types. Check it out to see which is perfect for you!

Everest Base Camp

A classic Berg Adventures trip, a trek to Everest Base Camp takes you to the beautiful Khumbu region. Trekking to and staying in different villages is a great way for groups to immerse themselves in the fascinating Sherpa culture. The hiking is great for people of all ages and can be customized for those concerned about their hiking abilities. Contact us to inquire about our spring and fall treks!

Trekking through the stunning Khumbu region

Trekking through the stunning Khumbu region

Kilimanjaro

Looking to join in the fun spirit and great team camaraderie that Berg Adventures Kilimanjaro trips are known for? We have trips running in Tanzania almost all year round and can accommodate people of all different hiking levels. To add to an incredible African experience climbers can continue on for an exciting wildlife safari in Northern Tanzania.

Climbers celebrate in front of the new summit sign on Kili

Climbers celebrate in front of the new summit sign on Kili

Mount Elbrus in Russia

Every year Wally Berg and the BAI Russian guides and staff return to the Caucasus to climb to the highest point in Europe, Mount Elbrus. This is a journey that begins touring two iconic cities; St. Petersburg and Moscow and includes incredible climbing opportunities for those looking for an introduction to high altitude. Join us July 26 – June 12 for a true city to summit experience.

Pointing the way to the summit of Elbrus

Pointing the way to the summit of Elbrus

Mount Ararat in Turkey

From ancient cities to snow-capped mountains our trip to Turkey offers an exceptional travel experience that will open your eyes to a whole new world. Roaming the historic streets if Istanbul, visiting the underground cities in Cappadocia, balloon rides over picture perfect sceneries and a summit of Turkey’s highest point, this trip really does it all!

Granddaughter and grandfather team take a break while climbing Mount Ararat

Granddaughter and grandfather team take a break while climbing Mount Ararat

Great Learning Experiences for Mountaineers

Have you been looking to work on your mountaineering skills? Berg Adventures guides and staff (http://www.bergadventures.com/v3_main/guides.php) are always excited to help climbers gain the skills and confidence needed for climbing in altitude. The following trips are perfect for those looking to learn more about technical climbing.

Ojos del Salado

It may only be a few weeks away but there is still time to sign up for our 2015 Ojos del Salado expedition from February 15 – March 2() . Standing at 22,615ft/6,893m this climb is a way to learn the importance of acclimatization and preparing for high altitude mountain travel. Join us next month and stand on top of the world’s tallest volcano.

Summit success on Ojos del Salado

Summit success on Ojos del Salado

Bolivia

Colorful culture, breathtaking scenery and awesome climbing opportunities are just a few of the factors bringing Berg Adventures back to Bolivia every year. We offer a few different programs designed for beginner climbers or those looking to add some technical climbing to their list. There are a few spots left on our Sajama and Condoriri expedition this year from June 05-June 21. Contact our office for details!

Practicing glacier travel in Bolivia

Practicing glacier travel in Bolivia

Ecuador

Personal trainer Terri Truman has been offering us amazing information on how to train for mountain travel. Now Terri is set to embark on her own BAI adventure. She and her husband Tim will be travelling to Ecuador to climb four impressive volcanic peaks. She will be explaining her training process for climbers interested in a great fitness regime which you can read here. Join Terri and Tim from November 21 – December 5.

It’s an icy world on Ecuador’s volcanoes

It’s an icy world on Ecuador’s volcanoes

Island Peak

In November of last year we had a team of three successful climbers reach the summit of Island Peak. Climbing in Nepal is always a rewarding experience and practicing your glacier travel techniques while standing under the great Himalayan giants is the ultimate adventure!

The spectacular summit ridge on Island Peak

The spectacular summit ridge on Island Peak

Taking you to New Heights

Berg Adventures knows high altitude. We are here to take you to places not many people can say they have been. Whether it is an exotic and remote destination or a trip that has you standing on the high reaches of earth, we are here to take you there.

Carstensz Pyramid

If remote trekking, exotic cultures and technical climbing are what you are looking for then a trip to the remote jungles of Western Papua is perfect for you. A climb of Carstensz Pyramid is one unlike any out there. Contact our office about dates and prices!

Getting technical on Carstensz Pyramid

Getting technical on Carstensz Pyramid

Ama Dablam

This classic Himalayan climb is technically challenging and thrilling at the same time. Berg Adventures guides will lead the route and fix it where necessary. Our climbing team will ascend one of the regions 6000m peaks in preparation for this impressive ascent. Join us in Nepal from October 17 – November 21 when we attempt the lofty summit of Ama Dablam.

Ama Dablam on Base Camp

Ama Dablam on Base Camp

Aconcagua 2016

Our first climb of 2015 was of Aconcagua. It was a fantastic way to start of the New Year as our Friends from Vancouver did it right with two team members standing on the summit and the rest reaching personal high altitude records. It is not too early to start planning for a summit of the highest point in the Western Hemisphere.

2015 Aconcagua summit team

2015 Aconcagua summit team

Whatever your goals are BAI is ready to be a part of your next great adventure. Don’t miss out on the chance to turn your dreams into reality this 2015!

Recapping Our Favorite Moments of 2014

Friday, December 19th, 2014

As yet another amazing year of adventures comes to and end we are looking back at some of our favorite moments of 2014. Enjoy these recaps of our teams’ success!

Paul Kitney started 2014 off with a climb of the second highest peak in South America: Ojos del Salado. He, Osvaldo and the BAI Bolivia climbing guides were our first team to reach a summit this year.

Thumbs up to starting the year off right with a summit of Ojos del Salado 22,615ft/6,993m

Thumbs up to starting the year off right with a summit of Ojos del Salado 22,615ft/6,993m

To continue off our success in South America our team of 9 climbers from Switzerland, Canada, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and the United States were on the highest mountain in South America, Aconcagua at 22,841ft/6,962m.

Our Aconcagua team enters the beautiful Aconcagua Provincial Park

Our Aconcagua team enters the beautiful Aconcagua Provincial Park

In February we had two very memorable climbs of Kilimanjaro:

First Danny and Hendrik, two friends from the United States traversed to the top of this seven summit mountain via the Umbwe Northern Circuit route. Crossing some of the more remote and quite trails they reached the summit just as a snow storm was about to hit. They made it down to their lower camp just in time with memories to last a lifetime.

Danny and Hendrik with their guides Emmanuel and Samson on the top of Kilimanjaro

Danny and Hendrik with their guides Emmanuel and Samson on the top of Kilimanjaro

While Danny and Hendrik were making it down Bharath Samrat and his team of BAI guides and staff and journalist Shelia Nykwist were trekking to the summit as the wind and snow were picking up. After a night of sleeping with strong winds and freezing temperatures the team made it down to celebrate the achievement of Bharath’s inspirational dream, reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro at 19,340ft/5,895m.

The team after reaching the summit, just as the snow is rolling in

The team after reaching the summit, just as the snow is rolling in

In March BAI embarked on a unique expedition to one of the most remote summits that we climb: Carstensz Pyramid in the jungles of Papua, Indonesia. Our team took on the ultimate challenge of trekking, exploring and climbing their way to the top at 16,024ft/4,884m.

Trekking through the exotic thick jungles of Papua

Trekking through the exotic thick jungles of Papua

Carstensz Pyramid offered climbers some exciting traverses on their summit day

Carstensz Pyramid offered climbers some exciting traverses on their summit day.

Our first trip to Nepal in 2014 was with long time BAI climbers Dave Cohn, the Brown famil: Jim, Ryan and Jackson and their good friend Jim Allen. The team took to the trails experiencing the beautiful and colorful Sherpa culture and breathing the fresh mountain air as they reached Everest Base Camp at 17,500ft/5,334m.

The team in front of the ancient Tangboche Monastery

The team in front of the ancient Tangboche Monastery

Jackson surrounded by the great Himalayan peaks

Jackson surrounded by the great Himalayan peaks

This year during our Bolivia Mountain School expedition we were so happy to be a part of Chris Von Gartzen’s Climb for Paws. This fundraising climb was a mountaineering expedition to raise awareness for the plight of street dogs around the world. Chris and Micheline Thibodeau spent a week brushing up on their mountaineering skills and summiting Pequeneo Alpamayo, the 17,618ft/5,370m glaciated peak.

Chris and Micheline on Pequeno Alpamayo summit day

Chris and Micheline on Pequeno Alpamayo summit day

Micheline went on to join our group of 6 climbers from Canada, the United States and Sweden as they set out to Russia to explore the famous streets of two of the world’s most fascinating cities St. Petersburg and Moscow before travelling south to reach the summit of Europe’s highest point: Mount Elbrus.

The after midnight sunsets along the stunning streets of St. Petersburg never disappoint

The after midnight sunsets along the stunning streets of St. Petersburg never disappoint

The team on the summit of Mount Elbrus 18,510ft/5,642m

The team on the summit of Mount Elbrus 18,510ft/5,642m

In August we returned to Africa to enjoy the spirit and camaraderie that BAI Kilimanjaro climbs are famous for. This time the team experienced sleeping at high camp in the light of the Supermoon. Dancing, singing, incredible views and awesome team spirit were just some of the highlights of this fun-filled expedition.

Dancing and singing is what Berg Adventures Kili staff are famous for.

Dancing and singing is what Berg Adventures Kili staff are famous for.

BAI climbers were some of the first to reach the summit and stand in front of the newly erected summit sign.

BAI climbers were some of the first to reach the summit and stand in front of the newly erected summit sign.

Dave Cohn certainly had a year of achieving goals. After trekking through the Khumbu in May he returned to BAI with another impressive expedition in mind. He travelled to Bolivia in August to first immerse himself in the rich Bolivian culture before moving onto the Cordillera Real to reach the summit of Pequeno Alpamayo. His summit day is one we will never forget!

Dave Cohn geared up for his summit day on Pequeno Alpamayo.

Dave Cohn geared up for his summit day on Pequeno Alpamayo.

We were delighted to begin our busy fall season in Nepal off with father daughter comic duo Rich and Bonnie Alessio, a.k.a., the Grizzled Mountain Man and his trust sidekick the Sweaty Mess. This fun filled team trekked the Khumbu offering safety tips and entertaining explanations of the rugged mountain terrain as they made their way to Everest Base Camp.

Our comic book heroes high-five to a successful day of trekking in the Khumbu

Our comic book heroes high-five to a successful day of trekking in the Khumbu

A Guinness World Record was set and great adventure was had by all when BAI ran the Far Cry 4 “Quest for Everest”. With Dave Morton and Tom Grimshaw along to do the filming and Wally and Deirdre on hand along with Temba and the Sherpa staff, we ran what was most definitely the most unique trip on the BAI 2014 calendar. Will Cruz was the man of the hour when he set the record.

A unique experience for BAI; playing video games at 18,500ft5,650ft

A unique experience for BAI; playing video games at 18,500ft5,650ft

Our final expedition in Nepal included three enthusiastic teams of trekkers and climbers.

Our Fall 2014 Expedition team at Everest Base Camp

Our Fall 2014 Expedition team at Everest Base Camp

Barbara and Scott Martyn travelled from Canada to reach the base of the world’s tallest mountain. Their adventure included a tour of the famous streets of Kathmandu, a trek through the scenic trails of the Khumbu, a hike up Kala Pathar and an afternoon standing in awe at Base Camp.

Barbara and Scott along the trails

Barbara and Scott along the trails

After Ken Poskitt trekked to Base Camp with the fall expedition team he and his guide departed to explore some of the high reaches of the Everest region. Crossing some of the highest passes they made their way to Gokyo where they spent a couple nights in the remoteness of the edges of Gokyo Lake.

Ken stands proud at Everest Base Camp

Ken stands proud at Everest Base Camp

As Ken was making his way off to the High Passes Bob Mangino and father and son duo Frank and Travis Brier were preparing for their attempt of Island Peak. Their summit day was full of success as they climbed to the summit of the glaciated peak in great time and enjoyed the amazing views of the towering Himalayan peaks surrounding them.

The Island Peak team enjoying the summit

The Island Peak team enjoying the summit

Congratulations to all of our trekkers, climbers and expedition teams for their incredible accomplishments. Thank you to all of you at home who followed along on dispatches and supported our teams as they turned their dreams into realities. Don’t miss out on your next great adventure; contact our office for more information and to make your own great memories in 2015!

Featured Trip: Ojos del Salado, Chile

Wednesday, May 1st, 2013

“We started out with four-wheel drive vehicles and drove across the barren, open expanse of the high desert here. This is amazing terrain. It’s really hard to remember how high you are because the temperatures are remarkably warm. We have slightly glaciated and snow covered peaks above us, but we walk around in shorts a lot.” –Wally Berg, 2007 Ojos Dispatch

Ojos del Salado from afar

Ojos del Salado from afar

It’s been a few years since we’ve climbed Ojos del Salado and we’re itching to go back. Return with us to the remote reaches of the Atacama Desert for an adventure like no other. The landscape here is incredibly vast. Red sandy peaks and expansive saltas (salt flats) appear as though they belong on the surface of Mars not on Earth. If it weren’t for the beautiful emerald-colored lakes and flocks of flamingos, the photographs of the region might pass as those taken by the Mars Rover.

Climbing on the lunar landscape

Climbing on the lunar landscape

There are no paved roads to Ojos, so we explore by 4×4 vehicle to acclimatize and to reach many of our campsites. Rather than spending our time hiking from camp to camp, we get to drive to our camps giving us more time to explore the lakes, hot springs and peaks that surround us.

Camping on the shores of a salty lake

Camping on the shores of a salty lake

Hiking along Laguna Verde

Hiking along Laguna Verde

Relaxing in the natural hot springs after a day of hiking

Relaxing in the natural hot springs after a day of hiking

The high plateau of the Atacama can be deceptively warm and sunny, but the thin air will remind you with each breath that you are indeed at altitude. As the second highest mountain outside of the Himalayas (and also the second highest mountain in South America), Ojos del Salado is a physical challenge that will test the body’s ability to acclimatize. We increase our altitude slowly and follow the philosophy of “Climb high, sleep low,” which will give our bodies the best opportunities to adjust to the altitude.

Knock off the two highest summits in South America by adding Aconcagua to your adventure itinerary. Since your body will be acclimatized following your Ojos expedition, you will be ready to climb Aconcagua at a much faster pace than our normal Aconcagua expedition team. For details on an Aconcagua extension, contact our office.

Sign-up today for your high-altitude Chilean adventure – Ojos del Salado!