BOLIVIA: DESCRIPTION

Bolivia Climbing and Skiing Expedition 2010

Exact dates to be determined by first sign-ups

Bolivia offers some of the most enjoyable moderate high-peak climbing in the world. Some of the peaks also provide excellent ski-descents in the right season. Their winter snow stops falling in early June with the return of sunny skies, so the best climbing and skiing occurs in late June into July with ideal corn conditions.

Following a couple of days of acclimatization on Lake Titicaca, we will climb 7 peaks in 14 days, starting at an elevation of 16,000’ and working up to 21,460’. Those who wish may potentially ski 5 of these peaks. This will be an aggressive schedule and members should arrive in good shape, although each ascent and descent is a reasonable undertaking in itself. Ski descents will be easier at first, working up to the more challenging later in the trip. You need not be a skier or an experienced technical mountaineer to enjoy this trip. Glacier-climbing techniques will be taught and practiced on the earlier peaks, and each mountain can be down-climbed with a guide if you choose.

From Condoriri Basecamp, we’ll start with 16,000’ Janchallani, parts of which should be suitable for skiing. Next day we’ll traverse 17,000’ Tereja Peak on our way to Pequeno Alpamayo, 17,630’, a real prize. Its dramatic summit ridge may be the most photogenic summit you’ve ever climbed. We’ll ski back on the 25 degree glacier below Tereja Peak. We’ll then move camp to Serquikollu for the straightforward glacial ascent and ski descent from this 17,400’ summit. That afternoon, we’ll make the first ascent of a moderate 16,000’ peak across the valley! If conditions are right, we’ll also make the first ski descent.

After a travel day, we’ll climb picturesque Parinacota, 20,000’+, a perfect volcanic cone on the remote border with Chile. This ascent, and the 5000’, 30-35 degree descent from the summit on (hopefully) perfect corn snow will be a lifetime achievement for skiers and non-skiers alike. Then, after a rest day, we’ll start the three-day non-ski ascent of Sajama, at 21,460’ the highest peak in Bolivia, directly across the valley. Even using a base-camp and a high-camp, Sajama is a strenuous climb. Its summit is highly prized among international mountaineers.

Living at these altitudes, acclimatization will be key. We'll climb out of base-camps on each climb, with pack animals carrying the heavy loads. Climbers will only ever carry day-packs.
A talented local chef will prepare our meals. Skip Horner will be head guide, and his assistant will be Eduardo Unzueta, president of the Bolivian Mountain Guides Ass’n. We climbed several of these peaks together in 2008. Skip has climbed, guided and skied all over the world for over 3 decades. Eduardo has countless ascents of many peaks, a very impressive resume’. He skied Parinacota 2 years ago.

Bolivia Itinerary [] Bolivia Details