Mount Sidley — January 2019 Summit Report¶

Mount Sidley is Antarctica's highest volcano and the most remote mountain we have ever attempted. Located on the Executive Committee Range of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, it requires a ski-plane landing on the ice sheet followed by a multi-day approach. The volcanic caldera at the summit is filled with blue ice. We were, in all likelihood, the only humans within 500 km. Pure wilderness at the bottom of the world.

Trip Overview¶

Mountain: Mount Sidley (4285m) Date: January 20, 2019 Duration: 14 days Party Size: 3 Outcome: Summit

Conditions¶

Weather: Extreme isolation on the West Antarctic ice sheet. Weather delays consumed 5 of 14 days. When clear, the conditions were stunning — endless white landscape under pale blue sky. Snow: Wind-blasted sastrugi and ice. Deep powder in sheltered areas. Temperature: -30°C to -18°C Wind: Strong katabatic winds 30-50 km/h, calm periods between systems

Difficulty Assessment¶

Antarctica's highest volcano is more an expedition than a climb. The mountain itself is a moderate snow climb, but reaching it requires ski-plane logistics to one of the most remote places on Earth. No rescue is possible.