ACONCAGUA XPERIENCE| Ascensos y Trekkings al Aconcagua | Mendoza | Argentina | .....................................design by www.mawd.com.ar

Normal Route

Polish Traverse Route

Polish Glacier

Plaza Francia Trek

Inca Archaeological Trek NEW!

Plaza Francia & Plaza de Mulas trek and Cerro Bonete ascent

Traverse arround Mount Aconcagua

Base Camps

Mules

Other Servicies

27/11/07 Treking Season

Our trekking season comenced with high success, the first group is retuning today fron Plaza Francia. This spectacular 3 days / 2 nigths to the South Face departs every Tue and Sun from Mendoza. Please enquire at info@aconcagua-xperience.com.ar

01/11/07 NW Route Expeditions, few spots left.

Few spots left in some of our NW Route Expeditions. Please inquire at info@aconcagua-xperience.com.ar

01/11/07 Plaza francia Trek

Spectacular views along the way will lead us to discover the immense amphitheater of Aconcagua South Face. 3000 vertical meters of rock, ice and hanging glaciers that from time to time will leave the trekkers astonished with an avalanche. Enjoy our exclusive Geodesic Domes Camp! Includes Welcome wine tasting, visit and lunch at Familia Zuccardi Winery. more info at info@aconcagua-xperience.com.ar

14/03/07 Pocas Plazas

Quedan pocas plazas para nuestro ultimo trek de la temporada a Plaza Francia, que parte el 06/03/07, durante el feriado de Semana Santa. ¡Reserve con tiempo!.

08/03/07 EASTER PLAZA FRANCIA TREK

08/03/07 Trek Palza Francia - SEMANA SANTA

Paisajes espectaculares nos conducirán a descubrir el inmenso anfiteatro de la Pared Sur del Aconcagua, 3000 metros verticales de roca, nieve y glaciares colgantes que de vez en cuando sorprenden a los visitantes con una ocasional avalancha. Alojamiento en nuestro exclusivo eco-campamento de Domos Geodésicos! Incluye Almuerzo y visita de bienvenida en la Bodega Familia Zuccardi. Salida 05/04/07 Precio: $735 Código: TSM050507

01/03/07 Semana Santa en el Aconcagua

01/03/7 Easter Plaza Francia Trek

27/02/07 Semana Santa en el Aconcagua

Quedan pocos lugares para el Trek a Plaza Francia de Semana Santa. Reserve con tiempo! info@aconcagua-xperience.com.ar

20/02/07 Mendoza y San Juan

Mendoza and The Moon Valley: Four days combining San Juan & Mendoza: San Juan City Tour, Inschigualasto National Park (Moon Valley), Mendoza: Villavicencio and Paramillos, Mining Trek, wine tasting, visit and lunch at Familia Zuccardi Winery. Departs: APRIL 05 Price: arg$820 (Hostel) / arg$1.180 (3 star Hotel) CODE: XAGTSJMZA050407

20/02/07 Multiaventuta en Mendoza

Multiaventura y Vino 4 días/3 noches: Este programa combina visita y almuerzo en la Bodega Familia Zuccardi, con Rafting, Trekking, Mountain Bike, Cabalgata, y trekking minero, terminando con un día de spa y relax en Termas de Cacheuta. Salida 05/04/07 Precio: $790 (Hostel –Dormy) / $1.150 (Hotel 3 estrellas Base DBL) Código: XAGT050507

20/02/07 Multi adventures in Mendoza

Multi-Adventure and Wine 4 days/3nights Program: This program combines a superb lunch, tasting and wine tour at Familia Zuccardi Winery, with Rafting, Trekking, Mountain Bike, Horseback Ride, and Mine Trekking, finishing with a relax and spa day at Cacheuta Hot Springs. +INFO Departs: APR 05 Price: arg$790 (Hostel) / arg$1.150 (3 star Hotel DBL Room) CODE: XAGT050507

20/02/07 Semana Santa en el Aconcagua

20/02/07 Easter Trek to the South Face

23/01/07 FEW SPOTS LEFT

We have few spots left in our last Open Expedition of this season on the NW Route. Please enquire at info@aconcagua-xperience.com.ar

18/01/07 Record on Trekkers!

This season we are experiencing a record amount of clients on our scenic Plaza Francia Trek. Don't be left out! ou can find info about this great 3 day/2 night program at Aconcagua Park inside our site.

27/12/06 Discovery Channel te lleva al Aconcagua

Discovery Channel, en conjunto con su serie Travel & Living, ofrecerá un concurso donde los ganadores seran premiados con la participación del Trek Especial de Discovery a Plaza Francia, Pared Sur del Aconcagua, en Marzo.

27/12/06 Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel, for its series Travel & Living will be airing a series based on our Plaza Francia Trek, in addition of a contest. The winners will get a spot to participate in the Discovery Special Trek to the South Face of Aconcagua on March.

16/12/06 NEW YEAR'S TREK

We are currently taking reservations to our famous New Year's Trek to Plaza Francia. Itinerary: Previous day: (12/29/06) Reception in Mendoza. Lodging at Hostel Independencia. Day 1: (12/30/06) Walking Time 4hs. – Altitude Gain 450 m. from trailhead. Departure from Mendoza. Driving on the scenic highway 7, through the heart of the Central Andes Region, we’ll arrive at Horcones. Upon checking in with the Park’s Ranger Station at the trailhead, our trek starts taking us by the Horcones Lagoon, and reaching the hanging bridge that crosses the Horcones River an hour later. Here, at the “Quebrada del Durazno” (Peach’s Canyon), we’ll stop for lunch and rest. Another two to three hours following the trail into the Park, we’ll arrive at Confluencia, were our state-of-the-art geodesic Dome eco-base camp is located. Our camp attendants will be waiting for us with refreshments and a snack. After finding our beds, we’ll get ready for dinner by scouting the surroundings with the Guide (optional), and learning abut the peaks that enclose this narrow valley. Day 2: (12/31/06) Walking Time 8hs. – Altitude Gain 900 m. Early breakfast at the Dome, and the group will set off for Plaza Francia. This trail will take us by the Horcones Inferior River (Horcones River Lower Fork), and later on by the glacier that feeds the river. Spectacular views along the way will lead us to discover the immense amphitheater of the South Face. 3000 vertical meters of rock, ice and hanging glaciers that from time to time will leave the visitors astonished with an avalanche. We’ll have lunch at “el mirador”, this panoramic platform that outlooks the South Face, and learn the facts and tales of the first daredevils that conquer it. After having rested, the group will return to Confluencia. Our camp attendants will serve us a snack while we enjoy the sunset and get ready for a well-deserved New Tear’s dinner. Day 3: (01/01/07) Walking Time 3hs. After packing up our stuff, we’ll have breakfast and afterwards commence our last day by heading down the valley back to Horcones. Time permitting and if approved by the group, we’ll stop at Puente del Inca Hot Springs and soak our sore feet and enjoy lunch. Then we’ll continue down to Mendoza, were we will arrive by late afternoon. There are no words enough to describe this incredible experience that allows everybody to discover this fantastic mountain from it most spectacular face, without being a climber. Xperience Aconcagua promotes a safe, comfortable athmosphere and encourages a very environmental conscious operation. Difficulty: Level l. Moderate high altitude trek. Departure: 29/12 (Day 1 of this itinerary), 30/12 from Mendoza Price per person: arg$595.

03/OCT/06 NW Route Expeditions, few spots left.

Few spots left in some of our NW Route Expeditions. Codes and departure dates as follows: EA051206, departs on 12-05-06 / EA271206, departs on 12-27-06 / EA140107, departs on 01-14-07 / EA230107, departs on 01-23-07 / EA060207, departs on 02-06-07. Please inquire at info@aconcagua-xperience.com.ar

03/OCT/06 Park's News

The Horcones Trailhead, gateway for the NW Route, is beiing revamped with a new Visitor's Center, Ranger Station and a new paved road from highway 7.

16-06-06 LAS LEÑAS SKI RESORT OPENS ITS 2006 SEASON

Las Lenas is probably the most well known ski resort in all of South America. For years it has attracted the best of the best, who flock to Las Lenas to train and vacation during the Northern Hemisphere summer months. It is steep, very steep. The large amount of extreme, lift-accessible terrain mostly accessed by the famous Marte chairlift, makes it a playground for international daredevils, pro skiers/snowboarders and powder hounds. A lot of filming and photography is done in Las Lenas as well. If you are lucky you could be standing in the lift line next to some of the best skiers, snowboarders, photographers and filmmakers in the world. Many parts of this mountain are not recommended for anyone but the experts. The gigantic ski resort of Las Lenas is aptly described in one simple statement - on a clear day, you can ski forever. This means that Las Lenas has more lift-serviced ski terrain than any other ski area in the Western Hemisphere. More than Jackson Hole, more than Whistler/Blackcomb. Combine Vail and Snowbird, remove all the lifts that parallel each other, and you have a fair representation of Las Leñas. The touring possibilities here are endless, and our company is offering again, Snow Cat Tours and private off-piste guiding troughout the 2006 ski season. Our Director, Eduardo Soler, has been skiing this area since 1987, acumulating years of experience and he knowa all the hidden and sectret spots to guarantee you a great trip. For more information about our trips, please contact us at info@aconcagua-xperience.com.ar

24/04/06 The Ramada Story by Janne Corax

The hot and dusty desert was left behind and some more colorful scenery took over. Small pockets with green vegetation and strong colored hills surrounded us. We crossed a bridge over a brown raging river and arrived at Santa Ana control post. After registrating we started our walk towards Ramada, a 6380 meter high mountain, which was our first goal in the area. We had no support from an expedition organizer and therefore no mules. We immediately realized Rio Colorado, the river in the valley we followed would be an obstacle. It was not wide, but the current was very strong. Without mules we were bound to walk on one side and even if crossings were possibly we regarded them a bit too dangerous. Multicolored rock formations of odd and impressive shape lined our route in the little river valley. At times the walk was strenous and tricky, at other enjoyable and easy. When the rockwalls were steep and high, we sometimes considered crossing the river, but was turned back by the wild current. One day we saw a caravan of mules. It forded the river with ease. A wide valley opened up in front of us. Green grassy meadows with guanacos. And stormclouds. Dark shapes of huge peaks could be seen in blur of the increasing snowfall. We had no time to look closer at these interesting objects as the storm quickly grew in instensity. We pitched our tent behind a rock and anticipated a rough night. It never got really bad and the morning after when opening the tent door, I was stunned. The views were fantastic and not far away, Mercedario’s enormous south face loomed over smaller snow capped peaks. The sky was dark blue and the sun was shining. It was beautiful day to walk the last kilometer to Campo de Los Polacos, the base camp for the southern side of Meredario. In the base camp we met climbers from five different nations and they were all eager to tell us about their experiences in the area. All we spoke to agreed Ramada was a great goal and wished us good luck on our adventure. The morning after we started our walk towards Ramada, we realized the whole are was full of interesting peaks. The gigantic Mercedario at 6700m. Pico Polaco, the technical dark peak in the west. Little Mirador and the snowy La Mesa. A red scree slope took us up to a little pass and that was when we first saw it – Ramada. Snowy, broad and massive. A herde of guanacos, perfectly positioned on top of a little hill in front of the mountain made the picture complete. We somehow lost our way, but found a good camp spot next to a little river. On our second day out of base camp we encountered the first snow and also a brisk and cold wind. It was steep and difficult to find a camp, but we didn’t have much choice; we just had to walk on until we found a place for our tent. On a little plateau at about 5500 meters we found we were looking for. On top of that, we had excellent views all the surrounding peaks. Some Polish climbers arrived. They looked exhausted. It was their fourth day in the mountains and they had ascended quickly, probably a bit too fast. They seemed to suffer from the altitude. We wanted to try a variation of the normal route and headed for some snowy slopes west of the normal one. The snow conditions were not good and some smaller rock falls made us turn back. We had plenty of time and decided to return to camp and wait for tomorrow. The rest of the day we spent walking aroud looking at the beautiful mountain landscape. After a night of good sleep, we set out for the summit. We don’t like too early starts and went at a bit past nine. High up on the first slope we saw the Poles slowly heading up towards the first ridge. I felt in great condition. Nadine wanted to take it slow so we split after an hours climbing. The walk towards the summit proved to be easy, even though some stretches were covered with quite deep snow. The last few hundred meters I had to brake trail as I had now passed all the Polish climbers. A moderately steep ridge took me to a little col. Not far away I saw Ramada’s summit. I felt the usual great feeling of soon reaching another summit and almost ran the last 50 meters. From the summit I could see the whole of the Ramada massif as well as the gigantic looming shape of Aconcagua far in the south. I have been on many peaks, but the views from Ramada I can’t describe as anything but stunning. On my way down I met Nadine and the first two Polish climbers, which she had caught up with. She was going slowly but steadily and told me she was in good company and enjoyed the climb a lot. I went down to the camp spot 800 meters further down and started to melt some snow. Two and a half hours later Nadine arrived with a huge smile on her face. There was no doubt she had reached the summit. We ate dinner outside the tent and contemplated what to do next. The last rays of sunlight hit Mercedario. It was beautiful. The decision to choose the peak as the next goal was not difficult. Janne Corax & Nadine Saulnier

07/04/06 Representatives Wanted

Our company is seeking for individues, companies or agencies to market and sell our products on selected regions of the world, such as: Russia, UK, Spain, Italy, China, and other. Please contact us at info@aconcagua-xperience.com.ar

07/04/06 Season Summary

Aconcagua was cold this year. Damn cold. But that didn’t stop the hordes of climbers from attempting the Normal Route during the early part of the season. As usual the month of January started to warm up a bit but the typical peak season storm hit fiercely for several days forcing many to descend. Plaza de Mulas is an even larger mountain city than before equipped with satellite phones and several internet stations for a healthy fee. 7.285 visitors entered the Park this season, both trekkers and climbers. This is a 12.5% increase from last summer, being the summit success rate 35%, with three deaths: Borja Oviedo and Alejandro Valliani from Spain and Swiss Guide Alfredo Pini. Argentina is still a great value with great beef and amazing wines and you can still buy a liter of beer for a buck. However, if you haven’t made your plans to climb Aconcagua for the 2006-2007 season, I highly recommend you doing so. We at Xperience Aconcagua would like to thank all of our clients who joined us for expeditions to the summit and the many trekkers that enjoyed the beautiful views of The South Face. It was certainly our pleasure meeting you all and sharing the experiences. We hope you will pass on our name to those who are interested in joining us for the 2006-2007 season. James “Jimbo” Nylander Mountain Operations Manager U.S. Office Director

04/04/06 El cerro Aconcagua atrajo a más de 7.000 montañistas

El balance de la temporada 2005-2006 en el Parque Provincial Aconcagua fue positivo para Mendoza. Acorde con la tendencia de los últimos seis años, cada vez son más los visitantes extranjeros y argentinos que visitan la mayor elevación del continente americano. En total, desde el 15 de noviembre hasta ayer -cuando se cerró oficialmente la temporada- fueron 7.285 las personas que ingresaron al Parque y acamparon en los distintos puestos, para intentar subir a la cumbre o realizar circuitos de trekking. La cifra significa un crecimiento de 12.5% en relación con el año anterior. En esto tuvo que ver que el Gobierno decidió extender la temporada 15 días más que en años previos. El clima aún acompaña en las alturas y los guardaparques continuarán en los seis campamentos del cerro. La temporada ya concluyó y aún quedan montañistas en el lugar. Todo indica que además, los servicios de prestadores se mantendrán hasta Semana Santa inclusive. Acorde con el auge de visitas, en esta oportunidad también se registraron más intentos de ascenso: 4.271, es decir 65 más que hace un año. De ellos se estima que un 35% llegó a la cumbre y tres fallecieron en el intento; dos españoles y un suizo. Para Leopoldo León, director de Recursos Naturales, la temporada “fue muy buena no sólo por la cantidad de visitantes, sino a nivel cualitativo”. El trabajo de la fundación ambientalista Cullunche permitió controlar el estado sanitario de 780 mulas junto a la Sociedad Mundial para la Protección de los Animales (WSPA). Se logró reducir la cantidad de animales que resultaron lastimados al momento de transportar la carga de los andinistas. También se intensificaron los operativos para preservar el medio ambiente mediante la entrega de bolsas descartables y la recolección de residuos. La presencia de ambulancias en el ingreso a la reserva, la Patrulla de Rescate especializada de la Policía y el helicóptero fueron los elementos que permitieron trasladar o asistir de emergencia a andinistas y guardaparques. Uno de los motivos del crecimiento sostenido de visitas, dicen en Recursos, es la posibilidad de solicitar los permisos vía Internet. “El contacto con los consulados de países extranjeros también ayudó mucho para brindar información y a la vez permitir el contacto entre los viajeros y su país de origen”, explicó la subsecretaria de Turismo, Gabriela Testa, durante la presentación del informe final que se realizó ayer. El pico de la temporada fue en enero. Durante los últimos cuatro meses, quienes intentaron desafiar los 6962 metros de altura del Aconcagua fueron en su mayoría extranjeros (85%). Pero también hubo viajeros que contemplaron de cerca -pero desde la vera de la ruta- las ‘nieves eternas’. Fueron los 490.000 visitantes que ingresaron a la Laguna Horcones y a Puente de Inca En total, todos ellos dejaron una recaudación de $3,5 millones para el Fondo de la Naturaleza, administrado por la Dirección de Recursos. Los gastos de la temporada fueron casi $2,5 millones, según cifras oficiales. En junio del año pasado el antiguo refugio de Horcones, cuya principal función consistía en asesorar a los visitantes, quedó bajo las llamas. Ayer, las autoridades de Recursos Naturales adelantaron que está prevista la inauguración de una nueva estructura a fin de mes. Este sitio tendrá lugar para 20 guardaparques y sanitarios.

07/02/06 E-MAIL DOWN

OUR E-MAIL ADRESSES WILL BE DOWN FOR 48 HS DUE TO A CHANGE OF SERVERS. IN THE MEANING TIME YOU CAN USE XPERIENCEACONCAGUA@HOTMAIL.COM NUESTRAS DIRECCIONES DE E-MAIL VAN A ESTAR SIN FUNCIONAR POR 48HS, DEBIDO A QUE ESTAMOS MIGRANDO NUESTROS DOMINIOS DE UN SERVIDOR A OTRO. MIENTRASTANTO PUEDE COMUNICARSE CON NOSOTROS A TRAVEZ DE XPERIENCEACONCAGUA@HOTMAIL.COM

23/01/06 Otra tragedia en el Aconcagua: murió un escalador suizo

Una complicación pulmonar, por la escasez de oxígeno en la altura, provocó la muerte de un deportista suizo que intentaba alcanzar la cumbre del Aconcagua de 6.962 metros. Es el tercer europeo que muere en esta temporada de ascenso, pero a diferencia de los otros dos anteriores, este escalador era guía de montaña con experiencia en los Alpes. El suizo Alfredo Pini (55) sufrió un edema pulmonar cerca de la base Nido de Cóndores, a 5.559 metros de altura. Había partido el viernes por la ruta Noroeste, la más transitada, desde el campamento base de Plaza de Mulas (4.250 metros) hacia la cumbre. El edema pulmonar conocido como mal de altura, aparece a los tres mil metros porque los pulmones pierden la capacidad de incorporar oxígeno, que escasea en la altura. Algunos síntomas son cansancio, dolor de cabeza y somnolencia y requiere de un rápido descenso del enfermo. Se previene con mayor tiempo de aclimatación a la altura y preparación física. Pini trabajaba como guía de montaña para una empresa mendocina que realiza ascensiones al Aconcagua. Como otros europeos trabajaba la temporada en el Hemisferio Sur y, en el verano europeo, volvía a los Alpes. Llevaba varios días en Plaza de Mulas, donde hay un hotel con servicios médicos, guardaparques y red de comunicaciones para asistir a los expedicionarios. Esa es la principal parada de los andinistas para realizar la aclimatación a la altura, que puede llevar una semana y poder continuar hacia los campamentos más próximos a la cumbre. El sábado, el suizo alcanzó a subir poco más de mil metros cuando comenzó a descompensarse. Según informó la Dirección de Recursos Naturales, falleció a las 14:30 a causa de un edema pulmonar que derivó en edema cerebral. Los otros dos andinistas también murieron por problemas físicos: Borja Oviedo (30) sufrió un paro cardiorespiratorio el 10 de enero, cuando sólo estaba a 200 metros de la cumbre del Aconcagua. Aparentemente era hipertenso y no había tomado la medicación para controlar su enfermedad. El 15 de enero, el madrileño Alejandro Valliani, se desmayó en la llamada zona Colombia, a 3.850 metros de altura. La noche anterior había tenido fiebre, pero igual siguió la marcha. Murió cuando caminaba hacia el campamento base de Plaza de Mulas. Ante las sucesivas muertes, el Gobierno mendocino lanzó un alerta a los visitantes del Aconcagua, especialmente los deportistas extranjeros, que muchas veces desconocen las dificultad de la cordillera de Los Andes. Cerca de 7 mil personas ingresan cada año al parque Aconcagua para caminatas cortas y ascensos a la montaña más alta de América. Desde la Dirección de Recursos Naturales de Mendoza dicen que es por inexperiencia, falta de preparación física y cierta irresponsabilidad. "Hay muchas peleas entre los guardaparques y los deportistas que tienen que bajar cuando aparecen complicaciones en el ascenso", contó el director de Recursos Naturales de Mendoza, Leopoldo León. Este año se han otorgado 3.680 permisos de ascenso y el cuerpo de guardaparques ha realizado 82 evacuaciones. Para asistir a los andinistas, el Aconcagua cuenta con un equipo de seis médicos especialistas en altura: cuatro en Plaza de Mulas, uno en Confluencia y otro en Plaza Argentina. No hay un examen médico obligatorio y pocas veces se hacen revisar antes los primeros síntomas. Otros escaladores que sufren complicaciones, no se resignan a abandonar el desafío de llegar a la cumbre y ponen en riesgo su vida.

12/01/06 FEW SPOTS LEFT

WE HAVE FEW SPOTS LEFT ON OUR NW ROUTE OPEN EXPEDITION THAT DEPARTS ON JAN 23. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING THIS OPORTUNITY, PLEASE MAIL US AT info@aconcagua-xperience.com.ar

31/12/05 Sobrevolaran el Aconcagua en Ala Delta

Un italiano intentará volar en un deltaplano a 10 mil metros de altura, superando en algo más de 3 mil metros la cumbre del cerro Aconcagua al que atravesará tratando de "imitar el vuelo del cóndor andino". Angelo d\'Arrigo, de 44 años, dijo hoy a la prensa que se considera "un pájaro" y que aspira a atravesar el Aconcagua -de 6962 metros- "como nadie lo hizo hasta ahora", para lo cual tendrá que volar a más de 3 mil metros por sobre la cumbre del coloso de América para tratar de batir su propio récord y alcanzar los 10 mil metros de altura. El italiano dijo que en 2004 "avistó el Everest", de 8.848 metros de altura. El deportista utlizará para esta expedición un deltaplano, una suerte de aladelta diseñado para imitar las alas y el vuelo del cóndor, e inciará una travesía inédita denominada "Wings of Condors-Aconcagua Expedition 2005, Argentina". D\'Arrigo dijo que en el marco de otras experiencias "voló como el águila tibetana, trepó hasta los 9 mil metros y ostenta el récord mundial de altura en deltaplano". Como parte del equipo de D\'Arrigo, dos camarógrafos del canal National Geographic harán un documental sobre esta aventura y filmarán la geografía mendocina, por lo que el proyecto fue declarado de interés turístico provincial. Las autoridades locales señalaron hoy que de concretarse el vuelo del italiano, éste será "el primer cruce" al Aconcagua en deltaplano. Informaron que D\'Arrigo es piloto de vuelo libre, sin motor, y ya cumplió 25 mil horas en el aire y que de esta forma ya logró dos títulos mundiales y cuatro récords en vuelo deportivo. El deportista italiano, que habla castellano, manifestó que "hace unos años" abandonó la competición para dedicarse a su proyecto "Metamorphosis, un estudio de las técnicas de vuelo de las aves rapaces más grandes de los seis continentes, que también incluye a la Antártida". Explicó que las alas de esa aves "fueron recreadas tecnológicamente para volar como ellas, sin motor, usando como material el viento y sus corrientes ascendentes", pero aclaró que el hombre para alcanzar esas alturas "debe volar con oxígeno". Las autoridades indicaron que D\'Arrigo tendrá 20 días de permiso para realizar su expedición y que en las próximas horas viajará hasta los campamentos base Confluencia y Plaza de Mulas, "buscando aclimatarse" y tendrá tres días de chequeos médicos, escalada en hielo y adaptación. Entre el 27 y el 30 de diciembre, un avión ultraliviano lo traccionará por la ruta siete, cerca de Puente del Inca, hasta que las corrientes ascendentes lo lleven a unos 500 metros de la cima del cerro Aconcagua, pero el italiano procurará el récord en otro intento cuando las condiciones meteorológicas sean favorables.

20-12-05 NEW YEAR'S TREK

WE HAVE FEW SPOTS LEFT IN OUR LEGENDARY NEW YEAR'S TREK TO PLAZA FRANCIA, ACONCAGUA SOUTH FACE. COME UP WITH US IF YOU WANT TO CELEBRATE ON A VERY UNIQUE AND ORIGINAL FASHION, AT 3.300 METERS OF ALTITUDE!. 29/12 ARRIVAL TO MENDOZA 30/12 MENDOZA/HORCONES TRAILHEAD/CONFLUENCIA BC. 31/12 CONFLUENCIA/PLAZA FRANCIA/CONFLUENCIA. NEW YEARS DINNER 01/01 CONFLUENCIA BC/MENDOZA. PRICE PER PERSON: U$S 160 THIS IS A 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS PROGRAM

14/12/05 NEW DATE OPENED!

Due to the high demand, we just have open a new NW Route Open expedition date, wich is DEC. 27th 2005. The trip code is EA271205 and we have five spots left that are going fast!.

14/12/05 Big Start

The Aconcagua season is off to a booming start. The predictions of a 15% increase are already proving to be on track. If you haven’t reserved your spot for one of our “open” expeditions it is advisable to do so soon. Spaces are filling up quickly. Log onto our website to check out dates and availability. Our staff is standing by to answer questions and take your reservations.

06/12/05 Record Low temperatures and no summits yet

Over the last weekend, four climbers were evacuated from Aconcagua due to strong winds, and record low temperatures. The weather is beeing harsh with winds up to 80 kph and -60ºC temperatures. The acess to Plaza Argentina BC is still blocked due to the ice and penitents formations.

06/12/05 Aconcagua: temperaturas de hasta 60° bajo cero y ninguna cumbre

Durante el pasado fin de semana fueron cuatro los montañistas evacuados del Parque Provincial Aconcagua y la cifra desde que comenzó la temporada ascendió a 14, sobre un total de 591 ingresantes. Según los guardaparques que trabajan en la zona los fuertes vientos y las bajas temperaturas en la altura del cerro son las causas por las cuales los deportistas tienen que ser evacuados y atendidos por los médicos. El diagnóstico más grave de los últimos evacuados es el de un montañista suizo que sufrió un accidente cerebral. Sin embargo los médicos anunciaron ayer que la evolución del paciente es favorable. Mientras tanto un español y dos misioneros fueron dados de alta tras ser evacuados del parque en helicóptero. El europeo sufrió un edema, mientras que a uno de los argentinos le diagnosticaron ceguera química y al otro congelamiento de pies y manos. “El clima esta siendo muy duro en la altura, hay vientos de hasta 80 kilómetros por hora y han llegado a registrase temperaturas cercanas a los 60 grados bajo cero en la cumbre, por eso hasta el momento no tenemos información de que alguno de los ingresantes haya hecho cumbre”, aseguró Pablo Perelló, jefe de Area del Parque Aconcagua. Las cifras de evacuados no son alarmantes, sin embargo el problema que detectan los guardaparques es que cada vez ingresan más montañistas sin preparación física para sortear los obstáculos que la montaña impone. Por esto y por las condiciones climáticas cada vez más deportistas utilizan el paradero Ibáñez, entre Confluencia y Plaza de Mulas para hacer un descanso en el ascenso. El otro inconveniente que esta temporada se tuvo que sortear por las bajas temperaturas es el bloqueo del acceso a Plaza Argentina (por la ruta del valle de las Vacas) en mula. “Esta todo lleno de glaciares y hemos tenido que utilizar el helicóptero para el traslado de los dos guardaparques y el médico y para abastecimiento”, explicó Perelló. La nave que presta servicios en el parque aún no ha realizado los habituales trabajos de logística, ya que debido a estos inconvenientes y al fuerte viento que impide operar con seguridad, sólo se ha utilizado para evacuaciones y abastecimiento.

19-11-05 Confluencia BC is up and running !

The first stage of BC set up was completed yesterday, with a fully functional kitchen, dinning tent, dorm tent and bathroom. Next week we will launch the second stage, where the big geodesic domes will be ansambled for the season.

16-11-05 Site Downtime

Apologies to the ones who were trying to reach us over the last few days. A glich in one of the servers that hosts our site made our URL invisible. So for the ones that went thinking that we were drinking your expedition down payment away in some Mexican beach, let me assure you that we are working hard to prepare for the up coming season.

14-11-05 PROSPECTING TRIP

We went to Confluencia BC campsite last Saturday to inspect the route for our mules. We discover that there are minor patches of snow and Confluencia is clear and ready to be set, so we'll be seting camp this thursday 17th. Plaza de Mulas BC set up is still delayed due to the amount of snow on the route, specially at the Cuesta Brava.

11-11-05 ONE SPOT LEFT

THERE IS ONE SPOT LEFT IN OUR SELECT POLISH TRAVERSE EXPEDITION DEPARTING ON NOV.26/2005. THIS IS GOING TO BE A SMALL TEAM OF FOUR CLIMBERS, GUIDED BY JAMES NYLANDER AND ONE ASSISTANT GUIDE. DANNA COORKE, FEW TIMES NORTH POLE RACE VETERAN WILL BE PART OF THIS TEAM AS WELL. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, DROP US A MAIL TO INFO@ACONCAGUA-XPERIENCE.COM.AR

11-11-05 Expedition Bookings - Last Seats!

We are currently taking reservations for our 2005-2006 NW Route Open Expeditions. There are some trips already almost full (12 climbers per expedition), and clients taking advantage of the discount incentive our company offers to the ones who reserve in advance. The trip's dates are: 1- DEC 05 2005 2- DEC 19 2005 3- JAN 02 2006 4- JAN 23 2006 Please drop us a mail if you are interested in any of these dates. We also cater Private Expeditions, if this is your case, please enquire with time so we can fit that trip in our operating schedule.

11-11-05 Wheels are moving finally!

As we approach the season kick off, things are finally shaping up. Tomorrow we'll enter the Park via Horcones Valley up to Confluencia BC grounds to evaluate the way we are going to set camp in regards of snowpack and geting the mules in. We will have first hand information about the situation and the route's condition. We'll also post fresh pics in our gallery so you folks can see the tons of snow we had this year. So log back in on Sunday for fresh information.

20-10-05 Heads up with the snow pack

We just had one of the greatest ski seasons ever, with record snowfalls and lots of powder. We have spend the winter guiding cat tours and extreme skiing off Las Leñas ski resort, and witnessed how winter carried on and runoff was delayed by colder-than-normal spring temperatures. Because this situation, the Aconcagua Park is still blanketed with a considerable amount of snow, that will probably delay our base camps set up from mid November to December 1st, if we can get the mules in. This poises a problem to all expeditions schedule for the month of November, and increases the risk of avalanches on the Polish Glacier Route and above camp II on the Polish Traverse Route. ARVA's or avalanche beacons and shovels may be advised on the East-N E Routes.

20-10-05 Los Puquios Campsite

Our company will operate Los Puquios Campsite, which is located 1.5 K. from Puente del Inca. It is right across Highway 7 from the Cementerio de los Andinistas or Andinists Cemetery. The daily bus service (Expreso Uspallata) from Mendoza to Las Cuevas stops there if you ask the driver. If you come into Argentina from Chile by bus, you can also ask the driver stop there. At LOS PUQUIOS (pure water spring in quechua) we offer a serious and efficient service with twenty five years of experience serving expeditions by transporting equipment and materials by mule to Plaza de Mulas BC (4.230 m), the South Face (Plaza Francia BC) and the Polish Glacier Route via Valle de las Vacas and Plaza Argentina BC. In the case of expeditions coming from Santiago de Chile to Mendoza city to as to apply for permits, we offer them a safe and convenient place to keep their mountain gear, avoiding the inconvenience of having to carry it while in the city and them back to the mountain. Many expeditions use this system. We safeguard all entrusted equipment until the members of the expedition return with their pertinent climbing or trekking permits. I this manner, you will save overcharges and the trouble of having to load and unload gear several opportunities, in Mendoza City The animals movement is monitored by radio communication directly and simultaneously from LOS PUQUIOS with Plaza de Mulas BC, Plaza Argentina BC, Confluencia BC, and our offices in Mendoza. LOS PUQUIOS offers climbers and trekkers a safe and secure area for camping (2.700 m) with restroom facilities, showers, drinking water, snack bar, store, benzene (white gas), gas canisters (Camping Gas), and some equipment rentals.

13-10-05 EXPEDITION BOOKINGS

11-10-05 A record climbing season is expected for this next 2005-2006 summer

A record climbing season is expected for this next 2005-2006 summer The 2005/06 season, had an all-times record in visitors, reaching the 7.000 climbers, who enjoyed this fantastic experience. For the up-coming season, the authorities are forecasting a 15% increase on the number of visitors. So, if you haven’t got a spot in one of our expeditions yet, remember that you can find all the information at www.aconcagua-xperience.com.ar We are eager to answer all your questions regarding this up-coming season.

11-10-05 Los Andes crecen: científicos argentinos y estadounidenses quieren medirlos

Instalarán en el Aconcagua una estación con tecnología GPS para medir cómo crecen los cerros. Será la más alta del mundo y ahora podrán tener datos más precisos en áreas como la geodinámica, la cartografía y la glaciología. Hasta ahora la geología pudo descubrir que los Andes crecen, pero no cuánto ni en qué tiempo. Por eso un grupo de científicos e investigadores nacionales y del exterior se unieron para poner en marcha un sistema de medición a través de la tecnología GPS que aportará datos clave para develar la incógnita de estas montañas, las más altas de América. Se trata del "Sistema de Investigación GPS Mauna Aconcagua - Proyecto Sigma", un ambicioso plan multidisciplinario anunciado por la Facultad de Ingeniería de la Universidad Nacional de Cuyo que busca instalar y operar una estación permanente en el Aconcagua, cuya última medición fue de 6.959 metros sobre el nivel del mar. Junto con la casa de altos estudios mendocina participan de esta iniciativa la Universidad Nacional de La Plata, el Instituto Argentino de Nivología y Glaciología del CONICET , la Universidad de Hawaii, el Instituto Gráfico Militar y la Dirección de Recursos Naturales Renovables del gobierno de Mendoza. Si bien a priori puede parecer superfluo medir cuántos centímetros crecen el Aconcagua y el resto de los cerros, en décadas, e incluso siglos, los científicos aseguraron que del conjunto de las investigaciones surgirán nuevos y más precisos conocimientos para la Geodinámica, Ionósfera, Geodesia, Glaciología y Nivología, Cartografía, y hasta para el ordenamiento territorial. De hecho, el mismo nombre del proyecto -"Sigma", cuyo símbolo "S" significa "sumatoria" en lenguaje matemático- expresa esa conjunción de conocimientos y de instituciones científicas en pos de una dirección concreta, según destacó el doctor Jorge Barón, de la Facultad de Ingeniería de la UNCuyo, uno de los impulsores del proyecto. El reconocido investigador reseñó que se trabaja desde hace ocho años en la elaboración de este proyecto, que surgió a raíz de los contactos académicos realizados entre la Facultad y la "Pacific GPS Facility", una unidad experimentada en mediciones de la Universidad de Hawaii. Milímetros sobre tierra El Sistema de Posicionamiento Global (GPS, según sus siglas en inglés) que se instalará en la cumbre del Aconcagua es de precisión milimétrica y de pequeñas dimensiones y estará conectado con la red de aparatos similares que ya existen a ambos lados de la Cordillera. Tal como destacó la institución, se convertirá en la estación GPS más alta del mundo, lo que además del récord implica dificultades inéditas en cuanto al lugar de colocación, acceso y seguridad. Por eso los científicos recurrieron al aporte del ingeniero Gabriel Cabrera, que es, al mismo tiempo, investigador del IANIGLA y experto escalador del Centinela de América. Una de las aplicaciones que se derivarán de la información obtenida a través del sistema y que será de trascendencia para Mendoza es "una probable revisión de la metodología de medición del balance hidrológico", además del desarrollo tecnológico que requerirá la transmisión de esa información, tal como destacó en el lanzamiento el investigador Luis Lenzano, del Conicet. La vertiente geodinámica del proyecto fue abordada por el doctor Benjamín Brooks, de la Universidad de Hawaii. "La medición de la deformación de los Andes -indicó- implica evaluar el componente elástico derivado de los movimientos de la Placa de Nazca y la Placa Sudamérica, y también el componente permanente del crecimiento de la altura de los Andes Centrales, con todas las conclusiones que se pueden sacar respecto de sismología". Por otro lado, el sistema de investigación permitirá también obtener nuevos conocimientos acerca del comportamiento de las partes superiores de la atmósfera y el impacto que producen los rayos y vientos solares. El estudio de estos fenómenos está a cargo del Grupo GESA, de la Facultad de Astronomía y Geofísica de la UNLP. Los expositores destacaron la participación de la Dirección de Recursos Naturales Renovables de Mendoza, que además de aportar significativamente a la logística para la concreción del proyecto, seguramente en el largo plazo podrá contar con los resultados de la investigación para desarrollar su tarea en la provincia.

09-13-2005 ONE SPOT LEFT

27-07-05 Xperience Aconcagua at the US Outdoor Show

Xperience Aconcagua will be present at the next US Outdoor Retailers Show, at Salt Lake City next Agust. James Nylander, our US office director and Mountain Operations Manager will be attending the show and answering questions about our company´s operations at Aconcagua for next season.

22-06-05 EXPEDITION BOOKINGS

21-06-05 NEW OFF-PISTE GUDE SERVICE FOR SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS BASED AT LAS LEÑAS SKI RESORT

From June to October, we will guiding skiers and snowboarders that want to explore the extreme terrain of this legendary South American ski resrot. The terrain is incredible, most of it served by lifts, with the chairlift that climbs more vertical meters by distance in the world (www.laslenas.com). Also, the program called Extreme Expedition allows us the use of snow-cat assisted transport to the valleys arround the resort, for an unique, pristine and incredible experience. For more info, please enqire us at info@aconcagua-xperience.com.ar, and check the resort's site.

24-05-05 World Première: Helicopter lands on the TOP of the world.

On May 14th, 2005 at 7h08 (local time), a serial Ecureuil/AStar AS 350 B3 piloted by the EUROCOPTER X-test pilot Didier Delsalle, landed at 8,850 meters (29,035ft) on the top of the Mount Everest (Kingdom of Nepal). This tremendous achievement breaks the World Record for the highest altitude landing and take-off ever, which sets an ultimate milestone in the History of Aviation. Fabrice Brégier, President and CEO of the EUROCOPTER Group, world leading helicopter manufacturer, immediately congratulated the pilot and his team for this extraordinary feat. After taking off from its base camp Lukla on May 14th, 2005 at 2,866 meters (9,403ft) Didier Delsalle onboard his Ecureuil AS350B3 reached the top of Mount Everest. As required by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI - International Aeronautical Federation), the aircraft remained landed on ground more than 2 minutes on the top of the world before flying back to Lukla. This feat was renewed the day after. Stepping out of his helicopter, Didier Delsalle commented: « To reach this mythical summit definitively seemed to be a dream; despite the obvious difficulties of the target to be reached, the aircraft demonstrated its capability to cope with the situation (…), sublimated by the magic of the place”. This aircraft is similar to the one used by the Aconcagua Park to conduct cargo transport and emergency evacuations. *For more info log into www.eurocopter.com Achieved with a serial helicopter, this absolute World Record once more contributes to underline the unique qualities of the Ecureuil/AStar AS350 B3 as a multipurpose, reliable, quick and comfortable helicopter which emerges as the most performing aircraft in the world in the most extreme conditions. During the trial period, Didier Delsalle and his Ecureuil/AStar AS350 B3 flew some rescue missions on behalf of the Nepalese authorities demonstrating the operational capabilities of the aircraft used to set the altitude landing and take-off World Record.

12-05-05 Argentinian All female team to climb Gasherbrum II

An all-female Argentinean expedition to Gasherbrum II is getting ready. Three girls – two of them in their twenties - have been chosen among a number of applicants to form the fist women’s team from Argentina to attempt an 8000er. The young chosen ones: According to a local paper, Clarin Virginia Iglesias, 23, is a fragile-looking college student. However, she has been selected thanks to her endurance capacity at high altitude. Another participant, Roxana Andrea Rechencq, 25, is a rock climber from Bariloche. Roxana got married last week and spent her honeymoon taking part in a boulder contest. The ‘veteran’ in the group is Ana Triep, 36, currently living in the U.S. Triep has the most high altitude experience: She has climbed Aconcagua ten times. Guys not far away: The girls are flying on June 4th to Islamabad. However, they won’t be alone during the trip. A male team will escort the ladies up to BC. The seven-member male team is aiming for Gasherbrum I (Hidden peak), and both expeditions expect to work together on the shared sections of the route. The guys’ team members are: Damián Redmond (leader, 37), Víctor Herrera (39), Migel Lotfi (doctor, 32), Gerardo Castillo (29), Miguel Lito Sánchez (45), Fabián Iribas (40), and Pablo Reguera. Photographer Marcelo Alvarez will join both teams taking pictures on the lower sections of the route. A patron and a tribute: The expedition is sponsored by Spanish-born entrepreneur Molins Gil. Molins is sparing no expenses in his desire to support Argentinean teams to climb all the 14 8000ers. For him it is like a “gratitude debt”: Gil fell in love with Argentina when he first visited the country to climb Aconcagua. He quickly married a local woman and moved there. Molins Gil led the Argentinean tem who summited Dhaulagiri in 2004. This time he will coordinate both climbs from BC. The girls want to climb GII as a tribute to Nancy Silvestrini, the first Arbentinian female to climb an 8.000

28-04-05 Expedition Bookings

4-18-05 New Route in the South Face

New Route on Aconcagua By Dougald MacDonald Tomaz Humar has forged a new line up the south face of Aconcagua with Ales Kozelj, the first major new route for Humar since a freak home-building accident nearly crippled his legs. The two Slovenians reached the summit of 22,841-foot Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, after five days of hard and dangerous climbing. The route traces a line up the left side of the 8,000-foot face, to the left of the 1982 Slovenian route to Aconcagua’s south summit. The men found hard, shattered rock and vertical to overhanging ice, and the difficulties were compounded by much falling rock, ice and water, along with severe cold and snowstorms that caused frostbite to Kozelj’s feet and hands. They reached the summit on December 21. For Humar, this was the first time he had roped up with a partner in the mountains since the death of Janez Jeglic in 1997 on the summit of Nuptse, after the two made the first ascent of the west face. One of the late 20th century’s greatest mountaineers, Humar’s last big new route was a solo climb of the 13,000-foot south face of Dhaulagiri in 1999. After that climb, he fell into a hole at the home he was building in Slovenia and badly broke both legs. Complications led doctors to conclude he might never walk again. But after more than 10 surgeries he was back to climbing, and in 2002 he climbed Shishapangma in Tibet. Last summer, he attempted to solo the Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat, but was driven down by illness and poor conditions.