Episode 41: Aconcagua, the Roof of the Americas

The Duffel Shuffle podcast is kicking off a 7-Episode series, covering all things seven summits. Popularized, and first completed, by Dick Bass, the 7 Summits List is comprised of the tallest mountain on each of the 7 continents of the world. These include, in order of height, Everest (Asia), Aconcagua (S. America), Denali (N. America), Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mount Elbrus (Europe) and Australia/Oceania (Mount Kosciuszko/Puncak Jaya). 

Adrian and Sam start with Aconcagua, the tallest mountain outside of the Himalaya, and the tallest peak in South America. Aconcagua, which was first climbed in 1897, sees approximately, 3,000-4,000 attempts annually, with a success rate of roughly 30-40%. Considering the altitude, challenging weather and incredibly short climbing season, Aconcagua is no walk in the park!

- Nearing 23,000' or 7,000m in elevation, Aconcagua is an excellent place for climbers to test themselves at an altitude that isn't found anywhere else, outside of the Himalaya. 

- While the technical challenge on Aconcagua is quite low, each season brings a number of accidents and near misses due to unprepared climbers and challenging weather and wind. 

- Equipment choices on Aconcagua can be the difference between success and failure, and many cold weather items are really only needed on the summit. 

Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more.