Trip Reports

Antisana 2007

Written by Leader Gaspar Navarrete, November 2007

After three successful expeditions to this, the least visited of the high mountains of Ecuador, this year the team returned home without the summit. We had unexpected storms and lots of snow, which stopped the 2007 Jagged Globe expedition to Antisana from reaching it's main objective.

The expedition started out climbing two 4000m peaks, Rucu Pichincha and Rumiñahui, where the team felt good and strong. Some small health problems put two members out of combat for a day. Rain, snow and clouds were our weather pattern in this unusual November where many teams from all over the world went back home without reaching the summits of most of the Ecuadorian peaks.

Iliniza Norte was our next climb and also the only one where we did not get wet. Outstanding views of Cotopaxi, the Pichinchas massive, Antisana and Cayambe were enjoyedon our way up. All reached the summit and spent a good time on it, recharging their batteries after seeing Antisana in the distance.

On Antisana, the team was strong and climbing fast, but a big snow crust with a huge amount on sugary and soft snow underneath the first layer, made us consider that the avalanche danger was too high. Two snow stability tests showed the very weak condition of the snow pack. We could therefore not continue and so turned back from an altitude of around 5,000m.

Of the three members who attempted Chimborazo, Richard, Chris and David, only Richard managed to make it to the Veintimilla Summit, together with guide Ambraham Chuquimarca.

The team is now back home safely and frustratingly, the weather is now improving! Antisana is still there and waiting for more adventures. In 2008, Dave Walsh will lead the Jagged Globe team. Congratulations to every member of the Jagged Globe 2007 Antisana trip, and thanks to the other mountain guides, cook and staff.

Gaspar Navarrete, Expedition Leader« Previous report | Next report »

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