Mount Sidley (4 285 m / 14 058 ft)

Mount Sidley is the highest volcano in Antarctica, a member of the Volcanic Seven Summits, with a summit elevation. Less than ten people on the planet performed the program. For the whole history of Antarctic exploration and mountaineering, not more than 7 people were on the top. Sidley’s spectacular remote setting, interesting and varied climbing, and its status as one of the Volcanic Seven Summits make it a ‘must do’ for adventurous mountaineers.

It is a massive, mainly snow-covered shield volcano which is the highest and most imposing of the five volcanic mountains that comprise the Executive Committee Range. This huge and remote mountain set on the flat white expanse of the Polar Ice Sheet. The majestic, mostly-snow- covered peak features a 3 mile (5km) wide caldera and sheer walled amphitheater, created by an explosive eruption 4.7 million years ago. Blue ice slopes guard the upper mountain and fantastical snow ‘mushrooms’ sprout along the upper ridge, creating an elaborate maze that leads to the summit. Although Sidley is not technically difficult, it is a serious mountain due to its elevation 14,058 ft (4285m), latitude (77°S), cold –25F (-30C) and extremely remote location. You should have experience with multi-day peaks in cold environments; climbing at altitude >14,000 ft (4300m); and with unsupported alpine-style ascents in winter conditions. Proficiency with an ice axe and crampons on slopes to 45 degrees and with roped glacier travel is essential. The gentle slopes of volcano are almost all covered with snow and the very top could easily be reached on skis. Modern volcanic activity especially not manifest itself, according to scientists last eruption occurred about 4.7 million years ago.

• Volcanic Seven Summits

Located in Marie Byrd Land about 300 km from the coast of The Southern Ocean.

By plane from Punta Arenas (Chile) to Union Glacier (base Ellsworth Mountains operated by Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions LLC (ALE), a company that provides expedition support and tours to the interior of Antarctica), from there by plane to the base camp of Mount Sidley. Or from Punta Arenas (Chile) to Patriot Hills (base Ellsworth Mountains), from there by plane to the base camp of Mount Sidley.

You need fill out the forms for visiting Antarctica (On the site of the operator). You must have insurance in an amount not less than 150 000 $. You can insure the American company Travelex insurance It is necessary to fill in a form on the website Insurance companies and insurance to pay with credit card. www.travelexinsurance.com

Mount Sidley was first climbed in 1990 by New Zealander Bill

Atkinson and saw it’s second ascent in 2010 by an ANI guided

party of four. The ANI team established a new route up the east

ridge and traversed all three summits.

In 2013 the next expedition took its place - Russian girl Olga

Rumyantseva along with two other expedition members. She

was summiting Sidley while performing her 7 volcanoes

program.

 

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Guided Tours

• Travelex insurance
• Hotel Diego de Almagro
• Adventure Network International

• Other sources. http://olly-ru.livejournal.com/tag/Сидлей
• Technical details. http://peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=12140
• General description. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Sidley