Cerro Aconcagua

The mountain receives almost all of its bad austral summer weather
from the moist, humid winds that blow from the west off the Pacific
coast, some 90 miles (150 km) away. These winds are often driven
upwards by the western slopes of the Andes. The air then cools,
condenses and form a lenticular cloud that covers the summit. This
is the famous "viento blanco" or white winds, and is a sign of snow
and high winds at altitude.

A mountaineer's major health concerns on Aconcagua will be with
high altitude effects, hypothermia and frost bite . Acute mountain
sickness, high-altitude pulmonary edema and cerebral edema can
be minimized through slow ascents, staying well hydrated, and
avoiding alcohol. The potential for cold injuries is minimized
through warm clothing, being well fed, well hydrated and well
acclimatized. Barring bad weather, these health concerns are a
major cause of whether one makes it to the summit or not.

In the mid 1980's, there were less than 400 climbers attempting the
mountain. Today, there are well over 2000 climbers per season!
Due to the tremendous human impact, the Aconcagua Provincial
Park has implemented a campaign via the permit system to clean
the mountain and keep it clean. Each group of climbers is issued
numbered trash bags and the bags are checked at the end of the
trip to ensure that each expedition has brought out its trash. Strictly
enforced, these pack-it-in/pack-it-out rules are helping minimize
trash. Surplus fuel or food which was often, in the past, cached for
other expeditions must also be carried out.

First climbed in 1897 by
Swiss guide Matthias
Zurbriggen, this 22,841
foot (6962 m) moutain is
the highest outside of
Asia. Located in the
Andes, mountaineers have
many routes to choose
from for summit attempts,
ranging from the non-
technical to more difficult
ones. These very facts are
what make Cerro
Aconcagua a popular
destination with
mountaineers from all over
the world.