Hi Ryan. Do You Want To Join An Expedition Never Done Before?

An expedition that will be the first in human history.

About The Expedition

Unprecedented Style: Self-Powered Antarctic Traverse and Summiting Mount Vinson

Approximately 1,200 climbers have reached the summit of Mount Vinson, the highest mountain in Antarctica. But ALL of them since 1985 have flown in to Vinson Base Camp through a SINGLE logistics company, ALE (Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions).

We have a chance to do something no one has ever done- sailing down to Antarctica, traversing the continent to Mount Vinson Base Camp, and climbing. All 16,050 feet / 4892m of elevation, from sea to summit.

Join the Expedition

Monopoly

ALE has been the only company to fly to Mount Vinson Base Camp since 1985. We will be the world's first team to climb without airplane support.

Pure Human Spirit

The human spirit is to do things that are hard. This will be a logistical and athletic nightmare, making this expedition fascinating.

Short Season

The Antarctic summer is barely 3 months. And yet many trans-atlantic expeditions have succeeded- by grit and hard work. Inspiring!

Cost

The commercial cost to climb Mount Vinson is over $55,000 per person. Instead, we can do it ourselves, and get a world record in the process.

Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions

No, no-one has. We have been asked many times but the logistics are too complex, the distance is too great and the season timeline is too short.

Dr. Theodore Scambos

Senior Research Scientist at the University of Colorado Earth Science and Observation Center, Previously Lead Scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center

I think it is only marginally possible that this could work — you will need to be prepared to accept that conditions in the year you are interested in making the attempt just do not allow you to do it. Please do not take my suggestions here as encouragement. I do not think this will work.

Dr. Will Hobbs

Physical Oceanographer and Sea Ice Researcher for the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership

[You would need to start early, and] November is VERY early in the [Antarctic summer] season. Antarctica is dangerous, climbing is dangerous.

They Said It Might Be Impossible

~300+ miles of desolation from Coast to Summit. I asked the experts- here's what they said. The possibility is slim, but there.

My Story (Why Me?)

I'm a natural born expedition leader.

My name is Jacob Dong. I'm 23 years old, a semiconductor engineer, and a passionate and avid climber, skier, and mountaineer. I know you have extensive expedition experience and are super strong and motivated. We would make a great team- more on that later.

As an engineer and experienced expedition leader, I'm incredibly detail oriented and am great at planning as well as navigating team dynamics.

Let's Get In Touch!

Some of My Experiences

I've self-funded and self-organized successful logistics and trips to:

  • The Grand Teton 13,775' / 4198m
  • Mount Rainier 14,411' / 4392m
  • Mexican Volcanoes 18,491' / 5636m
  • Bugaboo Spire via NE Ridge 10,512' / 3204m
  • Ecuador Volcanoes 20,549' / 6263m
  • Denali 20,310' / 6190m
  • Ama Dablam 22,349' / 6812m

and for ALL of these trips I was the expedition leader, and climbed with NO guide. (except LATAM, where it's required by law)

Let's Get In Touch!

Research

I've Done My Research on This Never-Before Done Feat

  • Talked to Antarctic Sea Ice Experts
  • Had extensive conversations and brainstorming with Antarctic Researchers and Visitors
  • Maintained Friendship with Chris Tomer (World Renowned Meteorologist, Forecasted K2 Winter and many 8000m Expeds)
  • Networked with @TrainToSummit and @JamesWayne_Explorer, both attempting to climb 7 summits from sea to summit
  • Interacted with Possible Captain Partners (for Ice Class Yacht/Skipper)

Join the Expedition

So WHY Am I Asking YOU?

As much research, planning, and pioneering I have done, I do lack some key skills and resources. I'm looking for a partner who can help me with:

  • More Credibility & Publicity, More Sponsors, More Eyes (I'm still working on marketing)
  • Team Dynamics, Stoke, and Networking (I'll soon be reaching out to some IPGA [International Polar Guide Association] Guides)

You have displayed incredible strength and commitment to your goals- and that inspires me. I recently watched your Everest Vlog-style series- it was great, well put together, and brought me right back to Nepal. But notably- you're very skilled at Youtube, storytelling, and content creation in general. Would love to pick your brain on if you like this idea.

I'm also considering inviting @WhatsNextLucy (youngest American woman to climb Everest), who I have discussed other mountaineering topics several times, and Eric Gilbertson (143 Country High Points, Incl K2 No O's, Kangchenjunga) on this expedition. Let's Talk!

Let's Talk!

Reach me almost anytime at +1(720)277-7368 and jacobjdong@gmail.com

I would be honored to get to know you and possibly bounce ideas off of each other, or even climb together in the future!

Get In Touch