How difficult is the Polish route on Aconcagua ?
Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 8:41 pmWho can explain me how difficult is the Polish route compared to classic route on Aconcagua ? I don't have any plans to go there, I am just curios.
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How difficult is the Polish route on Aconcagua ?
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Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 8:41 pmPosted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 9:37 pmApparently, no one really does this route anymore due to bad condition (avalanches, serac falls). Most people going up that side usually do Polish Traverse or Polish Direct. Try PM Brad Marshall, if you want more detail.
Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2009 3:03 amDivnamite is correct in that this route has seldom been attempted in recent years due to the objective hazards of serac fall and stretches of pure ice. As far as I know the Polish Route, while about the same technical difficulty as the Polish Direct just not as steep, is considered by many to be the more dangerous route. As an example, this past season French climber Pierre Emeric Benteyn left Camp 2 on the morning of January 3rd to attempt the Polish route solo and has not been seen since.
Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2009 12:31 pmIf I understand, some climbers prefer Polish traverse to the "normal" route ? There is any picture here to have a look on it ?
Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 12:24 amThere are many different sections to the Polish Traverse route. If you want, send me your email address and I can send you photos from start to finish.
Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 7:36 pmMihai Tanase wrote:If I understand, some climbers prefer Polish traverse to the "normal" route ? There is any picture here to have a look on it ?
I think quite a few of the images on the Aconcagua page are taken from the Polish Traverse. The route info explains a lot. While the route is about 20 longer you see less crowds on this side. That has and is changing each year. You get to see the mountain (on the third day of the approach) and have an idea of what you are climbing for the rest of the trip. On the routa Normal you loose sight of the mountain after day one and it becomes a series of around the next corner or over the next hill or ridge. It is beautiful as well in its own way and the sunsets are very spectacular. The whole area is wonderful. But I personally prefer the Traverse route. More prestine especially early in the season. Have fun which ever side you choose.
Cheers William