BRATISLAVA. Among the world’s towering peaks, Aconcagua stands out as one of the more accessible. Seasoned climbers often describe the ascent as manageable,wiht much of the journey resembling a high-altitude trek. However, the final stretch presents a notable challenge, testing even the most experienced adventurers.
What truly sets Aconcagua apart is its staggering elevation. At nearly 7,000 meters, it falls just 38 meters short of this milestone. The air at such heights is notoriously thin, making every step a test of endurance.
On January 22, Lenka Poláčková and her husband Jana successfully summited South America’s highest peak, Aconcagua, which stands at 6,962 meters. This achievement marked another milestone in their ambitious climbing journey.
Daily Snowfall Adds to the Challenge
The couple shared their experience on social media,detailing the harsh conditions they faced.
“On January 22 at 12:22 ART, we reached the summit of Aconcagua, just two weeks after conquering Antarctica’s highest peak, Mount Vinson. We departed from Camp 2, bypassing Camp 3, in winter-like conditions. It’s hard to believe this mountain is typically dry,” Poláčková posted on Instagram.
“Snow has been a constant companion since day one, which is expected during the summer season here. Last night,we received 20 cm of fresh powder. Should we consider skiing down?”
This ascent came less than two weeks after they stood atop mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica. Their rapid succession of climbs highlights their determination and physical resilience.
Their journey is part of the Earth Crown project, which involves summiting the highest peaks on each continent: Everest (Asia), Aconcagua (South America), Denali (North America), Kilimanjaro (Africa), Elbrus (Europe), Vinson (Antarctica), and Puncak Jaya (Australia and Oceania).
Interestingly, the couple plans to tackle eight peaks, exceeding the traditional seven-continent challenge. This decision stems from their desire to leave no room for ambiguity, as some regions, like Australia and Oceania, have debated high points. As a notable example, while Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 m) is Australia’s highest peak, Reinhold Messner has argued that Puncak Jaya (4,884 m) in Indonesia should be considered part of Oceania.
In Europe, they will also ascend Mont Blanc (4,810 m) in the alps, along with Elbrus (5,642 m) in the Caucasus.To date, over 500 individuals have completed the Earth Crown challenge.
Czech Climber Sets Speed Record
While Aconcagua may not be the most technically challenging peak, it attracts hundreds of climbers annually. recently, Tyler Andrews set a new speed record, completing the round trip from Plaza de Mulas base camp in just 4 hours and 35 minutes—a pace comparable to a recreational marathon runner.
Czech alpinist Martin Zahoř holds the record for the fastest ascent from base camp to summit. Starting at 4,400 meters, he reached the peak in an astonishing 3 hours and 38 minutes.
“The conditions where brutal,” Zahoř recalled in an interview with Aktivnizona.cz. “Aconcagua is a rocky desert, not a glacier. Temperatures hover between -15°C and -20°C, with wind chill making it feel like -35°C. Many were shocked to see me running up in cross-country shoes.”
This was Zahoř’s third attempt in a matter of days. the first two were less successful, as his body struggled to adapt to the altitude. “The final 30 minutes are etched in my memory,” he shared with Desnivel.com.“What took me 30 minutes on the last attempt had taken 80 minutes earlier. I was tired,crawling on all fours as my muscles gave out.But I made it. At the summit, I lay motionless for 20 minutes, entirely spent.”
Poláčková and her husband have already conquered Everest, kilimanjaro, Vinson, and Aconcagua. Their next adventure, scheduled for March, will take them to Puncak Jaya, the highest peak in Australia and Oceania.
Located in Indonesia, Puncak Jaya lies in a remote and little-explored region, home to indigenous tribes with a storied history. It remains a rare destination for climbers, adding to its allure.
The couple aims to complete the Earth Crown project this year. Peter Hamor, the only Slovak to have summited the highest peaks on all continents, serves as an inspiration for their journey.
Lenka Poláčková and Jana Conquer Aconcagua: A Testament to Determination and Resilience
In the realm of mountaineering, the name Aconcagua evokes a sense of awe and respect. known as South America’s highest peak and the tallest mountain outside of Asia, Aconcagua stands at a staggering 6,962 meters. While seasoned climbers often describe much of its ascent as a high-altitude trek, the final stretch is where the mountain truly reveals its formidable nature. On January 22, Lenka Poláčková and her husband jana etched their names into the annals of mountaineering history by successfully summiting this colossal peak, marking yet another milestone in their ambitious climbing journey.
aconcagua: A Test of Endurance and Skill
Aconcagua’s elevation of nearly 7,000 meters places it in the ranks of the world’s most challenging climbs. The thin air at such altitudes makes every step a grueling test of physical and mental endurance. For Lenka and Jana, the journey was no less demanding. Their ascent was marked by harsh winter-like conditions, including daily snowfall that added an extra layer of difficulty to their climb.
Lenka shared their experience on social media, detailing the challenges they faced:
“On January 22 at 12:22 ART, we reached the summit of aconcagua, just two weeks after conquering antarctica’s highest peak, mount Vinson.We departed from Camp 2, bypassing Camp 3, in winter-like conditions. It’s hard to believe this mountain is typically dry,” she posted on instagram.
Snow, Determination, and a Touch of Humor
Snow was a constant companion throughout their expedition, with 20 cm of fresh powder falling the night before their final push. Despite the challenging conditions,Lenka’s lighthearted remark about skiing down the mountain showcased their resilience and ability to find humor in the face of adversity.
“Snow has been a constant companion since day one, which is expected during the summer season here. Last night, we received 20 cm of fresh powder. Should we consider skiing down?” she joked.
Rapid Succession of Climbs Highlights Their Ambition
This remarkable achievement came less than two weeks after Lenka and Jana stood atop Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica. Their ability to tackle such demanding climbs in quick succession highlights their remarkable physical fitness, mental fortitude, and unrelenting determination.
The Earth crown Project: A Journey of Global Proportions
Lenka and Jana’s ascent of Aconcagua is part of the Earth Crown project,an ambitious endeavor that involves summiting the highest peaks on each continent. Their journey includes:
- Everest (Asia): The world’s highest peak at 8,848 meters.
- Aconcagua (South America): 6,962 meters.
- Denali (North America): 6,190 meters.
- Kilimanjaro (Africa): 5,895 meters.
- Elbrus (Europe): 5,642 meters.
- Vinson Massif (Antarctica): 4,892 meters.
Their success on Aconcagua marks another step toward completing this monumental challenge, further cementing their status as elite mountaineers.
Final Thoughts
Lenka Poláčková and Jana’s conquest of Aconcagua is not just a personal triumph but an inspiration to adventurers worldwide. Their ability to persevere through harsh conditions, maintain a positive outlook, and achieve back-to-back summits exemplifies the spirit of mountaineering. As they continue their journey through the Earth Crown project, the climbing community eagerly anticipates their next ascent and the stories they’ll bring back from the world’s most majestic peaks.
For now, Aconcagua stands as a testament to their skill, determination, and unyielding passion for exploration.
