Story and photos by Jake Norton Skiing in Antarctica is not something I ever really thought I would do. I’m not sure anyone on our team thought they would get the opportunity for that matter.

Story and photos by Jake Norton After many days of going without much of a stop, we took a good rest day today. It started off wonderfully, with Caroline cooking up a good batch of bacon and powdered eggs—darn good down here in Antarctica.

Story and photos by Jake Norton The great climber and author Greg Child once wrote: “Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the top is the answer to the question of why we climb.” Climbing, and the reason we do it, is an elusive thing.

Story and photos by Jake Norton Did I say Antarctica wasn’t cold? Well, I was just kidding. Antarctica, especially high up with a stiff wind, is really, really, really cold! Our summit day started reasonably enough, with a bright sun high in the sky and reasonable temperatures for walking.

On New Year’s Day,  First Ascent guides Peter Whittaker, Ed Viesturs, Seth Waterfall, Caroline George, Jake Norton, cinematographer Kent Harvey and their clients departed for Antarctica for a 45th anniversary climb to commemorate the 1966 first ascent of Vinson Massif, which was outfitted by Eddie Bauer.

Audio transcript: “Hey everyone, Peter here, checking in. It is the 9th of January, and it’s about 9:30 p.m. We are up at High Camp. We moved up the fixed lines today and got up here in good style.

Story and photos by Jake Norton It never seems like much until you have it on your back. I thought I had pared down my kit pretty well, bringing only what was essential to fill my belly, keep me warm, allow me to take pictures, edit them, and transmit them back home.