At 16,023 feet (4,897 meters) in the southern half of the Sentinel Range and 750 miles from the South Pole, Vinson Massif is the highest peak in Antarctica.

Vinson Massif was not "discovered" until 1957 when it was spotted by US Navy pilots during an aerial reconnaissance for the American International Geophysical Year traverse party. It was also the last continental summit to be climbed, with the first ascent being recorded by an American team on December 17, 1966.

Being caught in high winds on the summit plateau of Vinson is probably the most serious aspect of the climb. Temperatures can fall to -35º C on relatively calm days. Frostbite is an ever-present threat, particularly in the presence of wind. Also due to constant daylight and the hole in the ozone layer, sunburn can also be a health issue.