
Andrew Hughes celebrated his completion of the Antarctica Trifecta as the fastest man ever to complete Skiing the Last Degree to the South Pole, reaching the summits of Mount Vinson, the highest mountain, and Mount Sidley, the highest volcano in Antarctica, consecutively within 43 days roundtrip from home. Hughes broke the previously known record of a 45-day roundtrip, set during 2018-2019. He also shared in this record feat with his long time climbing partner Roxanne Vogel.
It was an incredible journey and experience to be part of something so amazing.
Andrew Hughes
After four separate flights to return home in Seattle, Washington, Hughes set the new world record on January 24, 2020. Over 43 days, he was tested through subzero storms with tempest-like winds, to a frostbitten body that left him blistered and burnt from the cold, to countless other unforeseen obstacles which nearly derailed the realization of the record.
At points during his expedition, storms laid siege on Hughes and his teams holding them hostage in conditions for several days forcing rationing of food and supplies. Eventually emerging from the mountain, Hughes had lost nearly 15lbs, suffered frostbite on his hands and face as well as trench foot due to prolonged exposure to the cold and wet, causing permanent nerve damage to multiple parts of his body. And yet, Hughes always remains positive.
I believe in one intimate truth that was reaffirmed through this process. That is accomplishments should always be held in gratitude and with humility. It was an incredible journey and experience to be part of something so amazing.
Andrew Hughes
Hughes is scheduled to attempt the exceptional feat of summiting Mount Everest and Lhotse back to back in 2021 following the Nepal climbing season being canceled this year. This will be the completion of the Seven Summits for Andrew and bring him within one expedition of realizing the rarely achieved Explorers Grand Slam.
Come into the beautiful world of Andrew Hughes.