If you are a seven summit aspirant, you’ve probably already dreamed about those magic moments of reaching the summits. Here at The Summit Guide, we’re dreaming right along with you, and we’re here to help you achieve your goal. The seven summits challenge was first introduced by Dick Bass in 1985 - the first man to complete the challenge. His feat inspired many others to follow in his literal footsteps. The seven summits challenge is the ultimate mountaineering adventuring – aiming to climb the highest peak of each of the seven continents
Asia - Mount Everest (8848 meters)
South America- Aconcagua (6962 meters)
North America - Denali (6962 meters )
Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro (5892 meters)
Europe - Mount Elbrus (5642 meters). Some consider Mont Blanc instead of Elbrus for Europe.
Antarctica - Vinson Massif (4892 meters)
Oceania - Puncak Jaya (4884 meters). When only considering mainland Australia rather than all of Oceania, Mount Kosciuszko replaced Puncak Jaya. Bass’s original feat included Kosciuszko instead of Puncak Jaya
Where to start
Every year, 300 to 500 people try their luck to climb the tallest peak of the planet. While the glory is most recognized with the tallest, it is incredibly difficult and ill-advised to attempt to climb the highest mountain, Everest, in the first try with no prior high-altitude experience. Most of these attempts are not successful. Trusting in your abilities is a good start, but more than pure confidence is needed. There are many ways to go about this, but you may want to start easy and work your way up.
Located in Africa, Kilimanjaro is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. It is also considered to be one of the easiest of the seven summits to start from. It has a high success rate and is not as technical as other mountains. You do not need expensive climbing equipment and heavily tested climbing skills. But don’t underestimate her. Kili has intense altitudes that will give your body an understanding of the feeling of lack of oxygen and comes with the potential for altitude sickness.
After Mount Kilimanjaro, you can try for Aconcagua as it will help you acquire advanced skills and understand the impacts of a higher altitude. It will also help you get an experience of walking on crampons over ice, which will be beneficial for the journeys ahead.
Keep in mind, there is no “right” way to do this and it is not a rule to select Kilimanjaro or Aconcagua as a starter pack.
Many mountaineers consider Mount Elbrus to be the perfect continuation of your seven-summit challenge after Kili and Aconcagua. It is lower than Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Aconcagua but will advance your technical abilities – specifically glacial traversing.
Leveling Up
Denali involves advanced snow traversing and Puncak Jaya is very remote and requires advanced technical skills. Each has their own unique challenges, so where your journey takes your next should be based on your abilities.
Only after acquiring the advanced skills, patience, and determination that comes from the first five summits will you be ready to mark your success on the most difficult peaks and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and Antarctica.
These final two feats are located in the absolute extremes, so you must be prepared with all the skills, equipment, and cautious confidence that you can garner. There is no doubt that you need the determination to keep you going in seven summit challenge.
Vinson Massif is not particularly difficult or technical on its own, but it does carry the difficulties of Antarctica – namely harsh weather and dangerous temperatures. Beyond the physical challenges, the logistical challenges are even more pressing. Getting to Antarctica will be an expensive and planning-intensive task, but you will be rewarded with one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
Finally, when you are ready, it’ll be time to take on Everest. Your journey to the top of the world will take you through the remote villages of the Himalayas in a climb-and-acclimate pattern. Because of its fame, Everest has become quite a popular tourist attraction with hundreds of climbers tempting fate on her each year. Don’t expect to have much alone time on your journey to Everest.
Money and Attempts
While the plan set out above may sounds simple enough, make no mistake – it will take you many years and you will likely require several re-dos. Successful summiting is not guaranteed at any of these mountains and the dangers are real. Be prepared to turn back, regroup, and try again later in life.
It's also worth noting that The Seven Summits doesn’t just require physical and mental fitness, it requires a very healthy bank account as well. The average cost to complete the Seven Summits is above $150,000 with some treks (such as Vinson Massif and Everest) having individual expected costs over $30,000. Don’t let this discourage you, but instead let it motivate you to maintain financial wellness as you’re maintain physical wellness.
It's healthy to challenge and stimulate yourself, and even aim to find the purpose of your life. Ventures like the Seven Summit challenge add an extra thrill to your routine and can be a life-long journey. Proper guidance, strategic knowledge, advanced skills, and of course professional guides will make it a more realistic feat to strive for.