Our Kilimanjaro Climb
was named one of
"The 25 Greatest
Adventure Trips
in the World. "And Chosen as One of the World's Best Hikes in May 2005
by National Geographic
Adventure Magazine
Seven Summits
About Climbing with the 7 Summits Company
Throughout the years Alpine Ascents has assisted hundreds of climbers in reaching the
highest points on each continent. Our success in guiding the seven summits is the highest in the industry. As of May 2008, 25 of the 64 Americans (39%) and 50 of the 198 overall (25%) to complete the seven summits have climbed with or guided for Alpine Ascents International.
Some Previous Highlights
On May 31, 2010, Vernon Tejas completed a new world speed record of the
Seven Summits, summiting the highest mountain on each of the seven continents within a 134-day period.
Vern is the only person to have climbed each of the Seven Summits at
least nine times, and has completed the Seven Summits twice during a one year period.
On June 2, 2005 climber Danielle Fisher summited Mount Everest with us and became the youngest American woman to summit Everest as well as the youngest person to complete all of the 7 summits, surpassing the record set by Britton Keeshan on our climb the previous year. She remains the youngest woman to complete the Kosciusko Version.
Also on June 2, 2005, climber Tony Van Marken became the first South African to complete the 7 summits (Kosciusko Version) when he summited Mount Everest with us.
On May 24, 2004, climber Britton Keeshan summited Mount Everest with us and became the youngest person to complete all of the 7 Summits, an accomplishment formerly held by Todd Burleson among others. Details of Britton's Everest Climb.
Summiting simulatenously with Britton at exactly 9:09am, May 24, climber Jeff Dossett summited Everest, and completed his entire 7 summits with us in just over two years. Details of Jeff's Everest Climb.
One of our long-time climbers Hugh Morton climbed Mt. Vinson for his seventh summit December in 1999 Details on Hugh Morton's seventh summit
Where Do I Start?
For those with Seven Summit aspirations, there is a logical progression
which enables climbers to build on previously developed skills. This suggested
program is economically prudent and considers technical skill level,
acclimatization and summit success rates.
The seven summits represent both technical and non-technical ascents. Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua are both non-technical, although demanding. Kilimanjaro requires no prior climbing experience, only excellent physical condition. Aconcagua is also non-technical, but you are required to carry heavy packs (60+ pounds) at high altitudes and we recommend a basic course before attempting this climb. For the rest of the peaks, most people start by taking a basic mountaineering course, such as our 6-Day, 13-Day or Denali Preparation course. The order of technical peaks usually goes Elbrus, Denali, and Vinson. Everest is usually done last, and often after completing another 8000m peak such as Cho-Oyu. Carstensz Pyramid is a rock climb of moderate difficulty.
Why are there Eight 7 Summits?
Kosciuszko, 7,310 feet/2,228m, (pictured right), a non-technical peak, is the highest point in Australia. Australia has long been
considered the seventh continent, but most now view Australia as part of the larger continental formation of
Oceana. From that perspective, Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid - 16,023 feet/4884m) is by far the tallest
peak. Most climbers with seven summits aspirations climb both peaks just to be sure.
The Current lists of Seven Summiteers
Seven Summits Lists courtesy of 7summits.com
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