Climbing the Seven Summits, the highest peak on each of the seven continents, was an idea invented in the early 1980s by Dick Bass, a wealthy, middle-aged businessman and novice climber. He accomplished this feat by hiring, at great expense, a succession of professional mountain guides, and completed his quest in 1985, when guide David Breashears led him up Mt. Everest. Bass’s list included Mt. Kosciusko (elevation 7,313 feet) the highest point on the continent of Australia, and an easy peak that tourists ascend regularly.
Australia Or Oceania?
World-famous mountaineer Reinhold Messner revised the Seven Summits list to include Carstensz Pyramid which, at 16,023 feet, is the highest peak on the Oceanic continent (which includes Australia), and a more serious endeavor than Kosciusko. In 1986, Canadian photographer and mountaineer Patrick Morrow was the first to climb all the peaks on the Messner List, followed shortly thereafter by Messner himself.
Today, those who climb the Seven Summits either go by the Messner List, or climb both Carstensz and Kosciusko, to cover all their bases. In May 2007, Samantha Larson of California became the youngest person to climb the Seven Summits, at the age of 18. Irish climber Ian McKeever holds the world record for speed climbing the Messner List in 156 days. Canadian Werner Berger became, at age 69, the oldest person to have scaled the Seven Summits when he completed his ascent of Mt. Everest in May 2007.
Controversy
There is controversy in the climbing world about climbing the Seven Summits. Many feel that it is a gimmick that encourages wealthy, casual climbers to endanger their own lives and the lives of others in a frivolous pursuit. Often, undue and unfair stress and responsibility are placed on the shoulders of guides who are expected to get inexperienced and poorly prepared clients safely to the tops of peaks and down again.
If the Seven Summits sounds like your kind of challenge, though, consider starting with the least technical climbs, and work your way up toward the ultimate challenge of Mt. Everest. Start with Mount Kilimanjaro and the Carstensz Pyramid, to learn about acclimatization and practice easy alpine and rock climbing techniques. Graduate to Mount Elbrus for more glacier experience, and then try Aconcagua, to test yourself with altitude, a long hike, and a heavy pack. From there, you’ve got Vinson and Denali as good high altitude, extreme weather climbs. If you’re serious about your training, consider climbing other 8000-meter peaks in preparation for Mount Everest. At 21,820 feet, Himalayan peak, Cho-Oyu, is the 6th highest mountain in the world, and a popular choice as a pre-Mount Everest training climb.
Cost To Climb The Seven Summits
If you’re sure of your intent to climb the Seven Summits, you may be able to save some money by finding a guide service and talking with them about package deals. The prices listed below, however, are for single expeditions, excluding airfare, training course, gear, and clothing.