The Seven Summits are the highest mountains on each continent. This challenge was first completed by mountaineer Richard Bass. Based on the performance of Bass and Reinhold Messner, who completed the challenge in fifth place, this list of seven summits was compiled.
Australian continent: Mount Kosciuszko
Mount Kosciuszko is with 2228 meters the highest peak in Australia. This mountain is not only the lowest on the list of the seven summits, but by far the easiest to climb. Reaching the top is more like a hike than the real expedition that other climbs require.
Antarctica: Vinson massif
The highest peak of this massive mountain range in Antarctica is Mount Vinson, at an altitude of 4892 meters. In January 1958, a pilot from the US Air Force was the first to see the mountain, named after Congressman Carl Vinson, who ran a lobby to investigate Antarctica. In 1966, an expedition from the American Alpine Club climbed Mount Vinson for the first time.
Europe: Mount Elbrus
The next peak on the lists of Bass and Messner is the Elbrus (5642 meters), a stratovolcano in the Caucasus Mountains. Because of its location in the autonomous Russian republic of Kabardia-Balkaria, close to the border with Georgia, some think that this summit is in Asia. In that gval the highest summit in Europe would be the Mont Blanc (4810 meters). Given the low environment, the Elbrus is the 10th mountain in the world in terms of topographical prominence.
Africa: the Kilimanjaro
The second highest volcano in the world (5895 meters) in Tanzania is known for its very steep climb, but fairly flat and wide summit. Much research has been done on this mountain due to its melting glaciers. In the last hundred years, climate change has led to huge ice fields disappearing at the top. Of the three volcanic cones of the Kilimanjaro the highest one, called Kobo, is still active.
North America: the Denali
Because the foot of this mountain in Alaska is 640 meters, the rise from foot to top (6168m) is the largest in the world. The mountain bore the name of President McKingley from 1896 to 2015, until Obama restored the traditional name that the original inhabitants gave the mountain to in 2015. Climbing the Denali is seen as an extremely difficult task due to the extreme cold and low humidity.
South America: the Aconcagua
This peak in the Andes Mountains is located in Argentina and is the highest mountain outside Asia. This makes it the highest point in both the Southern and Western Hemispheres. Although the mountain was formed by the sliding of the tectonic Nazca plate under the South American plate, it is not a volcano. Like Kilimanjaro and Mount Kosciuszko, Aconcagua is, despite its height, a relatively easy mountain to climb. No special climbing gear is required, but climbers should be aware of the effects of the high altitude.
Asia: Mount Everest
Since the highest mountains in the world are in Asia, the peak is the Mount Everest At 8848 metres, it is the highest mountain in the world. Not surprisingly, it is also the highest mountain in terms of topographical prominence. Mount Everest is located in both Nepal and Tibet. The famous mountain is one of the most difficult to climb in the list of the seven summits and only experienced climbers take up the challenge. The most heroic climbers (5% of all those who have reached the summit) did so even without artificial oxygen after 8000 metres altitude. In 1953, a British expedition with a Nepalese climber reached the summit for the first time.
The seven summits challenge
No fewer than 362 alpinists have succeeded in the Bass or Messner complete the list. A few interesting facts at a glance: 50 women completed the challenge, the youngest person ever was only 15 years old when he reached all the peaks (the American Jordan Romero), the oldest was Spaniard Ramon Blanco at 74 and the fastest climber was Vern Tejas, who reached all tops in 134 days. He even completed the challenge twice within a year and climbed all tops 9 times.
Preparation for these expeditions
Altitude Dream customers have been on every top of the seven Summits. From Kilimanjaro or Aconcagua customers to prepare for Mount Everest. We are extremely proud to be part of their preparation every time.
- For your information: Figures & up-to-date statistics.
Belgian Seven Summitters
Rudy Van Snick, Carstensz version, completed on December 23, 1995
Robert Huygh, Kosciuszko version, completed on October 23, 2006, Carstensz version, completed on March 17, 2008
Wim Smets, Carstensz version, completed on August 5, 2008
Willy Troch, Carstensz version, completed on October 9, 2008
Bjorn Vandewege, Carstensz version, completed on May 16, 2010
Jacques Pirenne, Carstensz version, completed on April 10, 2012
Koen Wittevrongel, Carstensz version, Kosciuszko version, Explorers Grand Slam (Seven Summits + North Pole, 2009 + crossing Greenland Ice Sheet, 2011 + South Pole, 2015), completed on May 20, 2018
Sofie Lenaerts, Carstensz version, completed on January 3, 2020. First woman from the Benelux.
Dutch Seven Summitters
Ronald Naar, Carstensz version, completed on May 12, 1992
Frits Vrijlandt, Carstensz version, completed on January 4, 2003, Kosciuszko version, completed on March 29, 2005
Harry Kikstra, Carstensz version, completed on January 6, 2006, Kosciuszo version completed on February 17, 2008
Kiek Stam, Carstensz and Kosciuszko version, completed on May 29, 2006
Wilco van Rooijen, Carstensz version, completed on January 10, 2011
René Bergsma, Carstensz version, completed on May 20, 2011
Robert de Vries, Carstensz version, completed on December 25, 2011
Adriaan Wessels, Carstensz and Kosciuszko version, completed on May 18, 2013
Jaco Ottink, Carstensz and Kosciuszko version, completed on May 13, 2016
Peter Boogaard, Carstensz-Elbruz version, completed on May 21, 2016
Olivier Vriesendorp, Carstenz version, completed on May 21, 2017
Source: Wikipedia
