I regularly harp on about the Seven Summits, and can literally talk for hours about them. Anyone who has asked me a question previously and expected a short answer, will know this. But of course many people will not have heard of the Seven Summits before. So I thought I would give you a run down about the mountaineering challenge, my story of wanting to complete it and ultimately answer your question: What are The Seven Summits?
What is the Seven Summits challenge?
The “Seven Summits” is a mountaineering feat of climbing the highest mountain on every continent. I first heard of the challenge whilst attempting Stok Kangri in India. Our guide, Jo Bradshaw, spoke about her attempt at the Seven Summits. She only has two left now, and hopes to be the 10th British Woman to accomplish this! She is also fundraising for Place2Be mental health charity, so please check out her website if you can spare some pennies!
What are the individual Seven Summit peaks?
The peaks themselves are generally accepted as:
Everest (Asia)
Aconcagua (South America)
Vinson (Antarctica)
Denali (North America)
Kilimanjaro (Africa)
Cartensz Pyramid (Australasia)
Mount Elbrus (Europe)
Sometimes there is debate over Europe, with some claiming Mont Blanc should take the spot, and equally Oceania, claiming Mount Kosciuszko in Australia should take that position. The above selection is known as the Messner version of the list, (as it was originally suggested by Reinhold Messner as a replacement for the original Bass list), and is probably the most widely respected list.
Statistics
When it comes to stats, these are quite hard to track. The most up to date list is here. To summarise, as at October 2019, a total of 416 climbers have completed the Seven Summits (all versions included). Of these, 36 are from the UK and only 9 are UK Women. I will note, however, that these stats appear to be most recently updated at the end of 2016.
Why do I want to do it?
To be honest? It’s something I can’t describe. I remember seeing Everest for the first time when trekking to Everest Base Camp. It was breathtaking. I couldn’t believe I was seeing Sagarmatha – Everest, “Mother of the Universe” – in the flesh, instead of TV. But did I want to climb it? We discussed this as a team a few times on the trek. My answer was a fairly firm no. I loved the look of it, but just didn’t feel it was worth the risk. Fast forward to now, and I literally have dreams about climbing Everest. I read books about successful climbs, disasters and why they happened, the dangers, the appeal. I watch docu-films and read articles constantly. And I don’t know what changed. I think it was when I realised we weren’t getting to summit Stok Kangri because of the weather. I was gutted, because I was excited to get above 6,000m for the first time. That’s when I realised I wanted to keep going higher, to see the world from a perspective that spanned some of the worlds most beautiful peaks, all around me. Even more, I wanted to do this while experiencing the different environments our world holds, the different cultures, the people and witness some of natures most inspiring places. The Seven Summits fits in perfectly to that if you ask me.
Are the peaks all the same?
A huge appeal of this challenge is that each peak in itself has a very different character from the rest, and tests a climber in a different way.
Everest is actually considered a fairly simple technical climb, compared to many of the other 8000m peaks of the world. But no moutain can compare when you look at the conditions and altitude battle a climber faces.
Vinson is the most remote – just getting to the mountain is an adventure in itself, and once you are there, you’re pretty much isloated for miles and miles in every direction, in shockingly freezing temperatures.
Elbrus is a popular snowsports peak accessed by ski lifts, however climbing it in true mountaineering fashion is less popular and has a famously tough summit day.
Kiliminjaro is the highest solo standing peak in the world.
Aconagua is the highest peak outside of the Himalayas and is well-known for it’s stormy weather turns and tent bound days.
Denali is an entirely self-supported expedition, pulling a heavy sled full of your own gear and supplies.
Lastly, Cartensz Pyramid has an incredibly skilled technical component that is on another level from the other peaks. Just look at this video!
Can anyone do them? How do you start?
The great thing is that the Seven Summits vary in difficulty level, allowing you to start early and work your way up as and when your confidence, ability and skills allow. Kiliminjaro is a very common first altitude mountain, with plenty of charity climbs occurring every year. It’s a great introduction to alititude. The next step up would be Elbrus – while still a fairly low altitude (in comparison to the rest, that is!), this mountain is exposed, testing your fitness and ability to tackle conditions, while also needing the use of crampons, ice axes and rope teams. From there on, it’s down to personal preference and knowing your own abilities.
Personally, I think my progression will possibly look like: Elbrus (booked), Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Denali, Everest, Vinson, Cartensz. But that will no doubt change over time!
Many people finish with Everest. Mostly, I imagine, because it’s the most expensive. Once people catch wind of you trying to tackle the Seven Summits, you can start to drum up some sponsorship and media coverage to assist with financing Everest. Equally, it’s the Big Name Mountain. To finish the challenge at the highest point in the world, on the mountain that everyone on earth has heard of, is pretty epic and I imagine a dream of many.
Is the Seven Summits something you want to do? Let me know!
Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with my story – I’m tackling my first, Elbrus, in June 2022 (delayed from July 2020 – third times a charm right?!). I’m training hard on top of my regular job, while writing my blog in a coffee shop. If you wish to buy me some tea to keep me going, check out my Ko-Fi page (and thank you so much!).
Even better, if you’re interested in sponsoring one (or all!) of my Seven Summits challenge, please do get in touch: tentstreesandbumblebees@gmail.com
As a final round up check out this video from 360 Expeditions of the Seven Summits. It gives me goosebumps every time!
PS: Don’t forget to make sure you get the right insurance for your expeditions. I always use True Traveller. They are super easy to understand and cover a huge range of expedition types – I highly recommend checking them out. (This is absolutely an affiliate link – but I literally trust them with my life on all my expeditions!)