Climbing the Seven Summits by Mike Hamill

by Mike Hamill

Aconcagua. Denali. Elbrus. Everest. Kilimanjaro. Kosciuszko. Vinson. To a climber, these mountains are known as the “Seven Summits”* -- the highest peaks on each continent. And from Antarctica to Alaska, Nepal to Tanzania, each year thousands of climbers from all over the world attempt at least one of them, while a growing number have plans to climb each and every mountain.Drawing on years of experience, veteran Seven Summit mountain guide Mike Hamill describes overall considerations for expedition planning and high-altitude trips, gear recommendations, tips on international travel and logistics, and estimates of financial costs. In-depth descriptions of each of the Seven Summits includes a regional map, a map of the primary climbing route, a route overlay on a photo, and a sample climbing itinerary that covers peak-specific technical climbing tips and what to expect on summit day. Throughout Hamill’s descriptions, renowned alpinists offer their own Eric Simonson on Everest, Vern Tejas on Denali, and Melissa Arno on a female’s perspective of expedition planning. Hamill also includes the “other” Seven Summit, the Carstensz Pyramid in New Guinea; climbing facts and figures for each peak; a history of the Seven Summits challenge; and a unique “compare and contrast” chart that reveals how the peaks stack up against each other.From the first steps of trip dreaming, to figuring out gear and plane tickets, to kicking those final, sublime steps up to the snowy top of Denali or Aconcagua -- this is the one-and-only authoritative book to guide readers to all of the world’s Seven Summits.*Within mountaineering circles there is debate over which peaks are considered the official Seven Summits. For the purposes of this guidebook, the Seven Summits are based on the continental model used in Western Europe, the United States, and Australia, also referred to as the 'Bass list.'

Genres: Adventure

Paperback

First published June 1, 2012

Reviews

[Kammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fabulous! A comprehensive guide for climbers who want to tackle the highest peak on each continent. The book is beautiful to look at and the information is invaluable.

I love this book and will enjoy it for years to come.

[Enzo Woo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read to stoke the fire of a long-term dream! Great detail and readability. Elbrus and the Caucasus sound especially amazing.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book, beautiful pictorial guide to the 7 summits. Very informative, will be kept as my reference guide as I start planning trips.

[Conny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to be a first read winner of this book. Now I am not a climber but the mountains have always fascinated me and if you are like me or want to take up climbing or you are already an experienced climber I think you would really enjoy this book. It goes into detail about each mountains climbing history, also the cultural and political background of the regions. Personal stories from various climbers are also included with guide tips and anything else that would be of value. From the difficult rating of each mountain to what documents you will need and which is the best climbing season and costs for each expedition. It is a valuable guide to possess and I definitely recommend it. I really enjoyed reading it and it also includes some great pictures.

[Veronica Greenwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish I was actually planning on climbing any rather than just daydreaming.

Kilimanjaro, and Denali would be on my list though.

It's a good guide with all of the info you need to start planning, training, and thinking of these mountains in real, dream-achievable terms.