The Challenge
The Spirit of the Journey
Everyone finds in the mountains what they seek. For most of us, it is about sharing exceptional moments with partners in a stunning and demanding environment. Whether we choose to push our limits or simply find pleasure in the movement, that is the beauty of this space of freedom.
This variety of approaches applies to every challenge the mountains offer: a first 3,000m peak, the Alpine 4,000m summits, the Fourteeners, the Seven Summits, or the 8,000m giants. Some may focus on speed, records, or link-ups; all are valid expressions of the same passion.
When I first read Richard Bass’s account—the pioneer of the Seven Summits—I was immediately drawn to the magical idea of traveling across seven continents to climb their highest points. Balancing a full-time career with a limited budget, my goal was never to chase records or competition. For me, the project was simply an “excuse” to discover legendary peaks.
This adventure took five years, requiring immense energy and involving its share of stress and hardship, but above all, it brought profound joy and emotion. My only regret is not having had more time to immerse myself even deeper into these exceptional places. My hope for these pages is to share this experience and provide useful insights for those who feel the call of these horizons.
Bass and Wells: A Visionary Idea
Forty-five years ago, the world was a vastly different place for an adventurer. There was no GPS, no satellite phones, and no instant access to weather data. In this context, the idea of traveling to all seven continents was not just a physical feat—it was a logistical and political masterpiece.
When Richard Bass and Frank Wells conceived this project in the early 1980s, they were stepping into the unknown. Reaching the Vinson Massif in Antarctica required pioneering coordination, while climbing Mount Elbrus in the Soviet Union meant navigating the complex geopolitical barriers of the Cold War.
Before Bass, high-altitude climbing was almost exclusively focused on the technical giants of the Himalayas or the Alps. Bass introduced a new philosophy: topographical mountaineering. His vision was to celebrate the highest point of every continental mass, shifting the perspective from purely technical difficulty to a global exploration of the Earth’s topography.
On April 30, 1985, Dick Bass reached the summit of Mount Everest, becoming the first person to complete the challenge. By successfully navigating the cultural and political obstacles of seven continents, he didn’t just climb mountains; he bridged the era of classic exploration with the modern age of global adventure.
The Messner vs. Bass Lists
Shortly after Richard Bass completed his project, a debate arose regarding the geographical boundaries of the continents. Bass had climbed Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 m) as the highest point of Australia. However, Reinhold Messner argued that the challenge should encompass the entire Australasian continent, identifying Carstensz Pyramid (Puncak Jaya, 4,884 m) in Indonesia as the true peak.
This led to the “Messner List,” which replaces an easy trek with technical limestone climbing. As I mentioned in the introduction, because this challenge is a personal journey, everyone is free to choose their own version. Since I was seeking discovery and adventure, I opted for Carstensz Pyramid, and I was certainly not disappointed.
7 Summits
My Journey Through the Seven Summits
I began this adventure with Anna on Kilimanjaro, completing a traverse via the Machame route. Shortly after, while working in the United States, I climbed Denali (also known as Mount McKinley).
I then began a long preparation for Everest by taking on Aconcagua, the Marathon des Sables, and Mount Elbrus. Including a desert race might seem surprising, but my training was based on a combination of technical alpinism (TD/ED), high altitude expeditions, cold-weather preparation, and ultra-endurance.
After Everest, I completed an express ascent of Mount Vinson, though I regret not having more time to explore other peaks in Antarctica. A few months later, I concluded the challenge at Carstensz Pyramid.
Funding and Partnerships
I am sometimes asked how I funded my expeditions. The answer is a combination of sponsors, partnerships with outdoor brands, speaking engagements, and, of course, my professional career in IT and Engineering management, alongside a second role in coaching and route setting.
My collaboration over many years with a dozen major sports brands was a fascinating experience. Contributing to product specifications, discussing technical challenges with engineers and marketing teams, and testing gear in real-world conditions before seeing it reach the market was a truly rewarding process.
Another key aspect was managing the cost of these expeditions. For most of my climbs, I opted for low-budget logistics or organized trips with friends. This allowed me to complete these projects at a cost four to six times lower than standard commercial expedition prices.
The Seven Summits: Let the Journey Begin...
Aconcagua - 6,961m
South America
Located in the Argentine Andes, Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Western and Southern Hemispheres. It is situated within the Aconcagua Provincial Park near the Chilean border.
Technical Difficulty: The Normal Route is a non-technical high-altitude trek. It requires no specialized climbing maneuvers, but involves steep scree and variable snow conditions. The main challenges are the 6,961m altitude and severe wind conditions.
Expedition Duration: A standard itinerary lasts 18 to 21 days to allow for proper acclimatization and weather contingencies.
Best Season: The climbing window runs from December to February, during the Andean summer.
Denali - 6,190m
North America
Located in the Alaska Range, Denali is the highest peak in North America. Its high northern latitude creates a thinner atmosphere and extreme arctic conditions.
Technical Difficulty: Rated as Alaska Grade 2. The West Buttress route involves glacier travel, crevasse hazards, and snow slopes. Climbers must be self-sufficient, hauling all equipment and food on sledges and backpacks.
Expedition Duration: A standard expedition typically requires 17 to 21 days, including time for load ferrying and weather delays.
Best Season: The climbing window is limited to May and June to avoid the extreme cold of early spring and the unstable glaciers of late summer.
Kilimanjaro - 5,895m
Africa
Located in Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. It consists of three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.
Technical Difficulty: Non-technical. The ascent is a high-altitude trek. No specialized climbing equipment is required, but the rapid gain in elevation makes altitude acclimatization the main difficulty.
Expedition Duration: Standard expeditions last 6 to 9 days. Longer routes (like Machame or Lemosho) are preferred for better acclimatization.
Best Season: The dry seasons from January to March and June to October offer the best climbing conditions.
Mount Elbrus - 5,642m
Europe
Located in the Caucasus Range in Russia, Mount Elbrus is a twin-coned dormant volcano and the highest peak in Europe.
Technical Difficulty: Moderate glacier trek. The ascent requires basic mountaineering skills, including the use of crampons and ice axes. The main hazards are extreme weather shifts and high-altitude exposure on open glacial slopes.
Expedition Duration: A standard itinerary typically lasts 7 to 10 days, allowing for acclimatization climbs in the Baksan Valley before the summit push.
Best Season: The climbing window is June through August, offering the most favorable weather conditions in the Caucasus.
