In 1985, Richard Bass became the first person to reach the highest point of all seven continents; Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. His book titled ‘The Seven Summits’ was the basis for the challenge as we know it today, with approximately 500 people having since completed what’s been named the Bass List.
Reinhold Messner refutes that Indonesia’s Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid) is a more deserving high point than the modest Kosciuszko, calling the continent Oceania rather than Australia. Debates stalemated over continental shelves, tectonic plates and inconsistent or arbitrary borders (by most definitions Indonesia is in Asia). Even the number of continents varies by definition, but it’s generally accepted that his claim is based on technical difficulty rather than geography.
In 1986, Pat Morrow became the first to complete the Messner List, followed by approximately 150 people since. In almost all cases these people climb Kosciuszko aswell (& Mont Blanc in Europe which has similar claims) to cover all bases and avoid debates.
The original Bass List remains the most widely accepted and is shown below:
My Climbs
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (5,895m)
11 September 2022
Machame Route (7 Days)
A week above the clouds with Seán, reaching the roof of Africa. This was my first taste of how humbling high altitude can be. Learning all about acclimatising, gear, fuelling, pacing, managing our bodies, and the history of the mountain. This is a popular climb for good reason that I often recommend. Just don’t underestimate the summit night!
Read my full article here.
Kosciuszko, Australia (2,228m)
25 November 2022
Charlotte Pass Route (1 Day)
A fun day hike with Eoin & Emily, through Australia’s biggest ski resort. We took a scenic route past frozen rivers and huts, before climbing the snowy dome, and sliding back down again. The road trip and stay nearby are as important as the climb, full of koalas, kangaroos, gum trees and tinny’s.
Read my full article here.
Elbrus, Russia (5,642m)
29 July 2024
South Route (6 Days)
An eye opening trip to the Caucasus with Adam. This is a spectacular volcano that dwarfs everything around it. We worked hard in training, allowing us to climb without the assistance of the snow cats. The 15 hour summit bid took everything we had, but made it all the better to persevere. This is one of the best value climbs in the world too.
Read my full article here.
Aconcagua, Argentina (6,961m)
09 February 2025
Normal Route (15 Days)
The hardest thing I’ve ever done. Low down this is a harsh, dry, desert environment, that tries to break down your motivation as you acclimatise. Above is steep, freezing, and battered by 200km/hr winds. From my group of eight, only one made it to the summit. This is a story of extensive preparation being just barely enough to overcome severe AMS.
Read my full article here.
Denali, USA (6,190m)
10 June 2025
West Buttress Route (25 Days)
One of the world’s coldest and most isolated peaks, just south of the Arctic Circle. We landed by ski plane on the Kalhitna Glacier, then spent weeks hauling 50kg of supplies on our sleds. We went from burning under 24 hour sunlight, to near frostbite on the -40°C summit. This is a technical and exhausting climb that is considered more challenging than Everest. The mountain actively works against you, making it hard work both physically and mentally.
Full article coming soon.
Vinson, Antarctica (4,892m)
TBC
Everest, Nepal (8,848m)
TBC