Why 2021 could be
Although, right now, climbing the stairs is the only ascent most of us are capable of achieving, once lockdowns lift, there’s a world of high-rise adventures to attempt.
Both mentally and physically, climbing a mountain is a form of release and a challenge promising great rewards.
In 1985, Richard Bass and his climbing partner Frank Wells successfully completed their goal of summitting the highest mountain on each continent, setting a benchmark for generations of climbers to come.
“Reaching the top of the so-called seven summits is considered a mountaineering challenge,” says Dan Stretch, a Global Rescue operations manager based in Nepal. “Now it is looking likely some summits might be open for 2021.All of the big mountains, except Mount Kilimanjaro, had no season last year, hitting local economies and expedition companies.”
For anyone eager to stretch their legs, here’s a guide to the world’s top cloud ticklers – with a few alternative suggestions for those who prefer to take the easier routes.
Denali
Originally known as Mount Mckinley, until Barack Obama restored its original native name in 2015, this snow-capped mountain is a highlight attraction of Denali National Park – a vast tract of wilderness in Alaska. Every year, ambitious climbers attempt the 18-day ascent.
“We are proceeding cautiously,” says Maureen Gualtieri, public information officer for Denali National Park and Preserve. “On the mountain, there will be some protocol changes, and the rangers are putting together those plans now.”
Kilimanjaro
Giraffe and elephants wander close to the foothills of this dormant, three-coned volcano, which is the highest freestanding mountain in the world.
Multiple travel companies can arrange tours, which take between five to nine days, depending on weather; January, February and September are regarded as the best months.
Mount Everest
The tallest mountain in the world attracts both crowds and controversy.who can forget those images of climbers queueing to reach the peak as if they were lining up at a supermarket? Climbing expert and Mount Everest chronicler Alan Arnette predicts record crowds, deep discounts and heavy publicity once the pandemic is under control.“this could encourage another 2019 with inexperienced clients, unqualified guides and overcrowding,” he warns.
Kosciuszko
Thanks to its ski resort, access to this mountain is relatively easy.“it’s a drive, a ski lift and a hike for a few hours and you’re there,” says Gordon Janow, from Alpine Ascents, who has led expeditions to all seven summits. Pick up the scenic chair lift in Thredbo to the walk start point above Lake Cootapatamba.a 13km return, the trip should only take about five hours.there are no permits required, although park entry is around £10 and the chair lift costs £15.
Mount Elbrus
Summer is the ideal time to climb this dormant volcano located in the Russian republic of Kabardino-balkaria, in the Caucasus Mountains.although it requires training, Europe’s highest non-technical peak is achievable for most. But beware: at the summit, there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level.
Clockwise from main: Kilimanjaro in Tanzania; summit of Everest, Nepal; trekking Mount Elbrus, Russia; Australia’s Mount Kosciuszko; Mount Vinson, Antarctica; Aconcagua, Argentina. Inset: Mount Denali, Alaska.
Mount Vinson
Rising around 1,200km from the South Pole, this icy, remote mountain was first spotted by air in 1935, although people didn’t start hiking until the 1960s.
“The Mt Vinson climbing season runs from late November to mid-january,” says Nick Lewis, mountain operations for Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions.
Aconcagua
Part of the Andes, in the Mendoza region, this is the highest peak outside of the Himalayas.although scaling the summit does require some training – and a substantial amount of cash – it is achievable and takes up to two weeks.
Most people use the nontechnical route, although altitude sickness can be extreme.