Famous mountain climbers today Ondra is still quite young, being born in February 1993 – at the time of writing he’s 26 years old. Sir Edmund Hillary was born in the year 1919 and today he is on of the most famous mountain climber known to people. Feb 6, 2024 · To date, it’s estimated that some 340 people have died climbing Mount Everest and that there are approximately 200 dead bodies still on the mountain. 15 ascents in the entire history of climbing and has 14 gold medals and 4 gold medals out of 20 lead World Cup medals and 12 bouldering World Cup medals, respectively. He made history as the first American to successfully climb all 14 of the eight-thousander mountains without supplemental oxygen, a feat achieved by only a handful of individuals worldwide. This category has the following 5 subcategories, out of 5 total. As of December 2024: 7,120 different people have reached the summit of Mount Everest. Kukuczka on a mural in Katowice Street art of Kukuczka in Bogucice, the district of Katowice where he grew up and lived, unveiled in 2019. The modern sport of mountaineering/mountain climbing kicked off in the Alps of Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries, and these days has reached just about every corner of vertically inclined terra firma—though given the multitude of remote high mountains from Alaska to Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. Mount Everest. Where a climber has reached the summit more than once, only their first summit date is listed; their total number of summits is listed after their name in brackets. 0 License; additional terms may apply. They recognised the equipment as belonging to Hargreaves. Oct 25, 2023 · Eiter started climbing at school aged 11, won her first world title at 17, and went on to make her first outdoor 8c+ (5. Dec 1, 2021 · Hailed as the greatest mountaineer in history, Reinhold Messner rejects such titles, but the record of his achievement is incontestable. Mar 20, 2025 · Conrad has climbed Everest three times, including a 2012 trip with National Geographic to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first American ascent of the mountain. It was the second death of this climbing season He died in 1989 attempting to climb Lhotse, the fourth-highest mountain in the world. A pioneer of high-altitude climbing in the Alpine style Feb 22, 2022 · Alex Honnold by Jimmy Chin. While climbing in Peru in 1985, he suffered severe injuries and was assumed dead by his climbing companion Simon Yates after falling into a crevasse, but he survived and managed to crawl back to his base camp. Picture Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay tackling Everest's icy slopes, their partnership embodying human perseverance. Due to its features, it is one of the popular rock-climbing sites. The handsome, charismatic, ex-schoolteacher was already a seasoned Himalayan veteran, having been part of the 1921 British Reconnaissance Expedition to Mount Everest and then a serious attempt on the mountain in 1922, which ended in disaster with the May 11, 1996 · He gained recognition as an elite speed skier, breaking numerous world records from 1974 to 1987. She has dominated the sport, making her one of Dec 4, 2024 · British rock climbing pioneer Ron James, 90, died on March 1 from natural causes. 7. This speed climber has made 22 climbs on 8,000m high mountains in the last 20 years – and he’s not done ticking off new routes, starting the new decade with a winter attempt on the world’s Edmund Viesturs is an accomplished American high-altitude mountaineer, corporate speaker, and renowned author within the mountain climbing community. In no particular order, let’s get to it! #1: Alex Honnold Known For: Free Solo. Subcategories. , Canada, Kyrgyzstan, and Nepal. John Muir (1838-1914). 64, John Muir is the 3rd most famous British Mountaineer. The highest peak, Uhuru is 19,340 feet. This is a list of climbers and mountaineers who are notable for their activities in mountaineering (including alpine climbing), rock climbing (including aid climbing, free climbing, bouldering, speed climbing and competition climbing) or in ice climbing (including mixed climbing). Whether you're a He is renowned for his historic first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865, during which four members of his climbing party tragically lost their lives. [2] Sep 14, 2020 · With high altitudes, sky touching peaks and tough summits, mountain climbing is undoubtedly the most dangerous and toughest sport till date. Alex Honnold needs no introduction. Aug 16, 2024 · Discover the incredible stories of 11 famous mountain climbers who pushed the limits of human endurance! From Edmund Hillary's historic Everest summit to Lynn Hill's groundbreaking free climbs, these legends have left their mark on the world's highest peaks. This list may not reflect recent changes. Jun 1, 2023 · American Alex Honnold (*August 17, 1985) is a free solo climber and extreme mountain climber. Here is a list of the top 10 most famous mountains, ranked by size, that have made their mark in history, culture, and exploration. Famous Deceased Climbers on Everest. 4. e. com Jan 19, 2025 · Based on major achievements, competition results, mainstream fame and impact on the sport, these are 14 of the top climbers in the world right now: 1. Sherpa make excellent mountain guides as they have spent most of their lives at high altitude, giving them unique physiological traits that give them incredible mountain endurance. Videos shared on social media showed climbers waiting in long queues to advance up the mountain. He’s claimed victory at the Ultra-Trail du Tour du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) an incredible four times. 14c) ascent, Claudio Café in Italy, when she was 21 years old. Apr 18, 2023 · Renowned mountain climber Noel Hanna died Monday in an Annapurna base camp after scaling Annapurna 1, the world's 10th tallest mountain, in Nepal. James W. [1] [2] Born and raised in Seattle, Washington. Chin has been a professional climber and skier on The North Face Athlete team for over 20 years. Predictable, yes, but undoubtedly the world’s most Oct 29, 2024 · He grew up in a Pyrenean mountain hut, was stood on his first alpine 4,000er at the age of six and soon went on to win countless races on skis and on foot. He described himself as a climber, skier, but most of all, a skateboarder. On May 1, 1963, he became the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest as a member of the American Mount Everest Expedition led by Norman Dyhrenfurth, alongside the Sherpa Nawang Gombu, a nephew of Tenzing Norgay. May 9, 2024 · In no particular order, here at the most famous and influential female climbers. ” Johnson made several visits to the Mendenhall Towers. 61. Joe Simpson (born 13 August 1960) is a British mountaineer, author, and motivational speaker. Join us for a journey through mountaineering history and be inspired by their courage, skill, and determination. Reinhold Andreas Messner (German: [ˈʁaɪnhɔlt ˈmɛsnɐ]; born 17 September 1944) is an Italian climber, explorer, and author from the German-speaking province of South Tyrol. The activity has plenty of hard as well as daring aspects, including the energetic competitive (sport) and recreational forms. In 1954, when he was 24-years-old, he was the youngest member of the Italian climbing team that became the first in the world to conquer K2, the second tallest mountain in the world after Everest. Located in Tanzania, Africa’s highest mountain is Kilimanjaro, made up of three extinct volcanoes. . 13b (8a). Janja Garnbret is a Slovenian climbing sensation, renowned for her unparalleled success in competition climbing. [20] Mar 15, 2018 · An experienced mountain climber, Ryan completed difficult climbs in the U. By the end of his life he had recorded climbing over 1,700 mountains. Hill was a free climbing pioneer during the 1980s to the 90s. Climbers are encouraged to “leave no trace” to preserve its natural beauty for future generations. He was the first American to climb all 14 of the eight-thousander mountains, and the 5th person to do so without supplemental oxygen. Mar 27, 2024 · Sir Edmund Hillary. Climbers know who he is, non-climbers know who he is. James was one of the UK’s leading climbers in the 1950s and 1960s, co-founder of the famed Ogwen Cottage mountaineering school, a dedicated search and rescue team leader, and author of many guidebooks, notably the classic Rock Climbing in Wales. See full list on climbinghouse. Marc-André Leclerc (October 10, 1992 – March 5, 2018) was a Canadian rock climber, ice and mixed climber, and alpinist. On September 18, 1987, he became the second man to climb all 14 eight-thousanders, 13 of them without the use of supplemental oxygen, a feat he achieved in just 7 years, 11 months Also: United Kingdom: People: By occupation: Sportspeople by sport: Mountain climbers. Whittaker (born February 10, 1929), also known as Jim Whittaker, is an American climber and mountain guide. ka]; 24 March 1948 – 24 October 1989) was a Polish mountaineer, regarded as one of the greatest high-altitude climbers in history. In 1924, 37-year-old George Leigh Mallory (1886-1924) was perhaps Britain's most famous mountaineer. The reason for such fame is justified as he was the first person ever to reach the top of the mightiest mountain on the planet Earth i. People have been fascinated by and drawn to mountains for ages—and also terrified of them, not incidentally. A relative unknown in 2006, he seemed to burst onto the scene in 2007 when he free soloed Yosemite’s Astroman and Rostrum in a day, matching Peter Croft’s 1987 feat. For mountain climbers, this is one of the mountains you should visit. 10, 2009. Honnold rose to worldwide fame in June 2017 when he became the first person to free solo a full route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park (via the 2,900-foot route Freerider at 5. Edmund "Ed" Viesturs (Latvian: Edmunds Viesturs; born June 22, 1959) is an American high-altitude mountaineer, corporate speaker, and well known author in the mountain climbing community. #1: Mount Everest – 29,032 ft FILE - Legendary Seattle mountain climbers twin brothers Jim, left, and Lou Whittaker celebrate their 80th birthday with a party at the Space Needle in Seattle, Tuesday Feb. Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world and its summit was first reached in 1889 by Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller. Reinhold Messner. Jul 23, 2023 · Below, you’ll find famous climbers, past and present, who are known to hardcore climbers and non-climbers, climbers who have ventured out into the YouTube space, and climbers who have done some badass stuff. Adam Ondra. 1 day ago · An American climber died attempting to scale the world's fifth-highest mountain, Makalu, in the Himalayas, his expedition organizer said Monday. [1]Józef Jerzy Kukuczka (Polish: [ˈju. S. In 2008, after receiving funding for a trip via the Mugs Stump Award, he and Sam Magro climbed the West Tower, authoring The Great White Conqueror , a 2,500-foot route rated M5 . John Muir ( MURE; April 21, 1838 – December 24, 1914), also known as "John of the Mountains" and "Father of the National Parks", was a Scottish-born American: 42 naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, botanist Feb 13, 2025 · 11 of the best mountaineers on the planet right now Jul 15, 2023 · Mount Thor is located in Auyuittuq National Park. Dec 11, 2024 · On October 7, American climber Mike Gardner fell to his death on the north face of 7,468m Jannu East while attempting to make the first ascent of the mountain. India has a fair share of Rocky Mountains in its geographical map. She started climbing at the age of 14 and was soon setting world records in an era when female climbers were catching up their male counterparts. Reinhold Messner is an Italian climber, explorer, and author from Dec 3, 2024 · The great Chris Bonington on Munlungtse in 1988 (Image credit: Chris Bonington). #4: Table Mountain (3,558 ft) Dominating the skyline of Cape Town, South Africa, Table Mountain is famous for its flat summit and dramatic cliffs. The Mountain has an elevation of 1,675m and camping is allowed in the premises. Lou Whittaker, a Seattle-born and -raised mountaineer and glacier travel guide who climbed Mount Rainier more than 250 times, died Sunday, March 24, 2024. He received the Piolet d’Or, the highest honor in mountaineering, in 1997. Anker recently appeared in the Reel Rock 15 film “Black Ice,” mentoring a group of black climbers from Memphis in the ways of ice climbing at his Jimmy Chin (born October 12, 1973) [1] is an American professional mountain athlete, photographer, skier, film director, and author. Pages in category "German mountain climbers" The following 52 pages are in this category, out of 52 total. She founded the Japanese Women’s Climbing Club encouraging and empowering women to pursue their outdoor ambitions. During the 1980s, he shifted his focus to mountain climbing and notably led a successful expedition to Mount Everest, where he made history by launching a hang-glider from the mountain. Before reaching Camp 3, they found a bloodstained anorak, a climbing boot, and a harness. Purtscheller pioneered climbing without a mountain guide, who in the 19th century did all the route finding and lead climbing. As mentioned above in the section about Chris Sharma, Czech-born Adam Ondra is probably the best rock climber in the world today. Her tenacity and passion for the mountains led her to become a trailblazer for female climbers in high-altitude mountaineering. Time and again, he has challenged and surpassed the supposed limits of human strength, courage, and endurance, overcoming seemingly insuperable obstacles to reach the most exalted places on Earth. Apr 17, 2022 · Adam Ondra climbing the world’s first 9c route, the hardest route in the world. Two Nepalese climbers died on October 24, 1984, while trying to recover the body of Hannelore Schmatz. Famous Female Climbers #1: Janja Garnbret From: Slovenia Best Known For: Winning Gold at 2020 Olympics. Oct 4, 2023 · Wanda Rutkiewicz, a Polish climber, made history as the first woman to conquer K2, the world’s second-highest peak. The Czech phenom has pushed standards to new levels in sport climbing, while also dominating competitions. A. May 20, 2022 · The institute has since trained hundreds of Nepali climbers, porters, and guides in skills ranging from English language to technical climbing, mountain safety, rescue, and wilderness first aid. His name is synonymous with daring free solo ascents and has become one of the most famous rock climbers in history. 15a) on Biographie, on an overhanging limestone cliff on Céüse, a mountain in France’s Hautes-Alpes. On his most famous Everest climb in 1999, he discovered the remains of George Mallory, one of the two British climbers who died attempting Everest in 1924, helping to shed more You're about to uncover incredible tales of mountaineering legends who conquered immense challenges to etch their names in history. Oct 4, 2023 · Sherpas are an ethnic group hailing from parts of Tibet and eastern Nepal, well known for their climbing expertise, resilience and record-breaking achievements. Nims Purja Nov 11, 2024 · By common consent, Californian sport climber Chris Sharma vies with Adam Ondra for the title of best climber in the world today. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New York Whether they’re revered as sacred landmarks or conquered by daring climbers, the world’s mountains hold both physical and spiritual significance. Feb 16, 2024 · Over the years, she has climbed over 70 high mountains across the globe demonstrating her exceptional skill and unwavering determination. Whymper achieved significant first ascents in various mountain ranges, including the Mont Blanc massif, the Pennine Alps, Chimborazo in South America, and the Canadian Rockies. Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner May 20, 2022 · The institute has since trained hundreds of Nepali climbers, porters, and guides in skills ranging from English language to technical climbing, mountain safety, rescue, and wilderness first aid. This page was last edited on 30 December 2016, at 07:05 (UTC). He is known for his solo ascents–often in winter–of major ice and alpine climbing routes. zɛf ˈjɛ. However, it’s his exploits on, not around, the mountains that warrant his inclusion here. In July 2001, he achieved the first redpoint in history of a consensus 9a+ (5. Alex Honnold is undoubtedly the most famous climber on earth today. [ 1 ] This speed climber has made 22 climbs on 8,000m high mountains in the last 20 years – and he’s not done ticking off new routes, starting the new decade with a winter attempt on the world’s The next day, two Spanish climbers, Pepe Garces and Lorenzo Ortas, who had survived the storm at Camp 4, were descending the mountain while suffering from frostbite and exhaustion. His biggest achievement to date: On June 3, 2017, he crested the El Capitan in Yosemite Valley on the “Freerider” route, free solo, in 3:56 hours. ʐɨ kuˈkut͡ʂ. Caldwell made the first free ascents of several major routes on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Dec 26, 2018 · Photograph courtesy John Noel/Timesonline. Anker recently appeared in the Reel Rock 15 film “Black Ice,” mentoring a group of black climbers from Memphis in the ways of ice climbing at his Top 100 Mountain Climbers Famous: World's Best Mountain Climbers Famous: Tenzing Norgay, Nirmal Purja, Joe Simpson, Ueli Steck, Colin Haley Tommy Caldwell (born August 11, 1978) is an American rock climber who has set records in sport climbing, traditional climbing, and in big-wall climbing. [19] Due to the difficulties and dangers in bringing bodies down, most who die on the mountain remain where they fall. Mountaineering is as extreme as it gets – but tackling perilous ridges in ‘the death zone’ is just another day at the office for these world-class climbers. Here is our selection of Britain’s greatest ever mountaineers, from the Victorian trailblazers to the modern-day pioneers quietly shunning the circus of 8,000-meter peaks to climb technical lines on previously unheard of 7,000-meter beauties. Adam Ondra has made the most 5. The varied backgrounds of the deceased climbers on Everest paint a picture of the diverse individuals who sought to conquer the world’s highest peak. Oct 27, 2023 · Nationality: American Year of birth: 1961. ; Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4. 3. He is also remembered through the Jerzy Kukuczka Foundation, which supports young climbers and promotes safe and responsible mountain climbing. Gardner was a second-generation mountain guide from Idaho. Nov 2, 2023 · Alex free solos Moonlight Buttress back in 2008. Reinhold Messner shattered limits with his oxygen-free summits, while Junko Tabei defied gender norms atop Everest. Mar 18, 2019 · Ludwig Purtscheller (October 6, 1849 – March 3, 1900) was an Austrian mountaineer and teacher. His biography has been translated into 43 different languages. Many mountain climbers regard Italian Walter Bonatti as the greatest climber of all time. With an HPI of . Impossibly strong, Adam Ondra is a professional climber from the Czech Republic whose known for his first ascents of some of the world’s most difficult climbs, including more than 1,500 ascents of routes harder than 5. Jerzy Kukuczka was a Polish alpine and high-altitude climber, widely considered among the climbing community to be one of the best high-altitude climbers in history. rwobyplmopveemkznfdwnbtfrkuaxlnjchopqlzcbqfkawhfjasosgwvqqrwiiblomxtxuknbtk