Our club's news

On April 12, on Wednesday, the 7 Summit Club conducts its traditional evening dedicated to the departure of our team for Everest.

First time in a new place and in a new format!

We are waiting for you at the Trade Center Tsvetnoy - on the 6th floor ...

The presentation starts at 19.00.

In the program:

Alexander Abramov, the permanent leader of all our Everest expeditions and the president of the 7 Summit Club, will talk about the peculiarities of the attempt to climb this year and will present the team ...

Valery Rozov will tell about his records in  basejumping: from the slopes of Mount Everest ...

And for the first time about a new record - a jump from the top of Cho Oyu ...

Ivan Dusharin will share his memories of climbing K2, a legendary mountain, even steeper and more difficult than Everest ....

Dear friends!

 The 7 Summits Club announces for the summer of 2017 a new festival dedicated to the program of climbing the highest peaks of all continents - "Seven Summits".

Dates of the festival: June 24th to July 2th, 2017

Location – Polyana (Glade) Azau in Terskol village, the slopes and the summits of Mount Elbrus.

The festival will consist of two parts.

The Official Part:  29th June – 2th July

 Meeting of climbers on the "Seven Summits", the presentation of medals and diplomas, awarding ceremony.

The Informal Part: 24th June – 29th June

Mass ascent on Elbrus, setting a Guinness record.

 We want to make the main event of the festival a gala evening with the presentation of medals "All Seven Summiter" and the relevant certificates. All Russian SevenSummiters will be invited, as well as special guests, the climbers on the "Seven Summits" from the various countries of the world.

  But no less important, we believe…

A mass ascent on The Mount of Elbrus

In order to establish the Guinness record for the number "seven summits climbers" gathered together on the same mountain.

 Also in the festival program scheduled: speed races (competitions) on Elbrus, presentations and guest speaking, exhibition of photographs, best films and movies awarding, cultural program ...

And a lot of communication with fans to collect the summits in an informal atmosphere.

To participate in the festival "Seven Summits", except for Russian climbers  we will invite to the first Seven Summits climbers from each country, first  of the project, as well as other authors of unique achievements. We expect coming many interesting guests, new acquaintances, “a sea of communication”!

We would be grateful for any comments and suggestions for the organization of our festival.

 Program here

 Especially welcome sponsorship!

Write to us at: info@7summitsclub.com

Friends, on Wednesday, December 7, our office is closed.

 We're moving into a new office. On Thursday, December 8, 2016 and later, the office of  the 7 Summits Club will operate at

 Maly Karetny Pereulok, 10

 Due to the expansion and opening of the new perspective directions, the office of the 7 Summits Club changes dislocation and moves closer to the center.

New address: Maly Karetny, 10

We hope to finish our moving till December 7th.

In this regard, small delays with answers by mail are possible. But we will try to respond as much as possible to all letters and calls even in the course of moving …

 In September 2016 GRIT&ROCK announced a launch of an annual international FIRST ASCENT EXPEDITION PRIZE to enable female first ascents. The award, the largest of its kind globally, will fund a female-led expedition team up to the amount of GBP5,000. The aims of the annually awarded prize is to promote and encourage female participation in pioneering alpine ascents. The Award is open to individuals and climbing teams with majority female participation and is meant to provide funding for those who need it most.

The application deadline is January 31, 2017. The jury comprising Victor Saunders, Catherine Destivelle, Lydia Bradey and Lise Billon will choose a winning project by March 1, 2017.

To learn more, please download the award document here

or contact us at award@gritandrock.com

*******

The Alpinist magazine:

Masha Gordon, the founder of Grit & Rock, explains: "During my Explorers Grand Slam record bid [She holds the female speed record—Ed.], I spent over a hundred days in various base camps around the world where I have encountered quite a few budding female alpinists in commercial groups doing normal routes on high altitude peaks," Gordon said. "That contrasted with very few independent women climbers who were part of the teams launching alpine-style ambitious summit bids. That made me wonder about the disconnect. I looked at the history of Piolets d'Or, the Oscars of Alpinism, and discovered that in its twenty-four-year-long history it has been won only twice by women. Fewer women alpinists get sponsored as brand athletes.... As a result, women get less expedition experience and, perhaps, dare less, feeling unqualified. This vicious cycle creates an unintended high-altitude glass ceiling. Our $6,000 First Ascent Expedition Grant was designed to act as a catalyst to encourage more competent female alpinists to launch their first ascent bids."

Gordon said she wasn't sure how much interest there would be when she announced the grant. "Our fear was that we would get few applications," she said. "So far, the queries we've had came from highly competent climbers. So far, so good!"

The selection panel consisting of Lydia Bradey, Catherine Destivelle, Victor Saunders and Lise Billon will award the first prize in February. Bradey was the first woman to summit Everest (8848m) without supplemental oxygen in 1988. Destivelle did an eleven-day solo first ascent on the Petit Dru (3732) in 1991, the Destivelle Route (VI 5.11b A5, 800m), and the following year she became the first woman to complete a solo ascent of the Eiger Nordwand, which she did in winter in 17 hours in 1992, among many other climbing feats. Saunders is still blazing new routes in alpine style at age 66, which he did earlier this month on Sersank Peak (6050m) with Mick Fowler in the Indian Himalaya. Billon is a 2016 Piolet d'Or recipient for the second ascent of Cerro Riso Patron (2550m) in Chile via a new route called Hasta las Webas (AI5+, M5, ED- 1000m), which she climbed with Jerome Sullivan, Diego Simari and Antoine Moineville.

[Photo] Masha Gordon collection

"If we can encourage women to think outside of the box, lead their own expeditions and explore routes in remote parts of the world, it would be a fantastic achievement," Bradey said.

"Our Foundation's goal is to help raise a generation of brave and confident girls through the power of [the] outdoors," Gordon said. "These girls need role models. This prize is aimed at helping create them."

November 24, the 7 Summits Club held a lecture in our office on the Grand Pereiaslavskaya street. Lyudmila Korobeshko was the keynote speaker, she spoke about his impressions of the visit to South America, told interesting facts. She gave a lot of useful information about the organization of trips to Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela. Olga Rumyantseva helped Lyudmila, she spoke about her favorite area - Patagonia. Thanks to everyone who came and listened! We hope for new meetings and joint travel...

 On 13 October there was the traditional evening dedicated to the birthday of the company 7 Summits Club. We are very pleased that every year more and more people come to congratulate us, welcome us and each other, coming to see old friends, learn new, learn, eat, drink, rest after work and so on... We think that the vast majority were satisfied and they reluctantly leave the room. However, the room is small, it is what it is. What to do? Don't know yet.

Lyudmila Korobeshko opened the evening, on the rights of the Queen

Alexander Abramov (the King) gave the floor to Sergei Larin, who told how the expedition under his leadership ahead of time rose to the top of Cho Oyu.

Igor and Natalia Smirnova, as members of the expedition, added to the report  emotions and own photos...

The most great time were given to Oscar Konyukhov. The Audience listened to his story with open mouths, and after the guests filled up the lecturer with questions. Buying information on a record flight around the world in a balloon, carried out by Fedor Konyukhov paint, all new bright colors.

Leader and trainer of the program "Altitude" Alexander Yakovenko reported about the great success of this project (five peaks per season).

Vladimir N. Shataev presented a certificate "Snow leopard" another hero of our time - Dmitry Moskalev.

 Artem Rostovtsev spoke briefly about the competition on trailrunning in the Crimea. We are very grateful to him for introducing us to running sports activities:

Well, to the delight of many fans and lovers of the Crimea, we saw the first public performance of our Crimean teachers rock climbing Natalia Kartashova. She, of course, was worried. But performed brilliantly. Many, I am sure, listening to her story on the background of the Crimean types on the screen began to change their plans and to embed them in another visit to the Crimea.

The second speech, Oscar Konyukhov was shorter, but no less interest. This time it was about two new projects of his Father Fyodor. As usual, it should be supercandy: rise above all in a hot air balloon (in the stratosphere) and down below all in the Marianas trench.

As usual after a fun lottery where lucky to even those who've never had much luck, alas the time has come to part...

Until next time, friends !

The event will be held on October 13^th  on Thursday, beginning at 20:00. The 7 Summits Club celebrates its birthday and invites you to share the feast of all his friends and those who would like to become a friend. We invite you to our office ul. Bolshaya Pereyaslavskaya, 7. Metro Prospekt Mira.

In the evening we will tell about our key expeditions of 2016, we summarize the results of several months of travel and climbing programs. You will find a meal and attention from the owners.

We present  main guests of the evening:

Oscar Konyukhov, the son and Manager of the greatest Russian traveler, tells about the organization of the expedition Fyodor Konyukhov  "balloon Flight around the world."

The participant of expeditions 7 summits Club, master of sports Alexander Yakovenko will speak about the project team's Vysota. Russian national team on high-altitude mountaineering, which this year closed the project "Snow leopard" five peaks in one summer.

We will also welcome the members of our expedition on Cho-Oyu this year, leader Sergei Larin. They had just come back from the Himalayas and will tell, how was the ascent.

We invited Natalia Kartashov our wonderful guide and instructor on the Crimean rocks. She's in the capital of many friends and we hope that they will not miss the opportunity to see her...

Natasha will tell us about the adventures of a team of 7 summits during the Big autumntrip to the Crimea. In particular, we share the impressions about participation in a unique race Crimea X Run - hard tests, an unforgettable experience!

Come, really looking forward to meeting You!

   Season of lectures open, opened successfully. Club Manager of the 7 Summits Club Alexander Tishkov read the first lecture. We heard a detailed account of the fact that it is important to consider when planning a trip to Nepal. All of the most curious and interesting points, some historical facts, trekking routes and much more.

It was very interesting. Thanks to everyone who came to see us. It was nice to see the face inspired by the desire to travel, to conquer the peaks and discover new corners of this planet.

We are waiting for the next session on October 13 on the Gala evening of  the 7 Summits Club - birthday! Details about the Gala evening ....

The event will be held on October 13^th  on Thursday, beginning at 20:00. The 7 Summits Club celebrates its birthday and invites you to share the feast of all his friends and those who would like to become a friend. We invite you to our office ul. Bolshaya Pereyaslavskaya, 7. Metro Prospekt Mira.

In the evening we will tell about our key expeditions of 2016, we summarize the results of several months of travel and climbing programs. You will find a meal and attention from the owners.

More Details will be soon

That's how it was a year ago:

Our partner in Ecuador, the famous local guide Edgar Parra, who is also founder and director of his own company, brought to office a very interesting person. This is his client, his client from the United States, from California. His name is Tom Biсksler. 42-year-old American is living with a diagnosis of diabetes type 2 and besides suffered a serious operation for Crohn's disease.

Formally, he is twice the invalid. He is not just a living, he had come to climb Mount Elbrus. The highest peak of Europe should be a third of his planned collection "Seven summis". Tom is going to become the first diabetic to complete this program. While in his collection there are Kilimanjaro - 2012, and Aconcagua - 2013. Trying to climb Mount McKinley in 2015, ended in failure due to prolonged bad weather:

Tom Bixler at McKinley. 2015. Without top.

In Moscow

We are going to celebrate, thank each other, telling stories that you have not heard, and show on the screen what you have not seen. The protagonists of the expedition to Everest in 2016 will be on the stage, you will be able to congratulate them.

 The 7 Summits Club expedition under the leadership of Alexander Abramov ended with great success: 27 people climbed to the top of Mount Everest! 15 members + 12 Sherpas. Several participants went to the North Col, as planned. The main thing - all returned home safe and sound. It was established several record achievements for Russia, Europe and the World!

We invite all our friends!

Free admission

Moscow:

Most Pereyaslavskaya 7

7 Summits Club (store Outdoors)

beginning at 20.30 on Thursday 23 June.

St. Petersburg:

Big Pushkarskaya 30

The bar-restaurant Discovery

beginning at 18.30

Heroes who have returned from Everest, talk about how the expedition took place in 2016.

 The crew of the first channel by Valdis Pelsh studio led daily (even a minute) survey of what is happening. The guys promise to show some of the footage.

In several records were set during this expedition.

This will be a separate story.

In early April our next Everest expedition will  start, as usual led by Alexander Abramov. We return to the highest mountain in the world, the most desired climbing object after the terrible disaster, earthquake, 2015. In some ways, this season will be unusual, something familiar. Our team will be the largest on the northern slopes, we traditionally put most comfortable, beautiful camp, we will do everything to succeed.

  You will learn details of the expedition from the head, six-time climber on Everest Alexander Abramov. He will present the team, tell about the features of the current season. That, for the first time as part of our big event will be run purely female team led by Lyudmila Korobeshko. And also we will be able to communicate with the crew RD studio of Valdis Pelsh, which will continue its work on the filming of the movie for the First Russian TV Channel.

Address: Bol Pereyaslavskaya d. 7 Shop "Active Life".

March 31 ... Beginning at 20.00

And also you will be able to listen to reports on the climbing season 2015-2016 in the Southern Hemisphere. Our guides will talk about climbing in Antarctica, South America, Australia and Africa. We will introduce you to new projects, new programs coming summer season in the northern hemisphere. Come, you will find the atmosphere of companionship and a small treat from the 7 Summits Club.

This weekend a representative of the 7 Summits Club Galina Rossova went to the Caucasus to Georgia to explore the situation in Gudauri and learn about the possibilities for the implementation of programs in the winter Mountain School in 2016. Soon a new program for beginners will be published on our site. This program will be provided under the leadership of a talented climber and conqueror of Everest Bidzina Gujabidze.

Gudauri - is a ski resort located on the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains near the Georgian Military Road among stunning views of the mountains.

29th October 2015 the 7 Summits Club organized a lecture entitled "How to climb Mount Everest." The Club President Alexander Abramov reveals the secrets of climbing the highest mountain in the world. He is six time summiter of Mount Everest, and more importantly, led the 17th Himalayan expeditions, as well as hundred of commercial climbing and traveling tours around the world. The lecture was held as part of the new Mountain School Project of the 7 Summits Club. Watch the video and photos ...

How to climb Everest. Part 1

How to climb Everest. Part 2

All pictures here

15th October, in the evening, in the store room of "Active rest" on Bolshaya Pereyaslavskaya it was noisy. More than 150 guests shared with our Club the Day of our birth. The whole evening they had to choose between listening and viewing performances, with one side of the hall. And friendly communication with the other side of the hall. It was difficult to catch both.

We will try to restore a little bit of history to the chronology:

of the evening:

Time - October 15 - Thursday 20.00

Location - Moscow, Bolshaya Pereyaslavskaya d.7 (Shop "Active Life") m. Prospect Mira

By leading Russian climbers and direct participants of the events

In the Programme:
- The main guest of the evening - "Mr. Everest"
- Project 7 Volcanoes
- Mountain School of 7 Summits Club
- Climbing Mount Everest in Business

And:
- Crimea is Yours
- Alaska is still Ours
- How to climb the Matterhorn

And:
- Summing up 2015
- Awarding of the winners - climbers
- New projects and new plans to capture the mountains

The film is based on real events on the Everest expedition in 1996. About this tragedy has been written a lot. I think almost all person related to mountaineering read a book of Krakauer or Bukreev, partially representing the two different points of view. And it was interesting how it will be present the events of those long years.

In Russia as for whole World, the official premiere is scheduled for September 24.

Now, there were screenings for the press, private screenings for experts in climbing ...
So yesterday evening there was an event organized by the Mountaineering Federation of Russia special for climbers before the premiere of the film, and the presentation of a new book by Ivan Dusharin "Stalkers of highlands."

Ivan Dusharin as always been smart, cheerful and happy, signed autographs and took pictures.
We barely managed to distract him for a photo session.
And here we are - mountain guides related to Everest, if not direct, then to commercial mountaineering. Four of the seven – many times climbed Mount Everest. While we were with Dennis, and Artem not spoiled the statistics, we counted 11 Everest climbs for four.

And now about the film ...

Heavy film. It's not entertaining humorous "Vertical Limit", not the usual Hollywood action.

Yes, there were certainly hacks. Not going to climb to eight thousand for half an hour. For half an hour that only for shoes lace does. Yes, there are some inaccuracies in gear and clothing. But the general that does not change the main.

In the film, there is no good and bad persons, there are no heroes and villains. There are the organizers of commercial climbing Everest, guides, Sherpas, the clients and the mountain, which does not care about all these human ambitions.

The film does not answer the question "Why". Rather, as the options are three different answers from the participants of expeditions: because there is a project of the 7 Summits, and it remained as the last; because at home it's not nice, but here is a happiness; because one realizing his dream you could inspire children in a small town ...

I think all this is nothing and explains nothing.

The film simply shows how it all happens. The streets of Kathmandu, mountain slopes, narrow hanging bridges - we have all seen it, the way it is. It shows how Buddhist flags fluttering in the wind; How is the snow; as people move jumars along the rope barely moving the legs. How to crawl to the top; how guides sign his own death warrant, choosing between what they must do and the desire to bring the person to the top. How does a man become a rag doll, unable to take a step; those who were at the bottom, understand everything, but can not do anything; and how, in the end, to die: at one point making a wrong move or slow freezing ...

It shows all the way as it is.

The company 7 Summits Club, where I work - one of the few in the world that has for decades organized annually commercial ascents of Everest.
Over the years I have seen a lot of things. People who have never been in the mountains, in two or three years carried out their dream to climb Everest. Adventurers who have asked to take them on an expedition without any experience. And this annual tension in the two days of climbing: how is it? did it? no? went down? what is the prognosis?

And there were those who died during the climb. And those who were miraculously saved. And the guides who did everything that people were on the top. And the same situation when climbing continued despite the fact that all the possible time limits have been exhausted.

This film is about us. About what all this could turn. Yes, normal companies are now much more seriously organize the expedition. More guides, sherpas, enough oxygen, fixed ropes. But the man - only a small dot on the mountain ... It is only here, on the plain, all of us - the universe. And there, on Everest - a speck of dust. The wind blew, and there was no man ...

Of course, it will be interesting to know opinions of people that are far from the mountains, after watching this movie.
On the evening there were mostly mountaineers. And if in the beginning, everyone was cheerful and animated, after watching they left the hall in silence and a bit depressed.

And I ... I had a strong desire for the next call, "Hello, I want to go to Everest" answer: "What? You are crazy? Do not go there ..."

Alex Abramov: Today guides of the 7 Summits Club Alex Abramov and Anastasia Kuznetsova and project participant Natalia Matusowa, arrived in the city of Alma-Ata ... We do not even know how much we have friends in Almaty ... they are much more than we expected . .... I have been not here about 30 years. Everything had changed, but the mountains remain the same. ..

First, we went to the ski resort Chimbulak with our friend Maksut Zhumayev. This place became about the level of good European resort.

Then we need to say a big thank to Yaroslav Sabyrbaev who met us, showed the city, fed dinner ...

In the evening, we were the center of attention at the pre-premiere of the film Everest. We were together with the leading climbers of the country. Among them, our friends on the expedition in 2007 Maksut Zhumayev and Vasily Pivtsov.

Tomorrow a group of corporate clients arrives from Moscow and we will begin our work in the mountains.

Alexey Ovchinnikov wrote on Facebook: "The screening film "Everest" for a hall full of the press was a great success. In the end - there were deserved applause for Trofimich (Dusharin), Sania Abramov and Vladimir Nikolaevich Shataev. And, the Universal responded to our request and included in the final credits a large photo Bukreeva description of his achievement.

My personal assessment of the film - a solid four. Good movie, looks with interest, unusual for Hollywood open final with no happy ending. Climbing life is shown authentically, without gross distortion.