The walking team included a variety of interesting people including the book’s author, Rick Ridgeway. Most of this epic journey traveled through remote national parks and protected areas putting the team face to face with all kinds of wildlife from lions, hippos, and crocodiles to the less intimidating ungulates and birds. They also saw elephants – lots and lots of elephants.

Read the full review here.

Purchase the book from Amazon.

The expansive plains of East Africa

Join us for an African Adventure of your own! We still have a few spaces open on our 2012 Kilimanjaro trips and safaris are available on request year-round.

Visit our Wildlife Safari homepage and Kilimanjaro homepage.

The Nova Scotia Nature Trust is a conservation charity saving the places Nova Scotians love. It is the only Nova Scotian organization focused exclusively on protecting outstanding natural areas through private land conservation. To learn more about the Nova Scotia Nature Trust, visit their website at http://www.nsnt.ca/.

Stay tuned for more information about this exciting adventure!

Trip Dates: October 6-20, 2012

We have many exciting adventures ahead in 2012 and 2013. Call us at 1-866-609-4148 or email us at info@bergadventures.com to start planning the trip of your dreams.

Wishing everyone a fantastic new year!

To learn more about the seven summit climbs, I read two books this month. The first is Beyond Everest: Quest for the Seven Summits written by Pat Morrow and published in 1986. The second was Seven Summits: The Quest to Reach the Highest Point on Every Continent edited by Steve Bell and published in 2000. Both books were fascinating and helped me to understand just how difficult these climbs can be.

To read the full book review click here.

Start your own quest for the Seven Summits and join one of our upcoming expeditions:

Aconcagua, Argentina, South America

View trip description.

• January 14-February 3, 2012
• January 12-February 1, 2013

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Africa

View trip description.

• January 20 – February 2, 2012
• July 13 – 26, 2012
• September 1- 14, 2012
• December 21, 2012 – January 3, 2013
• December 28, 2012 – January 10, 2013
• January 18-31, 2013
• February 8-21, 2013

Mount Elbrus, Russia, Europe

View trip description.

• June 29, 2013-July 14, 2012
• June 28, 2013 – July 13, 2013
• June 28 – July 13, 2013
• July 12-27, 2013

Mount Vinson, Antarctica

View trip description.

Many mountaineers who travel to Argentina to attempt the summit of South America’s highest mountain, Aconcagua, only visit the national park office to obtain their climbing permits before heading to the mountains; they don’t know what they’re missing. The beautiful tree-lined streets and shady plazas of the city are rich with history, culture and class. Read the full “Things To Do in Mendoza” article.

Join us this year or next on our Aconcagua expedition and reward yourself with a wine tour afterwards. For more information about our Aconacagua expedition click here.

Left: Grapes on the vine; Right: A picturesque bodega

To learn more about our wine tours, contact our office at info@bergadventures.com.

Upcoming Aconcagua Trip Dates:

January 14-February 3, 2012

January 12-February 1, 2013

If you like this article, you may want to visit our Expedition Preparation Page for more interesting information to help you get ready for your trip.

Learning the ropes

The first trip is our new Bolivia Mountain School Program where you will spend seven days learning the ropes – literally. From rope and belay techniques to glacier travel and safety, this course is perfect for anyone looking to learn the foundational skills of mountaineering. Whether you’re new to the sport or you just want to brush-up on your skills and technique, you will be sure to walk away with practical knowledge that you can apply to your future pursuits on the slopes. At ten days in length, this trip is perfect for people who want to go climbing in South America, but have limited time off.

Camping on Sajama

Hiking to Condorii Base Camp

A joyful team of climbers

Our second trip is a Berg Adventures classic. First we climb world-class mountains in the Condoriri Range (usually Cerro Austria and Pequeno Alpamayo depending upon conditions) and then we continue on to climb Sajama, Bolivia’s tallest mountain at 21,486ft/6,549m. While the mountains are fantastic, we also take some time to explore the incredibly diverse cultures of Bolivla by visiting the city of La Paz and acclimatizing along the shores of Lake Titicaca. Last year this trip was featured in Outside Magazine, so you know it’s got to be good!

Check-out last year’s dispatches to see just how colorful and scenic Bolivia is!

To learn more, visit the Bolivia homepage or contact our office (Sara@bergadventures.com or 866-609-4148).

Upcoming Trip Dates*:

Bolivia Mountain School: June 1 – 10, 2012

Bolivia: Sajama and Condoriri: June 9 – 25, 2012

*Dates inclusive of international travel days.

Enjoy some of the trip photo highlights below:

A chorten, or stupa, along the trail to Base Camp.

Classic blue skies of the fall trekking season

No trip to the Khumbu is complete without a little snow. It is the Himalaya!

Everest never ceases to impress.

This way to Everest Base Camp

The team strikes a pose.

We made it! Welcome to Base Camp!

Team members on the summit of Kala Patar with Everest behind them.

No wonder Kala Patar is a must on every Everest Base Camp Trek – look at that view!

Denio and Raquel stand atop Lobuche Peak.

To plan your own Himalayan Adventure whether you wish to trek to Everest Base Camp or to climb one of the many remarkable peaks, visit our website at http://www.bergadventures.com/v3_trips/asia/everest-basecamp-description.php or contact our office at info@bergadventures.com.

To read more about this season’s treks, check-out the trip dispatches:

Everest Base Camp Trek Dispatches: http://www.bergadventures.com/v3_cyber/2011/2011-10-08-everest-base-camp/main.php

Lobuche Peak Dispatches: http://www.bergadventures.com/v3_cyber/2011/2011-10-23-lobuche/main.php

Now the Berg Adventures posters are available for purchase. Hang them in your exercise room or workshop for inspiration, or put them in a frame and hang them in your office as a conversation starter. They make the perfect gift for those with Everest aspirations or for those who simply love the mountains and admire the strength of the human spirit.

Ama Dablam Camp II

Climbing Everest’s Summit Ridge

Contact Sara@bergadventures.com or give us a call to order your poster.

Available for $25.00 including sales tax. Shipping not included.

Size 18in x 36in

Check out our BAI Store for books and maps.

You are invited to join us on a special holiday adventure for the whole family. We’re off to Nepal to spend Christmas and New Year’s trekking with our family and friends in Everest’s Khumbu region. We have selected the dates to match school holiday schedules and have designed the itinerary with kids in mind – with extra rest days and shorter hiking distances. With special visits to schools, monasteries and even a medical clinic, your kids are sure to learn a lot about life in a place very different from their own homes. We will encourage local families to trek with us some days so that the kids can learn from each other and play together. Don’t have kids? That’s okay, you’re still welcome to join us!

View of Namche

We will travel from Kathmandu to Lukla on December 23rd and will arrive in Namche in the afternoon on December 24th. You will wake up Christmas morning for a short walk to the National Park Overlook to get your first views of Mount Everest before returning to the cozy lodge to open presents and share a special Christmas breakfast. You will have the rest of the day to relax in Namche, the economic hub for the entire Khumbu region. Since Christmas is not a holiday in Nepal, businesses in Namche will be open for you to shop and explore before it is time for a Christmas dinner feast.

Our highpoint on the trek will be Pangboche at 13,123ft/4000m. Here we will have another rest day for visiting the local lama, venturing out on a day hike or simply relaxing in the lodge which has fantastic views of Ama Dablam and Everest, and unmatched hospitality. We will return to Lukla for a New Year’s Eve celebration with our new Sherpa friends before returning to Kathmandu.

The trip begins and ends in Kathmandu where you will be able to visit the infamous Monkey Temple and other sites in this exciting city. We recommend that you fly through Bangkok as it is the most direct and most comfortable way to travel. If you have a few extra days at the end of the trek and would like to spend some time in Thailand, we have some great family friendly suggestions for you!

While you may imagine blustery, cold weather in the Himalayas in December, it is actually a beautiful month to go trekking. It is the driest month in Nepal and the temperatures are quite mild. Seasoned trekkers in Nepal will all say the same thing, that December is the nicest month to trek –dry trails, quiet lodges, few clouds, and fantastic views.

For more information visit our website or contact our office at 403-609-4148 or sara@bergadventures.com.

That said, if you are planning a trip to Nepal, you should definitely consider spending an extra couple of days in Kathmandu. There is quite literally something for everyone whether you prefer to explore the city’s many historic and cultural sites or you just want to shop, eat and relax.

Read the full article in our resources section here.

Along the summit ridge the views are priceless.

As one of the 7 summits, Aconcagua is the highest in South America. In fact, it is the highest mountain in both the Southern and Western hemispheres. Standing at a breathtaking 22,841ft/6,962m, the glaciated peak of Aconcagua is a physical and mental challenge well-worth the effort. Trip highlights include hiking along the crest of the Andes as we acclimatize in Penitentes, basking in the sun with a cerveza at Plaza de Mulas Base Camp, slowly climbing over two weeks to the summit of South America, sharing stories with climbers from around the world and relaxing in Argentina’s wine country post-climb. This expedition is an invaluable preparation climb for those with Everest aspirations.

Climbing the mountain and loving it!

Our trusty mules carry our bags to base camp.

While sipping wine in Mendoza is a great contrast to the dusty days of climbing, Berg Adventures strives to offer maximum comfort and “luxury” on the mountain. Our fantastic cook creates delicious meals ranging from Argentine dishes to North American comfort foods using fresh ingredients. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself eating crispy tacos or creamy cheesecake high on the mountain. The attentive and skilled guides, will encourage you, inspire you and keep you safe.

Join us on the mountain this January 14-February 3, 2012. Contact our office today! Email: sara@bergadventures.com, phone: 403-609-4148.

For more information visit the Aconcagua homepage.

Guide Todd Craig, Dan Gormley and Neil Aisenstat in the Berg Adventures Office

If you would like to visit Canmore, give us a call! We would love to meet with you and we are happy to arrange climbing courses for you.

Photo credit: Mikey Schaeffer from www.featheredfriends.com

Visit our Expedition Prep page at any time for training tips, gear advice, and health and safety information: http://www.bergadventures.com/v3_main/trip-preparations/trip-preparation-articles.php.

Purchase the Book

High Adventure is a rather humble retelling of the first successful summit of Mount Everest. From the reconnaissance mission of 1951, to the Himalayan training exercises of 1952 and finally the successful 1953 expedition, the book traces his long road to the summit. Hillary tells his story in a very straight-forward manner with a degree of nonchalance. The events of the story are often dramatic and the accomplishments great, yet he writes as though he is describing his morning routine rather than the climb of an 8000 meter peak. However, the intensity and difficulty of the 1953 Everest Expedition is not lost, and the book will leave you with respect for Hillary, Tenzing, the 1953 Everest team and high altitude climbers today.

An informative, and at times, page-turning read, High Adventure lacks a personal element and tells the reader little about Hillary himself. In contrast, View from the Summit, reveals much more about Hilllary’s personal life and experiences in a thoughtful and honest way. Though his writing-style does not change much, he lets down his guard and reflects upon his life with a hint of nostalgia. While reading the book, I often felt as though I was sitting in a cozy den listening to Hillary recount his life’s joys, hardships and adventures.

Purchase the Book

The book begins with a concise, colorful, and ultimately, more interesting retelling of the 1953 Everest Expedition. It is more opinionated too. To start, he admits that he was not John Hunt’s biggest fan and he describes his anger about discovering that Eric Shipton would not be leading the expedition. Perhaps the most interesting addition to the story of the Everest climb was the description of his realization that he, a simple bee-keeper from New Zealand, had become a celebrity overnight and his life would never be the same. It took him a few speaking tours to figure out how exactly to handle the publicity and he soon learned to embrace his status and to use it to help improve the lives of others. He started the Himalayan Trust in order to raise money for development projects throughout the Himalayas and the organization is still going strong today.

Many people know about Hillary’s summit of Everest and his humanitarian efforts, but most now little else. View from the Summit tells the untold stories of Sir Edmund’s life. He led a team of tractors to the South Pole (a much more difficult endeavor than it sounds), led an expedition to search for the yeti in Nepal, and jet boated up the Ganges River making it all the way to the headwaters. After summiting Everest, Hillary did not have much luck with high altitude climbs – in fact, he suffered from cerebral edema several times and avoided death only by relying on the rescue efforts of his fellow climbers. Also, he lost his wife and youngest daughter in a plane crash and sunk into a dark period of guilt and sadness. He remarried in the late 80s and became the New Zealand High Commissioner to India in the 90s. Up until the last months of his life he was still visiting his friends in Nepal, building schools, hospitals, dams, and other infrastructure to improve the lives of the people there. Now that is a life well-lived!

If you’re looking for an account of the first successful summit of Everest, then consider reading High Adventure, but if you’re more interested in learning about the life of a fascinating and inspiring man, then View from the Summit is the book for you.

Read the dispatches from Chet’s trip here: http://www.bergadventures.com/v3_cyber/2011/2011-07-15-mt-elbrus/main.php

Read the dispatches from the first team’s journey here: http://www.bergadventures.com/v3_cyber/2011/2011-07-01-mt-elbrus/main.php

Berg Adventures Elbrus Team 1 celebrates on the summit last week.

The Bishop Family – Kim, Reed and Barry are on an adventure of their own. They are up in the air on a Sky Safari. What’s a sky safari? Well, you fly from location to location and you get to see the animals from the comfort of a plane as well as on the ground.

Follow their unique adventure here: http://www.bergadventures.com/v3_cyber/2011/2011-07-18-wildlife-safari/main.php

A hungry looking lion approaches the vehicle on safari in Tanzania.

We’re also recruiting climbers and trekkers for our fall adventures! There is still time to sign up, follow the links below or contact Sara at our office for more information:

Explore Patagonia

October 14-30, 2011

http://www.bergadventures.com/v3_trips/south-america/patagonia-description.php

Penguins on the Magdalena Islands are one of the many sights on our Patagonia adventure.

Climb Ecuador’s Volcanoes

November 5-20, 2011

http://www.bergadventures.com/v3_trips/south-america/ecuador-description.php

Imbabura Volcano is one of our acclimatization hikes in Ecuador to get us prepared for the even bigger, glaciated volcanoes.

Trek to Everest Base Camp

October 8-31, 2011

http://www.bergadventures.com/v3_trips/asia/everest-basecamp-description.php

Along the trail to Everest Base Camp there are many incredible sights.

Climb Loboche Peak in the Himalayas

October 8-November 3, 2011

http://www.bergadventures.com/blog/2011-07-07/657/

The team takes a break to take in the stunning views while climbing Loboche Peak.