Adventure Grand Slam

Grand Slam normally reminds us of Tennis. But in the world of extreme land adventure, it is one of those objectives that many aspire, very few attempt and even less succeed. It is a combination of two different adventure achievements that people aspire – one being the Seven Summits, which comprises of climbing the highest summits of all the seven continents, so far around 350 people in the world have achieved this. The other being the Three Poles, which involves climbing Mt Everest and a ski traverse to the North and South Poles. Till date less than 100 people in the world has done the Three Poles. If you combine these two challenges then it becomes the Adventure Grand Slam – climbing the Seven Summits and ski traverse to the geographic North and South Poles. Needless to say with less than 50 people in the world to do this, Adventure Grand Slam is one of the most exclusive adventure clubs in the world. Why this is so is easy to understand when you look at the following factors – the costs involved are immense, the time commitment needed are insane and since climbing is totally different from skiing across frozen ice over days very few are able to achieve adequate expertise in both these arenas to pull it off and the extremes of weather, the risks involved and of course sheer luck that you must have to accomplish this unique feat makes Adventure Grand Slam among the most desired yet elusive of all adventure challenges.

Mt Everest (8848m) – let’s begin with the highest milestone you need to bag in your quest for Adventure Grand Slam or AGS. Even by moderate estimates, an Everest attempt will set you back by 50 – 60 K US$ to include the real climb, equipment and clothing, training, travelling costs etc. With Everest you climb the highest peak in Asia and according to me the toughest of the Seven Summits.
Mt Aconcagua (6962m) – this Andean giant is located in Argentina and is the highest summit of South America. By its normal route it is a fairly straightforward climb yet it has significantly less success rate due to the fickle weather conditions. Blizzards can rage beyond 100 mph blowing climbers off their path or causing them serious cold injuries. Not to be trifled with, this climb will cost around 5 – 6 K US$ plus travelling costs etc.

Mt McKinley (6195m) – located barely a 100 mile south of the Arctic Circle in Alaska, it is the highest peak of North America and is one of the coldest mountains in the world. The real altitude of this peak in terms of air pressure is much higher than what it physically is so climbers find it hard to breathe up in the rarefied air. It is a killer mountain and is a really tough challenge, which is proven by the abysmal success rate of 35 – 40%. Most people who attempt McKinley never reach the summit. Around 7 – 8 K US$ is required for the on ground climb.

Mt Kilimanjaro (5895m) – roof of Africa in Tanzania is the easiest of the Seven Summits and many begin their SS quest with this. It’s more of a hike with very little snow but should not be taken lightly since it is high and often gets windy on the summit day. Take it easy, climb it slow and you will surely reach the top. Around 3 K US$ on ground needed.

Mt Elbrus (5633m) – the highest point of the Caucuses, easily accessed from Russia is Europe’s highest summit and an easy one to reach on a good weather day, but in foul weather it changes into a ferocious angry beast killing many each year. Not to be trifled with despite its low height and benign features. Keep aside around 5 K US$.


Mt Vinson (4897m) – Antarctica’s highest summit can only be attempted during its summer months of Nov – Feb. It is often called the world’s coldest mountain and despite being an easy climb, the sheer remoteness, inaccessibility, extreme weather makes this a daunting challenge. Will set you back by around 40 K US$ on ground.

Carstensz Pyramid (4884) – the shortest of the SS is also the most technical. Located in Irian Jaya, New Guinea (Indonesia) it is the highest peak of Australasia continent. I doubt if anyone climbs it who isn’t aiming for SS. Mostly rock climbing, the journey takes you through tribal areas in deep jungle. Might cost around 15 – 18 K US$.


South Pole – to count for the AGS, you have to ski at least the last one degree beginning from 89 deg south to the geographic North Pole at 90 deg south. Being Antarctica this is very challenging and also expensive. Costs around 40 K US$.

North Pole – it’s an eerie feeling to ski across frozen Arctic Ocean, being chased by Polar Bears with chances of falling through water leads or hacking a path through massive tumbling blocks of ice from pressure ridges. This is one adventure that has it all. It is way more challenging than the South Pole setting you back by around 35 K US$.