Climbing the Seven Summits is committed to providing the highest quality Denali expedition with our partners AMS. You can be assured that it will be both challenging and fun, a true once in a lifetime.

Denali is truly rugged and known to have some of the worst weather in the world, at a latitude of 63 degrees North, Denali is just 200miles South of the Arctic Circle. Every year it attracts climbers from all over the world including the world’s best alpinists to test themselves on the peak that many consider to be the most challenging of the Seven Summits. Not only for the extreme conditions but also the workload required.  Climbers need to be able to carry all their own gear, make their own camps and prepare their own food as a team, unlike other mountains where high altitude porters help with the work.

As such an expedition on Denali requires lots of planning and preparation, perhaps more than any of the other Seven Summits. It is a serious, gear intensive climb that requires plenty of advanced planning to ensure success. We utilise our breadth of experience, detailed logistics and our partnership with AMS to take much of this planning headache away from our climbers, but we still require them to be focused and committed to the climb ahead.

Most climbers fly into Anchorage before transporting themselves to Talkeetna, which is where our expedition begins. Here we will conduct gear checks, pack and have a number of briefings. When the weather permits we approach the mountain on a glacier ski plane, enjoying a forty minute flight that boasts incredible views of Denali and the surrounding peaks. We land on the ice at the South East fork of the Kahiltna Glacier and unload at Base Camp and begin our climb.

We use the normal route being ‘The West Buttress Route’ which this offers the most direct route up and interesting climbing. Climbing via this route usually takes two to three weeks but we allow a month, door to door, to allow for bad weather days and a safe, conservative climbing schedule.

From Base Camp, the route ascends the main branch of the Kahiltna Glacier up moderate terrain surrounded by the largest and most forbidding mountains in North America. It is mainly lower-angle glacier travel heading North until Camp 3 where the pitch steepens as it gains the upper reaches of the mountain, climbing exposed ridges, snow slopes and smaller glaciers heading North and East. The West Buttress Route climbs nearly 13,000 vertical feet in 18miles making it one of the biggest climbs of the Seven Summits circuit.

From Base Camp and across the lower glacier, a night schedule is established to climb during the the coldest hours on the lower glacier when the crevasse bridges are the safest. The intense heat of the direct sun during the day makes it unsafe and uncomfortable and during the Alaskan summer the night is sunlit so there is no need for a head lamp.

Across the climb we employ ‘a climb high, sleep low, double carry’ strategy to systematically move up the mountain and cache gear, whilst acclimitizing. There are 4 camps that we use before the summit. Summit day is a long, serious day in a hostile environment with most climbers averaging eight to ten hours to the summit and another three to four to descend back to High Camp.

Denali National Park and Preserve keep a staff of highly trained climbing rangers on the mountain during climbing season. Their job is to facilitate the climb, keep the mountain clean, relay weather information and provide rescue service and helicopter should climbers need it. While reassuring, it is important to be self sufficient and judicious while on the mountain so the rangers don’t have to put themselves at risk unnecessarily. Denali is a potentially dangerous mountain and climbing at nearly 6,000 meters is very serious.

This expedition will be organized and led by Mike Hamill, Owner of Climbing the Seven Summits alongside our field partners AMS. Mike has personally guided nearly 20 Denali expeditions and is committed to helping the CTSS climbers navigate and succeed through all of the exciting challenges of Denali whilst remaining safe.

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced

Climbing Denali requires serious fitness and an ability to perform well at altitude. Climbers need solid cramponing, general knowledge or glacier travel and crevasse rescue as well as knowledge of fixed line climbing, rope work, knots, and hitches. Experience climbing at altitude is a plus. If you don’t have these skills we can work with you to get you up to speed prior to the climbs. Please let us know how we can help! Our mountaineering seminars teach skills specific for climbing Denali and other Himalayan peaks. This isn’t the place to start your Seven Summits bid: instead climb smaller, less serious peaks first to work your way up to Denali.

The following is a sample itinerary for a Denali expedition. Keep in mind that weather on Denali can be difficult, flights in and out of the range can be delayed, and conditions can dictate movement on the mountain so the actual schedule is rarely the one described here.

We feel that choosing the right guide service for a high altitude climb such as Denali is one of the most important decisions you will make. Expedition leadership is of paramount importance when it comes to safety, success, and the overall enjoyment on an expedition. We strongly believe our organization is the best in the business; better than our competitors both domestic and international. Some of the reasons we believe we can offer you the best experience at an exceptional value are as follows. We are here to help you make an informed decision so please feel free to contact us directly.

At CTSS we offer a variety of different climb options to customize your Ecuador experience to your climbing style and ability:

Difficulty: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate

Climbing Ecuador’s volcanoes requires solid fitness and an ability to perform well at altitude, but it is not beyond the abilities of many people who are willing to train for the climb and work hard on the trip. Prior use of crampons and an ice axe is preferred but not mandatory as we will do a brief snow school for those with experience to touch up their skills and for others to become familiar. If you want to join this expedition but feel unsure of your ability, chat to us as we can work with you to get you up to speed prior to the climb as we take immense pride in helping people achieve their goals.

• Best expedition at a great value: CTSS believes in providing our clients with the highest quality service in the industry at a great value. Climbing and trekking is our passion, and our goal is to share these unique places and experiences with you. We want you to feel good about your experience because we believe word-of-mouth is the best advertising, and that begins with satisfied customers. There is a difference between our expeditions and those of our competitors, especially local cut-rate options. In choosing us, you are hiring the finest guides and logistical support in the industry. Benefiting from many Kilimanjaro expeditions, well over 100 high altitude expeditions, and drawing on decades of first hand guiding experience, we have worked hard to refine our logistics in order to offer you the highest chance of success at an exceptional value.
• We are a modestly sized guide service with highly personalized service: We maintain a moderate size so that we can tailor our Ecuador climbing experience to you. Not all climbers are the same, which is why Mike Hamill will work with you directly to make sure you choose only the programs that are right for you.
• Ecuadorean culture: We put an emphasis on experiencing Ecuadorean culture throughout our expedition. Ecuador has such a vast and beautiful history it would be a shame to not experience this during a visit to the country. We immerse ourselves in the flare of the local people while sampling some of the best and most quintessential food and accommodations that the region has to offer.
• Leadership: CTSS owner Mike Hamill oversees all of our Ecuadorean volcanoes programs. Mike’s almost unparalleled experience base at high altitude can make the difference between success and failure. He and his team have been constantly refining our logistics over many expeditions to Ecuador and hundreds world-wide. Let Mike guide you through the many nuances of climbing Cotopaxi and Cayembe that will allow you to be successful. From start to finish, he and his team will work with you to make sure you’re as prepared as possible to reach your goal of standing on top. Often being able to trouble shoot problems before they occur can make the difference, and this is where Mike’s vast experience becomes crucial.
• Best guides: The quality of an expedition is, in large part, dictated by the individual guide(s) leading the trip. CTSS hires only the finest guides operating at the highest standards for client care who are highly trained, well respected in the industry, and close friends that we trust. The have excellent personalities and are some of the most experienced professionals in the world. Mike and the rest of our team are strong leaders who maintain high standards. Our guides make our company what it is and have extensive resumes of personal climbs, high altitude guiding, and certifications. All our lead guides maintain at least a Wilderness First Responder medical standard. Our local guides around the world are the best in the industry and do an amazing job helping you attain your goals and navigating local obstacles.
• Low client to guide ratio: We operate all of our trips at a low client to guide ratio which offers you a better, safer, and more personalized experience.
• Safety: Our primary goal at CTSS is safety. We have an unparalleled safety record and our clientele’s well-being factors in to every decision we make while on expeditions. Although we like to stand on the top of mountains more than anyone, we believe that climbing is a round trip endeavor and getting you back to your loved ones safely is paramount. We take many safety precautions including bringing multiple communication devices, high altitude safety equipment, medical kits, and the highest quality gear to ensure a safe environment in which to climb.
• Success: Success rates on expeditions under Mike’s leadership are among the best in the business. Mike has maintained 100% summit success rate for all expeditions under his direct guidance on one or more of Ecuador’s volcanoes. This is a testament to our quality of service and attention to detail. Mike and our team of guides are incredibly proud of their summit success and work hard to get their clients to the top. As Mike says, “You can’t buy a summit, but you can buy better odds.” With our expertise, experience and infrastructure, you can stack those odds in your favor. We offer a longer acclimatization progression for proper acclimatization and to mitigate the risks of altitude sickness. Many guide services race their clients up the mountain, especially local companies, to cut corners on costs. We are highly invested in our reputation for safety and success and are always striving to improve our programs to maintain our hard-earned status. Decision making in the mountains is supremely important, and our guides are the best in the business, have a hunger to summit whenever it’s safe to do so, and have a proven track record. All of our programs acclimatize conservatively to mitigate the risk of having altitude issues and to give them the highest chance of success.
• Why choose us? Because of you! We consistently attract the best clients and believe this is because we offer the highest quality expedition at great value. Our clientele takes the time to educate themselves about their options and continue to choose us. We feel that surrounding yourself with the right people will make you successful, and that goes for guide service owners, guides, and even those with whom you climb. Having a team with the right attitude and camaraderie is a key factor in making you successful.
• Logistics: We have led countless high altitude expeditions and constantly strive to refine our logistics, allowing you to focus on climbing, safety and success. We eat well and live well on expedition. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible while on your climb to not be distracted from the task at hand. We feel that comfortable and well-fed climbers are successful climbers and that these creature-comforts go a long way to making your time in the backcountry enjoyable. We strive to work with the best local outfitters and provide the best local logistics hands down.
• Updates: In today’s connected world people want to know how things are going on expedition. CTSS maintains regular updates on our blog to keep friends and families informed. This can relieve a lot of the stress loved ones have when you’re away on climbing. We want to make the climb as stress-free for both the climber and the folks back home.
• Professional Business Practices: Running a professional guide service that you feel comfortable putting your trust in is important to us. We comply with all local, state, federal and international laws. We hope that this makes you feel more confident about choosing us and our programs.
• Enjoyment: This is your vacation, and you’re here to have a good time. Our goal is to give you the experience of a lifetime, inspire you in the mountains, and to have a great time doing it. This, again, comes back to our guides; they all have great personalities, and their love for the mountain is contagious.

“Again, thanks for an awesome adventure. It’s the people, the friendship and the camaraderie that make up for more than half of the experience. Thanks for being so great!! and getting me up and down that hill safely. I look forward to climbing with you again in the future.” Jason V

“Thank you again for the trip of a lifetime” -Rick B

Included:

• Guides
• Accommodations at double-occupancy
• Transportation: All group transportation while on the expedition. If you depart early then the added expenses for transport, lodging, rescue, and evacuation is your own responsibility. (Please note this doesn’t include airport transfers)
• Food: While we’re on the mountain dinners and breakfasts will be provided but it’s best to supplement as usual with a few pounds of your favorite snack and climbing food. Make sure it’s palatable up high.

Not Included:

• Flights to and from Ecuador
• Airport transfers (to & from the hotel at the beginning and end of the trip)
• Any extensions prior or post the specified itinerary (however we can help you plan these add-ons). Please inform us if we need to book extra accommodations for you.
• All restaurant meals: We will just split the bill at the end of each meal, please note meals at mountain huts are included
• Personal gear: all personal climbing gear is the responsibility of the client
• In the event of a rescue, evacuation, or early departure from the group, any rescue expenses incurred or excess expenses above and beyond our normal trip costs including transport, hotels, evacuation, flight changes, and gear shipping are the responsibility of the client.
• Guide Tip (Customary but optional)
• Required trip insurance policy (for trip cancellation, interruption, rescue & evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.)
• Single Occupancy rooming: If you would like single rooms you may add this on by paying a fee with your application or balance. Please inform us if you would like single occupancy rooming
• Snack food: We recommend bringing about 3lbs/1.5kg of snack food that you know you like and will be able to eat at altitude when you’re not hungry.
• Bar tabs, mini bars, hotel internet bills, laundry etc

• CTSS Owner Mike Hamill leads the trek: Mike Hamill, 6 times Everest summiteer and leader of 25 X 8000m expeditions personally leads the Everest Base Camp Trek. The only way for a company owner to ensure that a trip improves every year and is led to the highest standards if for them to personally lead the expedition.
• Trek with a real Everest/Lhotse climbing team: This is your opportunity to peer into what an actual Everest/Lhotse climbing team goes through on the approach to base camp. You will get to know the personalities and Sherpa that will attempt to stand on the top of the world. This adds a very unique aspect to the world’s most breath-taking trek.
• Stay at Everest base camp: Because you are associated with an actual climbing team you are allowed to stay at Everest base camp. This option is not open to other trekkers but is one of the best parts of an Everest base camp trek and to miss it would be a huge loss. Most trekking groups reach the beginning of camp and turn around to rush back to their teahouse for the night. You will spend the night at base camp with the climbers and have time to walk around and experience the community. What’s more, you can even walk a short way into the first, safe part of the Khumbu icefall to see what it’s like.
• Best Value: We have worked hard to create the best trek at the best price. We implore you to do your homework and look closely at what others offer in terms of leadership, ability to stay at Everest base camp and camp accommodations, quality of food, guide experience, logistics, hotels, acclimatization schedule, Sherpa expertise, personal service and professionalism. We firmly believe that comfortable, well-nourished, healthy trekkers are strong and successful trekkers. An Everest base camp trek is too important to not look closely at the details and we are here to answer your questions. We want you feel 100% confident in joining our team. We have spared no expense and yet still offer you the best rates in the industry.
• The best teahouses: CTSS always stays at some of the finest teahouses in the valley. We choose our teahouses based upon quality of accommodations, hygiene and cleanliness, food and hospitality. Everest base camp trek teahouses are rustic to be sure, and this is adventure travel. Even so, you will be in relative luxury.
• The best guides: This is hugely important- please research the quality and experience of your guides thoroughly. All of our guides have extensive knowledge of the region and have proven themselves at altitude time and again. Many of them have dozens of trips to Nepal and have stood on top of Mt. Everest so can talk to what it’s like to climb the mountain.
• Highest paid Sherpa: We purposely pay our Sherpa more than anyone so that they are happy and take care of our clients. Year in, year out we can attract the best talent. Our world-class team of Sherpa are hand-picked by Sirdar Tendi Sherpa and CTSS owner Mike Hamill to ensure we have the cream of the crop. They are all close friends who we have complete confidence in. Because they are paid well they go the extra mile to make sure base camp is exceptional and that our clients are extremely well taken care of. Once they’ve been selected for the team, they go through intensive training and a 5-day review process which includes mountain medicine, client care, technical rescue, and guiding principles before being ok’ed to work. We believe in our Sherpa and know that they will do a great job for you and become friends for life.

At CTSS we offer the widest variety of trek options as well as a Lobuche climb so that you can customize your Mt. Everest base camp trek experience to your trekking style, ability, interests and budget. A Mt. Everest base camp trek should not be “one size fits all.”

Our Mt. Everest base camp trek meets in Kathmandu where we obtain our permits, run through gear checks and have a team meeting. We stay at the famous and historic “Yak and Yeti” hotel in the heart of town and use this as our base for packing and organizing gear. Following our time in Kathmandu we fly to Lukla to start the trek. We land at the Hillary runway at roughly 9,000ft/3,000m. From the moment you land in Lukla you will be at altitude. It’s important to take it easy and let your body adjust to the altitude naturally. From here we make our way up the Khumbu valley staying at some of the best teahouses in the region in order to mitigate the stress so you can focus on the climb.

Hygiene is incredibly important to us and we take many precautions to make sure our team avoids getting sick. Despite this, illness can be a fact of life in Nepal so chances are people will at least experience a stomach rumbling at some point during the trek.

Once en route we use a slow, methodical acclimatization strategy to position ourselves for the summit bid. Most treks rush this process and suffer the consequences of altitude illness because of it.

Our base camp is the finest on the mountain. We spare little expense making you feel as comfortable as possible. Our top-notch cooks make you the healthiest food possible with strong hygiene standards.

What’s included/not included in your Mt. Everest base camp trek:

Our treks are fully inclusive except for items/services of a personal nature. Please take note that the following is not included:

You will quickly notice our Sherpa’s many character traits: hard work, humility, friendliness, gregariousness, not to mention strength.

Our team of Sherpa is simply the cream of the crop and are led by our Sirdar Tendi Sherpa. Tendi is one of the most respected members of the Everest and Lhotse community and has notched a dozen Everest summits on both the south and north sides of the mountain beyond many other summits worldwide. Tendi is an internationally certified guide, co-owns a logistics company based in Kathmandu and is the best in the business.

He holds his team of Sherpa to the same high standard that he holds himself and hand picks only the strongest, most skilled, and trusted Sherpa friends. Some of our Sherpa team are fully internationally IFMGA certified guides and all are incredibly strong and proficient climbers. Tendi and his team will work incredibly hard to make your trek a success and they will become friends for life. Tendi and the Sherpa team go through extensive technical and customer service training before each expedition to make sure their skills at sharp. Our Sherpa are paid higher than any other Sherpa on the mountain because we believe in them and want them to feel happy and taken care of. This will ensure that they do the best job possible for you.

Why Is CTSS’s Lhotse Expedition Different and why choose us?

1) Customization: We firmly believe that climbing Lhotse should not be a cookie-cutter “one-size-fits-all” approach or even a “two-sizes-fits-all” approach. We offer the largest variety of expedition options and have created new and novel approaches to climbing Lhotse so that you can have the expedition that fits your needs and your budget. We want you to have the best complete Lhotse experience from start to finish. As a smaller team, we can fully customize your expedition to you, and in fact we encourage you to customize your program. Our personalization and client care are second to none. DON’T get lots in the numbers and join a large team where quality and personal attention suffer. You and your Lhotse climb are too important so please look closely at the options and contact us directly if you have any questions.

2) Best Value: We guarantee you the best expedition at the best price. We implore you to do your homework and look closely at what others offer in terms of customization, base camp accommodations, quality of food, guide experience, logistics, hotels, acclimatization schedule, Sherpa expertise, personal service and professionalism. We firmly believe that comfortable, well-nourished, healthy climbers are strong and successful climbers on the mountain. A Lhotse climb is too important to not look closely at the details and we are here to answer your questions. We want you feel 100% confident in joining our expedition. We have created an expedition that incorporates everything that will make you successful and have stripped it of every aspect that could hinder your success. We have spared no expense and yet still offer you the best rates in the industry.

3) CTSS Owner Mike Hamill leads the expedition: Mike Hamill, 6 times Everest summiteer and leader of 25 X 8000m expeditions is one of the only owner-expedition leaders. The only way for a company owner to ensure that a trip improves every year and is led to the highest standards is for them to personally lead the expedition.

4) Lhotse Executive: We are redefining what the Lhotse experience is, from start to finish. Some climbers will choose our traditional service option and will no doubt live in excellent style and comfort. Those that choose our ‘Lhotse Executive” option will live in unparalleled comfort and luxury- the best Lhotse has to offer- all for less than most other company’s base models. This extra can be added on to any of our climbing options.

5) Highest paid Sherpa: We purposely pay our Sherpa more than anyone on the mountain so that they are happy and take care of our clients, and so we can attract the best talent. Our world-class team of Sherpa are hand-picked by Sirdar Tendi Sherpa and CTSS owner Mike Hamill to ensure we have the cream of the crop. They are all close friends who we have complete confidence in. Because they are paid well they go the extra mile to make sure base camp is exceptional and that our clients are extremely well taken care of. Once they’ve been selected for the team, they go through intensive training and a 5-day review process which includes mountain medicine, client care, technical rescue, and guiding principles before being ok’ed to work. We believe in our Sherpa and know that they will do a great job for you and become friends for life.

6) The Best Food: CTSS has the best chefs and food, hands down. Our teams are consistently blown away by the quality of food and hygiene at base camp. Our head chef trains at 5 star restaurants during the off season. Think lemon crepes, cheese omelets, chicken cordon bleu, pizza, fresh fruit almost daily, samosas, fresh salads, steaks, apple pie, fresh croissants and cinnamon rolls, and moist chocolate cake. We get shipments of fresh meat, fruit, vegetable, and other supplies weekly.

At CTSS we offer the widest variety of expedition options as well as a Lobuche climb and treks so that you can customize your Lhotse experience to your climbing style and ability. Lhotse should not be “one size fits all.” Our climbs all focus around the normal South route, one of the most iconic and beautiful climbs in the world and the classic first ascent route. You will have ample time to get to know the rest of the climbing team as we make our way through the Khumbu Valley visiting the most famous and recognizable cultural sights in the region. All of our expeditions incorporate a slow acclimatization schedule to give you the best chance at continuing upwards without experiencing altitude illness.

 Our variety of climbing options include:

Our Lhotse expedition meets in Kathmandu where we obtain our climbing permits, run through gear checks and have a team meeting. We stay at the famous and historic “Yak and Yeti” hotel in the heart of town and use this as our base for packing and organizing gear. Following our time in Kathmandu we fly to Lukla to start the trek. We land at the Hillary runway at roughly 9,000ft/3,000m. From the moment you land in Lukla you will be at altitude. It’s important to take it easy and let your body adjust to the altitude naturally. From here we make our way up the Khumbu valley staying at some of the finest lodges in the region in order to mitigate the stress so you can focus on the climb.

Hygiene is incredibly important to us and we take many precautions to make sure our team avoids getting sick. Despite this, illness can be a fact of life in Nepal so chances are people will at least experience a stomach rumbling at some point during the expedition.

Once at base camp we get settled in and use a slow, methodical acclimatization strategy to position ourselves for the summit bid. Most expeditions rush this process and suffer the consequences of altitude illness because of it. Once at base camp we will make three forays up the mountain to successively higher altitudes to prepare for the summit bid, with plenty of rest back at base camp in between.

Our base camp is the finest on the mountain. We spare little expense making you feel as comfortable as possible. Our top-notch cooks make you the healthiest food possible with strong hygiene standards. Each of our climbers has their own tent at base camp where they can feel at home when not socializing in the group dining and hangout tents. We have a state-of-the-art communications tent and make third party internet is available to our guests. We receive the best up-to-date weather reports daily and have a satellite phone for group use. Our set-up higher on the mountain is top notch as well and included two full-time cooks at Camp 2 as well as a dining tent with chairs and a toilet tent.

In between acclimatization rotations we spend time training at base camp, practicing both glacier climbing skills like fixed line climbing and crossing ladders, and training with the oxygen systems to make sure you’re fully prepared for the climb ahead. To have these skills second nature before the summit bid can relieve pre-climb nerves and anxiety allowing you to fully focus on your climb. We also stay active with acclimatization hikes to Pumori Camp 1.

We strongly believe that choosing the right guide service for a high altitude climb such as Lhotse is one of the most important decisions you will make. The “one size fits all” model does not work when it comes to something as important as a Lhotse climb. Expedition leadership is extremely important when it comes to safety, success, and the overall enjoyment on an expedition. We guarantee you the best expedition at the best price. We are here to help you make an informed decision and encourage you to do your homework and look at the details of your Mt. Lhotse climb, so please feel free to contact us directly.

• Best expedition at a great value: CTSS believes in providing our clients with the highest quality service in the industry at a great value. Climbing and trekking is our passion and our goal is to share these unique places and experiences with you. We want you to feel good about your experience because we believe word-of-mouth is the best advertising, and that begins with satisfied customers. There is a difference between our expeditions and those of our competitors, especially local cut-rate options. In choosing us you are hiring the finest guides and logistical support in the industry. Benefiting from countless Himalayan expeditions and drawing on decades of first hand guiding experience, we have worked hard to refine our logistics in order to offer you the highest chance of success at an exceptional value.
• We are a modestly sized guide service with highly personalized service: We maintain a moderate size so that we can effectively customize your Lhotse experience. Not all climbers are the same and this is why Mike Hamill and the CTSS team will work with you directly to customize a program and why we offer so many expedition options. Don’t get lost in the numbers with one of the larger “climbing factories”. They can’t give you the attention to detail you need for climbing a peak as important as Lhotse.
• Mike’s almost unparalleled experience base above 8000m can spell the difference between success and failure as expedition leader: Mike will advise you through the many nuances of climbing Lhotse. From start to finish he will work with you and your CTSS guide to make sure you’re as prepared as possible to reach your goal of standing on top of the world. Often being able to trouble shoot problems before they occur will allow you to be successful and this is where Mike’s unrivaled expedition leader experience base becomes crucial. Things like how to keep your eyes from freezing, trouble shooting the oxygen system, when to leave for the summit to avoid bottlenecks, and what flow rate to use when and where on the climb can be the difference between success and failure. Mike will be at base camp using his experience with the vagaries of logistics and weather forecasts to insure you get the right climbing window.
• Best Guides: The quality of an expedition is, in large part, dictated by the individual guide(s) leading the trip. CTSS hires only the finest guides operating at the highest standards for client care who are highly trained, well respected in the industry, and close friends that we trust. They have excellent personalities and are some of the most experienced professionals in the world. Mike and the rest of our guides are strong leaders who will lead your expedition with the high standards you’d expect from the premier expedition company. Our guides make our company and have extensive resumes of personal climbs, high altitude guided climbs, and certifications. All our lead guides maintain at least a Wilderness First Responder medical standard. Our Sherpa and local guides around the world are the best in the industry and do an amazing job helping you attain your goals and navigating local obstacles.
• Safety: Our primary goal at CTSS is safety. We have an unparalleled safety record and the safety of our clientele factors in to every decision we make while on expeditions. Although we like to stand on the top of mountains more than anyone, we believe that climbing is a round trip endeavor and getting you back to your loved ones safely is paramount. We take many safety precautions including bringing multiple communication devices, high altitude safety equipment, medical kits, and the highest quality gear to ensure a safe environment in which to climb.
• Success: Success rates on expeditions under Mike’s leadership is the best in the business. (please refer to the summit statistics chart for more details). Historically Mike has maintained a 91% expedition success rate and an 83% climber success rate. Well over 165 climbers have stood on top of 8000m peaks under Mike’s direct guidance, perhaps more than any other guide. This is a testament to our small, personalized service and attention to detail. Mike and our team of guides are incredibly proud of their summit success and work hard to get their clients to the top. Mike always says, “You can’t buy a summit but you can buy better odds.” With our expertise, experience and infrastructure you can stack those odds in your favor. Many guide services race their clients up the mountain, especially local companies, to cut corners on costs. We are highly invested in our reputation for safety and success and are always striving to improve our programs to maintain our hard-earned status. Decision making in the mountains is supremely important and our guides are the best in the business, have a hunger to summit on any trip it’s safe to do so, and have a proven track record. All of our programs acclimatize conservatively to mitigate the risk of having altitude issues and to give them the highest chance of success.
• You!: Why choose us? Because of you! We consistently attract the best clients and believe this is because we offer the highest quality expedition at a great value. Our clientele takes the time to educate themselves about their options and choose us because of this. We are selective about who we accept on our programs. We feel that surrounding yourself with the right people will make you successful, and that goes for guide service owners, guides, and even those you climb with. Having a team with the right attitude and comradery is a key factor in making you successful on Lhotse.
• Customized service: We pride ourselves at CTSS on the close, personalized service that we give to each client and the rapport we have with them. For us, this is what makes our company great. We are not a climbing factory herding cattle-trains of people up a mountain. We maintain a modest size so that we can continue to offer a great product, individualized service, and customize your climb to your needs.
• Logistics: Our team have led countless high altitude expeditions and have perfected our logistics during that time, allowing you to focus on climbing, safety and success. We eat well and live well on expedition. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible while on your climb or trek to not be distracted from the task at hand. We feel that these creature comforts go a long way to making your time in the backcountry enjoyable and to making you successful.
• Sherpa: Our Sherpa and local guides around the world are the best in the industry and do an amazing job helping you attain your goals and navigating local obstacles. You will be very impressed by them and they will become friends for life.
• Oxygen system: We use only the best state of the art oxygen system, bottles and masks and more oxygen than most companies to ensure your summit success.
• Updates: In today’s connected world people want to know how things are going on expedition. CTSS maintains regular updates on our blog to keep friends and families informed. This can relieve a lot of the stress loved ones have when you’re away on climbing. We want to make the climb as stress-free for both the climber and the folks back home.
• Professional Business Practices: Running a professional guide service that you feel comfortable putting your trust in is important to us. Because of this we comply with all local, state, federal and international laws. We hope that this makes you feel more confident about choosing us and our programs.
• Enjoyment: This is your vacation and you’re here to have a good time. Our goal is to give you the experience of a lifetime, inspire you in the mountains, and to have a great time doing it. This, again, comes back to our guides; they all have great personalities and their love for the mountain is contagious.
• Because you care about your environment, and local communities. A portion of the profit from each program goes to the “Tiger of the Snows Fund.” CTSS Owner Mike Hamill began the Tiger of the Snows Fund in 2014 to provide educational opportunities for workers involved in outdoor tourism and their families globally. Visit the website at tigerofthesnows.com By climbing or trekking with CTSS you are making a conscious decision to be a global citizen and support education and local communities. In supporting “The Tiger of the Snows Foundation,” CTSS is creating stronger communities and giving back to the people that give us so much on our expeditions in the best way we know how: education.
• Low client to guide ratio: We operate all of our trips at a low guide to client ratio which offers you a better, safer, and more personalized experience.
• References: See for yourself why CTSS is the best. Visit our “Client Testimonials” page for a small sample of the positive feedback we have received over the years. We are happy to supply you with a list of references that will further help you make an educated decision in choosing the right guide service for you. The majority of our clients are repeat customers because of the service we provide. They are more than just clients: we consider them friends. We are confident that you will choose CTSS!

Our Sherpa Team:

One cannot underestimate the importance of having the right team of Sherpas to support a Lhotse bid.

Sherpas are integral to almost any aspect of a Lhotse expedition and perform crucial roles as climbing partners, such as carrying loads and fixing ropes on the mountain, organizing gear and building camps amongst many other jobs. You will quickly notice not only their importance but also their many other positive traits: hard work, humility, friendliness, gregariousness, not to mention strength.

Our team of Sherpa is simply the cream of the crop and are led by our Sirdar Tendi Sherpa. Tendi is one of the most respected members of the Everest and Lhotse community and has notched a dozen Everest summits on both the south and north sides of the mountain beyond many other summits worldwide. Tendi is an internationally certified guide, co-owns a logistics company based in Kathmandu and is the best in the business.

He holds his team of Sherpa to the same high standard that he holds himself and hand picks only the strongest, most skilled, and trusted Sherpa friends. Some of our Sherpa team are fully internationally IFMGA certified guides and all are incredibly strong and proficient climbers. Tendi and his team will work incredibly hard to make your climb of Lhotse a success and they will become friends for life. Tendi and the Sherpa team go through extensive technical and customer service training before each Lhotse expedition to make sure their skills at sharp. Our Sherpa are paid higher than any other Sherpa on the mountain because we believe in them and want them to feel happy and taken care of. This will ensure that they do the best job possible for you.

Our expeditions are fully inclusive except for items/services of a personal nature. Please take note that the following is not included:

1)    Customization: We firmly believe that Himalayan climbing should not be a cookie-cutter “one-size-fits-all” approach or even a “two-sizes-fits-all” approach. We offer the largest variety of expedition options (see “expedition options”) and have created new and novel approaches to climbing Manaslu so that you can have the expedition that fits your needs and your budget. Please look closely at out expedition options and contact us directly for more information. We want you to have the best complete Manaslu experience from start to finish. As a smaller team, we can fully customize your expedition to you, and in fact we encourage you to customize your program. Our personalization and client care are second to none. DON’T get lost in the numbers and join a large team where quality and personal attention suffer. You and your Manaslu climb are too important.

2)    Best Value: We guarantee you the best expedition at the best price. We implore you to do your homework and look closely at what others offer in terms of customization, base camp accommodations, quality of food, guide experience, logistics, hotels, acclimatization schedule, Sherpa expertise, personal service and professionalism. We firmly believe that comfortable, well-nourished, healthy climbers are strong and successful climbers on the mountain. A Manaslu climb is too important to not look closely at the details and we are here to answer your questions. We want you to feel 100% confident in joining our expedition. We have created an expedition that incorporates everything that will make you successful and have stripped it of every aspect that could hinder your success. We have spared no expense and yet still offer you the best rates in the industry. 

3)    CTSS Owner Mike Hamill oversees the expedition: Mike Hamill, 6 times Everest summiteer,  leader of 25 x 8000m expeditions has custom designed and oversees all the logistics and execution of our Himalayan programs.

4)    The best guides: This is hugely important- please research the quality and experience of your guides thoroughly. All of our guides have stood on top of Himalayan peaks, most of them many times, and have proven themselves at altitude time and again. Don’t pay top dollar for inexperienced guides.

5)    “Manaslu Executive”: With the roll-out of our “Manaslu Executive” add on option this year we are redefining what the Himalayan climbing experience is, from start to finish. Some climbers will choose our traditional service option and will no doubt live in excellent style and comfort. Those that choose our ‘Manaslu Executive” option will live in unparalleled comfort and luxury- the best Manaslu has to offer. This extra can be added on to any of our climbing options. (Please see our “Manaslu Executive” option for more info) Don’t go with another outfitter and be left wanting. We firmly believe that comfortable, well-fed climbers perform much better at altitude and are more successful.

6)    Highest paid Sherpa: We purposely pay our Sherpa more than anyone on the mountain so that they are happy and take care of our clients, and so we can attract the best talent. Our world-class team of Sherpa are hand-picked by Sirdar Tendi Sherpa and CTSS owner Mike Hamill to ensure we have the cream of the crop. They are all close friends who we have complete confidence in. Because they are paid well they go the extra mile to make sure base camp is exceptional and that our clients are extremely well taken care of. Once they’ve been selected for the team, they go through intensive training and a 5-day review process which includes mountain medicine, client care, technical rescue, and guiding principles before being ok’ed to work. We believe in our Sherpa and know that they will do a great job for you and become friends for life.

7)    The Best Food: CTSS has the best chefs and food, hands down. Our teams are consistently blown away by the quality of food and hygiene at base camp. Our head chef trains at 5 star restaurants during the off season. Think lemon crepes, cheese omelets, chicken cordon bleu, pizza, fresh fruit almost daily, fresh salads, steaks, apple pie, fresh croissants and cinnamon rolls, and moist chocolate cake. We can keep quality high because we are a smaller team- in a larger team, quality suffers.

9)    We believe in Team: Part of what makes us so successful at CTSS is our team mentality. We strongly believe working together, supporting each other, and climbing as a cohesive group, both climbers and Sherpa, helps each individual stand on top.

CTSS prides itself on offering the best expedition at the best price. Because of this we offer many amenities that other companies don’t. We have carefully worked through all of the details of our expedition to offer you every nuance that can help you be successful and comfortable and stripped our program of anything that could hinder you.

“The 2018 8000m expedition was the most organized I’ve ever been on… The camp facilities were first rate, with amazing food (plenty of it). Our chefs and kitchen boys ensured there was an endless supply of hot drinks and water. Our team of Sherpas worked tirelessly. The amount of carrying they did was immense, not to mention effectively leading the line fixing. Their contribution was huge and I can’t thank them enough. Thank you Tendi, and to you Mike. See you on the next one –  Everest hopefully.” -Richard W (UK),  8000m Client and Summiteer

Some of the many amenities in just our base model climbs include:

• Accommodations at a premium hotel in Kathmandu
• Team jackets and hats for all Manaslu climbers
• The best food on Manaslu AND all-you-can-drink fresh coffee from Himalayan Java coffee roasters. Think lemon crepes, fresh baked goods like croissants and cinnamon rolls, fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat weekly, hearty soups, chicken cordon bleu, burgers, fresh salads, chocolate cake and puddings for dessert, etc
• A light weight, state-of-the-art oxygen systems to maximize your summit chances. Our oxygen system weight 4.5kg total as opposed to the much larger American oxygen system that weigh 8.5kg that some companies use. This 4kg/9lb difference make a HUGE difference on summit day when every ounce counts.
• The best weather forecasts money can buy sent to us daily to make sure you get the right weather window.
• A solar array with backup generator for charging devices on international plug adapters
• The most well-trained and highest paid Sherpa on the mountain
• Large single sleeping tents with lush 4” thick sleeping pads that insulate from the cold and a liner on the bottom of the tent to keep out dampness. And of course, a pillow
• Hand wash stations with mirrors in both the foyer of the bathroom and the foyer of the dining room
• A communications tent with ample charging stations
• A wide array of healthy and nutritious upper mountain food to suit a wide variety of palates.
• A very well-appointed dining tent and hang-out tent with comfortable chairs and blow-up couches
• A movie projector and speaker system to watch movies in either the hang out tent or the dining tent.
• A two-room toilet tent (one room for hand washing) and sit down toilet
• A hot shower with two rooms: one for changing and one for showering
• Comfort food brought directly from the USA including real Maple Syrup, Nutella, BBQ Sauce, salt and pepper grinders, Cholula Hot Sauce, snack food for the mountain, a selection of decaf and caffeinated teas, ranch dressing, to name a few

Choose our Manaslu Executive option for many more creature comforts… (see “Manaslu Executive” option for more information)

Climbing Manaslu requires serious fitness, an ability to perform well at altitude, the mindset to be away from home for 6 weeks, and a desire for rugged adventure travel. Climbers need to be well experienced with solid cramponing skill and familiarity with glacier climbing and fixed line climbing. Prior experience on high altitude peaks is expected. If you want to join this expedition but are concerned with your experience level, we can work with you to get you up to speed prior to the climb. Please let us know and we can help.

Our Manaslu Cultural Trek requires solid fitness and able to carry a pack of around 10 pounds uphill for 4-5 hours comfortably. Trekkers can choose whether to continue on to the high pass after leaving the summit team or descending by the same route in.

Manaslu is still a very remote and rugged place with few of the creature comforts we have come to expect in the west so don’t plan on being pampered with smooth roads, 5 star tea houses, and blazing fast internet. We try to give our climbers all of the creature comforts that we can but at the end of the day this is remote Himalaya, and true adventure travel!

“As a whole, our CTSS team had the best chance on the mountain by a mile. We had the strongest support, a great deal of experience behind us and a leader with a whole lot of heart.” -Ross V

Manaslu is a unique peak that offers pleasant climbing, mild terrain, fixed rope climbing and the experience of a final airy arete; features that are essential training for peaks such as Everest. It is however important to emphasize that climbing an 8000m peak is a serious undertaking and requires serious preparation. Your climb begins long before you reach the mountain. We encourage you to incorporate training into your daily routine at least 6-9 months in advance of your Himalayan climb. As your climb rolls around you want to be in top physical and mental condition.

While a mighty climb and a spectacular goal, Manaslu also offers the perfect training ground to prepare for even bigger peaks like Everest. On Manaslu you will become accustomed to the feel and function of oxygen systems, gain experience ascending fixed lines in severe temperatures and even sleeping and eating at extreme altitudes. All of these skills take time to integrate but by the end of this expedition they will have become second nature.

We approach the mountain from the North East Route and employ a slow acclimatization schedule into our schedule. Many expeditions rush this process and suffer the consequences during the summit bid because of it. This is not our strategy. We employ the “carry high, sleep low,” principle of high altitude mountaineering by carrying up to our next camp and then returning to a lower altitude to sleep before moving to the higher camp the following day. From base camp we will make three forays up the mountain to successively higher altitudes to prepare for the summit bid, with plenty of time to rest back at base camp in between.

Our base camp is first rate. We spare little expense making you feel as comfortable as possible. Our top notch cooks make you the healthiest food possible with strong hygiene standards. Each of our climbers has their own tent at base camp where they can feel at home when not socializing in the group dining and hangout tents. We have a state-of-the-art communications tent and we receive up-to-date weather reports and have satellite phones for group use.

In between acclimatization rotations up the mountain we spend time strategizing our weather windows, skills training and troubleshooting to make sure you’re fully prepared for the climb ahead. We find much of the stress of a summit bid can be alleviated by early preparation.

Tentative Itinerary: (Day 1 is the day the team meets in KTM) This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and acclimatization. All climbers need to be adaptable and roll with the schedule if it changes for the benefit of the team. This is adventure travel at it’s best and things never go exactly according to plan! We recommend climbers arriving to town one day early to avoid travel delays or issues with lost baggage. Added expenses of this extra day (hotels, food, sightseeing, etc) are the clients responsibility. Please let us know if we need to organize logistics for your early arrival or a single rooming option.

As with all of our programs we strongly recommend you have travel insurance for your Manaslu departure that includes trip cancellation as program fees are non-refundable in the instance of your cancellation, unforeseen events beyond our control, including but not limited to, illness, injury, strike, natural disasters, civil unrest, terrorism, flight cancellation, lost or stolen passports, a rejected or denied visa application or climbing permit. 

Our expeditions are fully inclusive except for items/services of a personal nature. Please take note that the following is not included:

One cannot underestimate the importance of having the right team of Sherpas to support a Manaslu summit bid.
Sherpas are integral to almost any aspect of a Manaslu expedition and perform crucial roles as climbing partners such as carrying loads and fixing ropes on the mountain, organizing gear and building camps amongst many other jobs. You will quickly notice not only their importance but also their many other positive traits: hard work, humility, friendliness, gregariousness, not to mention strength.
Our team of Sherpa is simply the cream of the crop and are lead by our sirdar Tendi Sherpa. Tendi has notched a dozen Everest summits on both the south and north sides of the mountain beyond many other summits worldwide. Tendi is an internationally certified guide, co-owns a logistics company based in Kathmandu and is among the best in the business.

“Tendi Sherpa – a truly amazing person and an inspirational leader… It is plain to see that the leaders of the other guiding companies hold him in the highest regard. As a client that gives you great confidence in your leader’s decision making. It was that decision making that made it such a successful trip. Thank you Tendi.” -Richard W

He holds his team of Sherpa to the same high standard to which he holds himself and hand picks only the strongest, most skilled and trusted Sherpa friends. Tendi and his team will work hard to make your climb of Manaslu a success, and they are likely to become friends for life.
Our Sherpa Team in the eyes of our clients

“I have been on many expeditions, and Tendi was by far the best, most knowledgeable and experienced guide I have ever had. He was personable, interesting, had great attention to details and most of all inspirational. Although I didn’t summit Cho Oyu due to ongoing health issues (the rest of the team made it up), I had an amazing time under his leadership and would recommend him to anyone. As a whole, our CTSS team had the best chance on the mountain by a mile. We had the strongest support, a great deal of experience behind us and a leader with a whole lot of heart.” -Ross V

“Tendi is a true superstar of the Himalayas.
Under his ever watchful eye, he allowed me to build confidence, learn new skills and gain faith in myself. Seemingly everywhere at once, Tendi was always there ready and willing to assist me on how to climb smarter and safer.
Kind, inspiring, courteous, strong and always smiling. There are truly no words I can write that do him justice. I look forward to more climbs with Tendi in the future.” – Peter W, Summited 2X 8000m peaks with CTSS

The tallest mountain on the continent of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro sits 200 miles (322 km) south of the equator in Tanzania, a country located approximately half way up the eastern seaboard of Africa. Kilimanjaro’s summit, an incongruous island of rock and snow, rises more than 17,000 feet (5100 m) out of the arid plains below, just a short distance south of the border with Kenya. Viewed through the hazy heat waves of the equatorial plains below, the anomalous glaciated terrain of the mountain seems almost surreal. The mountain lies in Kilimanjaro National Park, which encompasses 756 square miles (1957 sq km) of terrain above the 9000-foot (2700 m) contour line. The lands below this delineation are inhabited by local Chagga tribespeople. The park was established in 1973 and officially opened in 1977. Tanzanians are uniquely positive and hospitable and make great hosts for our climbs. Many of our porters on the climb are extremely hard working Chagga tribespeople residing on the flanks of Kilimanjaro itself. Using porters allows you to trek with just a daypack, saving energy for the summit to come.

The Machame route affords us the best climbing and chance of success. This is because it circumnavigates a the mountain gradually allowing climbers ample time to acclimatize. These extra days spent at altitude allow our clients to feel stronger and mitigates that chance of altitude illness. This makes the climb safer, increases our success rate, and gives us more time on this beautiful peak. Traversing so much of the mountain also lets us see more of the unique terrain and ecological zones which makes for excellent photo opportunities. You will see when you’re on the mountain that there’s no better way to climb the peak then the Machame route.

On safari you will take in some of the most awe-inspiring vistas imaginable, straight out of a National Geographic episode. We offer the best game viewing experience- we take you into the heart of the Tarangire National Park during the peak game viewing part of the year where large game viewing is the strongest. We then spend a day in the famous Ngorogoro crater all the while staying in some of the finest game lodges Africa has to offer. We traverse the rugged landscape in converted Landcruisers in search of the “Big Five.” We may even get a chance to peak into the local Masai culture whilst stopping by one of their villages. In short, we do it all in an action packed couple of days.

This expedition will be organized by Mike Hamill, Owner of Climbing the Seven Summits. Mike has personally guided nearly well over 100 high altitude expeditions, 10 Mt. Everest expeditions, 23 X 8,000m expeditions, has 6 Everest summits, currently holds the record for most non-Sherpa summits of Cho Oyu, and has written the guide book to “Climbing the Seven Summits,” making him one of the most experienced guides in the world.

Mike has an impeccable safety record and an unmatched success rate due to his expertise and professionalism and holds all of the CTSS guides to the same high standards as he holds himself. He knows that his choice of guides is the most important decision factor to continued success so CTSS only employs world-class leaders known for their coal face experience, focus on client care and attention to safety.

Kilimanjaro is a serious undertaking and climbers should be prepared with adequate fitness. Our guides will work with you throughout the expedition to provide logistics, guidance, and information to best ensure your summit success & safety.

Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate

Climbing Kilimanjaro requires solid fitness and an ability to perform well at altitude, but it is not beyond the abilities of many people who are willing to train for the climb and work hard on the trip. If you want to join this expedition but feel unsure of your ability, chat to us as we can work with you to get you up to speed prior to the climb as we take immense pride in helping people achieve their goals.

The following is a sample daily schedule of our Machame route:

Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate

Our Rainier program suits advanced beginners, intermediate and advanced climbers. Climbing the Disappointment Cleaver Route on Mt. Rainier requires solid fitness, but it is not beyond the abilities of many people who are willing to train for the climb and work hard on the trip. If you want to join this expedition but feel unsure of your ability, please chat to us as we can work with you to get you up to speed prior to the climb as we take immense pride in helping people achieve their goals.

CTSS brings big mountain expertise gained from countless expeditions around the world to our Rainier program enabling our climbers to become proficient and lay down solid mountaineering fundamentals quickly and efficiently. Our snow school session is a full training seminar which will not only equip you for the climb ahead but also prepare you for bigger peaks like Lobuche in the Himalaya, the Ecuadorian volcanoes and Denali.

Please note; Temperatures range from 40 to 50-degrees Fahrenheit (4-10C) at night, with occasional dips down below freezing. Daytime temperatures often reach 70-degrees Fahrenheit (21C). Climbers should expect the possibility of freezing temperatures above 9000-feet on summit days throughout the summer season. And though mid-season tends to be dryer on Mt. Rainier, climbers should always be prepared with rain gear just in case.

On some climbs, the guides may determine it is more favorable to climb on day three due to weather, route conditions, or team ability. In this case, the guides will conduct essential training the second afternoon, with additional training during the course of the ascent.

This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and acclimatization. This is adventure travel meaning things rarely go as planned and this schedule will likely change. Climbers need to be adaptable and positive.

We always recommend climbers arrive in Ashford one day early to avoid travel delays, or issues with lost baggage. Added expenses (hotel/food/sightseeing) of this extra day are the client’s responsibility. Please let us know if you want us to arrange logistics for early arrivals, or for a single rooming option.

Our expeditions are fully inclusive except for items/services of a personal nature.

Do I need to have any prior climbing experience?

This trip is open to all individuals in excellent physical condition. There are no technical climbing prerequisites to join this program.

What is a good fitness and training program for this climb?

• Climbing conditioning – pack-loaded uphill hiking, walking, and stair climbing
• Strength training – for the lower and upper body
• Cardiovascular training – including both aerobic and anaerobic workouts without pack weight
• Flexibility training

Do I need to acclimatize due to altitude?

No acclimatization is necessary for this program.

Will I need to share a tent?

Yes, both at base camp and on the mountain, tents will be shared accommodations due to limited tent space on the mountain and the weight of carrying extra tents. Please plan to share a tent with one of your fellow climbers.

How heavy will my pack be?

You will likely be carrying 40lbs – 50lbs (18kg – 24kg).

Will I need to purchase trip insurance?

Yes. Trip delay and cancellation, rescue, repatriation, medical insurance is mandatory for this program for your own benefit. We have seen too many times people need to cancel their trip either before or during the expedition for reasons such as injury, health, family and business matters. With such a long trip and so much at stake, climbers need to be prepared for contingencies.

• Pico de Orizaba is a stratovolcano and the tallest peak in Mexico standing at 18,880ft
• The volcano is currently dormant but not extinct, with the last eruption taking place during the 19th century
• Mexico City is built on the ruins of an Aztec city.
•  Mexico has a population of 10 million
•  Orizaba has also been called Citlaltépetl which means “Star Mountain”, “Cerro de San Andrés” and a third name, Poyauhtecatl, which means “the one that illuminates”
•  It has so much prominence it can be seen from the Gulf of Mexico

Best expedition at a great value: CTSS believes in providing our clients with the highest quality service in the industry at a great value. Climbing and trekking is our passion, and our goal is to share these unique places and experiences with you. We want you to feel good about your experience because we believe word-of-mouth is the best advertising, and that begins with satisfied customers. There is a difference between our expeditions and those of our competitors, especially local cut-rate options. In choosing us, you are hiring the finest guides and logistical support in the industry. Benefiting from many Kilimanjaro expeditions, well over 100 high altitude expeditions, and drawing on decades of first hand guiding experience, we have worked hard to refine our logistics in order to offer you the highest chance of success at an exceptional value.

We are a modestly sized guide service with highly personalized service: We maintain a moderate size so that we can tailor our Orizaba climbing experience to you. Not all climbers are the same, which is why Mike Hamill will work with you directly to make sure you choose only the programs that are right for you.

The best route: CTSS climbs northern route on Orizaba. By using this route, we provide you with the highest chance of success and give you the best climbing experience available on the mountain. This is due to the more relaxed terrain and greater amount of time for acclimatization en route to the summit. This route offers a stunning glaciated ascent of the peak and some of the best mountain vistas in North America. We climb through a variety of different ecological zones and take in the local culture along the way. You will see when you’re on the mountain that there’s no better way to climb the peak.

Mexican culture: We take time on our first day in Mexico City to see some of the best cultural sites the country has to offer. If you’re a fan of Aztec history then this is a great experience for you. Beyond the sights in and around Mexico City we immerse ourselves in Mexico eating and staying and eating at some of the best and most quintessentially Mexican places in the region.

Leadership: As expedition leader, Mike’s almost unparalleled experience base at high altitude can make the difference between success and failure. Let Mike guide you through the many nuances of climbing Orizaba that will allow you to be successful. From start to finish, he will work with you to make sure you’re as prepared as possible to reach your goal of standing on top of Mexico. Often being able to trouble shoot problems before they occur can make the difference, and this is where Mike’s vast experience becomes crucial. See Mike’s success rate.

Best guides: The quality of an expedition is, in large part, dictated by the individual guide(s) leading the trip. CTSS hires only the finest guides operating at the highest standards for client care who are highly trained, well respected in the industry, and close friends that we trust. The have excellent personalities and are some of the most experienced professionals in the world. Mike and the rest of our guides are strong leaders who maintain high standards. Our guides make our company what it is and have extensive resumes of personal climbs, high altitude guiding, and certifications. All our lead guides maintain at least a Wilderness First Responder medical standard. Our local guides around the world are the best in the industry and do an amazing job helping you attain your goals and navigating local obstacles.

Safety: Our primary goal at CTSS is safety. We have an unparalleled safety record and our clientele’s wellbeing factors in to every decision we make while on expeditions. Although we like to stand on the top of mountains more than anyone, we believe that climbing is a round trip endeavor and getting you back to your loved ones safely is paramount. We take many safety precautions including bringing multiple communication devices, high altitude safety equipment, medical kits, and the highest quality gear to ensure a safe environment in which to climb.

Success: Success rates on expeditions under Mike’s leadership are among the best in the business. Mike has maintained a 100% expedition success rate for expeditions under his direct guidance on Orizaba. This is a testament to our quality of service and attention to detail. Mike and our team of guides are incredibly proud of their summit success and work hard to get their clients to the top. As Mike says, “You can’t buy a summit, but you can buy better odds.” With our expertise, experience and infrastructure, you can stack those odds in your favor. We offer a longer acclimatization progression for proper acclimatization to mitigate the risks of altitude sickness. Many guide services race their clients up the mountain, especially local companies, to cut corners on costs. We are highly invested in our reputation for safety and success and are always striving to improve our programs to maintain our hard-earned status. Decision making in the mountains is supremely important, and our guides are the best in the business, have a hunger to summit whenever it’s safe to do so, and have a proven track record. All of our programs acclimatize conservatively to mitigate the risk of having altitude issues and to give them the highest chance of success.

You! Why choose us? Because of you! We consistently attract the best clients and believe this is because we offer the highest quality expedition at a great value. Our clientele takes the time to educate themselves about their options and choose us because of this. We feel that surrounding yourself with the right people will make you successful, and that goes for guide service owners, guides, and even those with whom you climb. Having a team with the right attitude and camaraderie is a key factor in making you successful.

Logistics: We have led countless high altitude expeditions and have perfected the logistics, allowing you to focus on climbing, safety and success. We eat well and live well on expedition. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible while on your climb or safari to not be distracted from the task at hand. We feel that these creature-comforts go a long way to making your time in the backcountry enjoyable. We strive to work with the best local outfitters and provide the best local logistics hands down.

Updates: In today’s connected world people want to know how things are going on expedition. CTSS maintains regular updates on our blog to keep friends and families informed. This can relieve a lot of the stress loved ones have when you’re away on climbing. We want to make the climb as stress-free for both the climber and the folks back home.

Professional Business Practices: Running a professional guide service that you feel comfortable putting your trust in is important to us. We comply with all local, state, federal and international laws. We hope that this makes you feel more confident about choosing us and our programs.

Enjoyment: This is your vacation, and you’re here to have a good time. Our goal is to give you the experience of a lifetime, inspire you in the mountains, and to have a great time doing it. This, again, comes back to our guides; they all have great personalities, and their love for the mountain is contagious.

Low client to guide ratio: We operate all of our trips at a low client to guide ratio which offers you a better, safer, and more personalized experience.

“Again, thanks for an awesome adventure. It’s the people, the friendship and the camaraderie that make up for more than half of the experience. Thanks for being so great!! and getting me up and down that hill safely. I look forward to climbing with you again in the future.” Jason V

“Thank you again for the trip of a lifetime” -Rick B

Difficulty: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
Climbing Orizaba requires solid fitness and an ability to perform well at altitude, but it is not beyond the abilities of many people who are willing to train for the climb and work hard on the trip. Prior use of crampons and an ice axe is preferred but not mandatory as we will do a brief snow school for those with experience to touch up their skills and for others to become familiar. If you want to join this expedition but feel unsure of your ability, chat to us as we can work with you to get you up to speed prior to the climb as we take immense pride in helping people achieve their goals.

The following is a sample daily schedule of our Orizaba Express climb:

Check the gear list. Pack and repack to make sure you know your gear. The gear on the gear list is mandatory to allow you to have a safe, successful climb as well as your entire team. Any questions we’re here to help.

For a complete gear list with descriptions and links to actual recommended items please see our Bolivia gear list page at:

Included:

Not Included:

Mike Hamill oversees each Orizaba expedition and leads many of them personally.

Mountaineer Laura Lisowski details her climb with CTSS on Orizaba:

https://www.releasetravel.com/blog/2019/1/25/climbing-orizaba-preparation-for-everest-with-los-authenticos

“I’ve had the pleasure of climbing with Mike on several expeditions over the past 12 years from Antarctica to Alaska to Russia to Everest.   Not only is he one of the most respected mountain guides in the world, he is as fine a person as you will ever meet.  There is no one I would rather have on my team should something go wrong on a big mountain. I was fortunate to be on Mike’s first Climbing the Seven Summits expedition last month on Orizaba and it was flawless” -Kent Stewart