Coronavirus Plan & Policies

**Coronavirus Plan & Policies**


In these unprecedented times we want you to know that as part of our CTSS family your safety and wellbeing remains our highest priority (always has been, and always will be!).
As leaders in the mountains we are no strangers to challenging times. We’ve weathered a lot in the past and we’re confident that we’ll get through this and emerge stronger, better equipped and more enthused than ever.

Covid Response Plan


We continue to closely monitor the situation in all of our destinations and recognise that things are constantly changing. We will endeavour are adapting many of our processes to be Covid safe in the mountains.

Please refer to our ‘Covid Response’ plan for how we are helping to reduce the spread.

Payments


We understand that while you are keen to get out there and get climbing again, it’s a really tricky time to commit to a trip right now.
To make thing easier and provide you with the greatest level of reassurance during Covid19 pandemic we have made the following temporary changes to our normal Terms & Conditions (With the exception of our Everest program which has its own special policy you can ask us about)

  • Instead of our usual 25% deposits, we are accepting 15% deposits.
  • Final payments will now be due 60 days prior to departure vs. the traditional 120 days. (Please note that our payment dates are dictated by the numerous upfront contracts and services that CTSS commits to on your behalf to make your expedition possible)
  • Any deposits paid will be fully refundable up to the date of the final payment. There will be no processing or transaction fees levied by CTSS.
  • If you need to cancel your trip for reasons related directly to the covid19 pandemic, we will offer you credit towards a future trip postponement minus any non-refundable expenses CTSS may have incurred on your behalf, if you are unable to accept the postponement and wish to cancel completely inside the 60 day payment term you will forfeit 50% of your program fees. (For any cancellations due to reasons outside of the Covid19 pandemic our usual Terms & Conditions apply.)
  • If we are forced to cancel the expedition because of Covid19 pandemic, we will offer you a postponement with priority placing on a future departure. If you are unable to accept the offered postponement we will refund you any fees paid minus any non-refundable expenses CTSS may have already incurred on your behalf.
    We hope your family and friends stay safe, healthy and well.


Application_Lite

Please download our application form below, fill it out completely and send it our way.

Download Application Form

Application

CTSS Program Application


Step 1) 
Research the program you would like to join & contact us to chat through your options, so we can customize your experience.

Step 2) Moving forward, you may then fill out this online form completely, truthfully and to the best of your ability. Please refer to our Privacy Policy if you have any concerns. Your personal information is important to us and will be handled respectfully.

Step 3) At this stage, you will be required to pay an initial deposit of 25% of the program fees into our trust account to reserve your place.
Payment can be made by bank transfer or credit card (if paying by credit card please note there is a merchant surcharge fee of 2.9% which we will add to your total – to avoid this, we suggest a direct bank wire or transfer) Your spot will not be secured until monies have been received, and we have reviewed your application and accepted you to the program

Step 4) Upon receipt of your application and payment we will process your application.

Step 5) Upon acceptance, we will send you follow up forms such as the waiver forms, physicians medical form, travel and passport information form to make sure we have all of your data. We will also begin sending you the program emails to get you up to speed on all the details for your trip.

Step 6) Submit your remaining paperwork and balance payment 120 days before the program start date.

Note: This is an application. This application requires the acceptance of CTSS personnel before the applicant will be enrolled on the program. CTSS reserves the right to deny an applicant enrollment in its programs for any reason. If the applicant is under the age of 18, the application must be signed by their legal parent or guardian. They must also be accompanied by a legal parent or guardian on the program.

Please take this application seriously and answer all questions truthfully. Doing so will allow us to properly serve your needs.

[contact-form-7 id="8"]

Payment Procedure Options

Electronic Transfer, Bank Wire, Credit Card (please note there is +2.9% merchant fee), PayPal

To reserve a spot with CTSS you need to submit a deposit of 25% of the program price with this application.

The remaining 75% balance is due, and must be paid in full, 120 days prior to the program departure date. Please note that CTSS reserves the right to withdraw you from the program if paperwork and the final payment is not received by this time.

Price is based on double occupancy. Single rooms may be available where possible on the trip. Please refer to our single rooming options on the expeditions page and contact us to ensure this is locked in.

Direct Debit/Wire Transfer

Please contact us for our wire transfer details

Paypal

1) Log into the Paypal app and tap Send Money,

2) Enter our email: info@climbingthesevensummits.com

2) Enter the amount to send, review your payment details and where you’ll send your money from (your paypal balance, bank account or credit card)

3) Tap Send Now

4) Done – we will receive a notification when the money arrives in our paypal account and alert you

If CTSS incurs any costs or expenses on your behalf that are above and beyond the normal scope of program expenses outlined, including but not limited to search and rescue fees, or other unforeseen costs, you agree to reimburse those fees within 10 days of receipt. Other fees or schedule structures may apply – please refer to the program literature to see what’s not  & ensure you have understand our cancellation and refund policy as well as what is not included in your program.

 

Insurance:

Each participant is required to purchase trip insurance for their program. CTSS will not buy trip insurance for you and we strongly recommend cancellation insurance.

 

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

All paperwork is to be returned and program fees are to be paid in full 120 days prior to the start of the program. CTSS reserves the right to withdraw enrolment from anyone who fails to meet these conditions.

We strongly recommend travel insurance that includes trip cancellation as your CTSS deposit and 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. (Upon your application, we secure local outfitters, accommodation, permits, etc for you ahead of time and therefore deposits and program fees are non-recoverable)

If for some reason you need to transfer from one program to another, CTSS will do its best to accommodate you where possible, but this cannot be guaranteed as expenses already incurred may be non-recoverable.

Please be aware that if you have been admitted to a program but your doctor fails to sign your physician form by the due date, then your deposit will also be forfeited.


Mike Hamill

Mike Hamill

Mike Hamill

Mike Hamill

Director and Lead Guide of Climbing The Seven Summits

Mike Hamill is a 6-time Everest summiteer, world-class mountain guide, and author. He oversees every CTSS expedition.

A veteran climber, Mike has built his vast experience over twenty years as a senior mountain guide across all seven continents. Known as the foremost expert, he authored the book “Climbing the Seven Summits” and has made 6 laps of the acclaimed Seven Summits mountaineering challenge. In 2008 he completes the circuit in just over 200 days.

Expeditions under Mike Hamill’s guidance have maintained a 91% expedition success rate overall with an 80% client success rate on all expeditions.

An adventurer by nature, Mike has skied to the South Pole, cycled unsupported across the United States, competed at a national level as a Nordic skier and is an ultramarathoner, cyclist, traveler and philanthropist. He began his climbing career on the steep rock and ice of New England and New York State while obtaining a bachelor of science from St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. He is originally from Hanover, New Hampshire, and Bridgton, Maine.

His love for the mountains and adventure continues to compel him to travel the globe and connect with the local mountain communities, particularly the Sherpa of the Khumbu region. This bond was his impetus in creating the “Tiger of the Snows Fund” a not-for-profit that provides grants to further education of mountain tourism workers and their families.

Mike is a familiar and well-respected face in the mountaineering community. He is passionate about imparting his knowledge, skills and experience to inspire others to harness their full potential in the mountains.

Climbing Resume

  • Senior Climbing Guide for 20 years
  • Has led over 120 major high altitude climbing expeditions Worldwide
  • 6 Summits of Mt. Everest
  • Has climbed all of the “Seven Summits,” the tallest mountains on each continent, at least 6 times, some as many as 25 times
  • Has climbed the “Seven Summits” in 220 days
  • He has 13 X 8,000m summits on three different mountains (Everest, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma)
  • Has led 23 X 8,000m expeditions
  • Summited both Cho Oyu and Shishpangma (the World’s 6th and 14th tallest mountains) in 8 days
  • 50 ascents of Mt. Rainier
  • Skied to South Pole
  • Cycled unsupported across the United States
  • Tied the record for most Adirondack High Peaks climbed in one day (15)
  • An active marathoner, ultra-marathoner, ironman, skier, cyclist, climber, traveler, and fly fisherman

Media


Reviews

A Snapshot of CTSS & Mike Hamill's Success


Expeditions under Mike Hamill’s guidance have maintained a 91% expedition success rate overall, with an 80% client success rate on all expeditions.
Mike has led well over 120 expeditions and thousands of clients over 20 years on all seven continents.
Well over 150 climbers have stood on top of 8000m peaks under Mike’s direct guidance.

Here are some of Mike’s stats:

Don't take our word for it... Hear it directly from the climber's mouth

"I climbed Mount Vinson in Antarctica with CTSS. Their leadership was outstanding. Not only did they help me in any possible way during my months of preparation with tips and all necessary paperwork, they continued showing and executing their professionalism on the mountain as well. The food was excellent and added to the mood of the team. They really made the effort, over and over again, to include the team in decision making and made sure everyone got the attention they needed during a big climb like this. Absolutely fabulous. I highly recommend CTSS.”

- Arnaud, Netherlands

"I am transformed forever! If you want a life-changing, positive experience with guides who have heart and tons of experience for your personalized journey to the summit, CTSS and its local guides are the Mount Kilimanjaro choice. Ethical business practices that build up guide/porter team families and the local economy, made me feel happy to be their clients in even more ways. Do it now!"

- Marie Miyashiro, United States

“I will never forget that you believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. For that I will always be grateful.”

- Jason V

Your Safety & Success are our priorities.
It's what makes us the most trusted Mountaineering Guide Service in the world.

91%

Expedition success rate

200+

Climbers on top of 8000m peaks

82%

Climber summit rate

"I had the time of my life on the EBC trek and am so grateful for the opportunity! I truly had lots of fun every day meeting and getting to know people from all over the world, learning about the Nepal culture, eating their food, listening to everyone's stories (so inspirational), and I felt connected to so many people. The Sherpa, all guides, cooks, staff, and porters were simply the best! No doubt, CTSS employs quality, compassionate, funny, knowledgeable, and inspiring team members to ensure our safety, well-being, and happiness along the journey! Very pleased with the entire CTSS logistics and total operations. Again, thanks to CTSS, I had the joy and best experience of a lifetime! I look forward to returning to Nepal in the near future and continuing my journeys through more treks and mountain climbs around the globe with none other than CTSS!"

— Julie M, United States

"The word trust comes to mind when I think about CTSS and why I will continue to engage them in future. When undertaking activities as serious as mountain climbing you need people you can trust, not to just make the good times happen but who have your back if things go bad.”

- Scott Gorman

“You guys are doing a fantastic job and although I’m just a client, I felt proud to be wearing a CTSS cap and it probably sounds silly but I felt honoured to hold the CTSS flag on the summit because of the way you conduct yourselves as a company. The way the expedition was put together was professional yet relaxed and I enjoyed every bit of it, seriously, the best experience of my life.”

- Tom D, Australia

"I recently had the privilege of embarking on a climbing expedition and summit attempt to Aconcagua, and I cannot express enough how exceptional the entire experience was. Opting for CTSS's custom private climb marked my second journey with CTSS and guide Nanika ‘Nani’. The custom private climb allows for greater flexibility in the schedule and additional time for acclimatization to the higher altitude. From start to finish, every aspect of the trip was meticulously organized, showcasing a level of professionalism and guide competency that truly set this adventure apart."
  • Organization: The organization of the Aconcagua expedition was impeccable. Right from the initial planning stages to the moment we descended from the summit, every detail was thoughtfully considered. Pre-trip communication was clear and thorough, ensuring that I was well-prepared for the challenges that lay ahead. Logistics, including transportation, accommodation, and meal arrangements, ran seamlessly, allowing me to focus on the climb itself. The attention to detail was evident, creating a sense of confidence and ease throughout the entire journey.
  • Guide: The expertise and professionalism of Nani were truly commendable. Nani's knowledge of Aconcagua and mountaineering in general instilled a sense of trust and security. Nani demonstrated exceptional patience while providing insightful guidance on technique and safety measures. His commitment to ensuring my well-being was unwavering, and his passion for the mountain and its history enriched the entire experience. His professionalism and dedication went above and beyond, making the ascent not only safe but also incredibly rewarding."
  • Overall: The overall experience of climbing Aconcagua with CTSS’s private custom program surpassed all of my expectations. The supporting staff and facilities on the mountain were top-notch, creating a supportive environment. The logistics implemented for safety were outstanding, providing an additional layer of reassurance. The breathtaking landscapes and challenging ascents made this expedition an unforgettable journey. I wholeheartedly recommend CTSS’s Aconcagua expedition. The meticulous organization, guide competency, and overall experience created a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will be etched in my memory forever. If you are seeking a challenging yet rewarding mountaineering experience, look no further - this expedition is the epitome of excellence.

- Viranuj S, United States


Our Speed Ascents

CTSS Speed Ascent Program

CTSS takes pride in being on the cutting edge of new approaches to climbing mountains that improve safety, success, and efficiency. Mike Hamill has years of experience using portable altitude chambers to successfully pre-acclimate climbers to the rarefied air found at altitude.

Through the “Speed Ascent Program,” we work with you to use specially designed altitude chambers in the comfort of your own bed so you can spend more time at home with your loved ones and less time away on expedition. Also, safety can be improved by mitigating the amount of time spent in harm’s way in the mountains at extreme altitudes.

We feel that these altitude chambers are not a complete substitute for acclimating naturally in the mountains but have found that they can be an incredible aide and a valuable tool to facilitate faster on-mountain acclimatization and mitigate the amount of time at altitude.

Do you have serious time constraints and need to spend more time focusing on work, productivity, and family at home rather than tediously acclimatizing on the mountain? If you think this option is right for you, please contact us directly, and we will work with you on a personal plan to allow our Speed Ascent Program to maximize results.


Why CTSS

We believe in the transformative power of the mountains to turn ordinary people into extraordinary achievers.

We will deploy the best guides and logistics in the world for your safety and success.

Discover your best self with Climbing the Seven Summits.

6x Reasons to Choose CTSS


Safety

Your safety and success are our priorities in that order. We make conservative decisions, plan redundancies and all our guides have wilderness medical training, safety & rescue plans & access to doctors 24/7 to help keep you safe.

Value for $

We keep our overheads low to pass savings on to you. We are proud to offer the best service for the most competitive price, without skimping on safety or taking shortcuts with logistics, staffing and infrastructure.

Holistic Approach

Our service goes far beyond the mountain. Think of us as your climbing coach, we’ll be there from start to finish to prepare, debrief and plan your progression as a mountaineer, whether your goal is a single summit or the Seven.

Guides & Team

Guides can make or break your climb. We hand pick the most qualified, tenured, tested and personable guides and Sherpa in the world. Owner and mountaineer Mike Hamill personally oversees the management of each expedition.

Our Values

We care about you, our people and the planet and we walk our talk by donating a percentage of every expedition to Tiger of the Snows fund which supports outdoor tourism workers all over the world and following strict Leave No Trace principles amongst other initiatives.

Success

We have an unparalleled summit success rate. How? We do it in a myriad of ways; like a great chef’s secret sauce, we've fine tuned the recipe over decades but most importantly, we believe in you & your ability to achieve your goals and are invested in putting you on top.

“I will never forget that you believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. For that I will always be grateful.”

— Jason V

“You guys are doing a fantastic job and although I’m just a client, I felt proud to be wearing a CTSS cap and it probably sounds silly but I felt honoured to hold the CTSS flag on the summit because of the way you conduct yourselves as a company. The way the expedition was put together was professional yet relaxed and I enjoyed every bit of it, seriously, the best experience of my life.”

- Tom D (Australia)