Success, Testimonials, and Reviews
"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
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:
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."
- Viranuj S, United States
A Milestone Trek with CTSS
I joined the Everest Base Camp trek with CTSS to mark a personal milestone: turning 60—and, even more meaningfully, celebrating 20 years of living symptom-free after being diagnosed with MS at 40. Back then, I pictured myself in a wheelchair two decades later. Instead, I found myself standing at the base of the world’s highest peak. Reaching Everest Base Camp was a deeply emotional accomplishment.
I chose CTSS because it was the only company offering trekkers the rare opportunity to spend the night at Base Camp in tents, alongside climbers preparing for their summit push. That detail mattered to me. I didn’t want just a photo at the rock—I wanted to experience the atmosphere, and I did.
The itinerary included three acclimatization days, which made a real difference: everyone in our group made it safely to Base Camp. We were nine people—different ages, different backgrounds—supported by three incredible local guides and one CTSS guide. This level of care and attention ensured that we felt safe, prepared, and looked after every step of the way.
The group dynamic was something special. We looked out for each other, we laughed, and we shared moments that still bring us together even after the trek. There was no ego—just a quiet sense of shared purpose.
I hope this story encourages someone to step outside their comfort zone and not let fear set the limits. You never really know what you’re capable of until you try.
– Irina M, Romania
