Art Muir, 79, becomes oldest to climb Seven Summits – The Himalayan Times – Nepal’s No.1 English Daily Newspaper

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 26

American mountaineer Art Muir, aged 79, has become the oldest person ever to complete the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each of the seven continents, after successfully climbing Carstensz Pyramid (4,884m) in Indonesia.

Reflecting on his achievement, Muir said, “It always looks easy on the summit but sometimes there are missteps along the way.”

Muir reached the summit on October 21 at around 7 a.m. local time, accompanied by Norwegian climber Kristin Harila and Garrett Madison, founder of Madison Mountaineering, which organized the expedition.

“At 79 years old, Art Muir became the oldest person ever to complete the Seven Summits!” Harila shared the news on social media, expressing admiration for Muir’s resilience and spirit, calling him “incredibly strong, calm, and inspiring and one of the kindest people I know.” She added that she felt grateful to have shared the climb with Muir and Madison, describing the experience as “a special moment.”

Art Muir at Carstensz Pyramid. Photo Kristin Harila

Madison, meanwhile, confirmed that Muir had likely become both the oldest person to summit Carstensz Pyramid and to complete the Seven Summits. “It was a wonderful climb with stunning views from the top, a truly special day for Art and the whole team,” Madison said in a statement.

The ascent marks the culmination of Muir’s decades-long pursuit of the Seven Summits – a rare feat in mountaineering circles, made all the more extraordinary by his age. Muir’s achievement adds another inspiring chapter to the global climbing community, highlighting endurance, determination, and lifelong passion for adventure.

“It’s not about the summit; it’s about the effort!” he added.