What are the 7 Summits of the World?

The 7 Summits of the World (also known as the 7 Sisters) are the 7 highest mountains on each of the 7 continents. With that said, there is disagreement or different lists (Bass and Messner) on what constitutes the 7 summits, but generally speaking the 7 mountains that were first stated as being the 7 Summits according to Bass are the following:

1. Kosciuszko – Australia – (2228 metres) 7,310 feet
2. Vinson Massif – Antarctica, claimed by Chile – (4892 metres) 16,050 feet
3. Elbrus – Europe, Russia – (5642 metres) 18,510 feet
4. Kilimanjaro – Africa, Tanzania – (5892 metres) 19,340 feet
5. Denali (also called: Mt McKinley) – North America, Alaska, USA – (6194 metres) 20,320 feet
6. Aconcagua – South America, Argentina – (6962 metres) 22,842 feet
7. Everest – Asia, Nepal and China – (8848 metres) 29,029 feet

The 7 Summits based on the Messner list are the following:

1. Carstensz Pyramid (also called: Puncak Jaya) – Australia, Maoke Mountains, Indonesia – (4884 metres) 16,024 feet
2. Vinson Massif – Antarctica, claimed by Chile – (4892 metres) 16,050 feet
3. Elbrus – Europe, Russia – (5642 metres) 18,510 feet
4. Kilimanjaro – Africa, Tanzania – (5892 metres) 19,340 feet
5. Denali (also called: Mt McKinley) – North America, Alaska, USA – (6194 metres) 20,320 feet
6. Aconcagua – South America, Argentina – (6962 metres) 22,842 feet
7. Everest – Asia, Nepal and China  – (8848 metres) 29,029 feet

For a great book on the first person to ski the Seven Summits, be sure to check out Kit DesLauriers book Higher Love: Skiing the Seven Summits.