Hans Kammerlander Italian mountaineer Date of Birth: 06.12.1956 Country: Italy

1. Early Life and Influences
2. Seven Second Summits
3. Notable Ascents
4. Climbing Philosophy
5. Personal Life
6. Death and Legacy

Early Life and Influences

Born in Bolzano South Tyrol, Italy in 1956, Hans Kammerlander suffered a difficult childhood marked by the early loss of his mother. Despite these challenges, he discovered a passion for the mountains at a young age. By age 16, he began working as a stonemason and earned his mountain guide certification by 21.

Seven Second Summits

Kammerlander achieved international acclaim as the first mountaineer to conquer all seven "Second Summits" - the second-highest peaks on each continent. This feat required immense skill, endurance, and determination, as these mountains are notoriously challenging to ascend.

Notable Ascents

Over his illustrious career, Kammerlander has summited more than 2,000 mountains, including 13 eight-thousanders. Notable among these are Mount Everest, which he skied down in 1996, and Mount Logan, the second-highest peak in North America. Despite being within reach of climbing all 14 eight-thousanders, Kammerlander has declined to attempt Manaslu due to the tragic loss of close friends on that mountain in 1991.

Climbing Philosophy

Kammerlander believes in the purity of mountaineering without the use of supplemental oxygen. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the mountains for their own intrinsic beauty rather than seeking external validation. At the age of 40, he shifted his focus to climbing for personal fulfillment and freedom.

Personal Life

Beyond mountaineering, Kammerlander has a deep affinity for vintage cars, collecting a particularly prized Ford from 1922. He also actively supports charitable causes, including a shelter for orphans in Nepal.

Death and Legacy

Despite experiencing the loss of friends in the mountains, Kammerlander maintains a calm perspective on mortality. He believes that mountaineering teaches the value of acceptance and that a life lived fully is more precious than a long one spent idly. Today, Hans Kammerlander stands as an icon in the mountaineering community, renowned for his extraordinary achievements and his unwavering love for the mountains.