The Seven Summits: A Global Challenge

The Seven Summits challenge is a coveted goal for mountaineers worldwide. It requires not only remarkable physical endurance but also meticulous planning and risk management. Agnew’s background as a risk manager has undoubtedly contributed to his success in navigating the inherent dangers of high-altitude climbing.

• Mount Vinson, Antarctica: 4,892 meters
• Mount Kosciuszko, Australia: 2,228 meters
• Mount Everest, Asia: 8,850 meters
• Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa: 5,895 meters
• Mount aconcagua, South America: 6,961 meters
• Mount Denali, North America: 6,194 meters
• Mount Elbrus, Europe: 5,642 meters

the Unofficial Eighth: Carstensz Pyramid

While Agnew completed what he considers the “true” Seven Summits in 2013, he decided to add the Carstensz Pyramid (4,884 meters) to his list due to ongoing debate about which mountain constitutes the Australian continent’s highest peak. This climb,completed on March 5,2025,presented unique challenges.

The Carstensz Pyramid is known as one of the most technically demanding of all the summits. It requires climbers to use fixed ropes and navigate a suspension bridge at high altitude. Each of the mountains and their countries are just so different and diverse that each experience is a huge story in their own right, Agnew said, reflecting on the diversity of the climbs.

Navigating Challenges: permits, Weather, and Risk

Accessing the Carstensz Pyramid is notoriously tough, requiring the alignment of numerous permits, ideal weather conditions, and a considerable amount of luck. It probably takes more luck to access the Pyramid than any other mountain in the world, Agnew stated.

agnew spent more than 12 years battling geopolitical and pandemic-related restrictions before finally receiving the green light in late 2024. Even then, the customary base-camp trek was replaced by a 30-minute helicopter ride, contingent on weather conditions. Obtaining the necessary permits from Indonesian and local tribal authorities was another hurdle.

The weather window only allows one or two flights early in the morning before the humid tropical air clouds removes the possibility of flights to base camp, Agnew explained. He also noted the performance limitations of the helicopters flying from sea level to 14,500 feet, which reduced their carrying capacity. Together with normal helicopter maintenance, pilot availability and getting the weather gods to play ball, climber frustrations were high!

The climb itself is fraught with danger. Climbers have regrettably succumbed to exhaustion, hyperthermia, serious injuries and falls, resulting in fatalities, Agnew said. Sadly,there were two the day before my climb. the mountain requires climbers to ascend near-vertical hard rock in cold, wet, and slippery conditions.

From Risk Management to Mountain Climbing

Holding a doctorate in risk management and postgraduate studies in high-altitude medicine, agnew’s foray into mountain climbing was somewhat accidental.I sort of fell into mountain climbing, he admitted. His brother, a seasoned mountaineer who helped start the Australian Army Alpine association, inspired him.

Agnew has now climbed hundreds of mountains, including mount taylor, mount Ainslie, and Black Mountain in Canberra, as well as both sides of Mount Everest, the Himalayas, and K2.