Tom Hornbein and Willi Unsoeld 1963 ascent of the West Ridge of Everest has been described as “one of the most extraordinary accomplishments in the history of mountaineering… among the grandest adventures imaginable,’‘ by Jon Krakauer. More importantly, their ascent ushered in the modern era of mountaineering, where ascents are made fast and light, focusing more on the intrinsic value of the route than the summit itself.

A passion-project of AAC Past President Jim McCarthy and Tom Hornbein—themselves mountaineering legends by any standard—the American Alpine Club’s Legacy Series pays tribute to the visionary climbers who made the sport what it is today and stands as a commitment to securing their legacies.