Brief (unofficial) History of Mountaineering and Climbing Sport in Estonia,
History of "Firn" Included

The Estonian mountaineering tradition can be traced back to the beginning of the 19th century when the founder of scientific mountaineering Johann Jacob Friedrich Wilhelm Parrot climbed several high mountains in Caucasus, Alps, and Pyrenees. On 27 September 1829 (9 October New Style), being at that time a professor of physics of the University of Tartu (then 'University of Dorpat'), J.J.F. Parrot performed the First Ascent of Mt. Ararat (5137m) along with Khachatur Abovian (the future famous Armenian poet) and four other companions - this event is also deemed to mark the birth of Russian Alpinism.

An organized alpinism emerged in Estonia many years later. There is no high mountains in Estonia, and during half a century before Estonia finally restored its independence in 1991 the travelling possibilities were to the large extent restricted to the borders of the former SU, so...

That's how it all began:

1956

• for the first time seven Estonians attend SU high-mountain training camps for climbers in Central Caucasus
• on 11 August, Bernhard Sillaots is the first Estonian climber to ascend Mt. Elbrus (5642m)

1957

• eighteen Estonian climbers led by Peeter Varep ascend Mt. Kazbek (5054m) in Central Caucasus (July 29-30)
• founded is the Mountaineering Section of Tallinn (later transformed into a Club - "Tallinna Alpinismiklubi" = TAK)

1958

• on 4 August, Jaanus Orgulas ascends (with German climbers) the Eastern Summit of Mt. Elbrus (5621m) in Central Caucasus; the next day 31 more Estonian climbers ascend the summit (Hillar Kaal, Väino Lepasepp, Albert Sulg, P. Varep, et al)

1959

• Mountaineering Club “Firn” is founded in Tartu by about 20 students (among others, Rein Küttim, Jüri Martin, and Vello Park) of the University of Tartu (at that time known as 'Tartu State University')

Since 1960, several official commemorative dates were used as pleas for organizing expeditions with a goal of ascending one of the 7000+m peaks in Pamir or ascending and naming virgin peaks never ascended before…

1960

• on 30 July, in course of an Estonian expedition led by P. Varep, fifteen climbers participate in the ascent of a 6211m high virgin peak in Zaalayskiy mountain range (Pamir), which is named “Estonia”: H. Kaal (the leader) + P. Varep, Heino Paltser, Juhan Ahlberg, A. Sulg, Kalju Jõeväli, Otto Neiman, Jukk Raudsepp, J. Martin, V. Lepasepp, Felix Jürna, Ilmar Milliste, Eduard Schults, Lea Kukk-Prunsveld, Aita Lumiste-Eek.

1964

• H. Paltser is the first Estonian climber to perform a climb rated 5B by the Russian Federation Difficulty Rating System (RUS) - compare to the Alpine Grading System used in Western Europe
• Enn Vestre is the first Estonian climber to ascend Pik Lenin (7134m, Pamir)

1965

• in course of an expedition led by P. Varep 14 Estonian climbers ascend Pik Lenin (7134m) on 11 August: H. Paltser (the leader) + P. Varep, A. Sulg, F. Jürna, and another group (from the south) - Ragnar Palmre + E. Agasild, Kaljo Palmiste, Ilmar Palo, V. Park, Ilmar Priimets, S. Rehtsalu, Jüri Tohver, Ain Uusna, T. Salo

1966

• the Emblem of "Firn" is designed by Heino Kuur

1967

• three Estonian climbers ascend Pik Lenin (7134m): Vello Vets, Peet Väinastu, Ilmar Sööt
• the High-Mountain Hiking School starts in Tartu, led for many following years by Kalle Kiiranen

1968

• V. Park is the first Estonian to perform a climb rated 6 (RUS) by ascending Ailama (4547m) with a group of Georgian climbers, the group becoming the winner of 1968 Championship of Georgia

1970

• the 3rd Estonian Pamir-expedition: 12 climbers led by I. Priimets ascend Pik Korzhenevskaya (7105m); 8 climbers ascend Pik Communism (7495m, now known as Ismoil Somoni; the first ascent by climbers from Balticum) - H. Paltser + I. Priimets, Jaak Sumeri, Tõnu Tennisson, J. Tohver, A. Uusna, Priit Vürst, Kuldev Ääremaa; four climbers obtain the title of 'Snow Leopard of Pamirs'

1972

• four climbers (P. Varep, V. Park, K. Palmiste, I. Palo) ascend Pik Communism (7495m), Peeter Varep (Tallinn, 1914-1984) becoming in 1972 probably one of the eldest men to climb at 7000+m altitudes
• Heino Paltser is killed by a casual falling stone while climbing a rock route rated 5B (RUS) in Tian Shan †
• founded is the Mountaineering Club of Tallinn (TAK)

1973

• in course of an Estonian expedition to the South-Western Pamir led by P. Vürst, a high-altitude traverse rated 5B (RUS) between the peaks of Nikoladze (6250m) and Pik Karl Marx (6723m) is performed by a group led by T. Tennisson

1974

• in course of an Estonian expedition (led by I. Priimets) to Pik Lenin (7134m, Pamir) from the south, 7 peaks are ascended (incl. 2 virgin peaks + 1 new route; Pik Lenin - J. Ahlberg, Hindrek Kriis, Enn Branno, Mati Klein, V. Park, K. Palmiste, Risto Tanner, Lembit Hiiesalu, I. Palo); the expedition ends very tragically - three of the most experienced Estonian climbers are killed by an unexpected snow avalanche (triggered by an earthquake) just below the summit of Pik Lenin on its most difficult route from the south. They were motors of "Firn" - Erik Reino, Tõnu Tennisson, Priit Vürst (the acting president)... ; the survivors E. Saar and J. Sumeri have had a very narrow escape † † †

• the first group of climbers from Estonia visits the Alps
• the silver mark designed in 1959 by J. Martin is established as the mark of "Firn's" membership; all the marks assigned to new members carry their individual serial numbers, the mark No.1 is assigned to E. Saar
• Olaf Sööt and Jüri Tint (residing abroad) are the first Estonians to ascend Mt. McKinley (6190m, the highest peak of the continent of North America, Alaska)

1977

• the 175th anniversary of the reopening of the University of Tartu is commemorated by "Firn" in the form of an expedition to Mt. Kazbek (5054m, Central Caucasus), in course of which some young members of "Firn" (Kalle Hansen, H. Kriis, Karl Ottas, Jaan Paaver, Ivo Parmas, Immar Puun, Aivar Pärgmäe, Veiko Tamm, Toomas Täht) symbolically finish the historical (1811) unfinished ascent of this peak by J.J.F. Parrot (who later became a rector of University of Tartu 1831-1833)
• joint expedition with Latvian climbers to the Alai mountain range in Pamir: ascended are several virgin peaks, including (with participation of Rein Loik) a 5300m high peak named after the Latvian capital city Riga

1978

• the first 4 Estonian climbers are invited to join the International Mountaineering Camp (IMC) in Pamir as guides for climbers from outside the SU; during the following 15 years many climbers from Estonia will use the opportunity to combine their work for IMC with high-altitude or technical climbs
• the 150th anniversary of J.J.F. Parrot's ascent of Mt. Ararat is commemorated by ascending Pik Korzhenevskaya (7105m, Pamir): J. Ahlberg, I. Priimets, E. Saar, J. Sumeri

1979

• Helme Suuk becomes the first Estonian woman to ascend a 7000+m high peak: Pik Lenin (7134m, Pamir), in course of an expedition led by I. Priimets
• on 7 August, an Estonian climber Enok Põllu lose his life in Fann Mountains (Pamir-Alay, Tajikistan) while ascending the summit of Alaudin †

1982

• Urmas Grauen performs with a group of mountain guides an eight day-long (due to the bad weather conditions) climb of the 1200m-long route "Kamin Kagor" (Central Asia), rated 6 (RUS)
• the 350th anniversary of the founding of the University of Tartu is commemorated by “Firn” with an expedition to the Tanimas mountain range (Central Pamir) led by Kalev Muru; two virgin peaks are ascended and named respectively “Tartu Ülikool 350” (6350m) - K. Muru + Anu Kallavus, K. Hansen, Andres Paris, Kalle Aedviir, Jaan Künnap, and “J.F. Parrot” (6277m) - Alfred Lõhmus + H. Suuk, I. Parmas, Ivo Goldi, Ants Salk, Ants Stern
• before the expedition Estonian climbers participate vigorously in several SU high-mountain training camps - there is a record number of 148 participants from Estonia during the summer months

1983

• on 10 August, I. Priimets is the first Estonian climber to ascend (with a group from IMC) Jengish Chokusu (7439m, Tian Shan, then known as 'Pik Pobeda'), thus becoming the first Estonian climber to obtain the title of 'Snow Leopard'
• Rein Grauberg ("Firn") dies after falling ill while approaching Pik Lenin (Pamir) with a group of hikers †
• Jaak Sumeri (Viljandi) dies of a stroke while working as a Mountain Guide in an alpine camp in Central Asia †

1984

• in course of an Estonian Pamir expedition led by I. Priimets a 6047m high virgin peak is ascended and named “Tallinn” (in honour of the Estonian capital city) by three separate groups using different routes: (17 August) I. Priimets + U. Grauen, E. Branno, R. Loik; (18 August) J. Künnap + A. Kallavus, K. Muru, A. Paris, A. Stern, Tõnis Lepik; (19 August) I. Goldi + H. Suuk, Edgar Haavik, A. Salk, Jüri Treijar, R. Tanner, V. Park, L. Hiiesalu, P. Väinastu; on 18 and 20 August, A. Lõhmus and K. Hansen ascend two virgin peaks (5750m and 5700m), one of which is named “Kalev”
• Andrei Melnikov (TAK) performs (with a Russian group) two ascents of Bodhana (5138m, Fann Mountains, Pamir-Alay, Tajikistan) via routes rated 6 (RUS)

1985

• H. Suuk is the first Estonian woman to perform a technical ascent rated 5B (RUS): she performs three of such climbs in Fann Mountains (Pamir-Alay, Tajiksistan)
• Tiina Tamm ("Firn") perishes in a crevasse region while descending from Pik Lenin (Pamir) after a nonofficial attempt to climb the mountain with V. Tamm †

1986

• in summer, during the 6 weeks spent at IMC (Pamir), K. Muru, A. Lõhmus and J. Künnap ascend Pik Korzhenevskaya (7105m), Pik Communism (7495m), and Pik Lenin (7134m), thus obtaining the titles of 'Snow Leopard of Pamirs'
• Balticum'86, an annual meeting of climbers from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania combined with a contest of their reports on the last year's ascents, is organized by "Firn" and held in the Sangaste Castle in Southern Estonia

1987

• on August 8, the first Estonian clibmers (A. Lõhmus, K. Muru, J. Künnap) ascend Khan Tengri (7010m, Tian Shan) with a Russian group from IMC, all acquiring their titles of 'Snow Leopard'

1989

• in severe winter conditions U. Grauen and A. Paris ascend Ullu-tau (4207m, Central Caucasus) via a new North Face route they rate 5B (RUS) and descend via the same route
• two Estonian climbers (Tõivo Sarmet + Paul Poopuu) ascend Khan Tengri (7010m, Tian Shan)
• eleven climbers ascend Pik Lenin (7134m, Pamir) in course of an expedition led by Mihhail Sobelman
• in course of an Estonian expedition to Pamiro-Alai, six "Firn" climbers (K. Muru + K. Hansen, Uuno Ader, Ain Niller, Sven Mäses, A. Paris) ascend a ~4500m high virgin peak, naming it "Estonian University" in honor of the 70th anniversary of establishment of the first Estonian national university in Tartu in 1919

1990

• in course of an expedition to Pamir and Tian Shan led by Vladimir Vladimirov and guided by J. Künnap, Pik Lenin (7134m) is ascended by 15 and Khan Tengri (7010m) by 7 (H. Suuk, Igor Lemachko, V. Vladimirov, et al) climbers; H. Suuk is the first Estonian woman to ascend Khan Tengri
• in Pamir, a group of 5 climbers led by T. Sarmet ascends peak Estonia (6211m) and Pik Lenin (7134m)

1991

• an expedition to Central Pamir led by U. Grauen is held in course of preparations to the planned Annapurna expedition; performed are the First Ascents of two virgin peaks named correspondingly as "Norma" (5467m, ascended by Valdek Udris, S. Mäses, Toomas Kalve, Jüri Vilismäe, Viktor Palm, et al) and "Paide" (5341m); 11 climbers ascend Pik Lenin (7134m)
• in course of a Pamir expedition led by V. Vladimirov, Pik Korzhenevskaya (7105m) is ascended by 5 and Pik Communism (7495m) by 7 climbers (both groups guided by J. Künnap); H. Suuk is the first Estonian woman to acquire the title of 'Snow Leopard of Pamirs'
• in Pamir, three climbers (T. Sarmet, Raivo Plumer, Heiki Erm) of a hiking expedition led by T. Sarmet ascend Pik Korzhenevskaya (7105m) on 12 August and Pik Communism (7495m) on 22 August
• Olev Sõerumäe is the first Estonian resident to ascend Mont Blanc (4808m, Western Alps)
• Estonia (being represented by "Firn") becomes a member of UIAA

1992

• three Estonian groups (led by V. Vladimirov, U. Grauen, and T. Sarmet) climb in Pamir; 8 climbers ascend Pik Lenin (7134m)

1993

• three Estonian climbers of two groups (led respectively by Peedo Nelke and T. Sarmet) ascend Khan Tengri (7010m, Tian Shan): P. Nelke and Eero Ots - on 2 August, and Tarmo Riga - on 4 August
• Mont Blanc (4808m, Western Alps) is ascended by the first Estonian group of 11 climbers (led by V. Vladimirov and J. Künnap, incl. the first woman H. Suuk)

1994

• an invitation for a group from "Firn" to visit Swiss Alps is initiated by Paul Hilber from the Toggenburg local section of Swiss Alpine Club; in course of the expedition led by Erika Ader (Nõo) the first seven climbers from Estonia ascend Matterhorn (4478m) via its classical Hörnli Ridge (Hörnligrat) route: Priit Jaagant, Norman Aas, Kaari Kivikas-Simson (the first woman, only 16 years old), Ivar Mäerand, Karri Kukk, and (in a separate group) Aleksei Kovalchuk and Sergei Põshnjuk
• two groups of climbers from Tallinn (led respectively by V. Vladimirov - 15 climbers and U. Grauen - 11 climbers, including the first two Estonian women Els Kütt and Aili Grauen) ascend Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m, the highest peak of the continent of Africa)
• in course of an expedition to Jengish Chokusu (7439m, Tian Shan) led by Aki Kettunen (Finland), E. Ots and P. Nelke reach the so-called Black Obelisk (7100m); T. Sarmet reaches the altitude of 6918m (the Western summit)
• the Estonian membership in UIAA is stopped (postponed due to financial problems)

1995

• Rein Grabbi (residing in USA) is the first Estonian climber to ascend Aconcagua (6961m, the highest peak of the continent of South America, the Andes)
• Matterhorn (4478m) is ascended (via Hörnligrat) by a group of 5 climbers led by T. Sarmet

1996

• "Firn" resumes its activities after nearly two years of stagnation caused by recent political and social changes in Estonia, and new groups of dedicated young people (mainly students) start with their training and alpine education process

1997

• A. Kovalchuk is the first climber from Estonia to summit a 8000+m high peak: he ascends Cho Oyu (8188m, Himalaya)
• two groups from Tallinn ascend Aconcagua (6961m, the Andes): T. Sarmet + Arne Sarapuu, R. Plumer, ... (altogether 4 climbers), and J. Künnap + Enn Nõmmik, Üllar Põld
• the "Tallinn Rock Climbing Club" (" Tallinna Kaljuronimisklubi" = TKK) is founded by 14 active climbers in Tallinn; the first climbing gym in Estonia is opened in Tallinn
• the "Mountain Expeditions Club" ("Mägiekspeditsioonide Klubi" = MEK) is founded in Tallinn

1998

• the tradition of an annual ice-climbing competition held at Rannamõisa sea-bank near Tallinn is revived by MEK
• a series of (becoming annual) "Opened Estonian Rock Climbing Competitions" is initiated by TKK
• an Estonian flag is for the first time hoisted as high as 8600m by Boris Slepikovsky (Sillamäe) who participates with A. Kovalchuk in an international expedition to Mt. Everest (Himalaya), both reaching altitudes over 8500m
• five Estonian climbers ascend Cho Oyu (8188m) from Tibet in course of the First Estonian Himalayan Expedition led by T. Sarmet: on 9 October - A. Sarapuu and T. Riga; on 11 October - Margus Proos, R. Plumer, T. Sarmet

1999

• on 15 April, a group organized by the "Youth Travel Club" ("Noorte Matkaklubi" = NMK, Tallinn) and led by its founder Valdo Kangur ascends the Eastern Summit of Mt. Elbrus (5621m, Central Caucasus) and descends using snowboards (V. Udris, Kristjan-Erik Suurväli, Marek Hajetski, Erik Hajetski) and skis (V. Kangur, Peeter Luik, Renee Tuul; also Ilka Uusitalo and Mika Seppänen from Finland)
• the Mountaineering Club Firn ("Alpiklubi Firn") is founded on 18 May in Tartu by an initiative group of 21 climbers to continue the activities of the 'previous edition' of "Firn" ("Tartu Alpiklubi Firn"), which is officially discontinued being unable to fit the new law system; the descendant club has a new statute and a well defined membership, but the symbolics of the old "Firn" is taken over
• on 31 May, in course of an expedition organized by MEK and led by T. Sarmet, seven Estonian climbers (T. Sarmet, Ivar Lai, Urmas Leppmets, I. Mäerand, R. Plumer, Raul Vahisalu, Andrus Öövel) ascend Mt. McKinley (6190m, Alaska)
• the "Jaan Künnap's Mountaineering Club" (" Jaan Künnapi Alpinismiklubi" = JKAK) is founded in Tallinn in place of the disappeared Mountaineering Club of Tallinn by an experienced Estonian climber and art photographer J. Künnap
• an 'Estonian invasion' to Mont Blanc (4808m, Western Alps): somehow, several Estonian groups with far over 100 participants ascend the 'Top of the Western Europe' during the summer months, mostly from the Italian side (via the Aiguilles Grises route, but also via the Three-Mont-Blanc route)
• on 17 August, in course of a Pamir expedition organized by JKAK (becoming, as well as Mt. Elbrus expedition, an annual enterprise), two climbers (Alar Linna and Erik Hints) ascend Pik Lenin (7134m)
• Balticum'99 is organized by "Firn" and held in Tartu
• a reunion meet dedicated to the 40th anniversary of "Firn" is held in Tartu; participating are four of the historical presidents of "Firn"

2000

• the first Estonian Open Interclub Icewall-Climbing Competition is organized at Rannamõisa at the end of March by NMK and JKAK
• in course of an expedition organized by NMK and led by V. Kangur, six Estonian climbers (Toomas Sumeri, B. Slepikovsky, Toomas Holmberg, J. Vilismäe, V. Kangur, V. Udris) ascend Pik Lenin (7134m); on 21 August V. Udris descends from the top with his snowboard (the second such descent at all and the first one via the North Face of the peak)
• the tradition of electing the club's best climbers and hikers of the season is revived by "Firn" on the basis of new statute
• "Firn" decides to establish an electronic database containing information on mountain or climbing routes completed by climbers and hikers related to the Club; the database (in Estonian) is being under constant development
• to commemorate the first ascent of Annapurna (8091m) by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal in 1950, the Challenge Prize of the Year's Best Estonian Mountaineer is established by JKAK; Valdek Udris (Tallinn) becomes the first winner of the Prize

2001

• the tradition of Estonian "mountaineer's pentathlon" - a complex of contests including cross-country skiing, running, rock climbing and some gymnastic exercises - is revived by "Firn" under the new name of AMMV; the first skiing competition of this new series is held in January at Kääriku (Southern Estonia); "Firn" is the first club to win the new Challenge Prize (called "Sõitis Mäkke" - "Rode Into a Mountain") established for the best club team in Skiing Relay-Race Competition
• the Night Rescue Competition is organized by JKAK and held on 27 March at Rannamõisa (becoming an annual enterprise)
• three JKAK climbers (Priit Melnik, E. Nõmmik, Alar Sikk) ascend Mt. McKinley (6190m, Alaska)
• on 23 July, two climbers (R. Plumer, T. Riga) reach the 'Rocky Summit' (8012 m) on the summit ridge of Broad Peak (8051m) in Karakoram (Pakistan) in course of a MEK expedition led by T. Sarmet
• two climbers (Urmas Peiker, Hannes Oja) ascend Pik Lenin (7134m)
• on 23 August, V. Udris and Mart Toom are the first Estonian climbers to ascend Matterhorn (4478m) via its Lion Ridge (Liongrat) route from the Italian side
• the design of an official flag of "Firn" is established in result of a contest
• the first in Estonia artificial climbing wall with a rock-like relief is opened in September in a new shoping center "Lõunakeskus" (LK) in Tartu, the LK wall being for years administered by "Firn"

2002

• on 8 February, Toivo Laan ("Firn") performs a solo ascent of Mt. Ararat (5137m), being the first Estonian climber on the summit (after J.J.F. Parrot in 1829)
• on 15 May, A. Kovalchuk (Tallinn) is among the climbers to ascend Lhotse (8516m, Himalaya) in course of an expedition organized by climbers from St.Petersburg
• on July 30, the flag of "Firn" is for the first time hoisted over the Italian summit of Matterhorn (4477m) by five climbers from Tartu (V. Palm, Priit Rooden, Meeri Sassian, Vladimir Shor, Marko Veisson) after ascending via the south-west ridge (Liongrat, from the Italian side)
• five climbers (led by J. Künnap) ascend Pik Lenin (7134m)

2003

• on May 22, A. Sikk (Võru) ascends Mt. Everest (8849m) from the North with Saulius Vilius (Lithuania) in course of the First Estonian Mt. Everest expedition led by T. Sarmet (MEK); Alar Sikk is the first Estonian climber to ascend the highest summit on the Earth; Ivar Lai reaches the altitude of 8550m
  everestnews.com
• two climbers (Leivo Sepp, Marko Kalve) ascend Pik Lenin (7134m)

2004

• in April-May, Rain Lond and M. Kalve cross the Greenland icefield on skis from east to west without dogs or any external support in course of their Greenland expedition (32 days, ~570 km), thus repeating the achievement of the historic expedition led by Fridtjof Nansen back in 1888
• an expedition to Khan Tengri (7010m, Tian Shan) organized by JKAK fails due to the severe avalanche hazard
• a group led by T. Sarmet ascends Mt. Ararat (5137m), commemorating the 175th anniversary of the first ascent by J.J.F. Parrot
• a new handbook for hikers and climbers ('Matkaspordi Käsiraamat', in Estonian, compiled by J. Künnap) contains a section on the history of mountaineering in Estonia

2005

• in course of an expedition organized by JKAK, two climbers (K.-E. Suurväli, Meelis Nurk) ascend Aconcagua (6961m, the Andes)
• a joint Estonian - Lithuanian expedition to Gasherbrum II (8035m, Karakoram) fails due to the severe avalanche hazard
• on July 21, V. Palm and M. Veisson are the first Estonian climbers to ascend the North Summit of Ushba (4690m, Central Caucasus)
• on August 11, Johan Kütt (22) ascends Pik Lenin (7134m), being definitely one of the youngest climbers to perform such a feat

2006

• on 20 July, Mart Kainel and Jaan Ainelo ascend Matterhorn (4478m) via the classical Hörnli Ridge (Hörnligrat) route
• Eveli Habakuk (accompanied with a French climber) ascends Illimani (6438m) and Huayna Potosi (6088m) in Bolivian Andes
• on 7 August, five climbers (K.-E. Suurväli + Priit Joosu, H. Oja, P. Rooden, Priit Simson) ascend Pik Korzhenevskaya (7105m); on August 17, P. Joosu ascends Ismoil Samani (7495m, the former Pik Communism)
• on 17 August, T. Laan and Kalle Ribelus ascend Pik Lenin (7134m)
• in August, 22 Estonian climbers (two of them only 13 years old) ascend Mt. Kazbek (5054m) in Central Caucasus in course of an expedition to Georgian mountains organized by V. Kangur (becoming an annual enterprise)
• on 5 October, five climbers (Silver Aid, Marko Aid, Peeter Pihelgas, Eduard Aksjonov, Jürgen Saarniit) ascend Mt. Ararat (5137m)
• on 26 November, 37 Estonian climbers ascend Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m), thus establishing a new world record of the number of climbers (all belonging to the same nation) ascending Mt. Kilimanjaro in one day (the previous record was 32 climbers from USA)
• on 18 December, A. Sikk and Andras Kaasik ascend Aconcagua (6961m, the Andes)

2007

• on 13 January, five climbers (Jane Riga, A. Sikk, P. Melnik, T. Riga, T. Sumeri) ascend Vinson Massif (4892m, the highest peak of the continent of Antarctica) in course of the first Estonian Antarctica expedition
• on 25 May, E. Habakuk ("Firn") ascends with a French group Mt. McKinley (6190m, Alaska), becoming the first Estonian woman on the summit
• on 17 June, Huascaran (6768m, Peruvian Andes) is ascended by R. Plumer and Avo Rõõmussaar
• on 20 July, three climbers (J. Kütt, Tõnu Põld, Olavi Vaino) ascend Matterhorn (4478m) via Hörnligrat
• on 16 August, five climbers (Tiina Tamm, P. Joosu, J. Saarniit, Ü. Põld, Raimo Rotberg) ascend Pik Lenin (7134m); T. Tamm (Tallinn) is the second Estonian woman to ascend the peak
• in course of an expedition organized by V. Kangur, four climbers (Argo Mere, Fred Viidul, Tarmo All, I. Mäerand) ascend Pik Lenin (7134m); on 18 August, A. Mere is the first Estonian to descend the peak with skis (via its North Face); a day later, V. Kangur repeats the descent starting from the altitude of 6900m
• on 8 November, four JKAK climbers (T. Põld, Taimar Väljataga, Marko Aasa, Kaido Savi) ascend Lobuche East (6119m, Himalaya)
• a new 8 meters high artificial climbing wall with a rock-like relief (being the second wall of this type in Tartu) is opened in the new sports hall of the University of Tartu
• on 2 December, A. Sikk, A. Kaasik, and Ervin Mast are the first Estonian climbers to ascend Carstensz Pyramid (or Puncak Jaya, 4884m), the highest mountain of the continent of Australia and Oceania, located on the island of New Guinea
• on 18 December, four climbers ascend Aconcagua (6961m, the Andes): P. Melnik, Pille Saluvere, Tõnu Veski, Aivar Sepp
• on 30 December, E. Habakuk ascends Aconcagua (6961m, the Andes)

2008

• in January, Allan Valge (JKAK) ascends Aconcagua (6961m, the Andes)
• in January, T. Riga and J. Riga ascend five volcanoes in Ecuador Andes: Iliniza Norte(5126m), Cotopaxi (5897m), and Chimborazo (6263m), as well as a bit easier routes of Pasochoa (4200m) and Corazon (4790m)
• on 27 January, A. Sikk ascends Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m), becoming the first Estonian climber to ascend the highest mountains on the seven continents (the Seven Summits)
• in course of their one month long (starting 8 May) Greenland expedition, Timo Palo (Estonia) and Audun Tholfsen (Norway) cross the Greenland icefield on skis from east to west without dogs or any external support
• on 9 July, Eva Liivak ("Firn") falls to her death while descending in a group of 6 from the summit of Aiguille du Chardonnet (3824m, French Alps) †
• on 25 July, 6 climbers ascend Carstensz Pyramid (4884m, New Guinea): T. Sarmet, H. Suuk, Inna Lai, Ivar Lai, Rauno Pukkonen, Jaan Reimand
• on 8 August, U. Peiker ascends Khan Tengri (7010m, Tian Shan) in course of an expedition to Jengish Chokusu (7439m), where P. Joosu and H. Oja reach the altitude of ~6900m (the Western summit)
• in August, Jelena Kravchenko and Anatoli Utemov ascend Pik Lenin (7134m)

2009

• Balticum 2008 is organized by "Firn" and held in Tartu on 17 January
• in January, T. Riga and J. Riga ascend Cerro Ramada (6384m) and Mercedario (6720m) in Central Andes, Argentina
• in spring, A. Kaasik and Tanel Tuuleveski, accompanied with S. Vilius (Lithuania) ascend Mt. McKinley (6190m, Alaska)
• in May, T. Riga ascends Damavand (5671m) in Alborz Mountains, Northern Iran
• on 4 August, Ü. Põld and T. Tamm ascend Muztagh Ata (7546m) in Kunlun Mountains, China; T. Tamm (Tallinn) becomes the first Estonian woman to ascend a 7500+m peak
• in August, A. Valge (JKAK) ascends Pik Lenin (7134m) with a German group
• on 9 October, in course of an international expedition organized to commemorate the 180th anniversary of the first ascent by J.J.F. Parrot, 19 Estonian climbers ascend Mt. Ararat (5137m): Vahur Luhtsalu, Virge Luhtsalu, J. Künnap, Riho Västrik, Erki Tammiksaar, U. Peiker, Marko Johanson, T. Holmberg, Jonne Kotta, Erik Jaaniso, Tõnis Tähe, Raili Hein, Roman Hein, Henri Semmel, Anu Tammepuu, Marge Lodjak, Toomas Meldre, Mairi Sikka, et al
• on 11 October, E. Habakuk ascends the Island Peak (or Imja Tse, 6160m) in Central Nepal Himalaya along with her French companion Michel Adam; on 2 November, the same Peak is ascended by a group of seven climbers organized by Travel Club Niperanaadi ("Niperanaadi Reisiklubi" = NR): K. Hansen + Heldur Pedajas, A. Lõhmus, Veiko Orn, Kunnar Karu, Veiko Vaade, Kristel Joonasson
• on 5 December, T. Riga ascends Aconcagua (6961m, the Andes)

2010

• the 50th anniversary of "Firn" is selebrated in Tartu on 9 January; participating are six of the nine historical presidents of "Firn"
• in January, F. Viidul and Mikk Pääru ascend Aconcagua (6961m, the Andes)
• on 13 May, Andres Karu becomes the first Estonian climber to ascend all 45 highest summits of the European countries
• on 22 May, T. Tuuleveski and A. Valge ascend Cho Oyu (8188m, Himalaya)
• on 16 July, four climbers (Toomas Kuul, Helen Korju, Anu Peljo, Martin Ruudi) ascend Matterhorn (4477m) from the Italian side, via Liongrat
• on 22 July, Tõnis Peljo performs a successful solo ascent of Pik Lenin (7134m)
• in course of an expedition to Kunlun Mountains (China) led by K.-E. Suurväli, on 27 July seven climbers (K.-E. Suurväli, P. Joosu, P. Simson, A. Mere, Siim Kadak, Jaan Sibul, M. Aasa) ascend peak Lazio (6045m) via a new route; on 3 August three climbers (M. Aasa, P. Joosu, K.-E. Suurväli) ascend a 5227m high virgin peak, proposing to name the peak "Uku"
• K. Karu (Tartu, NR) participates in SummitClimb INC Autumn 2010 expedition in Central Nepal Himalaya, ascending Mera Peak (6476m) on 23 October and Baruntse (7162m) on 3 November

2011

• on 24 February, three climbers (R. Plumer, J. Reimand, T. Sarmet) ascend Pico de Orizaba volcano (5636m, the highest peak in Mexico); in early April this volcano is ascended solo by A. Karu
• T. Tuuleveski and A. Kaasik participate in the Jagged Globe Everest expedition and ascend Mt. Everest (8849m) from the South on 19 May (the first Estonian climbers to ascend Mt. Everest from Nepal)
• in course of an expedition to South-Western Pamir, on 28 July five climbers (P. Joosu + P. Simson, A. Valge, J. Sibul, Sven Oja) ascend Pik Karl Marx (6723m)
• on 3 August, six Estonian climbers (Ü. Põld + T. Tamm, O. Vaino, Arno Sults, Kaupo Tiislär, Koit Teder) ascend Koskulak (7028m) in Kunlun Mountains, China
• on 3 August, Uko Nõulik and Anu Nõulik ( JKAK) ascend Muztagh Ata (7546m) in Kunlun Mountains, China
• on 10 August, T. Riga and J. Riga (accompanied by Sherpa Nima) ascend Nun (7135m) in Himalaya, India

2012

• on 12 February, five climbers (Kalle Oja, Sven Vallimae, Meelis Luukas, Indrek Tammemagi, Tiit Orlovski) ascend Aconcagua (6961m, the Andes)
• starting from the North Pole on 23 April, in course of their 72 days long ski/kayak expedition, T. Palo (Tartu) and A. Tholfsen (Norway) cross, without any external support, the Arctic Ocean and partly the mountains of Spitsbergen, arriving on 3 July to Longyearbyen, thus being the first team to fulfill a similar plan of Fridtjof Nansen;
  Guinness World Records 2015
• on 31 July, all ten participants of an Estonian expedition supported by University of Tartu (Andres Hiiemäe + Merili Simmer, E. Jaaniso, P. Rooden, M. Aasa, T. Põld, S. Oja, P. Joosu, P. Simson, K.-E. Suurväli) accomplish the second ascent (30 years after the first one) of the "Tartu Ülikool 350" peak in Central Pamir; according to their GPS measurements, the peak is 6258m high
• P. Melnik and P. Saluvere ascend Pequeno Alpamayo (5370m) in Bolivian Andes
• on 28 October, K. Karu (Tartu, NR) becomes the first Estomian climber to ascend Ama Dablam (6812m, Central Nepal Himalaya) while participating in the SummitClimb INC Ama Dablam 2012 autumn expedition

2013

• on 4 April, the Island Peak (or Imja Tse, 6160m) in Central Nepal Himalaya is ascended by a group of six climbers: R. Plumer + Ain Polma, M. Proos, J. Reimand, A. Rõõmussaar, Margit Salmar
• on 13 May, U. Nõulik and A. Nõulik make an attempt to ascend Cho Oyu (8188m, Himalaya), reaching at least the summit plateau
• on 17 August, Indrek Tammemägi ascends with an international group Stok Kangri (6134m, India)
• on 27 December, Tarmo Ploom is the first Estomian climber to ascend the Africa's second highest mountain Mount Kenya's peak Nelion (5188m)
• on 29 December, K. Karu (accompanied by a local guide Duncan) is the first Estomian climber to ascend the both peaks of Africa's second highest mountain Mount Kenya - peak Batian (5199m) and peak Nelion (5188m)

2014

• on 2 August, four climbers (P. Joosu, A. Valge, M. Luukas, Meelis Kuris) ascend Khan Tengri (7010m) from the north
• on 8 August, five climbers (Aivar Kolga, A. Peljo, Ene Soop, Lauri Ehrenpreis, Lauri Stern) of the group of 16 led by O. Vaino ascend Pik Lenin (7134m)
• in South America, K. Karu (accompanied by a local guide) ascends in October-November several volcanoes in Ecuador Andes, including Pasochoa (4200m), Iliniza Norte (5126m), Iliniza Sur (5245m, via SE ridge), Cotopaxi (5897m), Cayambe (5790m), Antisana (5753m), and Chimborazo (6263m), and on 30 December - Aconcagua (6961m, via Polish Glacier traverse route)

2015

• on 10 January, a reunion meet dedicated to the 55th anniversary of "Firn" is held in Tartu; attending are eight of the historical presidents of "Firn"
• on 15 January, A. Kaasik and his daughter Triin Kaasik ascend (being participants of an international expedition) Vinson Massif (4892m, the highest peak of the continent of Antarctica), which makes Andras Kaasik the second Estonian climber to join the Seven Summits "club"
• on 23 January, three Estonian climbers (M. Aasa, Vambola Sipelgas, Lisette-Huaniita Sipelgas) ascend Aconcagua (6961m, the Andes)
• another 7 climbers ascend Aconcagua (6961m) on 12 February (I. Tammemägi + Ain Rästa, Krista Kirspuu, Allan Sülla) and on 14 February (Endro Roosimäe, A. Karu, Katrin Merisalu)
• on 7 June, a tragic accident claims the lives of three highly experienced Estonian climbers (Tallinn): Tarmo Riga, Allan Valge, and Jane Riga - while ascending Tocllaraju mountain (6034m) in Cordillera Blanca, Peruvian Andes they are buried under a huge mass of ice/snow inside a large glacier crevice at ~5900m altitude in result of an ice bridge collapse; the group's only survivor, Annemai Märtson (Tallinn), escapes a ~25m deep crevice the next day with the help of local rescue team † † †
• in July, P. Joosu and P. Simson ascend in Cordillera Blanca the peak Alpamayo (5947m, Peruvian Andes)
• in July, an attempt by T. Tuuleveski and A. Kaasik to climb K2 (8611m) in Karakoram (Pakistan) with Madison Mountaineering expedition is aborted due to extremely harsh conditions
• on 26 July, three climbers (E. Soop, L. Ehrenpreis, L. Stern) ascend Matterhorn (4478m) via Liongrat
• on 18 August, five climbers (Ü. Põld + T. Tamm, A. Rästa, K. Tiislär, M. Luukas) ascend Pik Korzhenevskaya (7105m)

2016

• on 24 July, six climbers of an expedition led by P. Joosu (Ruslan Aizatulin, A. Rästa, Mart Vernik, M. Luukas, Andres Rootalu, M. Aasa) ascend Pik Lenin (7134m); another three climbers (K. Kirspuu, K. Merisalu, Sven Illing) ascend the summit on July 25
• on 3 August, Pik Lenin (7134m) is ascended by three climbers of an NR-organized expedition: K. Kiiranen (63), A. Sülla, and Marie Saame (an Estonian musician of 26)
• on 5 August, Ü. Põld and T. Tamm ascend Pik Korzhenevskaya (7105m) once again

2017

• on 13 July, two climbers (Tõnis Aaliste, Ahti Grünberg) ascend Matterhorn (4478m) via Hörnligrat
• six Estonian climbers led by Martin Suga ascend Stok Kangri (6134m, India)
• in course of an expedition led by K. Kiiranen: Pik Korzhenevskaya (7105m) is ascended on 29 July by K. Merisalu; Mt. Ismoil Samani (7495m) is ascended on 6 August by four climbers (M. Luukas + A. Rästa, K. Kiiranen (64), K. Kirspuu) and on 7 August by A. Sülla

2018

EV100
Many climbers dedicate their climbs to the centennial of the Republic of Estonia; the most remarkable successful feats are listed below:

• in January, V. Sipelgas ascends Ojos del Salado (6893m, the Andes), the second highest mountain in South America and the highest active volcano on Earth
• in Bolivian Andes, three Estonian climbers (I. Tammemägi, Priit Toomsalu, Tanel Raud) ascend Huayna Potosi (6088m) on 9 March and Nevado Sajama (6542m, the highest mountain in Bolivia) on 14 March
• on 2 June, five climbers (K. Karu + Erik Liim, Taavi Kruut, K. Merisalu, K. Kiiranen) ascend Damavand (5671m) in Alborz Mountains, Northern Iran
• on 22 July, Andras Kaasik becomes the first Estonian climber to ascend K2 (8611m) in Karakoram (Pakistan), with an international Madison Mountaineering expedition
• in course of an Estonian expedition to Eastern Karakoram (India, the state of Jammu and Kashmir) led by K.-E. Suurväli, 7 climbers (K.-E. Suurväli, S. Oja, P. Joosu, L. Ehrenpreis, M. Luukas, P. Simson, L. Stern) accomplish in July the first passage of two glaciers and of a new 6030m high mountain pass; on 22 July they perform the First Ascent of a 6801m high (according to the group's GPS measurements) virgin peak, which was previously known as Kunchang Kangri
• Pik Lenin (7134m) is ascended by I. Tammemägi on 17 July and by P. Toomsalu on 23 July
• in course of an expedition led by K. Merisalu: Pik Korzhenevskaya (7105m) is ascended on 27 July by Tannar Esna and Oliver Liiv, on 5 August by M. Saame; Mt. Ismoil Samani (7495m) is ascended on 7 August by three climbers (T. Esna, S. Illing, O. Liiv) and on 9 August by K. Merisalu
• on 4 August, A. Rästa and K. Kirspuu ascend Khan Tengri (7010m), K. Kiiranen reaches an altitude of ~6850m
• in August, Rees-Roonius Juurmaa ("Firn") participates in technical climbs in Fann Mountains (Pamir-Alay, Tajikistan), ascending summits of Chapdara (5049m) and Zamok (5070m) via routes rated 5A (RUS)
• in course of an Estonian Pamir expedition led by R. Plumer, 10 climbers (R. Plumer, Inna Lepik, P. Jaagant, A. Rõõmussaar, Teet Ilves, A. Mere, V. Vaade, A. Polma, Tanel Leisalu, M. Proos) ascend peak Estonia (6211m) on 22 August; three climbers (P. Jaagant, I. Lepik, A. Mere) ascend Pik Lenin (7134m) on 31 August

2019

• on 1 January, an Estonian journalist Kertu Jukkum ascends Aconcagua (6961m, the Andes)
• on 10 February, J. Kütt ("Firn") summits peak Aconcagua (6961m, the Andes) via the 360 route
• on 8 June, Krisli Melesk ascends Mt. McKinley (6190m, Alaska), becoming the second Estonian woman on the summit
• in course of an Andes journey led by M. Suga, Cerro Mercedario (6720m) is ascended on 5 February by M. Suga and M. Saame, Ojos del Salado (6893m) is ascended on 12 February by M. Saame, and Aconcagua (6961m) is ascended in February by Kersti Rüütelmaa and Ehtel Taevere
• on 26 July, M. Saame becomes the first Estonian climber to ascend Noshaq (7492m), the highest peak in Afghanistan and the second highest peak in the Hindu Kush Range, while taking part in a self-organized international expedition
• R.-R. Juurmaa ("Firn") performs a 5B (RUS) - rated ascent in Central Caucasus (Missestau, 4425m), and becomes an UIAA-certified mountain guide
• on 8 August, four Estonian climbers (P. Joosu + A. Rästa, A. Kaasik, K. Kirspuu) ascend Jengish Chokusu (7439m, Tian Shan), Joosu and Rästa obtaining the title of 'Snow Leopard'
• on 26 September, K. Merisalu becomes the first Estonian woman to summit a 8000+m high peak: Manaslu (8163m, Central Nepal Himalaya)
• from 25 November, T. Tuuleveski is skiing solo 940 km without any external support in Antarctica via the Messner route and reaches the South Pole in 35 days; after that he ascends Vinson Massif (4892m) thus becoming the third Estonian climber to join the Seven Summits "club"

2020

• in July, a group of four climbers (K. Kirspuu, M. Saame, A. Rästa, M. Luukas) ascends Matterhorn (4477m) via Liongrat

Tallinn: in November, COVID-19 claims the life of Tõivo Sarmet †

2021

• a new bouldering gym ("Ronimistehas" = RT) is opened in Tartu
• on May 23, K. Melesk becomes the first Estonian woman to ascend Mt. Everest (8849m), while participating in an international Madison Mountaineering expedition (from Nepal); an attempt made by K. Merisalu fails due to catching COVID-19
• on 18 July, M. Saame and J. Kütt are the first Estonian climbers to summit Gasherbrum II (8035m, Karakoram, Pakistan), while taking part in a self-organized international expedition
• on 15 August, Kaspar Evald ascends Matterhorn (4478m) via Hörnligrat

2022

• in the end of May, K. Karu ascends Mt. McKinley (6190m, Alaska)
• on 2 June, a group of 8 Estonian climbers (K. Merisalu + F. Viidul, K. Eevald, Kerttu Olveti, T. Esna, A. Mere, Einar Kivisalu, J. Kütt) ascends Mt. McKinley (6190m, Alaska)
• on 18 July, M. Saame becomes the first Estonian woman to ascend Broad Peak (8051m) in Karakoram (Pakistan), while taking part in a self-organized international expedition; in her subsequent attempt to climb K2 she reaches an altitude of ~8200m
• on 22 July, K. Melesk becomes the first Estonian woman to ascend K2 (8611m) in Karakoram (Pakistan), with the international Madison Mountaineering expedition
• on 22 July, four Estonian climbers (P. Joosu, L. Ehrenpreis, K. Kirspuu, A. Rästa) ascend Gasherbrum II (8035m, Karakoram, Pakistan) without using any auxiliary oxygen