On December 10, 2001, Bernard Voyer stood atop the world’s coldest peak, Mount Vinson, in Antarctica, crowning his exceptional World Tour via the highest mountain on each of the 7 continents.
He became the first explorer in the Americas to complete this world tour via the highest mountain on each continent and its two geographic poles.
His world tour via the highest mountain on each continent
| Continent | Mountain | Country | Altitude (metres) | Altitude (feet) | Summit reached on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South America | Aconcagua | Argentine | 6 959 | 22,831 | January 20, 1997 |
| Africa | Kilimanjaro | Tanzania | 5 896 | 19,344 | December 21, 1998 |
| Asia | Everest | Nepal | 8 850 | 29,035 | May 5, 1999 |
| Oceania | Carstensz | Indonesia | 4 884 | 16,023 | July 15, 2000 |
| Europe | Elbrus | Russia | 5 642 | 18,510 | October 14, 2000 |
| North America | Denali-McKinley | United-States | 6 194 | 20,320 | July 2, 2001 |
| Antarctica | Vinson | Humanity* | 4 897 | 16,066 | December 10, 2001 |
*”Humanity”: Signed in Washington, U.S.A., on December 1, 1959, the Antarctic Treaty forbids any territory claims and the area is to be used for peaceful purposes only.
Preamble of the Antarctic Treaty:
“The Governments of Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, the French Republic, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Union of South Africa, The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America, Recognizing that it is in the interest of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord; Acknowledging the substantial contributions to scientific knowledge resulting from international cooperation in scientific investigation in Antarctica; Convinced that the establishment of a firm foundation for the continuation and development of such cooperation on the basis of freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica as applied during the International Geophysical Year accords with the interests of science and the progress of all mankind; Convinced also that a treaty ensuring the use of Antarctica for peaceful purposes only and the continuance of international harmony in Antarctica will further the purposes and principles embodied in the Charter of the United Nations;“
