Wally Berg is a prominent figure in the world of high-altitude mountaineering and adventure travel. As the owner and founder of Berg Adventures International (BAI), he has built a legacy as a respected expedition leader and a seasoned mountaineer with an unmatched wealth of experience. Known for his calm demeanor and low-profile approach, Wally has ascended Mount Everest four times, earning a place among the world’s elite climbers. His extraordinary career spans more than four decades, during which he has led expeditions to the Seven Summits and numerous other remote and challenging peaks.
Wally’s fascination with mountains began at the age of 16 when he started working at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. The experience instilled in him a love for the outdoors and a passion for sharing mountain adventures with others. His time at Philmont would eventually earn him the “Distinguished Staff Alumni Award” in 2012, recognizing his spirit of adventure and commitment to outdoor education. Building on his early passion for the mountains, Wally worked as an instructor for the Colorado Outward Bound School, eventually becoming an International Course Director and Corporate Program Director. His diverse work with Fortune 500 executives and international clients allowed him to hone his skills in leadership and cultural understanding.
Read More
In addition to his mountaineering achievements, Wally has a deep knowledge of avalanche control. He worked as a ski patrol member at Copper Mountain in Colorado for 13 seasons, where he became a Level Three Avalanche Control Route Leader. His work in avalanche forecasting and safety furthered his reputation as a well-rounded professional in the outdoor adventure space.
Wally’s mountaineering journey took a pivotal turn in 1986 when he traveled to the Himalayas for the first time, where he set his sights on climbing Kangchungtse. This experience opened the door to a distinguished career guiding mountaineers in some of the most remote and dangerous regions of the world. In the 1990s, Wally became known as the foremost “Seven Summits” guide, helping climbers reach the highest peak on each of the seven continents. His expeditions are known for their emphasis on respect for local cultures and a deep appreciation for the landscapes he explores. Wally’s connection with the Sherpa community earned him the affectionate title of “the quiet American.”
In 1990, Wally made history with his climbing partner, Scott Fischer, by becoming the first Americans to summit Lhotse, the world’s fourth-highest peak. He went on to lead numerous high-profile expeditions, including the International Everest Expedition in 1992 and the American Everest GPS Expedition in 1998, where he successfully installed a GPS receiver on Everest’s Bishop’s Rock, capturing geographic data from the highest fixed point on Earth. Wally’s expeditions also included pioneering efforts in Antarctica, such as his Embree Glacier Exploratory Expedition in 2000, which earned recognition from the Explorers Club and provided valuable data for NASA scholars at MIT.
Wally’s approach to mountaineering is rooted in humility and a respect for nature and the people he works with. His leadership is defined not just by his technical expertise but by his ability to build lasting relationships with clients, colleagues, and local communities. In 2006, he led the “One Team – One Mountain: Berg Adventures Everest Expedition,” which featured a dramatic ski descent from the summit of Everest, photographed by renowned climber Jimmy Chin.
In 2001, Wally founded Berg Adventures International, a leading adventure travel and mountaineering company that offers expeditions to the Seven Summits and other remote destinations. Under Wally’s leadership, BAI has become known for its educational focus, providing clients with not only the challenge of climbing but also the opportunity for personal growth and connection with the cultures and environments they explore.
Wally’s numerous accomplishments have earned him significant recognition in the mountaineering community. He received an honorary degree from Fort Lewis College in 1997 and was made a Fellow of the Explorers Club in 1999. He is also a member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Alpine Club and the Wilderness Medical Society. Wally’s photographic work has been featured in prominent publications such as National Geographic, Time Magazine, and Wired Magazine, showcasing his exceptional eye for the dramatic landscapes he traverses.
For Wally, the ultimate goal is to continue climbing and exploring for as long as possible, while inspiring others to embrace the mountains for the spiritual and physical benefits they offer. His legacy is defined by a dedication to adventure, education, and a deep respect for the natural world.