Our Story
We have a history of taking people to high places... and getting them back home safely
Russ Barstow is a high altitude mountaineer, the founder and owner of MountainQuest Adventures. Since 1985, Russ has been an expedition leader, and has stood atop four continents. He has climbed in Russia, Alaska, Asia, Argentina, through Europe, and of course on many summits surrounding his home in Canada.
MountainQuest is the culmination of Barstow's knowledge and skill: Travelling with large groups, to far off destinations, climbing high summits, and retuning home safely.
How did MountainQuest happen?
MountainQuest president Russ Barstow on North America's highest peak - Mt. McKinley
"I had climbed all over the world - but people always asked me about one mountain... Kilimanjaro," says Barstow.
"I'd been to the top of Kilimanjaro numerous times, and the local papers had covered some of my efforts. I often would get calls asking me questions about how to do it."
"Often, a group would book a climb through a tour operator, and then call me. I would meet them, and they would pick my brain about everything... altitude, safety, climbing routes, gear, food, safaris, lodges..."
"In almost every case, the people I spoke to had booked with a reputable tour operator -- but they had ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA what to expect - OR what they were doing!" says Barstow. "It was scary."
Our first MountainQuest expedition...
"It was my wife who got me started. As I hung up the phone from a couple who had just dropped over $10,000 on a Kilimanjaro climb - and were looking for a proper gear list (!) my wife sat down and looked at me..." says Barstow.
"What you need to do" she said, "is plan your own trips for people. You have more knowledge on altitude, safety and travel than almost all of the tour operators out there," she said. "These people are paying too much, and getting no support in return."
"It was a big step for me - but I realized that I could do a better job. I set up a website - called all my best climbing contacts, and booked a three week trip to Tanzania."
"The next time someone called - I asked them 'what about me taking you..' says Barstow. "They said yes, and we got 100% of the group to the summit of Kilimanjaro."
Charitable Work
Before MountainQuest, Russ created Summits of Hope (www.summitsofhope.com) to raise funds in the pursuit of a cure for childhood cancer. It had been his dream to have a national organization that raises funds to help children like his cousin Ben, who passed away from cancer at the age of five.
“I always think of Ben when I climb. Ben’s attitude as he battled cancer taught me how to triumph through adversity," says Barstow. "He was the toughest person I ever met."
Founded in 1999, Summits of Hope started with the goal of climbing four of the world’s ‘seven summits’ while raising funds for kids. Four years later, the team reached it’s goal – at the top of Europe – Mt. Elbrus.
With Barstow at the helm, Summits of Hope has raised close to one million dollars for British Columbia Children's Hospital - in Barstow's home town of Vancouver. "Ben stayed at BC Children's," says Barstow. "It's a place that is close to my heart."
“I could never have imagined where this idea would take me,” says Barstow. “I can look you in the eye and tell you to believe in your dreams, because they will come true.”
Living your life as an adventure - Corporate Speaking
As a result of his endeavors, Barstow is also in demand as a corporate speaker. His topics..? Living life as an adventure, triumphing over adversity, and climbing huge summits with small, simple steps.
"My largest crowd to date is 2000 in the Yukon," says Barstow proudly. "We raised over $60,000 that year."
Barstow seeks to inspire people to get 'out of the box' and lead a life of adventure, while making a difference in their community.
We help clients work on their "bucket list"
“I believe we can make a difference in the way people travel,” says Barstow. “But most importantly, I believe that it is our job at MountainQuest to inspire our clients to understand that ANY mountain can be climbed… no matter how difficult… by taking small, steady steps toward the summit."
“If you have ever dreamed of taking the adventure of a lifetime… MountainQuest is here to help you realize your dream," says Barstow.
"It’s easy… " says Barstow. "Just send us an email. This starts a dialogue that will end up with the perfect trip for you... We guarantee it!"
And remember: the journey to the summit consists of many small steps...
MountainQUEST has 20 years of climbing and trekking experience. We invite you to come and climb Kilimanjaro with us!
