Vern Tejas is a mountain expert and climbing record holder. Through his career he has been to the seven summits of the world (one for each continent) multiple times, and has even climbed Everest on multiple occasions. He is a guide for Alpine Ascents, an international climbing company with leaders of the field. After long days of climbing, Vern likes to unwind with his KLOS Guitar. "My KLOS Guitar is the best guitar I've ever owned! And that's because it's as tough as I am!"
SIGNIFICANT ASCENTS
- First person to climb Seven Summits 10 times
- Mt Everest (10 guided summit ascents)
- Denali (55 guided, 1st solo winter ascent, 1st paraglider descent, 14:50 speed ascent)
- Elbrus (36 guided & speed 3:20 ascent from hut)
- Aconcagua (25 guided & 8:02 speed ascent)
- Carstensz Pyramid (3 Guided, via Jungle route)
- Vinson (39 guided & personal,1st solo ascent, 10:20 speed ascent, 1st paraglide descent)
- Kilimanjaro (15 guided & 10:45 speed ascent)
- Greenland (world’s northernmost mountain)
- Mt. Hunter (first winter ascent), Alaska
- Mt. Logan (first winter ascent), Canada
- Mt. Blanc (3 guided & personal), Rainier (2 guided), Cho-oyu (1 guided)
- Chimborazo, Matterhorn, Kinabalu, Cotopaxi
- Peru: Urus, Ishinca, Pisco
- Nepal: Island Peak, Mera Peak
SIGNIFICANT EXPLORATIONS
- 1st Traverse of Wrangell-St. Elias Range
- Ski Mt. Guide Shackleton Traverse x 2
- First Wheeled Crossing of Antarctica
- Ski Guide Last Degree to South Pole x 2
- Ski Guide Last Degree to North Pole
- Scout Overland Traverse to South Pole
- Kayak Guide Greece, Santorini and Crete
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
- Alaska Sports Hall of Fame
- Life member American Alpine Club
- Alaskan of the Year Governor’s Award
- Sports Illustrated Top 50 Athletes Alaska
- Eco-Challenge finisher 10th & 13th place
- NPS Denali Pro Pin for Rescue
- “Cover Boy” Alaska Magazine
- 15 year member USHPA (Paragliding)
- Producer “Strummit from Summit” CD
- Host for Food Network’s “Tasting Alaska”
- Talent ESPN TV special “Surviving Denali”
- Talent for National Geographic “Ultimate Survival Alaska”
