Sir Christian Bonington CBE is arguably Britain’s most famous mountaineer.

His career has included 19 expeditions to the Himalayas, including four to Mount Everest and the first ascent of the south face of Annapurna.

Chris was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1976 in recognition of the previous year's successful ascent of Everest and was knighted in 1996 for his services to the sport.

Chris, the mountaineer, writer, photographer and lecturer, started climbing at the age of 16 in 1951. It has been his passion ever since. He made the first British ascent of the North Wall of the Eiger and led the expedition that made the first ascent of The South Face of Annapurna, the biggest and most difficult climb in the Himalayas at the time.

He went on to lead the successful expedition making the first ascent of the South West Face of Everest in 1975 and then reached the summit of Everest himself in 1985 with a Norwegian expedition. He is still an active mountaineer, demonstrating just as much enthusiasm as he had at the beginning of his career.

Chris says:

I look at climbing not so much as standing on the top as seeing the other side. There are always other horizons in front of you, other horizons to go beyond and that's what I like about climbing.

What is Chris up to with YHA?

Chris helps promote YHA’s work to the world – particularly in his beloved Lake District.

Where can I find more information about Chris?

Visit his website or follow Chris on Twitter - @ChrisBonington.