Introducing Malcolm Bass

Malcolm has been climbing exploratory alpine routes all over the world for the past twenty years. Driven by the thrill of breaking new ground, he has climbed in Alaska, China, India and Pakistan.

Notable successes include the first ascent (in 2001 with Paul Figg) of ‘The Prey’ on the East Face of Mt Hunter in Alaska, the first ascent (2010, again with Paul) of the 1,600m west face of India's 6,780m Vasuki Parbat (for which he was nominated for the Piolet D'Or) and first ascents of Haizi Shan (5,800m, China, 2006, with Pat Deavoll) and Dunlung Kangri (6,365m, India, Paul Figg and Simon Yearsley, 2012). Malcolm and Simon have also put up dozens of routes closer to home, in the Scottish Mountains.

Sadly in 2020, Malcolm suffered a life-changing stroke and is currently recovering from the impacts of this. Whilst he can’t currently climb to the same level he did previously, he continues to provide invaluable guidance for future climbers, including helping to shortlist the Montane Alpine Club Climbing Fund (MACCF) entrants.

Key Achievements

2018 | Janjukot (MACC Fund expedition)

2012 | FA Dunglung Kangri (6365m) India (by south west face)

2016 | FA north west ridge Gangstang (6163m) India (followed by traverse of mountain)

2010 | FA west face Vasuki Parbat (6780m) India (followed by traverse of mountain). This climb was nominated for the Piolet D’Or

2006 | FA Haizi Shan 5880m, Sichuan, China (by north face)

2003 | FA “Distant Lights” and “South Face Couloir”, two 1,100m routes on south face Kahiltna Queen/Humble Peak, Alaska

2001 | FA “The Prey”, east face Mount Hunter, Alaska ( followed by traverse of mountain)

1992 | First Ascent [FA] south face Yogeshwar (6617m) India

Having masterfully conquered some of the world’s most remote and challenging mountain peaks, #TeamMontane mountaineer Malcolm Bass suffered a life-changing stroke in 2020. Read our blog to discover his story of recovery and resilience in the face of his biggest challenge yet.