Madness Climber Begins His Pursuit of the "Eight-Thousanders"

The world is covered in mountains of all shapes and sizes, but only 14 peaks stand taller than 8,000 meters (26,247 ft). Each of these has a riveting history, the triumphant and disastrous often only minutes apart. Mountain Madness climber Alex Beatty is embarking on his first of the "eight-thousanders," Cho Oyu. Madness Everest guide Ossy Freire leads the Expedition starting August 25. We invite you to follow the expedition experience through the eyes of Alex.

You've heard some of their names.

Everest.  K2.  Annapurna.