Why Ascent is a Step Above

10 Reasons

Why have more than 160 Canadians chosen Ascent for Alzheimer’s as the vehicle for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?


2.  Setting the right pace.  We take you up over seven days, rather than the more common five-day journey.  The extra time, which includes two days and nights at 14,000 ft., allows for better acclimatization as you trek up toward the summit, and is one factor credited for our high success rate. On summit night, the guide to hiker ratio is 2 to 1. 

3.  At the heart of the matter.  For many people, committing to Ascent for Alzheimer’s fulfills a personal mandate to give back to the cause; perhaps a loved one had the disease, and they are looking for a way to help other families by supporting the Alzheimer Society of B.C.  But the trek to the summit also holds a deeper meaning. Ascent is less about reaching the summit than it is about the journey – a journey that symbolically represents the mountain that those impacted by dementia face every day.

4.  Funds go right to the cause.  Because Ascent participants are responsible for paying their own expenses, something unique to similar fundraisers from other organizations, all funds raised go directly to support the Alzheimer Society of B.C. as well as research.  Each participant agrees to pay his or her travel expenses as well as making a commitment to fundraise a minimum of $10,000 through sponsorships or other personal fundraising initiatives. Since its inception, Ascent has raised more than $2 million.

5.  Support at home.  Whistler-based Sue Oakey-Baker – a world-renowned guide who has hiked, skied, and mountaineered all over the world – has served as the local guide and mentor since the hike began.  Coordinating everything from the route to training on the local mountains, Sue has also summited Mt. Kilimanjaro 12 times with the Ascent teams.

6.  Support in Africa.  Since the first Ascent for Alzheimer’s in 1998, Sue Oakey-Baker has developed a strong relationship with the Marangu Hotel, located in the village of Marangu.  Managed by Seamus Brice-Bennett (a family-run operation) who often serves as the lead guide for the trek, the porters who work out of the hotel are paid more than other local guide companies.  They look forward to accompanying our Ascent teams, and have been credited by many participants as being an integral part of the life-changing experience!

7.  Altitude and first aid experience.  An English-speaking trip leader with experience at altitude and first aid training accompanies each group in addition to the African guides, assistant guides and porters.

8.  Following a different path.  So many people ascend Mt. Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route that it’s earned the nickname of the ‘Coca-Cola Route’.  While the route can vary somewhat based on a variety of factors, the Ascent teams typically ascend via the Rongai Route – still a comparatively easy route, but much less crowded.  The Rongai route gives us the opportunity to spend time at beautiful Mawenzi and to acclimatize at 14,000 ft.

9.  Team building.  Brought together through training and the journey itself, Ascent teams are also united by their commitment to people impacted by dementia.  Set at a maximum of 10 participants per team, the groups often include family members, friends, or co-workers all focused on a common destination and cause.

10.  Notables.  More than 160 Canadians have participated in Ascent for Alzheimer’s since its inception in 1998, each one of them remarkable for making the journey, and for their commitment to making a difference for those impacted by the disease. Some are notable because of their prominence within their communities, others for their exceptional dedication to reaching for the top.

Read more about our past teams and their successes ....