Young Climber Conquers the Matterhorn

Just three years after making history as the youngest to expand the El Capitan Rock Formation in Yosemite National Park, 11-year-old Sam Evermore reached a new milestone this past weekend. He became the youngest American to scale the Matterhorn, a peak in the Alps.

Sam and his father, Joe, tackled the climb together, ascending approximately 15,000 feet. Their journey involved over a year of preparation, including one previous attempt that was thwarted by bad weather. They proudly carried an American flag to the summit, capturing a moment that drew attention online.

“I hope my story inspires my dad and other kids to go after what feels impossible,” Joe shared with news outlets.

Sam expressed his excitement about the achievement, saying, “It feels so good. We’ve been working on it for two years.” According to their family, they set significant goals for each of their four boys starting at age five. The idea is that these goals should be challenging yet safe, making it a daily practice for the boys.

Reflecting on the experience, Joe noted a bittersweet feeling upon reaching the summit. “It’s a little sad, too. We really cherish our time together on the mountain. There’s this sense of accomplishment, but it can feel melancholic when the mission is accomplished,” he remarked.