Mario Locatelli Sets Sites on Being Oldest Everest Climber

The Missoulian reprots that Mario Locatelli, the “Mountain Goat of the Bitterroots,” wants to be the oldest to climb Mount Everest.

On July 5 last year, at the age of 71 years and 7 months, Locatelli became the oldest person to climb Alaska’s 20,320-foot Denali Peak, formerly known as Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America.

On July 5 last year, at the age of 71 years and 7 months, Locatelli became the oldest person to climb Mount McKinley (he also completed all 50).

Mario took Jack Longacre’s ashes up Mount Kilimanjaro in December 2003.

The Everest record stands at 65 years old. “I am now 72,” says Locatelli, “and must grab this window of opportunity within the next 18 months. You have to know your limits. But I already know that I can do this.” Locatelli figures it will cost him about $70,000 to join an expedition to climb Everest, located on the border of Tibet and Nepal. And he’s hoping to find sponsors to help him raise the money.

Anyone interested in helping sponsor Hamilton’s Mario Locatelli’s attempt to become the oldest person to climb Mount Everest, can call him at (406) 363-1262, or write him at 165 Mountain Goat Road, Hamilton, MT 59840.