Widow, 64, Tackles Everest & More!

Eva Steinwald, 64, is on an inspiring quest to climb the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each continent, by the time she turns 70. This ambitious goal, which she calls "7 Summits x 70," emerged as a way to rediscover herself after the loss of her husband of 26 years in 2018.

Steinwald, originally from Germany and now an Idaho resident, has already completed five of the Seven Summits. Notably, in January 2026, she summited Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, followed by Mont Blanc in the Alps in June 2026. She plans to attempt Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia in October 2027 and Mount Vinson in Antarctica in December 2027, potentially achieving her goal by age 65.

Her mountaineering journey is marked by profound lessons. After an unsuccessful attempt on Denali in June 2023, she learned that "the mountain always decides." She successfully summited Denali a year later. In January 2024, she nearly abandoned her climb of Aconcagua in Argentina, which inspired her mantra: "Can't. Must. Did."

In May 2025, Steinwald achieved a significant milestone by summiting Mount Everest at age 63. At the time, she was the oldest American woman to reach the summit, a record that was shortly surpassed. The extreme environment of Everest taught her the importance of mental fortitude, often relying on the simple phrase, "One breath. One step. Just don't stop."

Steinwald's journey is about more than personal achievement; it's about inspiring others. She emphasizes that it's never too late for adventure or new beginnings, encouraging people to pursue long-held dreams. Her story resonates deeply, prompting friends, family, and colleagues to contemplate their own aspirations and take their first steps toward fulfilling them.