Guidelines

There are some specific words used throughout our website and social media channels that may need some explaining. Here is a list of terms and definitions used in the 52 Peaks Challenge.

A Peak performer is a registered PREMIUM member of the 52 Peaks Challenge. They actively participate and are 100% committed to summiting multiple peaks to complete their personal 52 Peaks Challenge. They also upload their peaks to the Peak Performers Scoreboard.

To celebrate your summit, put your down-facing palm just above your eyes and take a selfie. Then post your summit salute photo in the Facebook group page to claim your peak. Remember to mention the name of the peak, and include the hashtag #summitsalute.

Annica (Founder) chooses her favourite summit salute or Peaker pic from the past week and posts the winning image in our Facebook group and Instagram account. Get creative, artistic or just plain silly and see if you can win your moment in the spotlight!

This is when you are on a mission to summit multiple peaks in a day. Not just for bragging rights, but also for a little extra challenge. There’s little time for breaks and enjoying the view. Just bag as many peaks as you can and claim your multi-peak awards.

This is a peak that is on your list, but you have already climbed it once. Sometimes a peak is SO good that you simply MUST go again (or take another Peaker now that you know the way). But you can only add each official peak once in the Peak Performer’s scoreboard.

There are a total of nine bronze, silver and gold Multi-Peak Awards that you can claim for peak bagging no matter what level of ability and determination. Re-peaks can be included in multi-peak awards but only once per day. All peaks must be completed in a single day to count.

This is when you climb a peak that isn’t on your list but you did it anyway just for the extra workout. Or you decided to just do one solo without telling any of your friends!

Premium Members of the 52 Peaks Challenge can upload their achievements directly into the Peak Performers Score Board. Updates will be presented in the monthly round-up video. There are no winners’ prizes. It’s just a great way to keep us all motivated and active throughout the challenge.

Paul Ferry (Founder) will post a monthly round-up video on the website and Facebook group page to acknowledge the Peak Performers and their last month’s achievements and awards.

You don’t have to be a pro athlete or an adrenaline junky to join the challenge. There are 4 stages to aim for and you can choose from hundreds of mountain peaks and trails in your region. Once you finish one stage, you can choose to stop there or move onto the next stage. It’s entirely up to you!

Find the challenge that suits you best. But be warned… it’s HIGHLY ADDICTIVE!

Careful planning is essential to complete the 52 Peaks Challenge in a safe and effective way. Serious consideration should be given to the difficulty, distance and time taken to complete each peak summit.

We have thoroughly researched what we consider to be the best peaks in Australia and New Zealand and have compiled detailed lists and maps to assist you in planning and creating your very own personal 52 Peaks Challenge. Feel free to use any of our suggestions, or add as many other peaks as you like to create something unique just for you.

Before attempting any of the hikes and peaks in this challenge, it is essential to do your own research and carefully assess the suitability of each hike for your own level of personal fitness and expertise.

To make it easier to visualise the locations of all the peaks, you will have access to an interactive Google Map to give the general locations of all of the official recommended peaks in the 52 Peaks Challenge.

It’s essential to know the basics like the total distance, elevation, potential duration, difficulty level, and any information from previous hikers that may help to make an informed decision about your route.

PREMIUM members get access to detailed maps and mountain stats with all the information needed to plan the best routes and make the most of every hike.

There are numerous websites and apps available with trail maps, hike statistics, reviews and general advice. The one we use and recommend is called FATMAP and is available to download at https://www.fatmap.com You can also download the FATMAP app on Google Play or the App Store. We believe it is the best and easiest service to use, plus everything is available in 3D which makes it SO much easier to visualise your route.

You can create an account and use the app for free however, I highly recommend upgrading to FATMAP Explore (the Paid version) to access offline 3D and topo maps, upload and download GPX map files, and discover all of the 52 Peaks routes and destinations in one place. You can try the app for free for the first 7 days, and an annual plan is around $50 for the full year

NOTE: The 52 Peaks Challenge organisers receive no commissions for referrals to FATMAP.

We all like a pat on the back every now and then. So for the high achievers amongst us, we’ve created a number of very special awards! But remember. Don’t be a hero and take unnecessary risks OK? It’s just for fun!

Totally doable. Just find two, three or four peaks close to each other and GO FOR IT!

Twin peaks in one day? No problem mate. How about three peaks in one day though? That takes a bit more effort.. The Tri Hard award will be bestowed upon any Peak Performers that summit three peaks in one day and can prove it! OK, what about four? Also known as the You’ve Quad to be kidding me award.. The Oh My Quad award is for Peak Performers with admirable stamina and strength who summit four peaks in one day. Choose your peaks carefully, this is harder than you think.

OK this is going to take some planning and a very early start. Prepare for a BIG day out.

Seriously? What time did you get out of bed? High Five to our super fit Peak Performers who are on a mission. It may involve a sunrise and a sunset and a whole day of hiking. Don’t make any plans for the following day. You’re gonna need a rest! What the Hex? How is this even possible? This award is for the Peakiest of Performers with massive stamina and the drive and determination to hit six peaks in one day. Still got one more in you? Take the Stairway to Seven and claim God-like status!

WOW.. Only for the hardcore peak baggers. Is it even possible? There’s 24 hours in a day right?

OK, we’re now entering into the ‘hardcore zone’. Smash out eight peaks in one day and you’ll understand why this is called the I Need Octogen award. If three is a magic number, then three multiplied by three is pure wizardry. The Triple Tri Hard is almost unbelievable and will have people wondering how the hell you did it. And then there’s the ultimate achievement.. the Double Figures award. Only for the toughest Peaker’s in Peakdom. Completed this one and you deserve a medal!

Some people say this is the realm of SuperHeroes on beast mode. Can you do it? Have you got what it takes?

Ready to wear your undies on the outside, don your cape and channel your inner superhero? The Legs Eleven Award is for those with the endurance of legendary heroes who can tackle eleven peaks in a day. If you’re still alive then try to make it to twelve peaks in one day and claim the What Dozen Kill Ya Award. This is where true champions are born. And if you can conquer 52 peaks in a year and complete the 52 Peaks Challenge, you can claim your ‘Official Peakoholic‘ trophy to prove you’re the ultimate champion!

For your personal safety, peace of mind and general wellbeing please make note of these important considerations.

This challenge has been created just for fun but it doesn’t come without personal risk. By participating in the 52 Peaks Challenge you are agreeing to the following;