One measure of climbing difficulty is the rating and climbing has a terminology of it’s own. You read that she just redpointed a 5.12c and wonder if this was something from NASA, or Congress. I have seen Everest described as a simple “walk-up” meaning that no actual climbing is involved so I thought a quick review of what defines climbing might be helpful. I will use the South Col route as the example.
Climbers from all over the world are deep in thought as they go through the final stages for Everest 2010. The deepest thoughts may be reserved for the ones left behind.
Mar 092010
After deciding to climb Everest, climbers must choose their route. There are over 18 named routes on Everest and a couple that are still unclimbed. The vast majority of climbers use two routes: South Col or the Northeast Ridge Standard aka North Col route. Let’s look at both route in detail.
Dec 182009
To start any article on climbing deaths, it must be said that every death is devastating to family and friends and should never be taken lightly. I have helped bury climbing partners on high peaks and never wish that experience on anyone. Sadly, mountaineering often receives mainstream media attention only when someone dies and especially on Everest. This was never more true than during the 1996 season that saw 8 people killed in a storm and then in 2006 when another 12 died while climbing. According to Eberhard Jurgalski’s 8000ers.com website, there have been about 4,024 summits since 1922 with [continue reading]
Oct 262009
Welcome to the 2010 Everest Coverage. Even though most teams will not arrive in Kathmandu until late March, climbers are busy training, finalizing expedition members, organizing logistics and for some, making huge plans. Last year we saw over 300 summits and sadly, 5 deaths. For 2010, I am expecting a record number of summits after the nearly 500 summits set a single season record in 2007. There are several factors playing into this season. First, the north side should return to near normal with the Chinese allowing more teams to climb. For the past two years, permits were difficult, if [continue reading]
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