Winter K2 Update: Medical Evacuation, Climbers Start Summit Push
The few climbers who have made it high on K2 have started their summit push, late Thursday night K2 time. Another medical evacuation from K2 Base Camp, this makes three this season. Climbers are nearing the summit as the winds return on Saturday. 20+ people still on the summit push, more than a usual summer season – the power of commercialization.
Winter K2 Update: Climbers Retreating, others Proceeding Higher
This round of almost 30 K2 climbers are split between Camps 1, 2 and 3 all aiming for a summit attempt on Friday but 7 climbers returned to BC leaving 21 still on the push. Winds are staying under 20 mph. Rockfall is taking it’s toll. Winds are forecasted to return around noon on Saturday.
Winter K2 Update: Headed Higher
This round of 22+ K2 climbers have some at Camp 1, around 20,000-feet, others leaving Wednesday morning, all aiming for a summit attempt on Friday. Long range forecast suggest another window late next week but too early to call.
Winter K2 Update: Threading the Needle
K2 Sherpas and climbers have left for their summit bid. There is a window emerging centered on February 4 and 5 ending late Saturday. I’m anticipating 20 to 30 people on this push (members and Sherpas/Pakistanis) with a 40% summit rate if the weather holds.
Winter K2 Update: And They’re Off! (again)
K2 Sherpas and climbers have left for their summit bid. There is a window emerging centered on February Feb 4 and 5 ending this weekend. This may be the time to go.
Winter K2 Update:No Manaslu Visitors
Rumors have been swirling that some of the K2 summiteers are joining forces with the Manaslu team. We now have two of the K2-Ten saying no, absolutely no.
Winter K2 Update: Chat with Snorri & Manaslu Progress
K2 climbers continue to stay at Base Camp stalled by the weather but Feb 4 and 5 are looking better. I chat with John Snorri at K2 BC and route progress on Manaslu.
Winter K2 Update: Manaslu Challenges
K2 climbers continue to stay at Base Camp stalled by the weather meanwhile the five or so climbers on Nepal’s Manaslu found a huge open crevasse that will require route-finding skills to navigate. Some of the Nepali K2 10 will join the Manaslu effort.
Everest 2021: Special Edition – Video Interview with Adrian Ballinger, Alpenglow
As I covered in a recent post, Everest 2021 is coming on soon. There are questions as to whether operators should run their programs at all. Many are moving forward but a few are not. I discuss the situation with Adrian Ballinger, founder of Alpenglow Expeditions who has canceled his expedition from the Tibet side this spring. We also talk about the historic K2 Winter summit.
Everest 2021: Should, Could, Would?
Climbers on winter K2 are watching the weather forecasts with anticipation, hoping a break in the winds will give them their chance. Meanwhile, with the Everest 2021 Spring season only a few weeks away, there are lingering questions about whether climbers will go, and those who are, should they. Let’s explore the issues.