Welcome to Everest 2013 Coverage

Welcome to my kick-off for Everest 2013 coverage! This will be my 11th season of Everest: 7 times providing coverage and another 4 seasons of actually climbing on Everest.

I did similar coverage for the 2004, ask 2005, > 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012 seasons. I summited Everest on May 21, 2011 and have climbed Everest four times – 2002, 2003, 2008 and 2011.

If you are one of the close to 1 million viewers of my 2012 coverage, hello again, if you are new, welcome!

My goal is to provide insight and analysis of what is going on up there with no favorites or agendas. I use sources directly from the mountain, public information and my own experiences to develop my posts.

Usually I post once a day as the season gets started in early April and ramp up to almost hourly coverage during the intense summit pushes in mid to late May. I spend several hours a day to create these updates. You can sign up for (and cancel) notifications on the lower right sidebar or check the site frequently.

Why do I do this? Well, one word : Alzheimer’s. I hope that you enjoy my coverage and make a donation to any of my selected non-profit partners as a tangible thank you. I never benefit financially from your donations. Just click on this button that is always on the top right sidebar.

2013 Overview

So what does 2013 look like? Busy as normal on the south (Nepal) side if the pre-bookings are any hint. Many of the major guides are showing their expeditions fully booked or only a few spots left. The prices have remained steady on the south.

The North is a different story, as usual. The Chinese raised their permit pricing in 2011 so the north side is no longer the bargain it once was. The major, reputable services are now charging $40K for a good trip. Almost double what it has been. This includes, permits, personal Sherpas, oxygen and all the normal services like stocked camps, cooks, tents and food. This is about same as a south climb but as usual you can always spend more.

In the Fall of 2012, the China – Nepal boarder was closed forcing Cho Oyu and Shishapangma expeditions to scramble. Word from China and Nepal is that there will not be any such issues for Everest this spring but we will see what actually occurs.

Look for a few unique expeditions again this year including a new route up the Southeast Face, perhaps a traverse from Lhotse to Everest or a flight from the summit. I know one major climber returning to do a “surprise” climb involving a first of some kind. I guess we will have to wait to see what it is. As always, there will be the clandestine search for the Mallory and Irvine camera lost in 1924 on the north side.

2012 was a difficult year on Everest with 11 deaths, horrible weather, and dangerous climbing conditions with falling rock and ice. You can read my season recap for details.  The highest profile incident was when Russell Brice’s Himalayan Experience (Himex) team canceled their entire expedition half way through and went home due to the conditions. Brice will be back this year.

But, for hundreds of climbers, 2013 will be about doing their , maybe touching the top of the world and coming home safely. I hope to bring their stories to you along the way.

I have begun to create my annual team location table. If you have a team not listed, please let me know and I will add them if I can track them. If you prefer not to be mentioned, please contact me.

I will post a few background articles and interviews between now and early April when the teams arrive at the base camps. If you would like to see anything special this year, post a comment or drop me an email.

Here’s to a safe season for everyone on the Big Hill.

Climb On!
Alan
Memories are Everything