For the first time in recent memory, three separate teams will attempt new routes on Everest in the same season on both the Nepal and Tibet sides.
While all these faces have been climbed, they are so expansive that new routes are always available. This 2004 article posted on ExplorersWeb provides an excellent overview of the various routes
Information is still a bit vague on this year’s attempts but this is what has been made public this far:
East Face: Glab Sokolov and Alexander Kirikov – Updated
Updated from russianclimb.com that “20 March, 2013 Gleb Sokolov didn’t find enough money for his Everest project (new line on Kanchung Face in alpine style), so postponed it to next year”
A report via the 7 Summits Club website is that they plan to climb a new route from Tibet on the East Face ( Kangshung Face) in alpine style without oxygen. They will acclimatize on Changtse Peak (7550m), via the northern normal route.
Gleb Sokolov has extensive experience including climbing on the north face of Everest, on the west face of K2, and on the first ascent of Lhotse Middle. Plus he climbed also Makalu, Lhotse Shar, Lhotse Main, Cho Oyu and Manaslu.
Southwest Face: Denis Urubko and Alexey Bolotov
From the Nepal side, there appears to be two new efforts. The first is by Denis Urubko and Alexey Bolotov. Urubko reveals some interesting details in this interview with Spainish site desnivel.com
They will climb the Southeast Face starting from the Western Cwm in alpine style with no support: Sherpas, oxygen or even satellite phones which Urubko feels is a “distraction”. He goes on to say they will go slowly enjoying the flowers as they trek in.
Sponsored by The North Face and Commercial Bank ‘Financially-Capital Industry’, Urubko said this is about pure alpinism and they are “… just two friends who are ready to work hard and die if necessary.”
Their plan is to climb in the area of the pillar on the left flank of the Southwest Face. They are drawn to the vertical line from the Cwm to the Summit. He saluted the previous efforts saying “all are incredible difficulty”.
On the crowds and nonprofessional climbers on Everest, Urubko is generous saying
”I like. It means that there are many people who prefer not to stay in the chair in front of the television, but to act. Moreover, like mountaineering and can support the economy of Nepal. For me, it is important not to create problems in a normal way for that kind of climbers. Mountaineering is free for everyone, not only for expert alpinists.”
Denis Urobko was born in 1973 in Russia and lives in Almaty, Kazakhstan. He has over 1,500 climbs with 5 climbs on 6,000m peaks, 10 on 7,000m peaks, all 14 8,000m peaks without supplemental oxygen.
Alexey Bolotov, also Russian, was born in 1963 and was recognized on one of the world’s alpinist with the Piolet d’Or for his 1997 ascent of Makalu
Ueli Steck and Simone Moro: South Face
Another new route on the Southwest Face. Details are still a bit sketchy. But they have posted an extensive interview on the montagna site
Simone Moro, from Italy, is a world class climber starting his career in the Dolomites. He has focused on winter expeditions with climbs on Aconcagua, Broad Peak, Shishapangma, Makalu, and Gasherbrum II. He has four summits of Everest.
Ueli Steck, has an extensive resume including El Capitan free climbs to 8,000 meter peaks. He is probably known today as a speed climber. Born in Switzerland in 1976 his recent climb of the Eiger North Face received worldwide acclaim, climbing the 6,000 foot North Face in 2hr and 47 minutes.
Best of luck to all these teams.
Climb On!
Alan
Memories are Everything
15 thoughts on “Everest 2013: New Route Attempts by Three Different Teams – Updated”
Hi Alan,
Interesting article, however, Simone Moro did not summit Broad Peak in winter, though he attempted it. As you are probably aware, Broad Peak was summited in winter for the first time last month by a Polish team.
Would be good that you correct, or at least clarify this fact, for historical accuracy and to honour the two of the four of the Polish climbers who lost their lives on Broad Peak last month.
Regards
Milan
Thanks for the catch Milan. I changed the post.
Thanks Alan,
Hope you have updates of these new route attempts. Will be something really something to follow. Simone Moro and Ueli Steck, a dream-team in the making, perhaps dream-team number 2 for Moro after climbing in winter with Denis Urubko (dream-team 1 perhaps?!?!?). Exciting stuff.
Interesting piece and rough route map on the Ueli climb here,amazing climber.
Hi Alan, Denis Urubko (the best alpinist living) climbed all 14 8000’s without oxygen 🙂
Desnivel is not an “italian site”, but Spanish
Good Article.
c’mon Alan, when your knee is all good, lets do a quick trip up the Kangshung face
Hey Alan,
Thanks for the update. l love those Russians!!!l Just 2 friends….!!!..It’s Like ‘Thelma and Louise’………
Zachary Zaitzeff
Wow, really cool to be watching new routes put up. And Ueli Steck-Is this guy real? I mean, actually running up the Eiger like that! He must train like a beast. OK, I am now officially feeling bad about myself :-0
-Joe
And i fully expect Ueli Steck to reach the summit in under an hour, new route or not!
Thanks all. Looks to be a bit more of a normal year with more snow than 2012. I don’t expect to hear a lot about these new routes until they make it or stop.
Looking forward to the season and your coverage once more.
I have left a blog comment Alan. Cant wait to following these, it will bring a little bit of excitment to the Everest season!
Nice to see there will be something a bit different on Mount Everest this coming season! They all have the experience to succeedin their goals, lets hope it all ends in good news.
Good luck guy’s, I will be following your progress!
Colin
Mount Everest
I’m looking forward to Mt. Everest season.
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