Category: Climbing News

Climbing News, K2, K2 2025 Coverage

K2 2025: Coverage: Climbing in Peril – Updated

Climbing the Black Pyramid on K2

Teams are finally making progress across the four northernmost 8000-meter peaks: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II. Multiple teams report reaching as high as Camp 2 on these peaks, thus setting an optimistic tone for summits this season.

Although rockfall remains a clear and present danger, leaders are feeling a bit more comfortable after recent snowfalls. However, climbers still need to be smart and cautious about avalanche danger, as shown by the rescue of a stranded and injured Polish climber today. Today, I discussed the conditions with Garrett Madison, the founder of Madison Mountaineering, who has a team on K2.
#K2025

Climbing News, K2, K2 2025 Coverage

K2 2025: Coverage: Injured Climber on Broad Peak – Updated

The route up Broad Peak. Courtesy of polishwinterhimalaism.pl.

Finally, a bit of snow fell on  Karakorum’s high mountains; however, the good came with the bad. On Broad Peak, an avalanche between Camps 2 and 3 injured a Polish climber. K2 climbers prepare to go up, but are wary of rockfall. News is sparse from all the Pakistani 8000-meter peaks.

Northern Pakistan recorded some of its highest temperatures ever on July 5, 2025, with Gilgit-Baltistan’s Chilas district reaching 48.5°C (119.3°F), breaking a 28-year-old record, according to the Meteorological Department. #K2025

Climbing News, K2, K2 2025 Coverage

K2 2025: Coverage: Dry, Hot, and Rockfall

Broad Peak C2 in 2025. Courtesy of Łukasz Supergan

The Karakorum’s drought continues due to the low snowfall from Spring combined with warmer-than-normal temperatures; thus, rockfall is a real danger on K2, Broad Peak, Nanga Parbat and the Gasherbrums. Ryan Mitchell and his K2 team are acclimatizing on a nearby unclimbed peak, hoping for snow in the next two weeks. They’re doing well, but patience will be tested this year on all the mountains. I discussed the hot weather with meteorologist Chris Tomer. #K2025

Climbing News, K2, K2 2025 Coverage

K2 2025: Coverage Begins & First Summits

K2 from Broad Peak

Climbing across the Karakorum is underway, with reportedly the first summits of this 2025 summer season on Nanga Parbat. A few teams arrived at several of Pakistan’s five 8000-meter mountains. Popular US climber Ryan Mitchell is on the trek to K2, hoping to add it to his 8000er collection, which includes Everest last year. Conditions on Broad Peak are dry on the lower mountain, which is very unusual. #k2025

Climbing News, K2, K2 2025 Coverage, Live Interview, Podcast

K2 Podcast with Ryan Mitchell–Preparing for K2

Ryan Mitchell, a Summit Coach client, has gained considerable recognition thanks to his impressive video documentation of his 2024 summit of Mt. Everest with Madison Mountaineering. Exciting news! He’s all set to leave for K2 on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

In this podcast, we discuss his training, why he chose K2, and walk through the stages of his exciting climb, using pictures from my 2014 climb as well as his training adventures. Also, I’ve added at the end my video documentary of my 2014 summit climb. #k2025

Climbing News, Everest, Everest 2025 Coverage, Everest News, Everest Popular Posts

Everest 2025: Season Summary

Everest Alpineglow

The 2025 Everest expedition has come to a close, marked by strong winds, drones, challenging climbing, and innovative strategies. Along the way were reports of frostbite and helicopter evacuations, but many of these incidents went unreported to avoid negative publicity.

Not all was bad, and one climber stood out: a German alpinist, Anja Blacha, made a near-solo ascent (she summited the same day as 30 other people), unsupported, setting a record. This is something we often overlook in our fast-paced social media world. The overall summit count for both sides of Everest in 2025 is estimated to be around 846, including support climbers such as Sherpas, Tibetans, and Guides. The Himalayan Database will publish what I consider to be the definitive results later this year. #everest2025

Climbing News, Everest, Everest 2025 Coverage, Everest News, Everest Popular Posts, Weekend Update

Everest 2025: Weekend Update May 25–Season Ending Soon

What a week on Everest! We had both regular and unique summits, some of which may have unintended consequences for years to come. On the other 8000ers, the season came to a close with a few inspiring stories. The action is not over quite yet, even with an impending storm threatening to close the Icefall early next week, but allowing the remaining Tibetan side teams to summit a deserted peak. A narrative on descending from the summit of Everest and returning home with lessons from the mountain. #everest2025