2025 Wrap Up & Talking Weather with Chris Tomer
Mid-December is a quiet time in the mountaineering world, so I thought it would be nice to pick meteorologist Chris Tomer of Tomer Weather Solution’s brain on the upcoming winter season for mountaineering across the globe. And, of course, we have to touch on Everest.
The 8000er season is chiefly over, and the true winter climbs have yet to begin in earnest. But soon, we will have activity in Antarctica with adventurers attempting full crossings, climbers going for Vinson, Tyree and maybe an unclimbed peak or two. Then, as we move towards the new year, the slopes of Acocnagua become busy with a new group of aspirants wanting to test themselves at 7,000 meters, perhaps for training for an upcoming Everest climb.
In this Podcast, I briefly review the 2025 year in mountaineering and share my thoughts on a “Climber’s Holiday Season.” #everest2026
Everest 2026: Khumbu Icefall Bypass-Real or a Dream?
Mostly, local Nepalese media are promoting a new route bypassing the infamous Khumbu Icefall, claiming it to be shorter, faster, and safer, retracing the original path used by the British 1953 expedition that accomplished the first Everest summit. These articles seem to confuse a new route with an old trekking route reopened, and may not have thoroughly fact-checked some of the performance claims.
While the overall press is limited and has not gone mainstream, the facts are not as simple as “new summit route.” I believe commercial operators will rarely use the route on Nuptse’s flanks to bypass the Icefall, as it is too difficult for today’s average Everest climber. Still, it may be used by a few who have the skills and desire to avoid the Icefall.
Let’s take a look at the proposed new route, its history, then fact-check some of the claims, including that the Icefall is the most dangerous section when climbing Everest, and finally, a look at what today’s climbers can do if they have Icefall concerns. #everest2026
Everest just became more expensive and unattractive to some
On September 1, 2025, several new rules were enacted for mountaineering in Nepal. The most significant change was increased permit fees for Nepal’s most popular peaks. The rest of the rules seem like window dressing or distractions designed to mitigate any negative press around the price increase. The Nepal Ministry of Tourism has effectively used this strategy for years.
One proposed rule being marketed by Nepal guides and promoted throughout the press, Nepal and worldwide, is that all Everest permit applicants must have climbed a 7000-meter peak in Nepal. This rule has NOT yet been approved. You can follow its current status at this link, which is listed as “Discussion in Committee” as of September 3, 2025.
Everest 2025: Season Summary
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
Everest 2025: Final Summits?
We may have seen the final summits on both sides of Everest for this Spring season. Also, one of the speed runners gave it one last try to set a record. And Kami Rita extends his record to 31 summits of Everest, leading 59 climbers to the summit.. #everest2025
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
Everest 2025: Last Summits on Nepal Side, Tibet Staged
With high winds returning to what has already been a windy season, we can expect the Nepalese side of Everest to become quiet while the Tibetan side will close out with thunder! Look for the last summits of the 2025 Spring season to happen on the north side of Chomolungma.#everest2025
Everest 2025: LIVE Summit Interview with Garrett Madison
THIS IS SPECIAL!!!! Garrett Madison, who is recognized as one of the most accomplished Everest guides in history, spoke with me LIVE from the summit of Everest on May 23, 2025. He has personally reached the summit of Mount Everest 15 times and, as expedition leader, has guided more than 80 clients to the top since 2009—more than any other foreign guide. We spoke at his 15th summit today, May 23, 2025. #everest2025
Everest 2025: Fast Everest Summits 3 or 5 Days?
The 2025 Spring Everest season continues to bring surprises, with summits claimed after leaving home for three and five days, using supplemental oxygen. Meanwhile, others continue to summit the traditional way and enjoy the overall experience, as the season winds down. A cyclone may impact Everest in a few days. #everest2025
Everest 2025: Two More Deaths, along with Windy Summits
On May 19, 2025, a series of summits continued across the Himalayas, with success on Everest and Kangchenjunga. The total number of Everest summit attempts is nearly 300. Two more deaths, both on Lhotse, bring the Himalaya season total to fourteen, with two of those unconfirmed. #everest2025