Everest 2017: Catching up with Russell Brice
Russell Brice has one of the most recognized names associated with Everest. As I mentioned in an interview I did with Russ just prior to the season he came to notoriety on the Discovery Channel’s “Everest Beyond the Limits” series about 10 years ago. But few people know that Russ is a world-class climber in his own […]
Everest 2017: Climbers Battle the Winds, Health and Tragedy
Everest continue to challenge teams on both sides with high winds and snow squalls. Some teams continue to push while others are content to stay put. I finally have solid information on the number of climbers on Everest for 2017 – about 1,100 total on both sides, This includes foreigners and support staff climbing. You can add in another […]
Everest 2017: Sherpa Unrest while Climbers Rush to Acclimatize
With the winds finally calming, teams are making serious progress reaching 7000 meters for acclimatization, meanwhile the Sherpas staged a protest at Everest Base Camp. There is massive movements on both sides of Everest today with teams scrambling to get their acclimatization rotations competed in anticipation of an emerging summit window. As I covered in […]
Everest 2017: Climbing Resumes after Winds and Tragedy
While 2017 has been what I term a “normal” season, as we enter the midpoint on May 1st, there are signs of trouble. The winds continue to be the wildcard this season, stalling many teams from continuing their acclimatization rotations. Almost all the reports on the south side include the words windy and cold. Obviously this […]
Everest 2017: Ueli Steck Dies on Nuptse – Updated
Horribly tragic news is coming in that Swiss climber, Ueli Steck, 40, has died on Nuptse near Camp 1 Camp 2 off the Western Cwm. I have received 100% confirmation from multiple sources at Everest. I am told his wife has been notified. His body was recovered and is now in transport to Kathmandu. Durga Dutta […]
Everest 2017: Weekend Update April 30
Breaking Sunday 30 April: Ueli Steck dies on Nuptse acclimatising for Everest-Lhotse traverse Posted on Saturday 29 April: It has been another good week on both sides for Everest. The emerging headlines for Everest 2017 can be summed up in one word: wind. As I will develop in this update, the winds across the Himalaya this spring […]
Everest 2017: The ‘other’ Himalayan Mountains Update
While many people focus on Everest, which is proceeding with a no-drama, normal season, there is significant activity on many of the other 8000 meter mountains across the Himalaya. However, like Everest, high winds is really the headline thus far this season. Let’s do a quick run down of the activity. Keep in mind that […]
Everest 2017: 1st Acclimitization Completed
The first round of acclimatization rotations are mostly completed on both sides of Everest. Not be be repetitive, but this season continues to be “normal”. A few teams are just starting their rotations, so the mountain is very busy. A spat of high winds created havoc for some, but again most teams worked their way […]
Everest 2017: Climbing and Remembering
We enter the last week of April in a somewhat somber mood. Teams on both sides are spread from base camps up to the low and mid high camps working on their acclimatization programs but fighting high winds. The season continues to be “normal”. Remembering April brings two days where the Everest community pauses to remember. On April […]
Everest 2017: Weekend Update April 23
Another week is completed on Everest and the season has a normal, no drama feel to it – thankfully. The fixed ropes are all the way to the South Col and are above Advanced Base Camp on the north side. This is excellent on both sides! The weather turned a bit cloudy and snowy over the past […]