Podcast with Peter Hillary
New Zealander Peter Hillary needs no introduction, as his last name recalls the historic achievement of his father, Sir Edmund Hillary, who, along with Tenzing Norgay, first summited Mt. Everest on May 29, 1953.
An adventurer in his own right, Peter has undertaken over 40 expeditions and adventures that most of us only dream of. He’s been to the North and South Poles, summited Everest twice, jet-boated the entire length of the Ganges River, and more. He’s also an accomplished author, speaker and adventure guide company operator.
I first met Peter at Everest Base Camp in 2003 and again last month here in Colorado, where I thoroughly enjoyed one of his legendary talks.
In this podcast, we discuss Peter’s relationship with his father, his upbringing, adventures, and the future of mountaineering. We also discuss the Himalayan Trust, a foundation started by his father in 1961 that continues today, building schools, infrastructure, roads, and more throughout Nepal, a country close to Peter’s heart.
Everest 2025 Podcast with Bianaca and Paul Adler
Australians Bianca Ader, 17, and her dad, Paul Adler, 50, are back in Melbourne, Australia, after their recent Everest attempt. They were thwarted by strong winds and illness, but made a valuable attempt. Bianca’s social posts have gone viral as she struggled to breathe upon returning to Camp 4 at the South Col after reaching 8163 meters on the 8848-meter peak. She climbed with Rinji Sherpa of the Makalu region.
This podcast discusses Paul’s Everest attempt and summit, Bianca’s Ama Dablam attempt and summit and of course, Everest with the risks, decision-making, and emotions. I think you’ll enjoy meeting this young lady, who, by the way, has become friends with Ryan Mitchell. The two give me a lot of hope for the sport I love, seeing two very mature young people embracing mountaineering. #everest2025
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