The Not Great Year in the Himalayas

Everest and its surrounding mountains attract a lot of attention from climbers and the media each year. This year, the consensus seems to be that it was a year NOT worth writing home about.

Hannah Ellis-Petersen for the Guardian:

Experts say this is likely to be one of the deadliest years on record on Mount Everest, with variable weather caused by climate change being blamed as one of the main reasons for the deaths of up to 17 people.

Alan Arnette for Outside:

Climbers and expedition leaders must now take stock of what is one of the most chaotic and deadly years in the mountain’s history.

Brian Metzler for Trailrunner:

Kilian Jornet Survives an Avalanche Below Mount Everest

And beyond Everest: Stefan Nestler for the blog Abenteuer Berg:

All hope was in vain, now it is sad certainty. Luis Stitzinger, one of the most successful mountaineers in Germany, is dead. 

Adrian Ballinger sums things up pretty:

To be clear, this year’s death toll is inexcusable in our industry. The disregard for life (worker and client) of some of the current Everest operators is gross. The mountain can be climbed and guided without these constant tragedies.