about Mt

As I have said before, in my opinion climbing is not about “conquering mountains.” The mere suggestion is ridiculous. It is true that many climbers do in fact posses this mentality, and while that may be fine for them, I personally believe that the true beauty in climbing is the experience – both in appreciating nature’s wonder while challenging yourself physically in new ways and to your personal limits. While reaching the top of mountains can be an exhilarating experience, irrational obsession with summiting (often called Summit Fever) can be deadly. So what is my point? It is my opinion that for most people attempting to climb to the summit of Mt. Everest is simply dumb. Please allow me to explain.

Climbing Mt. Everest is no joke. It is of course the world’s tallest mountain and the risk of death is significant. However, since discovering its mighty height, men have thrown themselves at the mountain like moths at a flame. While a successful summit is admirable, there are several reasons why it is a foolish pursuit for most people:

1.The Cost – The average cost of an Everest Summit climb attempt is $65,000. Why so much? This covers the cost of hiring guides, porters, a doctor, bottled oxygen, food, the required equipment, and government permits (~$10,000). This only covers an attempt. If you cannot reach the summit because the weather is poor, someone in your group gets sick, or too many climbers block the route, you are simply out of luck (and out $65k). I can think of plenty of other amazing experiences that $65k would guarantee.
2.Risk of Death – Over 200 people have lost their lives on Mt. Everest, including several of the best climbers in the world. While some would argue that climbing Everest is “safer” than in the past, people still die on the mountain every year. In 2006, 11 people died on the mountain in just one season (which spans about a month) and over 150 frozen bodies still litter the slopes of Everest.
3.Inexperienced Climbers – More than ever, less and less experienced climbers are attempting to climb Everest. It has become the ‘Disneyland’ of high altitude climbs, where some people seek to purchase a story to tell their friends. Inexperienced climbers not only risk their own lives, but everyone else on the mountain as well.
4.Every Man for Himself - Everest has become a place where personal triumph trumps the lives of others. More than once in recent years, climbers heading up the mountain have left other climbers in distress (but still alive) for dead rather than risk their own summit attempt. In 2006, David Sharp of England died when over 40 climbers passed by and left him to die next to the main trail.
5.The Weather – Weather plays a large role in whether or not you will have the opportunity to summit successfully, and it is something over which you have absolutely no control. Complicating matters further, the weather on Everest can be very unpredictable and change quickly. On May 11, 1996, a sudden blizzard struck the mountain and resulted in the deaths of 11 climbers, including Rob Hall and Scott Fischer, two of the world’s most celebrated and accomplished high altitude climbers.

Frostbitten Hands from Everest Climb
I must point out that I make this case for most people, professional mountaineers with years of experience excluded. Obviously, not everyone agrees with me, as each year more people make a bid for the summit. But the facts remain the same. Regardless of experience, equipment, or the price you paid for the climb, the fact remains that anyone can die in pursuit of Everest’s summit.