Climbing

New Images Transmitted from Everest for 2009

Check out the latest images of Ed Viesturs and his expedition team members sent via satellite from the mountain itself by the First Ascent Everest Expedition photographers.

Ed Viesturs Climbs Everest and the 8,000 meter Peaks

Take a look at images from Everest and the other 13 8,000 meter peaks as Ed Viesturs ponders his successful ascents of all of them in addition to six Everest summits

First Ascent Everest Expedition Climbing Team

This year GreatOutdoors.com Everest correspondent Ed Viesturs is attempting Mount Everest via the South Col route with a very strong First Ascent Everest Expedition.

Ed Viesturs: The Thinking Man's High Altitude Climber

With six ascents of Everest already under his belt, Ed Viesturs is once again attempting the highest mountain on Earth without oxygen. The first American mountaineer to reach the summit of all 14 of the world's highest peaks, without bottled oxygen, continues to be lured back to Everest.

Routes & Maps

Check out the long trail through the Khumbu Valley of Nepal the climbers will cover in about eight to 10 days, from Lukla to Namche Bazaar and Thyangboche, and finally to Everest Base Camp. And see the convoluted climbing route from Everest Base Camp, up through the Khumbu Icefall, through the Western Cwm and up the Lhotse Face to the South Col--where the journey for the summit really begins.

Live on GreatOutdoors.com: Ed Viesturs Returns to Everest

Ed Viesturs, the only U.S. climber to have climbed all fourteen of the world's 8,000 meter peaks without supplemental oxygen, is once again attempting Mount Everest. With six successful trips to the top of the world's highest peak already under his belt, Viesturs will attempt his seventh this year as he climbs with Dave Hahn and Peter Whittaker of the First Ascent team. Follow the action live on GreatOutdoors.com as Ed Viesturs calls in with daily dispatches.

Sherpa Poised to be First Atop Seven Summits

Lakpa Rita Sherpa, with eleven ascents of Mount Everest to his credit,  will become fthe first Sherpa climber ever to reach the top of the Seven Summits--the highest points on each continent--with an ascent this weekend of Kilimanjaro. Editor's Note: Lakpa successfully summitted Kilimanjaro, see latest details.

Staff’s Favorite Gear of 2008

GreatOutdoors.com staff members spend as much time in the out of doors as possible, so they take their outdoor equipment seriously. Here are a few favorite pieces of gear that served us well this year, from the Chilkoot Pass in Alaska  and the Beartooths of Montana to the Haute Route in the Alps.

A Hike Below the Eiger with John Harlin

 The mountains of Grindelwald Switzerland, are some of the most spectacular in Europe. A recent hike through them with John Harlin, whose father made the first American ascent of the storied Eiger, provided a glimpse into mountaineering history. Roaming below the looming North Face of the Eiger is a unique experience for any climber or backcountry traveler.

Across the Alps on Skis

Across the Alps on skis and other adventure blogs by GreatOutdoors.com staffers. Come along with mountain skier and climber Gordy Skoog on his “Tale of Two Haute Routes,” and yet another first ascent for him in the North Cascades. The people who work here take the outdoors seriously, so check out the blog section for more, including Mike Rougeux’s Climbing on California’s Lost Coast and Peter Potterfield’s hiking odyssey in New Zealand.

Dave Hahn Nominated for ESPY Award

GreatOutdoors.com Everest Correspondent Dave Hahn, who made an historic 10^th ascent of Mount Everest on May 25, has been nominated for the Best Outdoor Athlete of Year ESPY Award

Dave Hahn Reflects on his Tenth Everest Summit

The media have acclaimed GreatOutdoors.com Everest correspondent Dave Hahn for becoming the first non-Sherpa to reach the summit of Everest for the tenth time, but Hahn himself discounts that milestone, saying the real hero is Apa Sherpa, who now has 18 trips to the top. But in his gripping Everest 2008 wrap up, Hahn does say he is proud of the three day struggle to reach the summit last month. In his final piece of the season, Hahn describes in detail how he and client Nicky Messner and Sherpas Samduk Dorjee and Phinjo Dorjee aborted their first summit attempt, spent another night and day in the Death Zone at the South Col at 26,000 feet, and then, dodging rockfall, ultimately reached the summit and descended safely.

Ed Viesturs’ Final Baffin Island Dispatch

Viesturs Calls in Final Dispatch

Last Camp of the Trip on Baffin Island

Climbing on California's Lost Coast

Another High Wind Day

Grounded by Wind

12.5 Miles Today