Tag Archive for: Seven Summits

Into the Icefall!

The team climbing into the Khumbu Icefall! Photo pulled from Madison Mountaineering archive (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Today, the team made their first trip into the Khumbu Icefall to start to get a sense of what moving through the beautifully complicated terrain will be like on future rotations as they make their way higher up the mountain. Further down the valley, our second team has arrived in Lobuche, and is set to meet the rest of the team in Everest Base Camp (EBC) in just a few days! Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with today’s dispatch from EBC:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) and Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) expedition – today is April 20th.

Today our team here in base camp (5364m/17,598ft) got up early and hiked maybe a fifth to a quarter of the way up to Camp 1 (6050m/19,849ft). So we went part way into the Khumbu Icefall – it’s a really nice way for our climbers to start to get acquainted with the terrain that we’ll climb through in the dark in a couple of days when we head up to Camp 1 before dawn.

Meanwhile, our other group here in the Khumbu Valley hiked to Lobuche village (4940m/16,210ft). They’ll stay there tonight, and then they’ll move to Gorakshep (5164m/16,942ft) tomorrow, and hopefully make it to base camp the day after that!

We had a little light snow this evening and we might get a little bit more snow tomorrow, but for the group here in base camp, tomorrow will be a rest day. All is well here in Nepal! We’ll be in touch tomorrow.

Climber, Debbie Bulten, descending out of the icefall with Sange Sherpa. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Debbie Bulten, descending out of the icefall with Sange Sherpa. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Rick Irvine, rappelling in the icefall. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Rick Irvine, rappelling in the icefall. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Rest and relaxation in EBC!

Excellent views of EBC and the peaks above it from the slopes below Pumori! Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archive. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Having spent the last few days doing lots of training and review for the climbs forthcoming, our first team enjoyed a day of rest and relaxation under the sun in base camp! The second of our climbing teams took an active rest day of their own around Pheriche, and looks forward to progressing further up the valley tomorrow to Lobuche. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with today’s dispatch from the Khumbu:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the 2023 Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) and Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) expedition – today is April 19th.

Today our group here in base camp (5364m/17,598ft) took a rest day! We had four pretty active days practicing technical skills and acclimatizing, so today we just relaxed, caught up on showers, laundry, things like that. It was a beautiful day! Really pleasant here in base camp – sunny and warm.

Meanwhile, our second wave of climbers had an active rest day in Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft). They hiked up to a point pretty high above Pheriche, called Nangkartshang, then went down to Dingboche (4410m/14,470ft) and had some coffees, pastries and lunch in the nice bakery there.

So, all is well here in Nepal! Tomorrow, with the team here in base camp, we plan to do a foray into the icefall just a little ways, and then back to base camp for lunch. Meanwhile, the other team will move to Lobuche (4940m/16,210ft)! We’ll be in touch tomorrow.

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Clear skies over the Khumbu!

Our climbers acclimatizing at Pumori advanced base camp today, with great views of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

With another day of clear-blue skies under their belts, the team’s acclimatization efforts are well underway as they hiked to a viewpoint at the foot of Pumori today. Upon reaching today’s highpoint, unobstructed views were unveiled of the Khumbu Icefall, Lhotse and the summit of Mount Everest! Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with today’s dispatch from Everest Base Camp:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the 2023 Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) and Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) expedition – today is April 18th.

Today our team here in base camp (5364m/17,598ft) went on an acclimatization hike up to advanced base camp at the foot of Pumori (7161m/23,494ft). We had excellent views of the Khumbu Icefall and the Lhotse Face, as well as the summit of Lhotse and the summit of Everest. That high point is about 18,500 feet or about 5,600 meters. Then we came down and had a nice lunch, and we’re just relaxing this afternoon.

Meanwhile, our second wave of climbers is progressing up the Khumbu Valley. Today, they had their Puja ceremony in Pangboche (3985m/13,074ft) with the Lama there, and they’re staying tonight in Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft).

So, all is well here in Nepal! We’ll be in touch tomorrow.

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Training and Awaiting

Excellent views of EBC and the peaks above it from the slopes below Pumori! Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archive. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

While our first wave of climbers awaits to greet their fellow teammates in base camp, they continue their technical training in the neighboring ice formations to their base camp! Good weather has made for good times in the Khumbu thus far, not to mention delicious food and movies to watch as the sun sets over Everest Base Camp (EBC). Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with this dispatch from EBC:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) and Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) expedition – today is April 17th.

Today we had a third day of technical training on ice formations next to base camp (5364m/17,598ft) – practiced ascending and rappelling steep ice, as well as went over technique for ladder crossings. And then, (we) relaxed in the afternoon! In the evening, we had a great dinner of fried chicken, pasta and potatoes! Then, we watched The Hangover, was our movie selection tonight.

Our second wave of climbers are in Deboche (3820m/12,532ft) tonight. They stopped at the famous Tengboche Monastery on the way from Namche (3440m/11,290ft), and then are staying at the comfortable Rivendell Lodge tonight.

So all is well here in Nepal, and we’ll be in touch tomorrow!

Climber, Larry Zitnick, receiving a blessing along the trek towards EBC!

Climber, Larry Zitnick, receiving a blessing along the trek towards EBC!

Climber, Larry Zitnick, spinning a few of the many prayer wheels encountered on the trail en route to EBC!

Climber, Larry Zitnick, spinning a few of the many prayer wheels encountered on the trail en route to EBC!

Climbing and trekking duo, Rich and Sarah Draves, smiling for a photo on the trek towards EBC!

Climbing and trekking duo, Rich and Sarah Draves, smiling for a photo on the trek towards EBC!

Climbers, Krisli Melesk and Stevie Hornick, stopping for a photo!

Climbers, Krisli Melesk and Stevie Hornick, stopping for a photo!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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The Preparation Continues!

Expedition leader, Garrett Madison, demonstrating technical skills during today's training session. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Another day in base camp and another day training for the climbs ahead! While our second wave of climbers trek further up the valley on the way to Everest Base Camp (EBC), our team who has settled into EBC spent another morning training on the technical skills necessary for their climbs on Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with this dispatch from EBC:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the 2023 Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) and Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) expedition – today is April 16.

Today our team in base camp (5364m/17,598ft) spent another morning reviewing technical skills, ascending and descending fixed lines, as we prepare to move up to Camp 1 (6050m/19,849ft). Meanwhile, our second wave of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse climbers are in Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft)! They had an active rest day today and enjoyed all that Namche has to offer: good food, hot showers. They’ll continue on their way up the Khumbu Valley tomorrow.

All is well here in base camp! We’ll be in touch tomorrow.

Climber, Bruce Smith, practicing ascending fixed lines on the Khumbu Glacier. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Bruce Smith, practicing ascending fixed lines on the Khumbu Glacier. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Debbie Bulten, rappelling down a Khumbu Glacier ice formation. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Debbie Bulten, rappelling down a Khumbu Glacier ice formation. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Rick Irvine, rappelling during skills training near base camp. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Rick Irvine, rappelling during skills training near base camp. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Technical Training in Base Camp

Expedition leader, Garrett Madison, monitoring the training. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

The team has been hard at work in Everest Base Camp (EBC) doing technical training in the neighboring Khumbu Glacier! With our second team arriving in EBC shortly, climbers will continue their training and acclimatization before making their first rotations. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with this dispatch from EBC:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) and Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) expedition – it’s April 15th.

Today our team here in base camp (5364m/17,598ft) went out into the ice formations of the Khumbu Glacier next to base camp to begin practicing technical skills, ascending and descending on fixed lines. We’ll spend at least a few more days practicing technical skills before we start moving up to Camp 1 (6050m/19,849ft). And then, in the evening we had a great dinner of cashew curried chicken, fresh vegetables, and then we watched We’re the Millers afterward for our movie.

Meanwhile, our second team of climbers is in Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft), making their way up the Khumbu Valley to base camp!

So, it was another great day here at the foot of Mount Everest and we’re looking forward to another good day tomorrow! We’ll be in touch.

Climbers, Debbie and Erwin navigating through the Khumbu Glacier during training! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climbers, Debbie and Erwin navigating through the Khumbu Glacier during training! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Serge Larouche, practicing traversing on steep ice. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Serge Larouche, practicing traversing on steep ice. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Erwin Visser, practicing crampon and fixed line descent skills. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Erwin Visser, practicing crampon and fixed line descent skills. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Pieter Swart, navigating an icy canyon near base camp. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Pieter Swart, navigating an icy canyon near base camp. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Our second wave of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse climbers making their way up the Khumbu Valley! (Photo: Cacho Beiza)

Our second wave of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse climbers making their way up the Khumbu Valley! (Photo: Cacho Beiza)

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Hello from Everest Base Camp!

Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archive (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

After over a week on the trail trekking up through the Khumbu Valley, the team has arrived in Everest Base Camp (EBC)! After a warm welcome from the team of base camp staff and Sherpas, the team took a tour of their home for the next few months, and settled in to their tents – some also treating themselves to a hot shower! With dinner and a movie scheduled for the evening, the team is in good spirits and excited to be one step closer to their objectives. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with todays dispatch from EBC:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) and Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) expedition – today is April 13.

This morning we walked from Gorakshep (5164m/16,942ft) to base camp (5364m/17,598ft)! We arrived in base camp at about noon to a warm welcome from our staff who have been working hard here over the past month, or a little more, to make base camp the wonderful place it is. (We) did a little base camp tour when we arrived, and then  our climbers moved into their tents. We had a nice lunch of sandwiches, and fresh salad, and soup. Our climbers have been relaxing since then and some of them have gotten a hot shower, which always feels good after the trek up here to base camp!

So, tonight we’re looking forward to a good dinner and then the first of our movie nights, which will happen every night here in base camp with our projector, and screen, and surround sound system!

All in all, it was a great day! We’ll be in touch tomorrow.

Climber, Rick Irvine receiving a warm welcome to base camp from sirdar and guide, Aang Phurba Sherpa! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Rick Irvine receiving a warm welcome to base camp from sirdar and guide, Aang Phurba Sherpa! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering dining tent beside the ice pinnacles of the Khumbu Glacier. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering dining tent beside the ice pinnacles of the Khumbu Glacier. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Some of our climbers' personal tents. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Some of our climbers’ personal tents. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Our rockstar Nepali staff, including our very strong Sherpa team and base camp staff! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Our rockstar Nepali staff, including our very strong Sherpa team and base camp staff! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Everest Base Camp Awaits!

The team on top of Kala Patthar, with Pumori in the background! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

After one final acclimatization hike to the top of Kala Patthar, the team is eager to arrive in base camp tomorrow! Today presented more incredible views of Everest Base Camp and the surrounding sights, giving the team a preview of what’s to come. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with todays dispatch from Gorakshep:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the 2023 Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) and Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) expedition. Today is April 12th!

Today we moved from Lobuche (4940m/16,210ft) to Gorakshep (5164m/16,942ft), and then we hiked up Kala Patthar (5644m/18,519ft) to just about 5,500 meters. From there we had our first really good views of the summit of Everest plus Nuptse, and just a little corner of Lhotse peaking out in the distance. Beautiful day today, yet again – clear skies and pleasant temperatures!

We’re going to spend a night here in Gorakshep, and then tomorrow we’ll head over to base camp (5364m/17,598ft) and finally move into our tents there. So, that’s exciting! (We) can’t wait to get into camp at the foot of Everest.

The team is doing well and we’re looking forward to tomorrow! We’ll be in touch then.

Mount Everest (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Mount Everest (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

The team ascending Kala Patthar! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

The team ascending Kala Patthar! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Nearing the top of Kala Patthar! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Nearing the top of Kala Patthar! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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First Views of EBC!

Passing Cholatse en route to Lobuche. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

The team has arrived in Lobuche! After this morning’s walk from Pheriche where they’d spent the last few days, the team settled into their rooms at their next stop before continuing on towards Everest Base Camp (EBC). Fueled by treats from “the highest bakery in the world” the team hiked up a moraine bordering the Khumbu Glacier, which revealed the team’s first views of EBC. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with this dispatch from Lobuche:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the 2023 Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) and Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) expedition – today is April 11th.

This morning we walked from Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft) to Lobuche (4940m/16,210ft)! Along the way we stopped and had a nice brunch in Dukla, and then in the afternoon we visited the bakery here in Lobuche, which advertises itself as the highest bakery in the world at over 5,000 meters! We hiked up on the lateral moraine next to the Khumbu Glacier and got our first view of Everest Base Camp (5364m/17,598ft), plus great views of Pumori (7161m/23,494ft), Lingtren (6749m/22,142ft), Nuptse and Changtse (7543m/24,747ft) out on the Chinese border.

So, tomorrow we’ll continue to Gorakshep (5164m/16,942ft) and up to Kala Patthar (5644m/18,519ft) where we’ll get more great views of Everest and base camp!

All is well here in Nepal! We’ll be in touch tomorrow.

Climber, Erwin Visser, and expedition leader, Garrett Madison, leaving Pheriche. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Erwin Visser, and expedition leader, Garrett Madison, leaving Pheriche. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Pieter Swart, sightseeing on a lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Pieter Swart, sightseeing on a lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Peter Horsman, and expedition leader, Garrett Madison, taking in the view near Lobuche! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Peter Horsman, and expedition leader, Garrett Madison, taking in the view near Lobuche! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Prayer Flag Point

The team at Prayer Flag Point on today's acclimatization hike! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

The team continued their acclimatization efforts today, touching over 16,000 feet at Prayer Flag Point above Pheriche! After taking in more spectacular views, everyone was excited to descend, knowing the treat that lied ahead – pastries and coffee at the famous Dingboche Bakery! The treats fueled the teams bodies to get them back to Pheriche, where they enjoyed dinner and alpenglow on the surrounding peaks, towering above the village. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with today’s dispatch from Nepal:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) and Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) expedition – today is April 10th.

Today we hiked above Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft) up to prayer flag point, at a little over 16,000 feet, above 5,000 meters. It was a beautiful day! The clear weather has continued, so we had great views of Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) and Makalu (8463m/27,766ft) in the distance, and just a little corner of Cho Oyu (8188m/26,864ft). Then we came back down and relaxed in the bakery at Dingboche (4410m/14,470ft) before walking back to Pheriche.

It’s a beautiful evening right now! We’re watching alpenglow on the peaks around Pheriche. Tomorrow, we’re looking forward to moving up to Lobuche (4940m/16,210ft).

We’ll be in touch tomorrow!

Alpenglow on Ama Dablam. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Alpenglow on Ama Dablam. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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