Weekend Whipper: Falling in the Icefall
Unlock this article and more benefits with 40% off.
Already have an Outside Account? Sign in
40% Off Outside+.
$4.99/month $2.99/month*
Get the one subscription to fuel all your adventures.
- Map your next adventure with our premium GPS apps: Gaia GPS Premium and Trailforks Pro.
- Read unlimited digital content from 15+ brands, including Outside Magazine, Triathlete, Ski, Trail Runner, and VeloNews.
- Watch 600+ hours of endurance challenges, cycling and skiing action, and travel documentaries.
- Learn from the pros with expert-led online courses.
*Outside memberships are billed annually. Print subscriptions available to U.S. residents only. You may cancel your membership at anytime, but no refunds will be issued for payments already made. Upon cancellation, you will have access to your membership through the end of your paid year. More Details
A bit of an unorthodox whipper for you this week, but very much of the season, as Alex Txikon and team make their way to Everest for a no-O winter attempt.
Earlier in 2017, Welshman Allan Meek summited Everest—but not without a couple of hiccups along the way, as evidenced here. Meek, who was 56 years old when he summited, spent six weeks last spring on an expedition run by Ascent Himalayas, a Nepali guiding outfit.
Pasang and Noren, two of Meek’s Sherpa guides, managed to right Meek and the situation. Their quick and adept crevasse rescue work is great to watch.
A clip like this goes to show that even while Everest has acquired the reputation of a walk-up in certain circles of armchair mountaineers, it’s still just about as serious a place as you can find yourself, even in seemingly mundane situations like walking across a ladder.
Happy Friday and climb safe this weekend!
Also read Everest Deserves Respect: Why It’s Hard, From Someone Who’s Been There