#winterk2

Winter K2 Summit Success. All Nepali Team First to the Top

It has been over 20 years since the first climbers attempted K2 in winter. Since then, a host of expeditions have made the attempt, with no-one climbing above Camp 4 (7950 metres, 26,075 feet). With violent and changeable weather, high altitude and the need to endure incessant cold, the challenges are exponential compared to an ascent in the summer season. The Sherpas who were reported to be on…

Superlatives Abound as First Day of Winter Arrives for K2 Climbers

As we roll into the true start of winter, K2 climbers are rapidly feeling the effects of the high mountains in the coldest season. Temperatures are just one indication, add in the need to acclimatize, the incessantly flapping tents and the occasional snow storm sweeping in, creating an even more hostile environment. K2. On a warm summer day. It won’t look or feel quite the same right now.…

Now is the K2 Winter of our discontent

Reality starts to seep in as climbers venture out on K2 this winter. With forecasts for summit windchill of minus 108 f. (minus 78 c.), even in the lower camps short videos posted like this one from Camp 1 by Tamara Lunger show a rather cold world where the request for a ‘heater’ shines through. Probably not a lot of those on the mountain. Her sense of humour may be what really gets her through…

Life on K2 in Winter. Minus 103 f. (minus 75 c.) Windchill Forecast this Week

Daily life, the simple things: lighting the stove, holding a spoon (hopefully not metal), and endlessly brushing the frost from sleeping bags will all be challenging on Winter K2. Mingma G.’s video as shared on fb is 26 seconds of very harsh reality as to what life is really like this year. Every step higher, a little bit, or perhaps even a lot, colder. And windier. And slower. There isn’t much…

Winter K2 – Teams Heading for the Heights

Nims Purja was posting from Nepal before he left, already training and acclimatizing there, so little wonder that he arrives at K2 Base Camp one day, and is setting of almost immediately for the mountain. Today he posted: Gear and equipment checked ! Heading out to the higher camps with my brothers @mingma_david_sherpa @dawatemba @sherpapemchhiri @gelje_sherpa_ @mt.sherpa @sandro.g.h Will…