Everest 2024: Weekend Update Podcast May 25

The week’s activity on Everest revealed significant issues for climbers. While there were hundreds of summits and several deaths, it wasn’t pretty. A route collapse at the Hillary Step could be the canary in the coal mine of Everest. Some Tibet-side teams summited. #everest2024
Climb On!
Alan
Memories are Everything
www.alanarnett...

[@NoelG-IRE]

Alan, you’re an absolute credit to the mountaineering community. Thank you for all you do and well done on another successful year helping people achieve their goals.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Thanks. You are kind.

[@jujudavis65]

Yay Ryan! So happy for him! ❤ I’m so sad about the ones who lost their lives 😞 Prayers for these families! Thank you Mr. Alan 😊

[@Baldylover]

Garrett’s timing was spot on this season and it looked like they had very little company up there. I’m sure it’s not only safer but much more enjoyable to summit without the huge crowds

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Exactly!

[@j.whiteoak6408]

​@@AlanArnetteClimbs Thank you so much for sharing your climb & descent with us .. What a fabulous experience of a lifetime for you - & so inspirational for us .. And K2 as well! Now that's one gnarly mountain - one that I have never aspired to attempt myself - but I'd always had my sights on Everest, even long after after I was cheated out of that opportunity (& for any other mountain!) due to a car accident that broke my spine & almost every bone on my right side. But hey, that's life & shit just happens. I've learned how to live again, albeit differently, but I've never lost that burning interest in the high-altitude climbing community. I particularly appreciate you & your channel for sharing your own experiences & keeping us up to date these past years with news of what's currently happening on the 8000'ers .. It's even possible to visualise some of it through your retelling of your stories .. So I'm hoping you'll take us up to the summit of K2 & descent in your next video? I'd love to hear it! Thank you for your continued contributions, for the inspiration you give to so many, and for keeping the dream alive! 🏔️ Kindest regards, ❤ XX

[@prismfire74]

I would love to see a follow-up interview with you and Ryan with how his perspectives have changed.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

I will.

[@KnitTogetherwithKimJonna]

I have so enjoyed bingeing previous years and following this year every week! And thank you for introducing us to Ryan. Such an inspiring young man. So happy he made it there and back safely, but so sad for those who didn’t.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

So glad you found the channel useful. Appreciate your comment.

[@easygoer1234]

So glad Ryan made it. I'm so happy for him, and I hope he has more of his videos of his climb and summit. Prayers to the families of those who lost loved ones to the mountain.❤

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

I think he's only just begun with his videos!!!

[@melissaeden1219]

So glad to hear about Ryan. I have followed his journey based on your recommendation and have been wondering how he did and hoping he's been safe. Good coaching job on your part!

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

He's a special person.

[@Mila_Brearey]

Alan, thank you for completing your Everest climb ... from basecamp to the Summit and back to basecamp. You do it so beautifully.❤

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

My pleasure! Glad I made it! :)

[@davids11131113]

Ryan’s whole journey on video was great covered every part of it from beginning of base camp to summit so we could see exactly how it is the whole way and just what it takes, unreal.

[@backtoobasics]

Thank you for taking the time to mentor the next generation of climbers!!! Stay safe and take care everyone

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

I get so much by giving back at this stage in my climbing career.

[@angelapowell2366]

Congrats to Ryan! Glad he made it and hope for some more videos. Condolences to those lost on the mountain. Thanks for your amazing work Alan.!

[@ann2450]

Just discovered your blog/KZbin channel this year. You have taken me on a remarkable journey. Thank you so much! Spent countless nights praying for Ryan, other climbers, guides, and Sherpas. Blessings to all and looking forward to next year.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Welcome aboard!

[@christinemorrison4418]

Proud of Ryan!I can't wait to see what he has for us!And thank you Alan for keeping us all informed on everything Everest!

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Thanks!

[@soniaholcombe7002]

Thank you for the update. So glad Ryan reached the top and got back down safely. Hope he gets home ok. The adventure of a lifetime!!! Can’t wait to hear from him. 💖🙏

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

We've communicated and he still stoked!!!

[@leesadowney8029]

Awesome news about Ryan. I’ve been following his channel & was wondering how he was going as he hasn’t posted for almost a week. Good on him!

[@wilmabrand321]

I followed Ryan journey it was so great when he reached the summit 🇨🇦

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

I think he has a new fan base!!

[@tfdtfdtfd]

Mr. Arnette, thank you so much for this wonderful and powerful exposition!

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

My pleasure

[@krisushi1]

Alan, as one whom is now unable to reach the lofty heights of the top of the world, it is wonderful to hear when you recount your dream. Please tell me that someone managed to take a photo of the feathers shooting out from your rear end! I have this picture in my head but a real one would be a blast! When I spent five long years on the road travelling within my homeland of Australia, I would never be caught without duct tape. It saved Mat Damon on Mars and would have been a great soloution to your rather embarrassing and fairly cold situation.🥶 I continue to get a giggle from it whenever you bring it up. You tell your story so well that I hang on every word. Never does the smile leave your face either. You deserve to smile and be proud of what you achieved. Rather unfortunately, I injured my back and neck when only a mere 18yrs of age, leaving me in excruciating pain 24hrs per day, 24/7 for over 37yrs! I've still managed to traverse the local Victorian High Country where I live nearby to and achieved a good deal of travel, domestically and internationally, including a few months around Europe. I can say that I stood on the North Face of The Eiger, yet I will always add that it was from the safety of the Jungfraubahn Cog-railway Gallery Window. It was only when I came back to Australia that I discovered that once on Jungfrau, you breathe in only two-thirds of the normal oxygen intake. Despite coming down with a cold, I never noticed a thing! It was because of the mountains that I left Melbourne for the beauty of the High Country. I know that our mountains are just hills compared to what is overseas, yet they have their own awesomeness that is seen nowhere else. It's a magical site in Winter, especially as Australia recieves more snow during Winter than Switzerland encounters all year round. No, I'm not pulling your leg! It so worried me when I heard how many permits had been given out just by the Nepalese Gov't alone this year and I too would love to accompany you in asking the many whom turned around, just why they made that decision either not to climb or come back down. I witnessed the traffic jam from earlier in the week and saw footage of those so close together that they were finding it hard to hold their footing despite having on crampons and grasping the rope for dear life. Each moment drawing more and more oxygen as they stand in one place just waiting for their turn to take a single step closer to their dream. Imagine the cold they'd be feeling in the freezing temperatures of the night, when at the lowest. I'm content now to live precariously via others since the rug was pulled out from most of my dreams at only eighteen. I've been unwell and confined to bed over the last week or so and laughed to myself when my mother texted me about how I was coping in our minus 2°celsuis overnight temperatures. You're a natural story teller Alan and as one whom only recently discovered your Channel and subscribed, would love to hear more of your own adventures and that of others. If you did manage to get hold of a photo of your feather leaking down suit, please can you post it for us? Cheers, Kris.🇦🇺

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

LOL. I actually did have some, just didn't take the time to patch the rip. Duuuh :)

[@krisushi1]

@@AlanArnetteClimbs If only you could see the picture I have in my head! Hey, at least you made it to tell the story and that's what counts. Thanks mate.💖

[@stephenbirkhead8329]

Another GREAT video Alan, keep them coming. Love the detailed Information on your climbs. No one ever talks about the clipping and unclipping on the journey up and down, a very delicate moment! Thanks again!!

[@MrHeli4444]

So happy for Ryan I could do a back flip :-)) Thank you Alan for this amazing channel.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

LOL!

[@bernice8764]

Thanks Alan, thoroughly enjoyed listening to your memories, thank you for sharing and for the great story telling voice. Wonderful news about Ryan, I have been following him after you introduced him to us! The crowds made me worried for him and God kept him safe. Looking forward to hearing from him soon. Prayers to the families for their lose. 🙏

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Yes. Joy for the summits and sorrow for the lost.

[@pegahghavami8062]

Congrats to Ryan! And to everyone else who climbed. Hard work paid off. Thanks Alan for the update. I hope to hear more about Ryan's experience. Your climbing journey sounds so beautiful.

[@g2gc]

Came here looking for news of Ryan! Subscribed thank you

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

I'm sure you know he summited and is back in Kathmandu now.

[@Lovemyrescuepup-mu9kj]

Firstly, thoughts and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. It is so very sad. Secondly, thanks for the update on Ryan, I have been following him and have been looking for info on his progress on the mountain, so glad that he had a successful summit! Go Ryan!!!

[@maryhollingsworth3758]

Beautiful Beautiful story coming down. Felt every step. Vividly described. So wonderful for those of us bound to the lowlands. And in love with the heights. Thank you so much.❤❤

[@DeanSchumacher]

I been following Ryan so happy he made it congrats to him. I have never climbed a mountain only walk up clingmons dome when I was like 10yrs old tht was my mt Everest lol I live in Florida im a flat lander but love the mountains so beautiful. I really enjoy your stories just so refreshing the way you describe it I feel like I was climbing right beside you lol Im new to your channel and very happy I found it i appreciate the stories thanks.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Thanks Dean!

[@jlr3636]

Thanks for the talk, and glad to hear the Ryan news, been following his climb for a few weeks and always get a little concerned when there is lull in his reports but also realize the are times of no access to outside communications. The Sherpa are an amazing people, bless them all.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Thanks. Ryan is safe and stoked in Kathmandu

[@everburninglamp]

You look so happy when you are reliving your Everest experience 🥰

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Those were great memories, even the three times I didn't make the top.

[@everburninglamp]

@@AlanArnetteClimbs I’ll bet! Thank you for sharing them with us 😊

[@user-zw3yr1qh7h]

Thank you Alan! I wish the season lasted longer. I look forward to seeing you every year.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

I don't! I'm tired :) :) :) Thanks!

[@Fiona86555]

Thank you for your coverage this season, I’ve looked forward to every video. Loved hearing what the descent was like, we never hear too much about that important part.

[@clairebenson1568]

Thanks Alan, love your weekly updates and thank you for introducing us to Ryan. So glad he summited and took us with him from the safety of our arm chairs. Looking forward to his next uploads. Thoughts are with are with Dan Paterson and Pastenji Sherpa and their families.

[@dog-so1vj]

Glad to hear that Ryan made it to the top and got back down safely. As always, thanks for the great updates and commentary Alan.

[@samanthasmile8150]

Thank you Alan, lovely to see you on Wion news xxxx

[@BroadswordNYC]

My goodness!! How great listening to your 'story-telling', really so awesome to hear such a detailed account, as if you were just there yesterday. I laughed out loud when you said 'thank you' to a climber you passed on the rope, and the sound you heard in response. Amazing to hear that Ryan made it; I would imagine all those long acclimatization treks were key. Alan, the numbers of those who summit, do you get that from the climbing companies? I'm wondering if some companies inflate the numbers so they can use that for their own benefit. Do you think some people falsely claim that they made it to the top? Anyway, as usual, really enjoyed listening as always.

[@msbeecee1]

I have same questions

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

I get them from their public posts in various media. I double check them against what they said was the original numbers or via pictures but there’s always a chance of exaggeration by mistake or on purpose but I’m 99% confident. I’ll double check when the Himalayan Database publishes their update, probably in December but they use what the Nepal government says so the system has become a bit suspect. Overall look at the big picture not the precise details.

[@vvenkatak5]

Thank you for everything you do. In addition to all the excellent information you provide, I love your narration. Cool shirt, btw! Congratulations to Ryan. It’s great to know his hard work has paid off. He’s fortunate to have had you as a mentor.

[@zztop4996]

I've often thought about the Nepal earthquake, which may have been/was the cause of the change in the Hillary Step, horrified by the thought that climbers could have been on that section when it shifted. A few weeks ago, I was watching some videos of Everest along that cornice line realizing that people were actually standing in mid-air and that they could break off. So, I'm jarred by this sad news. Congrats, Alan, on your excellent coaching that's reflected in the terrific successes of your clients!! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Ryan is a powerhouse! I was on Everest approaching C2 in the Cwm in 2015 when the quake hit. Scary moment. We were the highest team on Everest that day. You're right, if people had been on the Step proper, well ...

[@kathleengriffith9737]

You are a wonderful story teller! Thank you so much! I love your positive spirit.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Thank you so much! This means a lot to me.

[@martinwaby9946]

So glad Ryan made it been following him and he hasn't posted in a few days was getting worried TBh , after hearing all the other sad stories coming in ,

[@Mila_Brearey]

I was shocked upon hearing about the cornice collapse and the 2 climbers who lost their lives. Then I saw the video of the broken cornice and the 2 climbers trying to climb up to save themselves. Pretty chilling. I can't recall that ever happening, can you, Alan?

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Never on Everest. Other mountains like Broad Peak yes.

[@langy667]

thank you Alan !

[@marysteven6347]

You’re a good story teller.

[@sohinisarkar8670]

Your videos are soo good... Also hearing about ryan feels so good. When will he upload those videos? We are eagerly waiting.

[@mikethompson2007]

Enjoyed the video and your descent story. Looking forward to the next one, hopefully you are getting some factual data on this rope cutting drama that is coming out and can report on it.

[@maripeterson1762]

Way to go Ryan ! Can’t wait to see videos . 🙏🏻

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

He is amazing

[@lisahance]

I've been watching Ryan's videos and I'm so happy he reached his goal!

[@janmorse8635]

Thanks for another great year Alan. This was your best year yet with your great stories and commentary. Have a great summer!

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Thank you Jan.

[@christopherreinsmith1401]

Alan, Great!!! The young man, ( Ryan ) made it! And I'm glad, he listened to you!! Garrett, ( Madison Mountaineering ) was the best choice!! Im sure he learned, A thing or two, with that expedition company! What I don't understand, and I've noticed this, ( thru many videos ) is that, the rope fixing team, puts those lines, to the right of the Hillary spot, ( can't say, step! ) and out on those ice cornices! I've seen the ropes, go towards the left, of the Hillary spot, and those anchors, were in the rock! What I'm trying to say is, were they being lazy, fixing the lines, like that?

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Good questions that I can’t answer

[@tompat3333]

Glad to hear Ryan accomplished his goal!

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Yes, and in style. 5 hours South Col to summit.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

It’s up

[@jondavies9347]

I'm not a mountaineer (I've climbed in the Italian Dolomites) but descending a mountain when you're tired is the most dangerous time.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Yes most definitely

[@user-zw3yr1qh7h]

Alan, are you on vacation? Florida? It looks like your background video blurs out a little bit like it’s just a green screen. Enjoy! You deserve it.

[@SumSouuthernSugar]

Great report and story. Thanks.

[@quivalla]

Im shocked about David Breashears. The guy was an incredible climber and cinematographer . Highest-grossing IMAX documentary ever- Everest (1998 film)

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Yes very sad

[@BoboEverest]

Nice shirt 🙂 I assume this is last update for this year. I know I will wait for next season in one year. Wrap up this year with one last update on north side maybe? I am so happy for Ryan, he will make more summits and all of us will be proud on your apprentice! What causes less people to summit this year. As you said its worm year, less snow, I think and hope people got smarter on Everest. Everest will be there, life is one. Crowd with unexperienced climbers led to disaster. We all know tragic stories on Everest, and that is what drive people to be smart.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Thanks Bobo. I'll do another update then the season summary. Unclear on the root cause of client success. Could be 1) tougher route starting with Icefall and then Lhotse Face 2) inconsistent weather patterns caused significant delays 3) perhaps inexperienced people who just gave up.

[@BoboEverest]

@@AlanArnetteClimbs Welcome. You said that Lhotse Face was very hard this year. Exposed ice with now snow. Route in Ice fall was longer and weather window was small. Could be all three you said. There will be new seasons...

[@tracymetherell8744]

500 PEOPLE?! Isn’t that too much weight for those delicate knife edge cornices? It has to take a toll

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

An estimated 50 people were on the Hillary Step when it collapsed.

[@catherinefountain5023]

What a narrative! The detail just transports me from ol NZ to the sth col and I feel cold. Can I ask , do you feel safe clipped in to a new rope with 50 others on it? I mean you'd be daft not to be but they must be super strong ropes. Spose it's only as good as the weakest link, good carabenas and woteva attaches that to you. Just curious . Again thanks for your time to tell us your experiences ❤

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Yes. You’re right when it’s loaded with people it’s a bit of a placebo but better than nothing, unless you are Alex Honold!!🤪

[@catherinefountain5023]

Pffft! We can only dream🙃

[@IliketohikeAT]

Ryan for President.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

I’d vote for him!!!!👍

[@IliketohikeAT]

After how I saw his young entrepreneurship on how he grew his likes on you tube behind a computer in a gaming chair, then gets up and does the mental and physical part of this Everest journey. I hope he gets home safe, and I hope he posts soon.. He inspired me, I was on the AT in NY for 5 days when he summited (my first solo backpacking trip.). I only know he summited because of you. You must be so proud! He has a great consultant. I am also heading to the Geochala trek in sikkim in oct. glad I somehow came across you and Ryan on KZbin.

[@aoefeable]

@@IliketohikeAThe posted a video today :)

[@johnmckay719]

Newbie question for you Alan. How does the jumar help you going down? I'm assuming it's facing downwards. Is there some resistance or is it free like a carabiner?

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Great question. You place it opposite of going up so it locks if you fall going down., i.e. tuned upside down. The biner is the backup, and so is an anchor at some point.

[@johnmckay719]

Thanks sir. I trekked to EBC 2 years ago (actually spent one night on the khumbu glacier). I'm 53 but want to do something a bit more "technical". Trying to understand the gear. 🙏

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

@@johnmckay719 age is not a huge factor these days but plays a role. Get experience on lower peaks , go with the right guide and give it your best.

[@Litti100]

Traffics on mount everest.. sounds deadly to me.

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

It is if compressed into a few days otherwise Everest is a huge mountain that can easily accommodate hundreds of climbers spread over many days.

[@carolcooper9157]

I’ve been waiting to hear about Ryan

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

He made it!!

[@juinxxviii624]

Ryan 👍🏾

[@alanluscombe8a553]

I don’t know what the solution is but the long lines of people at that altitude every year is a problem. Seems like humans cause the deaths by creating bad situations in that environment

[@shawnbell6392]

Nepal allows too many permits.

[@msbeecee1]

Pls do a follow-up interview w Ryan 🙏 🎉the boy has become a man.... omg abt the sirack that almost killed u!

[@IliketohikeAT]

Do you follow Ryan Mitchell on youtube?

[@msbeecee1]

@@IliketohikeAT yes I do. But he says different things when being asked questions than when he's narrating his own film. Have u seen his interview on this channel ? Just wondering

[@IliketohikeAT]

@@msbeecee1 I am pretty sure I haven’t but I am going to look for it. Ty.

[@msbeecee1]

@@IliketohikeAT I think it will be incredible to see a before/after interview because no doubt this experience has matured him immensely

[@davidgladstone5261]

The Mountain should be closed except for clean-up crews! Most of these climbers are not deserving of climbing it. Read Into Thin Air! I THINK YOU SHOULD STOP ADVOCATING THIS!

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

Interesting suggestion. Thanks for your comment. Btw, perhaps Ed Viesturs “ No Shortcuts to the Top” is a better book.

[@jmizer5336]

@@AlanArnetteClimbs As you noted, much better and more insightful books than Into Thin Air which brings into question how much dramatic license was taken when it was written.

[@merrylgoldman2011]

What about all the garbage being left on Everest?

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

@@merrylgoldman2011 the reality is quite different than what you read in the news. Of course, if you look, you’ll find abandoned tent parts, food wrappers, and even plastic water bottles and this is shameful and lies squarely on the shoulders of each individual, their guides and the owners of their companies. There’s been massive effort over the last decade to remove as much of the abandoned trash as possible in 2024 the Nepal army was dispatched to bring down as much as possible and they were actually quite successful.

[@ChicagoWheels]

😂Find Something Worth While To Donate Your Time and Money INSTEAD of This BS!!!! Its Stupid!!!!😂😂😂😂

[@AlanArnetteClimbs]

An insightful comment Thank you. I will list you under “ not a fan”. Have a great day Chicago.