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Via Ferrata on Mt Everest |
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Written by Traveller
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Thursday, 07 May 2009 |
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.jpg "yellow band everest")
This years climbing season on Everest is said to be the end of an era with six bolts being fixed to the section known as the Yellow Band at 7700m.
Eric Simonson, the leader of the commercial IMG Expedition stated: "Yesterday was a historic day for route making on Everest. Kari Kobler donated his Hilti bolt gun and guides Willie Benegas and Adrian Ballinger drilled six new 10cm Mammut stainless steel bolts up on the Yellow Band to anchor two new ropes — one for up traffic and one for down. Good work you guys. In the process they also cut down over 30kg of old rope. The immediate beneficiaries will be the sherpas, who have had to deal with a spider-web of old ropes over the years. Now, this is much safer for them. When the climbers start going up to the Col in the next few days they will find that this makes it a lot faster and less confusing. We are hoping to do the same thing up on the Geneva Spur next, and hopefully up in the rock step below the South Summit too."
Well, there you have it, there's now a via ferrata on Everest which is expected to host some 500 climbers this season. No doubt that 'ethical' debate will now commence in earnest but then anything that adds to the safety of the sherpa hauling gear and equipment for clients has to be a good thing. If you've any views on this, please use the comment box below.
Mobile phones on Everest
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