Anatomy of a Summit Bid on Everest

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By John Waechter | Last updated May 20, 2024 3:14 PM ET

'CTSS' Second Wave of Climbers

The second ‘Climbing The Seven Summits’ (“CTSS”) Mt. Everest Team is closing in on the highest point in the world. CTSS is a world-class mountaineering guide company currently on Mt. Everest. Their first group of climbers on the ‘Western Guided’ team, led by Josh McDowell and Manuel Stahringer, consisted of 26 total climbers, and they all reached the summit!

Now, the CTSS ‘1:1 Program’ is seeking to attain the same incredible accomplishment. After weeks of preparing on mountain, and a final rest at Everest Base Camp (“EBC”), this team is on the move. After leaving EBC and navigating the treacherous Khumbu Icefall, the CTSS ‘1:1 Program’ plans to adhere to the following schedule.

Everest Summit Schedule

The following reflects a typical final push plan to the summit of Mt. Everest:

May 17: Climb to Camp 1
May 18: Climb to Camp 2
May 19: Climb to Camp 3
May 20: Climb to the South Col, rest and prepare for the summit push
May 21: Summit! (This video, created by CTSS's Mike Hamill, illustrates the route to the summit.)

Update from Mike Hamill

Led by expedition leader Mike Hamill, the team is moving well and sticking with the plan. This means the climbers are healthy and strong, and the weather is cooperating. Hamill shared the following update:

“Our teams are tucked in at Camp 1 & Camp 2, with some climbers pushing straight to Camp 2 for a full rest day. The weather forecast for May 21-26 is some of the best I’ve ever seen in all my years on Everest. Our team is aiming for a May 21st summit to allow any crowds on the 19th & 20th to dissipate. Everyone is in great shape and feeling strong.”

Morning, May 19:

"Good morning from Nepal! The team is at the base of the Lhotse Face, having left Camp 2 nice and early. They have 4-5 hours of climbing ahead to reach Camp 3. From Camp 3 they will sleep and climb on oxygen. Their plan is to move to the South Col tomorrow. They are well positioned for a summit on the 21st with the weather forecast holding strong right through the May 27!"

We wish the CTSS '1:1 Program' every success over the next few days as they venture to highest point on earth.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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