Anatomy of a Summit Bid on Everest: Part II

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By John Waechter | Last updated May 21, 2024 1:33 PM ET

CTSS Climbers Progressing

'Climbing The Seven Summits' (“CTSS”) continues their quest to put more climbers on top of the world. CTSS is an elite mountaineering guide company led by Mike Hamill, and currently on Mt. Everest. CTSS Guides Josh McDowell and Manuel Stahringer led a group of 26 total climbers to the summit of Everest on May 13. A second wave of CTSS climbers are currently making sustained progress into the ‘Death Zone’ high on the famous peak. CTSS founder, owner and lead guide, Mike Hamill provides an update on the ‘1:1 Program'.

Update From Mike Hamill

Evening, May 19:

“The climbers are all snuggled up at Camp 3, sleeping on oxygen. They did a great job climbing up the Lhotse Face today, which was in good condition. The recent dusting of snow stuck and the steps are well kicked in by this point in the season. They will be getting up at 4am to climb up to the South Col, where they will rest for about 8 hours. They will then aim to depart early from Camp 4 (South Col - High Camp) for their summit bids!”

Evening, May 20:

A group of climbers from the CTSS ‘1:1 Program’ departed from Camp 4 (Everest High Camp - the South Col) enroute to the summit at 29,029 ft. CTSS reported low winds, good weather, and manageable crowds. This team is highly experienced, and well supported by an elite Sherpa team.

Several CTSS climbers remain at Camp 4 resting, before embarking on their own summit bids, while other ‘1:1 Program’ climbing teams remain at Camp 3 preparing to move up to Camp 4. The CTSS ‘1:1 Program’ provides great flexibility for climbers and guides to move when ready. We wish CTSS safety and success through the night of climbing at the highest altitudes on earth!