First Ascent, Ghosts, and Success on Mt. Everest

International Mountain Guides ("IMG")

International Mountain Guides (“IMG”) is an elite mountain-guiding company headquartered at the base of iconic Mt. Rainier in Ashford, Washington. IMG was founded by experienced Mt. Rainier guides Eric Simonson, George Dunn and Phil Ershler in 1986. Since then, IMG has led thousands of climbers throughout the world, from Mt. Rainier to every continent, including the 8,000-meter Himalayan peaks.

Now owned and operated by Eric Simonson, IMG remains among the best guiding companies in the world, leading adventurers to the far reaches of the globe to climb the world’s most prominent mountains. Mt. Everest, in particular, is firmly planted in the DNA of IMG. Their histories are forever linked. (Above video taken by Mark Pattison.)

First American Summit on the North Face

In 1984, IMG Co-Founder Phil Ershler became the first American to conquer Mt. Everest via the extreme North Face route. On the expedition, led by legendary climber Lou Whittaker, Ershler endured the last 1,000 ft. of the climb alone, after climbing partner John Roskelley returned to high camp. Ershler faced unstable and extreme weather conditions while scaling the final 80-foot sheer rock face of the North Face to the summit - making history.

Ghosts on Everest 

IMG Co-Founder Eric Simonson played a critical role in the 1999 and 2001 Mallory and Irvine Research Expeditions. George Mallory, along with his climbing partner Andrew "Sandy" Irvine, disappeared during their attempt to summit Everest in 1924. It remains climbing’s most compelling mystery: Did the pair die while descending from the summit, or did they perish while ascending to the top?

The 1999 research expedition discovered Mallory's well remains at an elevation of approximately 26,755 ft. on the North Face. Simonson returned to Mt. Everest in 2001 to search for a camera and other artifacts. But a camera was never found -  consequently, the fateful mystery persists. 

IMG Success on Mt. Everest

IMG has established a strong guiding presence throughout the world. They were among the first to lead guides on several 8,000 meter peaks including Mt. Everest, Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse. Over the past 30+ years, IMG has successfully guided over 800 summits on 8,000-meter peaks, 600 of which have been on Everest. Continuing their high-altitude tradition, IMG is back on the southside of Everest in 2024.

IMG Everest 2024

This year, IMG is leading two teams with aspirations to reach the summit. Both teams are nearing the end of their trek to Basecamp. They have taken the trek slowly, by design, to acclimatize to the higher altitudes and prepare for the journey. When they reach Basecamp, they will receive blessings during their Puja Ceremony. The iconic Khumbu Icefall, the first section of climbing on the upper mountain awaits. Stay tuned for reports on their progress!